Kefi: New Upper West Side Greek from Fancy Beginings

Kefi only takes cash. So remember to bring some when you go. Kefi does have a full bar, so even though the prices are quite reasonable, you may need the money by the time you're done. They have one good Greek margarita (according to the the lovely wife: I was having a respectable martini). Located at the site of, and owned by the same people as Onera, 222 West 79th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam (212-873-0200 / no reservations), Kefi is a downscaled version of the fancy (and not overly popular) Greek restaurant. As opposed to Onera, Kefi has a traditional Greek Menu featuring classic meze such as grilled octopus with bean salad (really good), Greek Salad (good enough) and a traditional selection of spreads (very small amount of each spread, but each was excellent). Other appetizers include feta, spanakopita, souvlaki and other traditional dishes.

Main courses included a limited selection of fish (grilled swordfish, baked cod and branzino). We had the branzino and it was very good. It was crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and well seasoned and oiled. There are also traditional meat dishes, such as souvlaki (its so traditional, they needed to make it an appetizer and a main course!), baked cod (ditto) and lamb shank. I had the baby lamb chop special, which came with a well seasoned and cooked side dish of spinach and rice. Most appetizers cost $6-$9 and most main dishes are around $15.

The service is fast. They do not take reservations. When we got there at 6:45 PM tonight we had no problems getting a table, but the place was packed with a line not quite out the door when we left at 8 PM. The lovely wife said she would go with the kids, but I would only do this early. There is plenty for the to eat, however. As I live and work only several blocks away, I'm sure I'll to back to Kefi. It will be great for a quick after work or before movie meal. To be honest I know why they changed to a more downscale restaurant. I only ate at Onera once.

Symposium Greek Restaurant in Morningside Heights

When I was in college there was this Greek restaurant near campus that had funky, handwritten illustrated menus, lots of beer and pretty good Greek food. Now that we have friends living up in Columbia Land (cause they own New York!) I get to relive this by eating at Symposium Restaurant (344 W 113th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam: telephone 212 865-1011).

Even if the food was terrible (its actually good if you choose right), Symposium is a fun place to go to. The sangria, although it tastes a bit like fortified wine with fruit, grows on you. There is also a bar and beer selection. The place is an a long narrow space, with one long common table in the center and normal tables on each side. The staff is friendly, and they're good with a large crowd (call though!).

Besides the flaming cheese pictured, which is good and salty, all of the traditional Greek appetizers are good. We often get the mixed plate, which includes a little bit of everything. My particular favorites are the skordalia (potatoes) and the taramosalata (fishroe dip), another in a long list of foods that I like that I enjoy without thinking to hard about what it really is.

The classics are the best main course. I would avoid all of the various spaghetti dishes and go for the moussaka, gyro, souvlaki (I like the combo best of all), pastitsio(ground beef and macaroni) and lamb dishes. Save the fancy dishes, liver and fish for some other place. If I had ever eaten of vegetarian dish, I would tell you which one to eat, but, well, no I didn't, so forget it.

Symposium. A great reason to go back to college.