So let's find out...Greek Taverna...Mediterranean food...
Mixed reviews but those who like it outnumber those who have gripes..
Lot of people really like it
Kellari Taverna
Categories:
Greek,
Mediterranean,
Seafood
19 W 44th St(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 221-0144
- Nearest Transit Station:
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5 Ave. (7, 7X)Grand Central - 42 St. (S)42 St. - Bryant Pk (B, D, F, M)
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 12 amSun 11:30 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Price Range:
- $$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
An N. said: "First time visiting, not very crowded on a Wednesday evening (but I guess we were kind of early, 5pm-ish, through 6:30/7pm). The quality of the food is better than I expected and the portions are pretty big. Some items on the menu…" read more »
208 reviews for Kellari Taverna
Review Highlights What's this?
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"The grilled octopus appetizer is the best I've had." In 20 reviews
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"2) Lavraki - grilled sea bass = 3.0 stars." In 23 reviews
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"I enjoyed a light and tasty meal here for a business lunch." In 15 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
207 reviews in English
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Review from Lisette J.
Union City, NJIt's been awhile since I came to Kellari but it was just as great as the first time.
It seems the food is better than I remember! Or maybe I was just so hungry!
The front staff at the host desk was very friendly and even though the table wasn't ready yet, when it was time to get seated the host carried my drink to the table and made me feel comfortable.
Our server was a Greek gentleman by the name of Nikos and he was very attentive and polite to us. The restaurant was very busy but somehow we still managed to have great service despite everyone moving around so quickly. All of his recommendations for dishes and wine were spot on and delicious. I tried a Greek wine for the first time and it was surprisingly good!
Thanks Kellari, I have to visit more!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/25/2012
Im new to yelp (tech challenged) and i just had to share my experience at Kellari. It's too bad… Read more »
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12/25/2012
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Review from Christopher L.
State College, PAThe restaurant itself is elegantly designed, although there was a very loud party in the back when we visited on a Sunday evening in October, which made it very difficult to carry on a conversation.
The fish is displayed for everyone to see, which gives you a sense that the ingredients are fresh. The food itself, however, was disappointing. The Seafood Yiouvetsi had clams and mussels that did not open and were not fresh, the orzo was under cooked and the entire dish was rather bland. My two colleagues at dinner were similarly disappointed by their food, particularly for the cost of the meal overall.
The olives they serve at the start turned out to be the best part of the meal, aside from the Chimay beer I had, which was delicious.
This is not a restaurant to which I would return. -
Review from Hank C.
Mixed effect... we were here for a large group business dinner, so perhaps that was one clue for the kitchen not to worry about our quality of food.
The appetizers - fried calamari was super-greasy and salty, and the fillo pies with spinach, leeks and feta was salty. The salad was simple - just chopped lettuce and dressing. The bread was decent - white, wheat and sesame. And the Pikilia (house assorted spreads) came with no pita until we were practically done with it. There was also a hot grilled feta cheese, which was far too salty, even with bread. One pro - they had olive oil right on the table coming in.
Paidakia (Grilled lamb chops. Oregano lemon potatoes) was decent, though oddly enough, lacking enough salt on the lamb chops for a main course.
The Karidopita (honey walnut cake with gelato) was tasty, as was the Baklava but all of it too sweet to have more than a couple bites.
One nice gentleman (looked like a manager or owner as he just walked around and didn't do any serving) explained the various fish and seafood displayed out on the ice bed in the middle of the restaurant.
And when I received my individual bill for extra drinks, they had already tacked on gratuity... how lovely. An individual bill. Great.
Service was so-so (I was often out of water), and I never appreciate a place to add on gratuity just for an individual order for drinks. Perhaps I caught them on a bad night? A lot of diners did seem to enjoy their dinners. -
Review from Kevin R.
Manhattan, NYFlavorless! Host was not courteous but servers were pleasant and efficient but not really attentive, more order takers than service professionals. Food was fair, lacked the flavor and quality one would expect. Unfortunately this is another midtown restaurant that survives because of its proximity to the theater district and tourist center.
I cannot recommend and will not go back. -
Review from Tamara K.
Swarthmore, PAI took my aunt here for restaurant week. I came straight from work so she was waiting for me by the bar. She said that they treated her great...gave her pieces of cheese and olives as she waited. I was very thankful. The food was excellent. I had the dolmades which were huge, the seafood youvestsi which was excellent and the halva mouse. I'm never a fan of the food during restaurant week. It's always sub-quality, but Kellari actually has a very good restaurant week menu.Comment from Charles M. of Kellari Taverna 10/14/2013Thank you for your comments Tamara. We're so glad you and… More » -
Review from Nancy H.
New York, NYI hate midtown because of the very reason I am giving this place a 2 star. It is overpriced for the food you get. The food quality is good, but not worth the prices they charge. The décor and service is fast and efficient, not the friendliest but fine. I would have given this place 3 stars except that we ordered a 1lb fish and when we got the bill we were charged for 1.3lbs which I find hard to believe. It couldn't have been more than 3-4 ounces of actual fish meat. At $44/lb, the server should have asked if this was OK before just assuming it was. I was tired and did not bother to say anything.
The fish was OK. It was overdone so it was a bit mushy instead of flaky, and bland. The Kellari chips were good, but come with the tiniest cup of Tzatziki for a large plate of vegetable chips. One of us ordered the fish as mentioned above, and one of us did the Restaurant week special and got the scallop appetizer, orzo entrée, and baklava dessert. The scallop was surprisingly very big but bland and also overdone. The orzo was good, also a bit bland, and came with large shrimp, also overcooked.
Overall there are better Greek restaurants and better fish places. Don't go here on your own dine. -
Review from William R.
Manhattan, NYThis is my "go to" spot for business lunch in Midtown. Fantastic food and great service surrounded by people who all have the exact same agenda: business lunch.
The food is Greek, so some of the items on the menu may not be the custom fare you are used to. I always get the soutzoukakia which are outstanding, mixed with a perfectly cooked salmon option. Can't go wrong with Kellari Taverna for a business lunch. -
Review from Karen P.
Stockton, CASecond visit to this restaurant during our quick visit to New York - returned to enjoy the grilled Octopus. It is my favorite!Comment from Charles M. of Kellari Taverna 10/14/2013Hi Karen - The grilled octopus is one of our favorites as… More » -
Review from Tiffany C.
Manhattan, NYCame here for what was supposed to be a nice family meal. Most of us had the lobster dinner while I had the seafood orzo. I do have to admit that my orzo was tasty and so apparently was the lobster. But the prices here are ridiculously high for what you get. And the service (particularly our waiter) was terrible. Our waiter seemed completely disinterested in serving us. And, for some inexplicable reason, it took our waiter 30 minutes to bring our wine after we ordered it. We had finished our appetizers by the time he presented us with our wine. The bus boys, however, were attentive and filled our water glasses often.
To make matters worse, our waiter incorrectly billed us and we unfortunately did not catch it until after we left. It took us close to a week of back and forth to sort it out with the restauarant. This place must thrive on corporate accounts as it was empty on a Sunday night. With all of the wonderful restaurants in NYC, this place is just not worth the high price and indifferent service. -
Review from marina a.
Hoboken, NJI've been here for both lunch (business) and dinner (pleasure). Had good experiences both times. Downside: lunch service was a little slow with a big group and this place is a bit pricy. But, you're in midtown so what do you expect? Upside: food was good, nice wine selection and helpful staff. Didn't seem too crowded on a weeknight but still lively. Thumbs up for Kellari Taverna, would return.Comment from Charles M. of Kellari Taverna 10/22/2013Thank you Marina for you comments. We hope to see you again… More » -
Review from Greg W.
ASTORIA, NYMy wife and I love Kellari, and actually had our rehearsal dinner here. Their specialty is sea food, but everything on the menu that we've tried is excellent - especially recommend the Greek Salad. Couldn't recommend more highly! -
Review from Kevin W.
More like 3.5 stars, but what can I say, I give people the benefit of doubt.
Here's what was awesome about the place:
Really nice decor, cozy atmosphere.
Above average food. The real standout was the fresh fish. It's a Mediterranean restaurant, and true to its roots, they give you a huge selection with plenty of examples laid on a bed of ice for your viewing pleasure. The lightly grilled fish (of your choice) with olive oil and capers really pleases the palate.
The seafood orzo was also decent. Not as good as the fresh fish but the fresh seafood they use is definitely of note. I must point out the scallops here were absolutely delicious. The shrimp, while big, was overcooked though.
Also worth mentioning the appetizer spread sampler was decent.
Some shortcomings:
The service was very hit or miss. It seemed at times the staff was too busy chatting with each other and did not pay attention to some customers (including myself) trying to get their attention. They were friendly, whenever you can find them.
The dessert was very meh. I ordered the chocolate cake (which was sort of a souflee). They screwed up the first one (apparently the souflee sank), so I had to wait for a replacement. Apparently the replacement also sank so they gave us a free greek yogurt dessert (nice of them, it tasted okay, the yogurt was very fresh though). By the time the cake finally came out it was about as hard and dry as a hockey puck. Maybe it's because I waited so long for the cake, or my expectations were higher because of the delay.
I would still recommend this place for anyone interested in a cozy meal, just stick with the entrees and the fish. -
Review from Bob J.
Cresskill, NJWent to Kellari tonight with a few colleagues and while I was prepared for a great experience, it unfortunately was a lukewarm experience at best.
It took our server 10 mins to get us water, 20 mins to bring us wine, bread came out and then 20 mins later out comes the dips, and on and on.
Worst part about the experience was the fact that a few of us got served, then literally 10 mins later the other half of our group got their food. It was TRULY bizarre. Classic case of having to wait as a courtesy to our friends who did not get their food, while our lovely looking food got stone cold. Cold fish?? Not what I thought I would be eating tonight.
These guys really need to work on service and timing of delivery of food. -
Review from Bryan N.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NYAbsolutely Stunning !
I had a wonderful experience with my friends a couples of days ago !
Grilled sea bass was delicious !
The Greek waiter Sisois made us feel so comfortable and he recommend us the most delicious dishes !
Thank you Sisoi !
See you soon -
Review from Todd S.
Charlotte, NCBoth dishes I had were absolutely spectacular. Best Octopus I have ever had and the chicken was moist and succulent!! And both suggested by the waiter!! Excellent picks.-
Grilled Octopus!! Very good.
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Succulent Chicken with feta mashed potatoes. Fantastic!!
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Review from ViviMar Val C.
Manhattan, NYGreat atmosphere, relaxing and nicely decorated. Food is good... The dips platter and lamb chops... I will return and try the other dishes. Great place for a date too. -
Review from Ed U.
I was ready to hate this place, but it just didn't happen. Even though it was a Sunday, you could tell this is a restaurant that attracts the suits and the smug personalities that come with them. After all, it's on a prime block of West 44th Street between 5th and 6th equidistant between Grand Central Station and Times Square. I ended up there because I was sitting in Bryant Park at 5PM wondering what I could eat before the 7PM curtain for "Pippin". I was looking for something that was a cut above the nearest Gray's Papaya but nothing that would bankrupt me either.
My Yelp app led me to Kellari, and I'm glad because I would have pooh-poohed it otherwise. They offer a prix fixe menu - during both pre-show (4-7PM) and post-show hours (10PM-12M) - a smart business move if you ask me, and for a change, it appears to cover the gamut of their menu instead of focusing on whatever they ordered too much of back in the kitchen. Two courses cost $31.95, while three were $34.95 - which means dessert would cost you only three dollars extra as well as a lifetime on the hips. Three for me, of course...what are you, kidding?
For my appetizer, I decided on the Scallop, which indeed was one singular one lightly seared nestled on a small mound of a creamy truffle risotto (see photo). Delicious. Small but delicious. Me want more. And so I did with my entree selection, the exotically dubbed Yiouvetsi (see photo). This was basically a seafood orzo dish, but they actually roast the orzo first and then mix in various shellfish - shrimp, scallop (yep, just one again), mussels and clam (actually more than one and shelled already). Delicious again and this time brothy almost like a Greek cioppino but not quite.
I was liking the maritime theme of my meal but definitely did not order a scallop for dessert. This time I went for the Galatoboureko described as a "vanilla and citrus-flavored custard pie". Really? It tasted more like Baklava to me. I think it was since what I had was layered with filo dough and drenched in honey syrup (see photo). Sweet. Too sweet for my taste. I didn't point the error out to the waiter since I had "magic to do...just for you" at the Music Box in a half-hour. All in all, it was a fine pre-show meal and one I wouldn't mind repeating.
FOOD - 4 stars...surprisingly savory scallop dishes tickled my palate more than my wallet
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a huge, cavernous space with the appropriate Mediterranean touches and not crowded together either
SERVICE - 3 stars...OK but not very personable or giving of recommendations
TOTAL - 4 stars...mid-priced Greek food done the right way where you don't quite expect it-
Prix Fixe menu
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Dinner menu - 1 of 2
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Dinner menu - 2 of 2
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Review from Steph K.
San Francisco, CAThe service we had at this restaurant was disappointing, which is surprising given the price range and ambiance.
Firstly, we asked for some more bread and had to ask twice (and wait 20 mins) to receive the bread. My friend ordered the seafood soup and was told 15 mins later than they had run out (which seemed strange considering it was 7 pm, not even that late of a dinner). It seemed strange that the server did not know it had run out until a decent time after we ordered.
More importantly, my food never came out, even after my friend's had been out for 30-40 mins. We followed up with the server. He then came back 5 mins later and asked us: "Are you sure you never got the salad?" We were confused and verified that we never got the salad. He said: "They told me you got the salad, they gave it to you." We again insisted that we never got the salad.
Finally, the salad came out 5 mins later.
The experience we had seemed a little bizarre and we definitely do not expect to visit again.
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