Kellari Taverna

One of the best bars in Manhattan in my opinion. I eat outout almost everyday and I usually sit at the bar with my friends, girlfriends etc always better service yet more fun. But here in Kellari bar is good because of this gentelman behind the bar. He is so good what he does, you should just watch him work. While he works he introduces everyone to each other to its like a network party on top. Makes sense enter as stranger leave as friends. Like everyone else we gave him a hard time him not being Greek, but being turkish. He handles the crowd so well. Makes great recommendations. We will be back. We are back at least twice a week because of this guy. Good work, good food.

I highly recommend kellari tavern. I have been meaning to try it out for the past few years since I work in the area. Their ambience is very classy and refined and the front staff is very courteous. There is a small bar at the front similar to Pera Brasserie just a few blocks away (another mediterannean restaurant), and for some reason I wonder if it is owned by the same people. Anyway, my guest and I ordered from the prix fixe dinner menu. You can select from the two course selection which is about $ 32.95 and three course selection which is $ 38.95 (I may be off by a few cents). I ordered the spanakopita which I have never had before and it was absolutely delicious! my main course was the shrimp with risotto (very good!) and the baklava (delectable). The restaurant is quite busy and filled with the pre and post theater crowd and I would recommend any one local or out of town to try it out either with family or work colleagues. I would consider my next work function lunch or dinner to be at Kellari Taverna. I highly recommend it.
Tip: They also have a prix fixe lunch menu or so I hear

Went there with a group of people and sat at the bar and ordered lots of drinks and food. They ran out of spanakopita which is not forgivable for a Greek restaurant on a Tuesday night! It was tasty though. Had the grilled octopus (excellent), tzatki (okay, not garlic-​y enough and they don’t give enough pita bread), lamb chops (very good). Olives were on the bar for people to take which was nice. Spent a few hundred dollars on food and drinks but the service wasn’t so nice really, for all that. Not very special or particularly great.

I’m leaning more towards 3 ½ stars because of the salad that I ordered & the ill-​flushing toilet. The salad was a chopped salad with tiny bits of feta cheese. Honestly, the flavor was okay but I was expecting chunks of feta-​not microscopic bits. I got the price fix 3 course and I think that it was a bargain with nicely sized portions. You can’t complain about the service or the staff-​all very good and friendly. Perhaps the best part of the meal was the baklava and for that alone I would give 5 stars for that part of my dinner. I’ve tasted baklava from a genuine Greek mother who made it for the staff at the hospital every year for Christmas and it tasted exactly like what I had at this restaurant. For that reason alone I’m recommending that if you think that you love baklava go here and ask to sit away from the bar (too noisy for my taste).

My girlfriend and I decided to go to this traditional Greek restaurant for dinner. I must say, although the tables might be a bit too close together, the service was on point. We had spanakopita as an appetizer; then I had the brizola, which is a 16oz steak, and my girlfriend had paidakia, which are lamb chops. The food was so delicious and worth the price! However, it can get pretty noisy and crowded at certain times, but overall, we enjoyed our evening out.

The beauty of Greek cooking — just like other Mediterranean cooking — lies in its simplicity. Fresh ingredients and some EVOO are really all it takes. Kellari has long departed the sunny, rocky coasts of Greece for the New World. Fat filet has replaced grilled fish. The only Greek thing is the name. But, if you want some solid, unexciting, theater-​dinner-​crowd fare, this is just fine.

I really want to give this place 5 stars as the food is so amazing. Truly I do, but I can’t due to one major thing-​head hostess. Talk about sourpuss! You can’t miss her-​bleached blonde, red lipstick and rude as hell. Get over yourself-​you make the restaurant look bad with your rude self.
First, food. Delicious bread with fresh humus and olive oil. Who doesn’t love that?! On my first visit I ordered the eggplant & zucchini chips only to find out that is only zucchini chips (guess they ran out of eggplant). I had the Greek salad but added grilled shrimp to it and a side of grilled veggies. Absolutely amazing. The shrimp were huge and filling. The salad was beautiful with the perfect balance. My client got fish that looked awesome.
The second time I went (about three weeks later), I entered and my cousin who was waiting for me immediately complained about the rude hostess. I agreed that last time I had the same experience and shocker-​it was the same lady. I wanted the same exact salad since I loved it so much but apparently they can’t add shrimp to my salad as its dinnertime. I didn’t understand the difference as I would clearly pay for it as I did for lunch but dinner is different. I would have to order two meals to get that combo. I did. It was again delicious.
I would give this 5 stars except for the rudeness of the hostess both times. Also, the second time I had two waiters that seemed as if they were competing with each other. I had to give my drink and appetizer orders twice because the second guy said it would be easier from him-​so weird. Not sure what it means but the food was so exceptional that I’ll go back despite these negatives.

It’s not the food that makes Kellari a success, it’s the location in the Theater District.
A large, handsome space, but the noise level requires loud talking; neighboring tables will know all your business. Sound abatement materials should be installed on ceiling and walls.
My first dinner at Kellari in 2012 was magical– a great evening of food & friends (and a terrific Greek waiter). I’ve returned to Kellari five times, but never found the magic again.
Most recent visit in Feb 2016–
Salad: Giant mound of uniformly chopped Romaine + grocery store feta = homogeneous, monotonous eating assignment. Ugh.
Grilled shrimp were dry and cottony. Ugh.
Roast chicken was moist, but ridiculous for its voluminous portion size. The plate was a 10-​inch circle in brown tones defying you to finish. Ugh.
Better to offer a plate that’s smaller in quantity but greater in flavor, color and texture.

I don’t understand how a restaurant with already a limited menu (due to restaurant week), can run out of food. My friend and I came here for brunch this past weekend and what a disappointment this was.
For starters, most of them were out so we were stuck with a soup or a salad option. Neither was an exciting option, but that was what was left.
When my friend ordered poached eggs with crabmeat, they came without the crabmeat. When we complained, the waitress couldn’t remember ever having crabmeat on the menu. 15 minutes later, another waiter apologetically brought out the eggs again with a substitute, which we didn’t want because they ran out of everything else.
I couldn’t tell you about the dessert, since they brought us the check and forgot about the desserts, which should have been included with the brunch menu.
Out of the 3 courses, 3 were a fail.

My friend and I came today for Sunday brunch during restaurant week.
Upon being greeted, we were notified they «might be out of some of the menu selection «!!!
Ok, we sat down, the waitress was very sweet, but out of the very limited menu options, they were out of half. We asked for the full menu, and were told they weren’t serving from the regular menu, and this version was all they had.
When we finally picked out what we did want, out of the left over options, they brought one of the entrees (poached eggs laid on lump crabmeat and pita bread) without one of the main ingredients, the crabmeat!!! I brought it to their attention, they took it away to fix the mistake, and bring back substituted tiny leftover pieces of smoked salmon!!!
They were completely unprepared for restaurant week and we absolutely felt like second class citizens!

NOTE: I visited this establishment in 2006. This review was copied from a travel site I previously blogged for.
We stumbled on Kellari walking back from Times Square. As we stepped in the door, a large Greek man sitting at the bar welcomed us in. We must have looked out of place, he said ‘Come on in, have a drink!’. This place was gorgeous– beautiful colors, dramatic draperies and fabrics, warm lighting, minimal but modern décor. The service was a little slow, but friendly. The wine list was interesting– a lot of wines I didn’t recognize. I don’t even remember what I ordered, but my glass was only $ 8. Not too bad. I’m not sure if I would go back, the menu wasn’t easy to understand or recognize.

This is by far one of my favorite Greek restaurants in New York. The restaurant is pretty big and it’s not too far from Bryant Park so if you’re visiting from out town, definitely come here for dinner. The décor is classy and so I recommend dressing up a bit such as a dress/​button down shirt and shoes.
Here are my recommendations for dinner:
You’re meal comes with bread, hummus, radishes, and olive oil
Appetizers:
Octopodi — Sushi grade grilled Octopus
Plevrakia — Roasted lamb riblets
Entrée:
Astakos — Grilled Lobster (You can also get stuffed with Crab Meat)
Sinagrida — Red Snapper
Branzino — Classic Greek fish with capers and lemon
Dessert:
Sokolata — Warm chocolate cake with mousse

I stopped into Kellari Taverna for dinner one night and had an ok meal.
Décor: I only sat at the bar so I didn’t see the entire interior of the place but it seemed nice. They do a good job of keeping close to the name, as it really does have a tavern feel to it, and the place was just inviting. Overall it was well lit, homey and warm, and very low key. It was enjoyable.
Bathroom: unknown
Staff: The greeter was super nice, even taking my umbrella so I wouldn’t have to juggle it (it was soaked from it pouring outside). And the bartender was friendly.
Food: I didn’t have anything to drink, just an app and dinner. My options were limited as I was informed, promptly upon sitting down at the bar, that they were «out of steak, chicken, and chicken soup.» No matter as I was going to have seafood anyway. I started with a shrimp cocktail (which was so-​so… the shrimp were pretty dried out and not that large) and then had salmon. The entrée was very tasty and the portion size was decent.
Value: This place is pretty expensive for what they provide.
The meal was just so-​so… I’d go other places before returning here for another meal.

Outstanding warm and attentive service. They start the meal with delicious bread and antipasti including hummus, olives and radishes. The lavraki was fresh with a simple lemon sauce. Also the asparagus side was crispy and flavorful.
Large portions, classy presentation and fresh food, would definitely recommend.

I came here for a co workers bday and we had reservations for 12:30. The first thing I noticed was how busy this place was. I understand a lunch rush but I was surprised how busy this restaurant got during the day. As other reviewers mention, this is a very upscale and spacious restaurant with beautiful décor.
We sat down and were greeted by our server who was nice, but very slow. I personally think that people should be able to get in and out in about an hour during the day, but our whole meal was about two hours due to the slow service. Maybe they just don’t want to rush people.
Onto the food, I chose the pick three prix fix business lunch and had the following:
Bread for the table– this was super yummy! Tasted fresh and came with olive oil and hummus.
Spanakopita– this was the best part of the meal. Very flaky and yummy, just how it should be.
Kotopoulo– I don’t like seafood, which is unfortunate because this place seems like a great spot for seafood. That being said, if they have an item on their menu, they should still know how to cook it to perfection. My chicken breast was so over cooked, almost burnt. The lemon sauce that it came with was tasty, but there was no saving that chicken. The French fries were good, and they came with crumbled feta on the top. But sadly, fries should not be the best part of an entrée.
Yogurt cake– this was recommended by our server and I would describe it as a bland cheesecake. It came with raspberries and a cherry sauce which did make it sweeter, but I still wouldn’t order it again.
Everyone in my party who ordered seafood enjoyed it, so I guess this place is worth checking out if you’re going to order that. I personally will not be back though.

Had lunch at Kellari Taverna this past Sunday. Here are my thoughts:
Ambiance is nice. The place is classy and large. The noise level was quite high though, due to two VERY large parties — a baby shower and a bridal shower.
Service was nothing short of terrible. I believe this was due to the aforementioned large parties and minimal weekend staffing. Our waiter took at least 15 minutes to appear, and our food took an entire hour, despite constantly being told it was coming out shortly. We were very frustrated.
Food was pretty good overall.
– Royal Dorado was excellent, although it came with bones and the head intact. This after the waiter confirmed the fish would be (mostly) deboned and would arrive without the head. As I don’t like to see my fish in it’s original state, the presentation was a bit disappointing.
– Husband had the Horitiki omelette and enjoyed it (I didn’t try it).
– Daughter had the Thalassino Proino, which she didn’t enjoy because she said it was lacking taste. I also thought it was a bit bland and needed salt but the shrimp was good.
Ultimately the manager comped our entire meal, due to the ridiculous wait time. This was very nice of him, especially since we didn’t ask for anything. And this is why the restaurant gets 3 stars instead of 1.
Will we go back? Maybe not as prices are on part with many other excellent Greek restaurants in NYC, including Avra, Milos, and Limani, where we’ve never had an issue. I’m not sure it makes sense to give it another try.

Great place for pre-​show dinner. Beautifully designed, it’s located on one of the most architecturally interesting streets in the Times Square area. They have an large selection of fresh whole fish and other seafood. Side dishes of vegetables and meze are as good as any you’ll find at any NYC Greek taverna. I’m a regular at Blooming Hill Farm upstate, and I see that they feature their organic greens. It’s not inexpensive, but they’re probably paying top rent given its location. I think you’ll appreciate being able to walk to your Broadway show right from dinner.

My friend and I went here for restaurant week. We were early for our reservation, but they sat us right away. My friend ordered scallop. I didn’t taste her entrée, but I had the lamb. The bread accompanied with olive oil came really quickly. After the appetizer was finished, it took a while for the entrée to come. Luckily I didn’t mind waiting since we weren’t that hungry.
The lamb was decent. A little salty for me. When the deserts came, I thought it was too sweet for my liking. And I usually have a sweet tooth. The reason why I wouldn’t come here again was because I didn’t really think the food was that great for a second try. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t that great either.

Solid place for a business lunch! The three of us shared 5 appetizers, which was more than enough because Kellari embraces the American approach to food — more is better. All the portions were huge. Service was friendly and efficient, so Kellari is a good place to go if you need to have lunch wrapped up in an hour.
The apps we ordered were standard fare, so next time I want to try out the fish which I’ve read are very fresh.
1. Grilled octopus
2. Lobster ravioli — Very large pieces covered in delicious creamy sauce
3. Spreads — The usual stuff like tzatziki, hummus, babaganoush, etc with pita bread
4. Crab cake
5. Sardines — my least favorite dish because all the bones got stuck in my throat

Good greek restaurant but I don’t know if I would come back. We came for restaurant week and they were out of a couple of dishes specially the salmon that was our first choice and it even wasn’t that late! 1.30 pm. They should have prevented that since they only have few options in the menu.
Anyway the food was great, the complimentary croissants and muffin were amazing since we didn’t expect it.
The calamari are the best I tasted here in NY. The spanakopita, crab Burger and crab cakes were ok but it seemed that they were running out of that too.
The Galaktobureko is a must! To die for! Head to head with Taverna kyclades.
The rating would be more like 3.5 stars

Une belle surprise lors de notre séjour à New York. Ce restaurant Grec propose une multitude de poissons frais. L’assiette de tartare de thon en entrée était succulente. Le plat principal — crevettes géantes servies sur un risotto était également savoureux. La gâteau chocolat fondant était divin. En plus de la bouffe, nous avons était charmés par l’accueil et le service attentionné de notre serveuse algérienne qui nous a permis de converser en français, tout pour une agréable soirée.