In my previous review, I tried to be polite in the way that I described my opinion of the food at this restaurant. Since the restaurant wanted to know which specific dishes I didn't like, I am writing this update. I went with 3 other people and we ordered a variety of dishes. We are all Greek; one member of our party was born and lived in Greece until the age of 16; the others were born and raised in NYC and grew up eating Greek food cooked by their immigrant mothers & relatives, have visited Greece many times over the past 50 years and have eaten at truly authentic restaurants in Queens. So, since you asked, here's my completely honest review: -What is called beef stew on the menu is a complete disgrace to the name. It came out on a rimmed plate; half of the plate had rice and the other half had a tomato-based sauce. Swimming in that sauce were exactly 5 cubes of "stewed beef". The cubes were each the size of dice and one piece wasn't even meat but rather a piece of fat. It was sent back. Before ordering this particular dish, we had asked our server if it was available (since we went at lunchtime); if they didn't have enough beef to serve this dish, they should have told us instead of serving the leftover pieces from the previous day. -The pastitsio was ok, but definitely not an authentic recipe. The ground meat was missing a savory flavor element that a true Greek recipe has. -We had high hopes for what was listed as roast lamb on the menu but were terribly disappointed. It was not slices of succulent roasted lamb as we have gotten many times at Greek restaurants in Astoria. Instead it was several bones with meat on them. The meat was way over-cooked and dry, so it was hard to eat it. The potatoes that came with the dish were ok. -The mixed grill was ok, but again over-cooked. -The fried calamari was ok, no complaints. -The Greek salad was decent but it was a rather small portion for the price. The bottom line is that I find it hard to call the Greek dishes at this restaurant "authentic." read more

Absolutely loved my experience at Ilios Taverna! To start, the aesthetic is so beautiful. It literally feels like you're somewhere in Greece! The service is also amazing. Brandon was our server and he gave us some awesome recommendations. We loved all of the food. Everything tasted so fresh and healthy! Our faves were definitely the lamb chops and the tzatziki! I think I will be back for my birthday dinner! read more

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Beautiful aesthetic. Love the decor. Also love the videos of Greece on the TVs. Seems like they are still working out some things. The service was very slow and the waiters and bartenders kept apologizing for the delay. I sat at the bar for a long time before I was able to place my order. There should be at minimum two bartenders. There was only one when I went and with so many people in the restaurant it seemed like too many people for him to keep up with. I ordered the Mexican Passion which includes Tequila, lime juice, passionfruit, and passoa. The drink was really good and well balanced. Would definitely come back for a drink. They brought out pita with what seemed to be a yogurt and olive oil dip. I enjoyed it. I ordered feta phyllo, calamari, and truffle fries. The feta phyllo was okay. I think it would be nice if they give you your own little pot of honey to drizzle over it. There wasn't much honey on what they brought out. As for the calamari it was decent. The marinara was very watery. The spicy mayo was very good. It had a bit of a tangy taste. I loved the truffle fries. I didn't necessarily get much of a truffle flavor but the fries were really good. I asked the waitress that brought out my food for ketchup and she said she would bring it but I guess she forgot. I asked the bartender for ketchup and he gave me a little container with barely any ketchup in the container. I ended up just not using the ketchup but the fries were still so good. I have been recommending this place to many people since going. Hoping the restaurant is able to continue working out some of the wait time issues. I look forward to returning. read more

Ilios Taverna - Fried Calamari Feta Phyllo truffle fries - Bars Near Me - The Bronx, New York

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Service here was top notch! I found this place from someone I follow on Instagram and had to check it out for myself. To start the interior decorations are warm, inviting, with that Mediterranean flare. The servers here were running this restaurant like clockwork. I came with my bestfriend here and felt like the servers were very knowledgeable about the menu and on point with everything from team work to filling up my water before I even had a chance to call them. The food here was so fresh that I felt like I was transported to Greece. We order several appetizers from the Greek Salad, pan seared cheese Saganaki, the Keftedakia (meatballs), and the warm fresh pita came out all at the same time. The sauce options that came with the food were fresh and the server even gave us a personal request of the spicy mayo. For mains we order the lamb chops with lemon potatoes and the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, the food was well seasoned, it just needed a bit more salt in my opinion to elevate the other flavors. I didn't get any alcohol and stuck with water, although the options are pretty expansive for those looking for libations. This is a cute date night spot, family/group situation, or if you want to grab a solo dine. They also have outdoor seating if that's your vibe. Definitely would recommend and I'm definitely coming back. read more

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Ilios Taverna was a unexpected surprise after a visit to the botanical garden. We were impressed by the beautiful interior that transports you to Greece. I loved everything we tried with my favs being the octopus, the tzatziki spread, and the whole dorado fish. The service was excellent, we spent more than 3 hours dining and we never felt rushed. I will definitely be back to try their happy hour menu. read more

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A hidden gem! Starting with the service it was attentive, friendly and welcoming. The bar is really lovely. I would even enjoy having a light meal while sitting at the bar. Drinks were delicious and the warm pita with tzatziki was divine. Salad was fresh and beautifully dressed and the branzino was well prepared albeit a touch too well done for me. Presentation was great. All in all another great discovery in the BX! Well worth it and the price is right! read more

Ilios Taverna was magical. I went yesterday to give them a try, and I was not disappointed. The moment you walk in, you feel transported somewhere else. The soft lighting, light wood finishes, and wicker chairs create a beautiful coastal atmosphere right in the middle of the Bronx. The restaurant wasn't very full, but we decided to sit at the bar. They play a relaxing stream of Greek island visuals on the TV screens along with an excellent mix of Greek music, which really adds to the experience. Our bartender, George, was fantastic. He was kind, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all of my questions. Since it was our first visit, we thought we were ordering lightly but portions here are very generous. Everything we tried was excellent. The lemon potatoes may be the best I've ever had, very lemon forward and seasoned. The pork souvlaki was incredibly tender with amazing charred flavor. We also ordered one of the specials, a beef stew served with rice, and wow. I've never had greek style beef stew and I can now say its one of my favorites! I'm already excited to return and explore the rest of the menu. Next up on my list are the branzino and the octopus. I enjoyed the food so much that I can confidently say I'll be back next week. I did ask about their wine selection, which is currently limited to about three or four options, none of which are Greek. They mentioned they're working on expanding the wine list, and I'm really looking forward to that. Greek wines aren't very popular around here, which is unfortunate because they're truly excellent. I'm hoping Ilios Taverna impresses the neighborhood as much as it impressed me, and I wish them nothing but success. It's refreshing to get a solid option for a different cuisine in the area. read more

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The food was delicious. I had the complementary pita, the Brussel sprouts and the chicken skewer, all I would order again. The ambiance is very chill, like you're at the beach music. It is baby/kid friendly. The service was good she was the hostess, waiter& bartender. I give her lots of kudos for wearing multiple hats. read more

Ilios Taverna - Pita - Bars Near Me - The Bronx, New York

I've ordered from this place way too many times hoping it would get better. It never does. Every single time I order through a delivery app the food is delayed, and by the time it shows up it's cold and has obviously been sitting there forever. And honestly the food itself is the real issue. I don't know what they're cooking back there but it's not Greek. The Greek food tastes nothing like a Greek food, the seasoning is completely off, and nothing tastes like what the menu says it should be. It's like ordering Greek food and getting some random mystery cuisine instead. I kept giving them chances thinking maybe it was just a bad night. Nope. This is just how they are. Do yourself a favor and order from an actual Greek spot. read more

So good to see a beautiful new restaurants close to home. Tried Ilios Taverna on the Wednesday night with a friend. The decor is gorgeous and the place was very clean. We were seated right away and given menus. The chairs were more comfortable than they looked. The server explained the specials to us then gave us time to look over the menus . I went with the Giant beans and Shrimp with a side of sauteed spinach. My friend ordered the Branzino with lemon potatoes. We both devoured our food, no notes to be made. For dessert we shared the Baklava and the Galatopita. I left the restaurant stuffed and happy. Apparently they have Jazz music on Fridays so I will definitely be back. read more

Ilios Taverna - Bars Near Me - The Bronx, New York

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This restaurant is definitely gorgeous, but I probably won't return. The waiter took our order fairly quickly, but we waited nearly 45 mins for our appetizers. We ordered the mussels and fried vegetable chips, which were decent. I ordered the grilled branzino and my cousin ordered one of their specials with beans and shrimp. Unfortunately, both my fish and her shrimp were overcooked. It took another 20-25 mins to get someone's attention to ask for the bill. The drinks were pretty good, though. read more

Ilios Taverna - Ilios Veggie Chips Mussels Saganaki - Bars Near Me - The Bronx, New York

Illios Taverna is a Greek restaurant in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx on Middletown Road. It is one of the many restaurants and pizzerias in this community. In the past when I wanted Greek food my friends and I would travel to Astoria, Queens. We don't have to do that anymore. I went with my bae this time but the next time I am going back with my friends. I enjoyed the food that much that I want to share the experience. I made a reservation for 5:30. We arrived a little after but we were welcomed warmly by a handsome server. We were seated in a great location with an excellent view of the restaurant and near a window showing people walking by. I was very comfortable. We didn't wait long for the server to come to our table. We were asked for our preference of water. I asked for sparkling water. We were served Zagori and it was delicious. I could tell the difference between Zagori and Schweppes sparkling water which is what I drink mostly. I kid you not. It was refreshing. As I was sipping the sparkling water I looked around the restaurant. I liked what I saw very much. Actually I noticed the decor as soon as I walked in especially the color of the walls. It reminded me of a soft enriched Tuscan beige with lines of gray on the upholstery. However the lighting gave off a warm glow. There are two realistic looking olive trees as part of the decor to remind the diners of Greece. I am including some pictures of Illios Taverna so you can see for yourself. We ordered beef stew as our entree It was delicious. We, also ordered brussel sprouts, pita bread and two delicious drinks from the bar. One a mock cocktail and the other a tequila cocktail. The mock cocktail had real ginger as one of the ingredients. Two great drinks. I enjoyed my dinner date because of my Babe and the delicious food and the ambiance of the restaurant. It's a new restaurant. I wish them longevity. Good luck. read more

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What an incredible new addition to the dining scene! This brand-new restaurant is absolutely gorgeous--posh, sophisticated, and beautifully designed with an atmosphere that feels luxurious without being pretentious. The food was truly fabulous, with every dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. And the drinks? Incredible! Creative, beautifully crafted, and the perfect complement to the meal. From the elegant ambiance and impeccable presentation to the outstanding food and unforgettable cocktails, this place is already a standout. You can tell that every detail has been thoughtfully curated. Outstanding staff!! On top of every detail!! read more

Great service from George at the bar !! Great happy hour ! Comfortable seats and very clean! Food was great! Especially the special which was a beef stew with rice !! We have gone twice will most def be back to try more! Cheers read more

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We went there for lunch and the food was good. We had grilled octopus, chicken skewers with french fries and mousaka. Nice size portions if you eat there. We took dessert to go, the oranga cake but the piece was tiny for $12. (Didnt see until we got home) Eat dessert there, you probably get a bigger portion. read more

Ilios Taverna - Orange cake for scale - Bars Near Me - The Bronx, New York

Ilios Taverna is such a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant! The atmosphere inside is absolutely gorgeous, and the outdoor dining area is perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather. The food is always delicious, which is why I love coming here with friends and family. The staff is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and hospitable, and you truly feel taken care of from the moment you arrive. Great food, beautiful atmosphere, and wonderful service. read more

It not a bad restaurant I found the menu to be very expensive. You could go to a different restaurant would be less amount. Restaurants don't think if you lower the prices more people will.come to your restaurant. read more

The restaurant is beautiful and Abraham was an amazing server. I was in a really large party and he was able to accommodate us really well. I ate the chicken breast with lemon potatoes. It wasn't the best Mediterranean food I've had and chicken was dry but others got the lamb chops, beef stew, and pasta and said it was good. We had the tres leches dessert and the chocolate cake dessert and both were phenomenal!!! I would go back and try a different dish. read more

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Food, drinks, service excellence music to loud.First time eating there would return and recommend this restaurant to friends & family

I went with my family for Sunday lunch and everything was great! The restaurant is beautiful, the staff is friendly, the food was delicious! I will definitely be coming back! read more

We went there on a Saturday night,and I'm sorry to say it was disappointing..firstly they only had one waitress for the entire restaurant..Why??So the slow service was nothing to do with her,it's the idiots who chose to have one waitress working on a Saturday night..But also the food was disappointing..all the meat was so over cooked it was all bone dry..So we will not be returning. read more

Service was wonderful. Love the new ambience. Food was delicious. On the Friday night we visited, there was a jazz band and a singer of classical music. My party had such a great time! Recommended! read more

I visited Ilios Taverna and the place looks great - clean, stylish, and well put together. Unfortunately, the service didn't hold up. We were seated fast and got water right away, but after that no one came back to take our drink or food order. I flagged someone down and still nothing. After waiting about 15-20 minutes with no service, we got up and left. I was really looking forward to trying the calamari and chicken skewers, my sister had her eye on the beef and rice, and my father-in-law was going to have a whiskey neat. Maybe it was an off night or they were short-staffed for a Tuesday evening, but it was still pretty disappointing. read more

Clean calm comfortable space great service and the music wasn't too loud . Food was chef kiss. Went there for good food and relax alittle bit and it did that read more

Like having a NYC restaurant in the Bronx. Excellent food (order fish and chops medium or a little underdone). Appetizers, salads and desserts are perfect. Great atmosphere and music was not too loud. By far our favorite restaurant in Pelham Bay. read more