As soon as we called to make a reservation a very friendly voice greeted us and pronounced our Greek last name perfectly. The person with the friendly voice is ALEX. His warm welcome was the perfect start to a great meal. The food and service at LOI ESTIATORIO is excellent. The food is so fresh and organic and the servers are a notch above all. Not only is Maria Loi an amazing chef, she is equally as warm and welcoming to everyone. Thank LOI! Sincerely, Jimmy and Joanne G read more

Great service and atmosphere, and excellent food! We ordered the branzino, excellent! The owner Maria is an excellent host read more

Pricey food, a small portion, but the food is just okay. The Lamb Shank Giouvetsi ($51 my goodness) is not bad but not great. It has a bit of flavor, but the fact my server asked me if I wanted some cheese on it is indicative that this dish needs some sharpness to round it out. The orzo pasta is cooked nicely and the sauce has a nice, aromatic flavor to it, but it does not meet the standard when looking for more. I am very appreciative of the wait staff, who were attentive to my dietary restrictions. As someone who has a tough time with onions, my server was quick to point out that while this dish is cooked with them, that I would not notice them in the dish. I took his word and proceeded with ordering it. When I finished, he came back and asked me if I saw any. I told him I did not and that he did a great job explaining it to me and therefore felt confident I would not have any problems later. Because of the high prices, and small portion, I cannot go higher than what I am giving. I also did not like the dark setting, but I guess that is in part thanks to the neighborhood this restaurant is located in. Meze, Simply Greek, and Yiassou still rank as my top 3 for sit down Greek food in NYC, even if all three are in Brooklyn. Gyro City in Astoria is still the best for that authentic handheld gyro, as they make it as authentic as you could get without the 9 hour flight to Greece. Beats nothing, I guess. read more

Came for dinner after a show as a group of 3 and arrived 25min before our reservation and were immediately seated which was great. We got a booth in the back (they have a decent amount of tables as well as a bar and one bathroom on the main floor and more bathrooms downstairs). Our waiter was attentive and brought out toasted slices of pita and their feta and yogurt dip to the table before we ordered. The pita and dip were good, my only complaint is the pita was a bit too crunchy, I like my pita softer. We ordered the side of gigantes, artichoke, grape leaves and dips as starters. Everything was tasty, but I think the gigantes were the best, very flavorful and a good sized portion. The grape leaves were also quite good (5 per order) as were the dips (hummus, eggplant, tzatziki and spicy feta) though the hummus was quite thick and the eggplant dip was a bit watery, however the flavor was spot on. The artichoke was decent (two artichoke hearts over a bed of peas) and had flavors of lemon and dill. Not my favorite dish, but I am not the biggest fans of peas. At this point, the person in our party with a fairly normal/small appetite was already full so no complaints on the portion sizes. For entrees we tried the lamb shank and the pastitsio (I think they call it Camellia's pasta or something like that on the menu we received in the restaurant). The lamb was cooked perfectly and served over a saucy orzo, but I found overall it was lacking in flavor. I wanted more seasoning or something to impart a flavor other than lamb (make no mistake I love lamb) to the dish. The lamb shank was quite large (and it should be for $50). The pastitsio was very good, my only quip is that I wish the cheese on the top had been melted as the shredded myzithra cheese generously sprinkled on top didn't add much. The pastitsio was tasty and a decent portion considering it is a heavier dish. They brought out free dessert which I think was a small piece of walnut or carrot cake accompanied by a dollop of greek yogurt and honey. Overall a good meal in a nice restaurant (the owner/chef came by to ask how we were enjoying our dinner). It is a bit pricey, but a pleasant dining experience and I think most everyone would enjoy the food. read more

We went back to Loi and still a great choice. I really like how clean the food is. However we had a huge snafu this time. We ordered the mussels dish for an app. However the mussels were back!! Immediately as we started eating 2 of the mussels pieces were smelly and rotten! We did not want to chance it with the other mussels. So we sent it back. Sadly I had to tell the chef about this issue. For our other apps, we ordered the Haloumi cheese, octopus, calamari. And for our mains we had the branzino (which was SO good and tender), the salmon, moussaka, and the seafood orzo. However because we complained about the mussels earlier they did not give us more mussels. However despite of this I had expected they would add more shrimps or other items but they did not. So it was basically just 3 pieces of shrimps and scallops. Other than the mussels being bad the rest of meal was actually quite delicious and clean. We also shared some conversations with Chef Maria which was very nice. Sadly the mussels issue the main issue while it was rectified and item was removed it was sad to have to experience at such a restaurant. I was also sad to see for the seafood orzo which should've come with mussels were not replaced with some other seafood. However overall service and other dishes were really delicious. Clean cooking and overall very friendly and welcoming environment. read more

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Lively after 7p but still easy to hear each other. Pricey for the fish, which was okay. Small /neighborhood-feel room, good service and chef comes around, nice touch. read more

The cutest little family-fun spot -- the chef was super nice, stopped by every table. All of the food was quite yummy, especially the Halloumi, Gigante Beans and Salmon! Grilled Calamari was unique, could literally taste the fresh grill marks. The meal has a relaxed pace, great for an evening date night! read more

Edit: originally gave them a three star, but updated it to a two star because of dishonest practice, they changed the tip amount to charge higher. I recently visited Loi Estiatorio and the atmosphere was really lovely. The lighting struck a nice balance where it wasn't too bright but also not too dim, and the noise level was comfortable enough that we could chat easily without raising our voices. Chef Maria even came out to greet us, which was such a sweet touch and made the experience feel very welcoming. For appetizers we ordered the grilled cheese and the spinach pie. For mains we shared the branzino, lamb shank, and seafood pasta, along with a bottle of Flowers Assyrtiko, Santorini to pair with the meal. Overall the seafood tasted very fresh. The orzo (a rice-shaped Greek pasta) had a texture that tasted a bit undercooked to me, which made it feel a little odd. My friends really enjoyed the food, but for me it leaned a bit on the bland side and the price point didn't fully justify the value. It wasn't bad by any means, but I wouldn't say I was particularly wowed. At the end they surprised us with complimentary desserts, which was a very nice gesture. We were given Greek yogurt topped with honey, baklava, and walnut cake. The Greek yogurt and baklava were great, but the walnut cake wasn't really my thing. It had a surprisingly wet, sponge-like texture that felt a bit unusual. Overall, I appreciated the warm hospitality, cozy atmosphere, and the fresh seafood. While the flavors didn't completely win me over, it was still a pleasant dining experience and a thoughtful touch to end the night with complimentary dessert. read more

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Great Greek food. I had salad with shrimp as a protein and my dining partner had the spanikopita (spinach pie with phyllo dough). Fast and friendly service. Great West side midtown choice. Intimate setting. Would recommend and return! The owner greeted us upon entry and leaving. Even got a complimentary dollop of Greek yogurt with honey for a small dessert. read more

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Recommended by the JW Concierge as a small, local vibe Greek restaurant, across from the hotel! We love local so why not! Not only is the owner/Chef a famous Chef with numerous shows and books, she was there, greeting and talking to every single table! Regulars everywhere, a nice bar, and completely fresh ingredients! By far the BEST Greek salad I have ever had and I love Greek salad! The lamb and fresh fish were unusual dishes for us but highly recommended and I can definitely see why! There was nothing left when Alex, our server came to clear the table! read more

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I have been to this Greek restaurant twice, though I seem to have forgotten to write my first review from several years ago. My second time was about 2 months ago, and it was a late-birthday meal with two others. The first time we were sat outside, and while comfortable, I would recommend the inside as part of the lovely experience here, as the staff inside are friendly, and the inside is charming. This is especially true of Chef Loi herself, who is a character and makes everyone there feel special. To drink, for the first time, I am pretty sure I got the Xios Spritz for $16 with Aperol, Ya Mastiha, and Blink, where I presume the last word refers to the Greek sparkling wine of the same name. I remember it being enjoyable, refreshing, slightly sweet, and with a good anise flavor from the mastiha. The last time I had a glass of wine was a white wine, and very likely the $16 Zacharias Peloponnese Assyrtiko, as I tend to like minerally white wines, so Assyrtiko would definitely fit the bill. Both times, we were served nice, warm pita bread, which pairs well with their good-quality olive oil, which they sell alongside mezze and other Greek items. In terms of food, the first time I slightly preferred my meal, though both were tasty. I ordered the Bone Marrow Soup with barley, mushrooms, and olive oil for $24, as well as the Lamb Shank for $49 with tomato, onion, lamb jus, and Greek pasta, which was of course, orzo. The bone marrow soup was warming and slightly rich, with plenty of mushrooms and a good earthy flavor. There was also a lot of marrow in the bone, which isn't always the case, and added a lot of richness. I thought this was delicious and would definitely order it again if I stopped in here once in January or something. The Lamb Shank, or Arni Giouvetsi, was also very tasty, with tender lamb and well-cooked pasta, though I have preferred similar lamb dishes at other spots, such as at Pylos. I remember trying other people's dishes outside, I believe someone's walnut cake, or Karidopita, which was good. The second time, I was with some others, and we shared a bunch of appetizers (honestly, too many, but they always order too much.) Their most unique appetizer was their take on Stuffed Eggplant for $28 with baby eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, tomato, and Anthotyro cheese. The cheese almost served as a semi-soft crust on top of the warm eggplant, with a lightly salty flavor, and the remaining ingredients were soft and earthy. This was good and easily shareable, and I think it could work as a main dish for a vegetarian. Their Spreads/mixed mezze for $27, which consisted of tzatziki, tyrokafteri, melitzanosalata, and hummus, were of pretty good quality. My preference of the bunch was their version of tyrokafteri, a spicy feta dip, which wasn't too salty compared to some other places. The melitzanosalata was also good, with a nice eggplant texture. The tzatziki was good, and the hummus was fine, though I generally prefer hummus from Middle Eastern spots, as the texture is thicker and the flavor is stronger. The toasted pita pieces went well with the dips. There was finally an alright Village Salad/Horiatiki for $26 with tomato, red onion, green pepper, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta, and olive oil. I prefer a bit less green pepper, and other spots have had better quality feta, but the vegetables were fresh, and the portion was large enough for the price point. This was standard, and there are better versions at similarly fancy spots such as Nerai nearby, among others. My main dish was the Seafood Pasta for $49, with the chef's seafood selection, tomato, onion, garlic, and feta over Greek pasta. I ordered this after confirming it didn't contain my usual allergens. The seafood consisted of many mussels, along with shrimp and scallops. The mussels were all open, which is a good sign, though one had a bit of sand. The shrimp were plump, while the scallops were large and tasty. The dish was savory with a bit of sweetness from the seafood and a bit of saltiness from the feta, and was overall pretty good. I believe the other two had the Branzino for $49 with seasonal greens (or horta,) lemon, and olive oil, which they gave me a bit of, which was also great. They had asked us upon arrival whether this was someone's special occasion, and as it was my birthday recently, they brought over a nice little dessert sampler at the end. The desserts included a baklava, yogurt with honey, and a chocolate cake. The baklava was very cinnamon-forward, which was a bit unique and was a tad dry. The yogurt with honey helped with the dryness, with the chocolate cake being dense, rich, and very mildly sweet. This was a kind gesture at the end of the meal, and we appreciate it. While not my favorite fancy Greek place, the food here is still tasty, and there is a certain charm that many of the other spots lack, thanks to the particularly friendly hospitality. I would definitely go back here for another dinner. read more

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Absolutely unbelievable Greek food in New York. LEI was a true highlight of my night. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was warm, genuine, and full of heart. The owner made us feel welcome, and every dish felt prepared with care. The Greek salad was fresh and perfect, the calamari salad was incredible, and the Branzino was outstanding. Sometimes all you need is olive oil, lemon, and love and this meal proved it. This is the kind of Greek restaurant I wish we had in Los Angeles. Authentic, simple, fresh, and memorable. I'm coming back ASAP. read more

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I've been coming to Loi since they opened 12 years ago, and it has been my favorite restaurant ever since. In a city where restaurants come and go, the consistency here is truly remarkable. The grilled branzino is perfection every single time, simply prepared and incredibly flavorful. It is renowned for being the best branzino in the city; if you know, you know. The salads and dips are always fresh and delicious, and this visit my friend ordered the moussaka. I couldn't stop stealing bites because it was that good. One of the things I appreciate most about Loi is how clean the food is. Chef Maria cooks with olive oil, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. Everything tastes incredible, and you genuinely leave feeling good. It's satisfying without ever feeling heavy, which is rare. What truly makes Loi special, though, is the people. Thank you, Chef Maria, for 12 years of consistently outstanding food and hospitality. And a special thank you to Alex, whose kindness sets the tone the moment you walk in. Maria and Alex make it a point to greet guests, check in on every table, and make everyone feel welcome. Their hospitality is effortless and sincere. After 12 years, Loi doesn't just feel like my favorite restaurant, it feels like family. If you're looking for exceptional hospitality, and a meal that leaves you feeling as good as it tastes, Loi is truly one of New York City's gems. read more

Maria Loi is so nice - exactly like she is on TV! Her staff is so friendly and attentive. The food is INCREDIBLE. I enjoyed the octopus & a piece of the spinach pie appetizer, branding and lamb shank for dinner, and an amazing combination of baklava, chocolate cake and shared Greek creme brulee. Sorry for the lack of photos - I was too busy enjoying the food! read more

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Delicious, authentic Greek food in a cozy atmosphere. Came here for Thursday (work) lunch and our group went with the lunch prix fixe. I started with a soup of the day (there were like 4-5 soups of the day lol) and went with the chicken soup which was delicious and a generous portion, especially for a prix fixe/starter. Everyone else also went with a soup option or the grape leaves. The grape leaves looked very good. For entrees, the salmon was a popular choice at the table. Each one had a perfect sear, too. Given my seafood allergy, I went with the village salad. This was probably the only bite for me that wasn't amazing. I wish it came with more feta and fresher tomato/cucumbers but nonetheless it was good overall. For dessert, we all got a small sample of each option which included a piece of baklava, a honey cake, and Greek yogurt. It was honestly the perfect end to our meal. The Greek yogurt with drizzled honey might have been the best I'd ever tried. Also the complimentary tzatziki on the table at the beginning was so fresh. Service was very attentive and professional. read more

Loi Estiatorio - Dessert from lunch prix fixe - Greek Near Me - New York, New York

The food and service were amazing! This is my third time here and I am never disappointed! read more

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The service and food was very good. The romaine salad, octopus and branzino were very good, as well as the bone broth soup and halloumi as well. Very fresh ingredients. read more

Such a wonderful restaurant. I had dinner here with my cousins. Delicious Greek food served in a warm, cozy atmosphere. Executive chef, Maria Loi owns this wonderful restaurant. She brings a menu that features fresh, healthy ingredients to all of her dishes. Nothing is cooked in butter. She uses olive oil, yogurt, wine, herbs to bring out the flavors of Greek cuisine. Friendly, knowledgeable servers that created a welcoming experience. I felt like the chef was cooking just for me. Started with the Grilled Calamari. Calamari over an Arugula salad , with Lemon, Olive Oil. It was so tender and melted in our mouths. Grilled Salmon - a nice piece of fresh Salmon served over an Idaho Potato Purée, with Kalamata Olives. This was perfection. The salmon was cooked perfectly with a crisp outside and flavorful flakey inside. My husband had the Lamb Shank and he couldn't stop raving about it. It was a wonderful evening with delicious, healthy Greek food. If you're looking for something special look no further. read more

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The hidden gem in Billionaire's row- Loi Estiatorio features the very best in clean and delicious Mediterranean eating. all of the food is organic, the menu details every ingredient used to prepare each item, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, in addition to the absolutely incredible seafood and meat options. The service is unobtrusive, warm and friendly. This is the kind of restaurant you can bring your picky partner or parents, your children, and everyone will find something delicious and healthy. 10/10. Will 100% return. read more

I don't normally leave reviews, but this restaurant was absolutely exceptional. The delicate flavors wonderfully complemented each other, the service and staff were excellent and very welcoming, and the location provides for an intimate evening. This was the best meal I have had maybe in years. My family of three had a lovely, enjoyable dinner. read more

Went Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. Our son had the hamburger I had asked when I called to make the reservation if they could make it for him. No problem. I had the Bronzino it was full of flavor and so was the side dish. It is a very intimate setting. Chef Loi is the owner and so personable and friendly. Treated us like we were family. Our adult son has special needs and he gave her the biggest hug meeting her for the first time yesterday as we walked by. Chef Loi came outside and our son gave her a big hug. We had eaten already and decided to make a reservation for today. August 23, 2025. The experience was great! We loved the food and will be coming back. Thanks so much for an enjoyable visit. read more

Stopped in unexpectedly on a cold day trying to warm up. Ordered the chickpea stew as I was trying not to eat too much so it didn't make a difference if I liked it or not however it was fantastic! If you love chickpeas lemon and dill (not overpowering) this is the soup for you. It was so tasty I will be thinking about it after I leave. Note it is very filling and heavy on the chickpeas in a good way. Service was top notch and ambiance is quaint. Will definitely be coming back again. read more

I requested our hotel to guide to a clean food restaurant and they sent us this way...and we loved it! The food was amazing, the service superb and they have excellent quality Olive Oil, which we are spoiled by good quality Olive Oiil, we felt at home. The Branzino melted in my mouth , I highly recommend it...and recommend this restaurant all around. I'm saving it in my favorites, for when I return to NYC. Thank you, Alex! read more

Fantastic Greek cuisine in Midtown and the feta yogurt was the best I've ever had. The owner, Maria was beyond friendly and welcoming.

We didn't have a dinner reservation, but as soon as we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and kindness. Chef Maria Loi personally introduced herself, and we were quickly shown to a table. We enjoyed the spanakopita and stuffed baby eggplant--each dish capturing the flavors of Greece with simple, fresh, and wholesome ingredients. When we mentioned dessert, instead of a menu, we were delighted with a plate of assorted samples, compliments of the chef. We will certainly return to Loi for its gracious hospitality, delicious food, and convivial atmosphere. read more

This places was great!!!! Charming environment. Great staff. Wonderful food! Was in town for work, went with my bosses. Waiter let us try multiple wins before ordering a bottle! 6-7 soup options!!! I had chicken and my boss had lentil! Both yummy! King prawn - yummmmmm and huge. Salmon for my boss loved and cooked to temp. Brazino for my other boss. Served full fish! Great optjon!! read more

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We had an amazing dinner at Loi Estuario. Maria Loi is not only an incredible chef, she is a force of nature! She is so knowledgeable about food and so happy to share what she knows. The meal was delicious, and the desserts were spectacular! The service was first rate. We'll be back soon. read more

Without any doubt, this spot was a supreme and high-end choice of a Greek restaurant in NYC, appropriate for a birthday dinner in a small group. The ambiance is simple and elegant (with Obama and Biden photos on the wall), the service attentive. The food was wonderful, all organic and milk-free with everything prepared with olive oil. Branzino, lamb shank, seafood orzo, grilled halloumi, and octopus were wonder dishes. read more

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I LOVE Loi Estiatorio! I come all the time. Chef Loi only cooks with olive oil, no butter, no hurt tummy after. I am a vegetarian and they have tons of yummy options. My favorite being the spinach pie, bean salad, village salad, and more. Very intimate and cozy dining experience. Chef Loi is very welcoming and friendly, easy to want to come back to see her! Highly recommend for people looking for a healthy, high-quality meal in New York City! read more

Five star experience from top to bottom! The food was outstanding, the service excellent, and the night was wonderful! Every single entree was on point, including the Bronzino which was perfectly roasted and the eggplant casserole was so divinely rich. The octopus appetizer was one of the best dishes I've ever had, it was so tender with just the right amount of seasoning. All the desserts; the baklava, scoop of yogurt, chocolate cake were all also very special. Perhaps the best part of the evening was the hospitality from top to bottom. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. Pushing in chairs when sitting, providing recommendations, our entrees were perfect, and the best part had to be the warm greeting throughout the evening by our host, famed chef Maria Loi. Chef Loi made many trips throughout the dining room making sure all her guests were well taken care of and enjoying every bit of the evening. I definitely recommend for a wonderful night out! read more

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The chef is chefs kiss. She was so sweet and wonderful. It really made our experience great. Food was outstanding and we would for sure go back! read more

Each time I come to NYC, I try new ethnic restaurants that are not as prevalent back home. Pastitsio is one of my favorite dishes of all time so when I found Loi Estiatorio in Yelp, that they had pastitsio, and that it was located less than a mile from my hotel I had to come and try it. I was greeted by a very welcoming woman who very well could be the owner with the genuine care and concern for everyone's taste buds and comfort that she expressed to every person in the restaurant. She took me to a table about halfway into the quaint restaurant where I was able to observe and engage with the staff - so much better than being put in the corner as often happens to single diners. The lovely Greek music was delightful to listen to as I ate. I ordered the Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio) and the Gigantes Me Spanaki (giant beans and spinach). While I waited for my meal to be prepared, deliciousness arrived to my table (AKA a cheese dip with strips of pita bread to enjoy). The wonderful waitstaff partnered together in ensuring that my glass was filled and my palette was happy. My meal was served along with a piece of their house cheese to enjoy along with my bean and spinach dish. I like the cheese by itself. It would be superb paired with bread, vegetables, and fruits - it has the perfect saltiness to go with its creaminess. Not sure if they sell it, but if they do I'd suggest taking some home with you. I probably wouldn't order the bean/spinach dish again as it isn't my preferred flavor. But I'm sure there are sides that I would love to devour. Loved the hint of nutmeg in each bite of the Greek Lasagne (pastitsio). The cheese layer at the top (elsewhere called a béchamel) was the creamiest and superb! The noodles were just the way I like them cooked. My only complaint was that there was not much sauce leaving the dish on the dry side. And then there was dessert......the baklava was PHENOMENAL!!!!! I will be back. Thanks, y'all. read more

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Food was delicious. Healthy twist on classic Greek dishes that made you feel good while eating them, while still keeping the authentic flavors. read more

The food truly felt like I was back in Greece, totally fresh and full of traditional flavors. The atmosphere was cozy and friendly, and the staff was super accommodating. Can't wait to come back! read more

The food was phenomenal, I loved the bone broth soup. The branzino is a must get. I truly cant stress enough how this is a little corner of Greece in NYC. I am from Greece and i have yet to find a restaurant to rival the food as good as this. The service was as if I was at a Michelin star restaurant. The ambiance was as if i was back at home. Truly a 1/1 experince. read more

I would rate Loi Estiatorio 10 stars if I could. It was literally the best meal we have had in years. The branzino was unbelievably tasty. The people that work there were super nice, including the owner. Try the bean salad as well...very refreshing and delicious! read more

Let me first say that Nicole was nothing short of amazing! She was so nice and attentive to everything we felt like we were eating at home! The food was so delicious and reasonably priced for NYC! Love love love it! Definitely returning to this gem!! read more

Best Greek restaurant we've been to, and we're Greek. Things are made like they are in Greece, simple, fresh, and healthy. The owner Maria is very friendly and has a great life story. She also makes sure that everything is executed with her vision in mind. Can't go wrong with any of the menu options! read more

Ambience: upscale, Greek. Good for large parties, small parties. Service: impeccable. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and provided excellent recommendations. Food: - Extensive menu with plenty of options for everyone including soups. - we loved for appetizers: spreads, spinach pie with homemade phyllo, artichokes, Village salad - entrees: lamb shank was perfection. The person who ordered it usually does not like lamb, and they could not stop raving about it. Seafood orzo was delicious and the Bronzino was enough to feed three people. - sides: gigantes were okay. Roasted veggies were good. - dessert: walnut cake and yogurt was absolutely delicious. Drinks: excellent drinks. We love the old-fashioned. Overall we cannot recommend this restaurant enough. We had a fantastic time with delicious food and exceptional service and cannot wait to go back. read more

I had a wonderful experience at Loi. A comfortable and relaxed space with great service and excellent food. All the food is healthy and organic with many Gluten Free options (including Flourless chocolate cake or Yoghurt & honey for dessert). My favorite was the Octopus which incredibly delicious. The Lamb, Lemon Potatoes and Dolmades were also amazing. Chef Maria Lou is not only very talented but engaging, interesting and clearly loves what she does. I would love to come back again one day! read more

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