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    Nerai

    4.4 (755 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Nerai Takeout or Delivery

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    NERAI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Nerai

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    Reviews With Photos

    Lobster Pasta
    Mikka V.

    Went for the second time to take my sister out for dinner. We ordered the hummus and tzatziki to start which was absolutely delicious. There were a couple pieces of pita bread which seemed like an amount that was on the smaller side. I had to order more pita for the table and was surprised that it came with an extra charge. Other than that, the lobster squid ink pasta was delicious. I had it the first time I went and absolutely loved it. It's on the sweeter side which suits my palate.

    Saragli:  baklava, pistachio ice cream, tahini parfait
    German B.

    In the city for Christmas, we opted for a change of pace in cuisine, and are so glad we walked into Nerai on East 54th St. Marketed as "refined Greek cuisine", we now know what they mean! A beautiful interior with clean lines and subdued lighting, this is visually a gem. Our waitress Marina was delightfully bubbly and helpful as we navigated the menu. We took the hightop tables by the bar, which were booth-like with amply sized oval tables. The bar served up two excellent margaritas and Old Fashioneds, just the way we like them. We started with the thinly-sliced fried zucchini chips, which were some of the best we've ever had: feather light & crispy. Our mains were seared salmon, cooked perfectly to temperature, served with a rice/spinach mix that was such a nice pairing; and the diver scallops, grilled with porkbelly - so savory and delicious! - served with corn and red pepper were amazing! For dessert, we thoroughly enjoyed their hand-rolled baklava served with pistachio ice cream, plus cappuccinos. Overall, the restaurant had a very upbeat vibe that was supported by a super friendly staff (Marina, plus hostess Kristiana among the stars). We will return after the holidays to sample more of the menu and spend time with our new friends!

    Josie T.

    Came to the city for a concert and decided to try this restaurant. We enjoyed every dish we ordered - grilled octopus, duck, fish, etc. are all delicious. The service is A+. Great place for date night. The bottle of wine the waiter recommended is on point!

    Aram L.

    Came here to celebrate Valentine's Day with my wife. Had a dinner reservation and had our coats checked and seated promptly. The folks working at the front were friendly and personable. Service after we were seated was friendly with check ins done routinely. Food was overall good. It was the V-Day course menu. My favorites were the lobster pasta and the steak which were well prepared. There was some variability between the courses coming out including times when it was almost immediate and then when it took quite a while before the steak was served. I do understand that the kitchen was probably busy with the special day but was something we noticed. Vibes were cute for V-Day with pedals and intimate lighting. Would be curious to come back to try their menu on a typical day.

    Meatballs
    Alathea B.

    Overall, solid experience. For the price, I thought the food could have been a little better. The service was really good but the wine wasn't to par and the bread that came with my meatballs was too charred. It had some char caked on it and maybe other people like it that way but it wasnt for me. The tuna tartare was excellent and very fresh. Overall, decent meal but I liked most everything else I ate in NYC better....

    Yan B.

    This place is really good. From the ambiance and decorations to the food, everything was top notch. The pasta was incredible as was the fish. Appetizers of tuna tartare and crudo were great as well. Would definitely return.

    Scallops
    Madeline A.

    My boyfriend made a reservation for Valentine's Day. They had a prefix menu for $140/person for 4 courses. Each course had two options. The menu was heavily fish based with only one meat option in the 3rd course. They decorated beautifully with lots of lights, candles and rose petals on the steps leading up to the 2nd floor and on the tables. Our server was fantastic; very warm and genuinely wanting to make sure we had a great experience. He gave each female a rose at the end of the meal and a small box of treats to bring home! I loved the sea bass app, the lobster pasta dish and the strawberry mouse dessert. The scallop dish was good but I didn't care for the paprika sauce they were served in. The chocolate crepe for dessert was pretty average, not something I'd order again. We opted not to get any drinks (glasses of wine were pricey; more than $20 each) but they did have a som on site. Overall, lovely experience. Some of the dishes were better than others but I thought it was a good deal based on the price and the quality of the food. I'm not sure if I would come running back for their regular menu but they did a nice job for this occasion. This is definitely a spot for a special occasion dinner!

    Bill T.

    I had a vendor lunch here recently and it was a very nice experience, especially since it was going on their expense account! The restaurant itself is very nice...we sat upstairs and it had a light, airy almost tropical feel. Service was efficient and professional throughout. We felt well taken care of. The food was across the board excellent. We started with grilled octopus and kataifi shrimp. Both were great but the octopus was particularly great. For my main, I had the lavraki with a side of sauteed spinach. What a great, simple dish. The portion size was generous and it was perfectly prepared. I wish I could cook fish like this. We also got a side of lemon potatoes which were just okay. This is midtown and the prices reflect the location, so this is probably a place I wouldn't come by myself unless it was restaurant week. In short, great food, great service, nice atmosphere, but keep a fire extinguisher handy because your wallet may start melting after you pay for your meal.

    Orzo and lobster pasta
    Jonghan L.

    Big fan of Nerai. We there a few times now but most recently did Christmas Eve dinner here with my fiance. Great ambiance for a date or a work dinner type place. Some of my favorite dishes include the two seafood pastas - one with lobster and squid ink and the other with calamari, mussels, etc. in orzo. Super fresh and tasty and filling. Other appetizers that were good include the Greek salad, zucchini chips, and grilled octopus. Pretty expansive selectionsof wine and main entrees. Big fan of the vidiano cretan white wine. Service was attentive and they brought out a Christmas cookie on the house. While this place may not be cheap, it definitely is a good spot to go for a night out if you're feeling on the fancier but not as crazy expensive as a Michelin restaurant side.

    Trio of Spreads
    Aejah T.

    Jumped in here on a whim and really glad we did! Service was excellent, dishes came out fast and fresh, and food was amazing. Super cute for a date night or girls night!

    Chocolate cake
    Abiba S.

    My friend and I stopped by Nerai a while back for celebratory desserts. Their chocolate cake was rich and light!! There was more mousse than actual cake but we still loved it! From looking at their most recent menu it looks like they don't have the all the time. Definitely ask about it when you're there!

    Gregg R.

    Came here on Valentines Day for their 4 course prefix menu. Between my girlfriend and I we got Black Bass Crudo, Warm King Crab, Squid Ink Pasta with Lobster, Scallops in Paprika Sauce, 28 Day Dry Aged Steak, Starwberry Mousse Cake and Chocolate Crepe Cake. The menu was $140/pp. The venue was decorated beautifully with rose petals and candles everywhere. We were seated right away and brought to the second floor. The waiter was fantastic. He had a smile on his face the whole time and helped make the night special. The black bass crudo was the best course. The fish tasted great and there was great acidity with the sauce. The lobster pasta was good. I thought the lobster may have been a tad overcooked but the pasta and sauce was delicious. The warm king crab salad was served with a blood orange sauce. If you love crab this was a great course. The scallops were cooked perfectly but I was not a fan of the paprika sauce. The sauce overpowered the scallops so we tried to remove some sauce from each bite. The steak was good as well. Overall for the special occasion I thought they did a great job. I don't know if I would come rushing back but I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

    Lobster Pasta
    Amy W.

    I visited Nerai as part of a group corporate event. I should start by saying that I LOVE Greek and mediterranean food. Beginning with the positives, the interior is gorgeous, especially on the top floor where they have vines and leaves snaking around the walls and ceilings. I also appreciate how nice the bathrooms were. The service was efficient. Our table shared appetizers and each got our own entree. I ordered the lobster, squid ink pasta (sucker for pasta). The flavor of the sauce and noodles was mellow, and it tasted almost sweet and nutty. I was expecting something more tomato-y, so this dish didn't exactly do it for me. My boyfriend got the leftovers, which he really enjoyed so it's the right dish for the right person. I did enjoy the lobster, however. In terms of the negatives, my biggest gripe is definitely value. I thought that the appetizers were overpriced and not terribly impressive. I would only somewhat recommend this restaurant for corporate events, where you are not responsible for the check at the very end.

    Lamb and beef meatballs

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    2 months ago

    Great food great service by TJ. Loved this place will come back again with all my family

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    Nerai Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Nerai

    Is there heaters for outdoor dinning for covid?

    Yes we do have heaters outdoors

    Is there a dress code for men?

    Business Casual.

    Is it BYOB?

    This is from a while ago but I might as well post. You should call prior but they have a beer/wine/alcohol menu so I assume not.

    Do they have a full bar?

    Yes, full bar in terms of alcohol carried, but not a big bar seating area. Just meant for a small party to be able to get drinks while waiting for their table to be ready I think.

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    Çka Ka Qëllue

    Çka Ka Qëllue

    4.5
    (296 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Fine dining

    Food/drinks: Everything we ordered was really delicious! Want to come back to try other items on…read morethe menu, this was my first time having Albanian food Thought the bread that came with the dips was just okay cause it was dry but I'm not sure if that is how it's supposed to be Atmosphere: really cute and cozy inside, there is an outdoor back section that is also cute! Service: friendly! Servers explained menu and provided recommendations Price: as expected in NY

    I had a feeling that @ckakaqellue was gonna be good and it was! The aesthetic/ambience was really…read morenice and it was very rustic/medieval themed. It felt like you were transported to a cabin in the country side of Albania. The food was delicious and really good as well! I got the pepper dip which was phenomenal and the stuffed pepper rice dish. It tasted very authentic and I put the pepper dip onto the stuffed pepper rice dish and the combo was really tasty and flavorful. The food also came out really quickly and the service was fast, the workers were friendly and very accommodating. They constantly refilled our waters and I liked the shirts that the wait staff were wearing. When I went in, it wasn't crowded, but when I left the restaurant it started to get really crowded and lines started to form and there were big groups coming in. The price is moderate/kind of pricey, but it's worth it! Price: $36 Rating: 9/10

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    Çka Ka Qëllue
    Çka Ka Qëllue
    Çka Ka Qëllue

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    ilili NoMad

    ilili NoMad

    4.1
    (2.9k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Gorgeous upscale dinner spot in midtown! We came as a group of 7 and were seated comfortably, lots…read moreof room within the restaurant. Great place to share several food items with a group. It was a little hard to hear and converse at times as it gets crowded, but the food was delicious and there are really unique items on the menu. Food: The duck shawarma was one of our favorites! The lamb and scallops were also flavorful and tender. The dips were delicious with the pita, but I wish the serving size for the dips were bigger. The fries were great - well seasoned! Also recommend the milky pudding, it was a nice refreshing way to end the dinner. Service: Our server was super helpful in letting us know what items are more shareable and his suggestions for cocktails. Definitely try some of the arak based cocktails. Vibe: Gorgeous interior, the mirrors and lighting really elevates the space and makes it a lovely spot for group dinners or dates.

    We went for Mother's Day brunch. When we arrived a few minutes early we did have to wait a bit. The…read morerestaurant had two floors, nicely decorated and cozy. We were lead upstairs to a table. There were 7 of us The seating was cozy but not cramped. We started with 7 family style small dishes: Hummus with Falafel Pops (chickpea purée, tahini, falafel, olive oil), Spring Burrata (roasted cherry tomatoes, toast, basil oil), Hamachi Crudo (passionfruit vinaigrette, citrus zest, cucumber, mint, sesame tuile), Scallops (carrot puree, serrano pepper, brown butter sauce), Tenderloin Skewer (zaatar chimichurri, fresh herb salad), and Shiitake Stuffed Grape Leaves (tomato coulis, yogurt foam, herbs). Everything was delicious. The hummus was well seasoned the falafel had a nice crunch. It went well with the warm puffy gyro bread that came to the table. The burrata was wasm and creamy. I love the vinaigrette on the fish. I ended up eating most of it. The scallops were the sweetest, most tender ones I have ever had. The tenderloin skewers were tender and well seasoned. I liked the grape leaves but the rice consistency was very soft almost mushy and you can barely tell there were mushrooms. There was barely any mushrooms flavor. Next we all chose an entree. I got the duck breast, my husband and daughter each had the beef tenderloin. The duck breast was smaller than i expected. The skin was nicely seared and very crispy but boy did it give my jaw a workout. It was done medium rare. It was juicy but tough. The small beef tenderloin was tender and smoky. The waiter poured the sauce over the tenderloin for added flavor. Finally dessert was a fruit plate with ice cream and pudding. The fruit was fresh and the flavors of the ice cream and pudding unique. It was a nice end to a good brunch. The price was a little expensive at $85 a person.

    Photos
    Ilili Restaurant NYC's outdoor dining
    Ilili Restaurant NYC's outdoor dining
    Brussels Sprouts
    Brussels Sprouts
    Glass of Chateau Ksara 'Blanc de Blancs' 2023 (~$17)

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    Glass of Chateau Ksara 'Blanc de Blancs' 2023 (~$17)
    Sophra Grill

    Sophra Grill

    4.6
    (188 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    I ordered this on Postmates and I wasn't expecting a delivery with the best Turkish food in New…read moreYork City. I had ordered ala turka but its not authentic really. pI think that this might've been the best Turkish food in New York City. I've been to Turkey several times and this was one to one authentic and the lentil soup is the best I've had also, the rice pudding is wow. As far as the meal I ordered the lamb chops and it came with the rice with the rice was perfection. It was completely cooked better than any other rice I've had in a long time. I must say the lamb chops I would say was mediocre, but I mean the price is such a good price that it is kind of what it is. I mean one seemed to be overcooked. The other three was edible and tender. Sometimes there's just one bad item. I don't know, but I'm going to order again tonight and try it again. Let's give them one more chance of the lamb chops. It's probably the best lentil soup I've had since istanbul.

    Great Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern flavors in Murray Hill... perfect for take out or dining in…read moretheir restaurant where you can stare at their amazing desserts in the display case. Fast, friendly, yummy. From salads, apps (bababganush, hummus, muhammara, tabouli, etc.), gyros, pides and platters. Everything looks delicious. For take out I love their chicken gyro on home bread, with "white sauce" no hot sauce. $13.50 plus tax.

    Photos
    Lahmacun
    Lahmacun
    Hummus & Muhammara
    Hummus & Muhammara
    White Wine

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    White Wine
    Turkish Kitchen

    Turkish Kitchen

    3.8
    (637 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Turkish Kitchen is my neighborhood mainstay, I can't even count how many times I've been over the…read moreyears. The birthday coupons are what had brought me in every year, but even though they stopped during Covid, I still enjoy visiting. My go-to dish is the Iskender Kebab - delicious slices of lamb with tomato sauce and yogurt over baked pita bread. I also enjoy the combination platter with dips - the baba ghanoush is delicious. The atmosphere is classy but down-to-earth. The cocktails are tasty. The service can be slow, but it means we are never rushed out. The prices are mid-high, but commensurate with the quality of food. I recently came with a large group, including kids. Service was welcoming despite the chaos. Our bread was frequently replenished and our bottles of wine poured. On top of that, we were given tastes of dessert & liqueur - such a nice treat at the end of a long meal. I especially appreciated that the head guy alerted us that gratuity was already added to the check. We had such a great time, that we opted to tip more! I was happy that my group had such a positive experience, and surely will continue to return.

    A group of my friends were in town, and we happened to pick this place just by walking down the…read morestreet in the area until we saw something that looked tasty. We could not have been happier with what we got for a place that we picked totally randomly. First of all, the place is popular and we did not have resos, but the staff were super nice and found us an open table that we could eat at as long as we put in our orders quick so they could get the table ready for a later reservation in an hour. Then the food itself arrived and was really delicious and well presented, just look at those kebab plates and dips! They also gave our group free baklava at the end I think just because they felt a little bad they had to rush us, which wasn't even their fault and was super appreciated. Also, the interior decoration is fantastic. The restaurant feels super classy and elegant. Great vibes for a date, a business dinner, or just a fancy dinner. Overall, easy 5 stars. Great food and amazing service. Oh and the wine was delicious too.

    Photos
    Turkish Kitchen
    Turkish Kitchen
    Turkish Kitchen

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    Nerai - greek - Updated June 2026

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