Nerai
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Really decent option for a corporate or team event - considering the area I'd say this comparable to Avra if you're looking for Mediterranean place. They're able to check your coat at the front and then they walk you to your table and it's very dimly lit and candle lit. We got a bunch of the appetizers to share - the pita bread is quite good and soft. Most things are a decent size considering the price but again, I think it's meant to be a mid tier dress up or dress down place and it's priced as such. My entree was the lobster Nero pasta - decent but I really like more of a saltier pasta considering it's squid ink. It's good but not my favorite in the world haha. They have a good amount of dessert options that my coworker liked - I personally would come back for work but not for personal.
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.
Incredible restaurant on several levels. Obviously the food, one of my favorite places to go for spectacular Greek/Mediterranean seafood. Excellent ambiance also, high end and classy. Stocked wine list with an excellent selection. And great service from a very friendly staff. Strongly recommended
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!
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.
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!
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....
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.
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!
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.
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.
3 years ago
Ambiance is impeccable as is the waiting staff. Walking into a restaurant should very welcoming and accommodating and It was. But the Food was the best. One of my favorites. Congratulations read more
3 years ago
Nerai is gorgeous. From the moment you enter the doors, you're greeted with warmth and kindness. I dined with my family including my elderly mother, and the service was so helpful and accommodating while not being stifling. We ate inside, but the outside seating looks magical, definitely would have opted for an outdoor table if I was with friends. The food was incredible. This might have been one of the best lamb chops I've had in NYC. The whole roasted fish was fresh and cooked perfectly, I could eat it for every meal. Thank you Nerai, we will be back! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
I enjoyed visiting Nerai for an early dinner on a Friday with a friend. The service was fast and everyone was so friendly. My waitress took alot of time explaining the menu to me, and recommending the dishes that were most unique and popular. I ordered Pikilla (hummus, whipped feta and tsatziki with pita) and Spanakopita (artichoke, spinach and feta pies) to start. It was all fresh, the hummus was my favorite and the spinach pies were delicious. We decided to try the Duck Moussaka and ASTAKOMAKARONADA which includes poached Maine lobster with squid ink linguine and metaxa bisque. I absolutely loved my pasta dish, it was decadent and slightly sweet. My friend loved the duck, and the lentils it was served beside as well. I recommend trying their gelato for dessert, I got the Chocolate Mouse option which is called Sokolatina. I loved the chocolate flavor mixed with the raspberry jam on the plate. Overall, everything was so yummy and the beautiful decor made my meal feel really special. read more
First time trying Greek Cuisine and couldn't have picked a better location(said by Greek Friends).Made a reservation and table was ready right away. It's definitely a place to bring your significant other or date spot. We decided to try few appetizers and then 6-course Chef Tasting . Chef Grundman , really out did himself. I truly loved it . FOOD , I can't begin to tell you how good it was . You just have to try it . Ambiance- 10/10 Service - 10/10 WiFi- Not Sure Reservation - recommended Parking - Good Luck read more
4 years ago
This place was absolutely divine. In addition to the water and AC combo in the sticky, humid air, I was immediately struck by the decor of the place. Clean and classy but still welcoming. Our server was very friendly and worked fast, periodically checking in with us during our meal. I ordered a chicken plate which came with only 1 skewer worth of chicken which was kind of a bust, especially compared to its delicious beef Patty counterpart which came with 3, but the potato sides & the pita bread were all 10/10. They also have the best falafel I've ever had. Overall would definitely order the bifteki again over the chicken platter, but all of the food was incredible. Definitely will be coming back. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Wow. The food was excellent. It's pricey, but the portions are large enough that you don't leave hungry. The Greek salad was amazing, I've never had fried capers before! The mezze were also delicious, especially the cheese (can't remember the name). The octopus was so well cooked, it almost melts in your mouth, and the striped bass was perfect. My grandma has the mixed seafood pasta dish, and everyone agreed it was the best dish of the night! Service was fast and friendly, and, when the server heard we were celebrating our anniversary, he showed up with a complementary dessert. Speaking of dessert, the pistachio mousse was a huge, huge hit. The restaurant was quiet and beautifully decorated. I would absolutely go again. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
We enjoyed our meal at Nerai. The octopus app was tender and well seasoned My husband loved the zucchini chips. The complimentary bread and feta was even tasty. For entrees we really enjoyed the lamb chops. Dessert was magnificent. The yogurt sundae was not too sweet and the brittle on top had a different taste that makes you want to keep eating it to figure it out. read more
3 years ago
Nerai has such great food & desserts in a beautiful space! Service is really good as well. read more
Last night was my second time dining at Nerai. I don't know if it was 5 star-worthy though, possibly just because I was so enchanted during my first dinner there that this time failed to measure up. Also not sure if they changed chefs between my first and second visit, but I wouldn't be surprised. We went for the 4 course tasting menu and I had: Tuna tartare (starter): possibly one of the smallest tuna tartares I've ever had. That did end up being a blessing later because of the massive size of the main dish. My bigger issue is that it was too citrusy--normally I don't have an issue with that, but this just felt like it was bathed in lemon juice and a bit sour. I think the octopus that my mom had was better. Pastitsada (pasta dish): I would've probably given this full marks except for the fact that it was impeccable the last time I had it and this time, it unfortunately wasn't as good. The braised short rib was done to perfection, just wish there was more of it sprinkled within the pasta. Chicken and lemon gnocchi (main dish): I almost always end up choosing an appetizer as the best of the night whenever I'm having a multicourse serving (about 8 out of 10 times). However, this dish was by far the best of the evening. The gnocchi was ridiculously great. The chicken also was flavorful and tender, I was just sad I couldn't finish it all because by that point, I was already getting really full. Blonde chocolate mousse w/ raspberry (dessert): all's well that ends well. Super solid way to finish off the meal. Not too sweet and with an interesting flavor. I was satisfied. I think I'd try it again to see if the third time matches the first. read more
Beautiful atmosphere & delicious and sophisticated Greek cuisine! Preparation and presentation on every dish was spot on. Some of the best and most tender octopus I've had! The king salmon was also noteworthy and perfectly cooked medium rare. Portions are on the smaller side but hey I vote quality over quantity any day! Service was attentive and the entire experience was elevated as a whole. Beautiful indoor and outdoor area. On the pricier side, but as expected in this part of town and for this quality. Feel like Nerai doesn't get enough attention relative to some of the trendy Mediterranean spots in NYC but definitely worth a shout out! read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
An place for an intimate or business need. Unassuming from the outside, but upon entering you transform into a charming and upscale atmosphere where the food and service is to match. The menu has a modern flare while embracing the origins of traditional Mediterranean basics. Don't pass up this great place read more
This is a very popular Greek restaurant on Red Book and the most popular entree is the lobster pasta. Indeed their lobster pasta is very special. Tasty, creamy but not greasy. But I don't see what the Greek element in it... to me it's kind of Italian style. I like everything else they had. Tuna tartare was fresh and chickpea fritters used some spice to spice it up! My friends loved their entrees as well and it was kind of surprising looking at the large portion of the lamb chops. I would say their interior design and the chickpea fritters are the only things that are kind of Greek/Mediterranean style, but it's definitely a nice restaurant worth checking out. read more
I reunited with a foodie gal pal after 7 months and she was craving the lobster pasta here. We did outdoor dining. Service was busy. I ordered the scallops with pork belly dish. It was very good. Unfortunately they are no longer serving that dish in the restaurant. The seafood dishes are definitely worth getting. We shared an appetizer of spinach pies which was small. We also dessert and I ordered tea to go and the pot it was served in was pretty and heavy. I would definitely return to try their Santorini Sunday prix fixe menu. read more
This is a review for Nerei restaurant's takeout dining experience. It's interesting to experience five star restaurants at home, instead of in person. As COVID cases surge again, we are dining at home. So the question is - how much of a "five star" restaurant is ambience versus the food itself ? I really miss sitting down & eating at a restaurant. I love the entire experience of dining out in general. I've heard about Nerai's great food - there are many five star reviews. And they deliver! So I decided to try Nerai - it was delicious! I appreciated the clean & organized packaging. Everything was full of flavor & very fresh. You'd never know there was a pandemic happening. I look forward to supporting New York's great restaurants like Nerai, even if the only option is takeout/delivery. Thanks for the hard work & excellent food ! Great job! read more
I came here to celebrate the wedding of a close friend of mine, and the service was excellent. The staff was super attentive and accommodating. To start I had an Espresso Martini (divine!), followed by the delicious Tuna Tartare. For the main course, I ate the Seafood Orzotto which was decent, but quite filling. To end the experience I enjoyed the Sokolatina: the chocolate mousse and chocolate cake. All in all everything was very good. Regarding COVID safety measures, all staff members were wearing masks and everyone's temperature was taken at the entrance of the restaurant. read more
5 years ago
Went here yesterday to celebrate my birthday - such an ambient restaurant. We decided to sit outside to take advantage of the weather, and it was decorated beautifully. We started with the trio of dips, and the Nerai chips (not pictured). The dips were tinyyyy. I frequently have Mediterranean food and get a trio of dips, and this was by far the smallest portion I have seen. They were good nonetheless. The Nerai chips were so good, just wish they were less oily. For dinner, I had the Lavraki, and the table had the shrimp spaghetti, filet mignon, and salmon. Everybody's food came out steaming hot, besides mine -- maybe because it was made first? But everything was tasty. Overall everything was good, including drinks, but nothing more than the status quo. TLDR: the food is good, but not blow my mind amazing. Nothing was so unique or different than what I have eaten before. Service was a little slow, but I understand some establishments are short staffed these days. read more
5 years ago
Food was quite good, although expensive. Made a reservation Friday afternoon and was able to dine that evening. Got an outdoor spot which was nice for ventilation but a little too dim and there were some annoying flies. The free bread with a bean spread was delicious. The grilled octopus and the duck were highly recommended, and both were great. The octopus had quite a bit of charred areas but the inside was very tender. The duck was truly outstanding - the best non-Asian duck I've ever had. I'm usually not impressed with duck dishes besides Peking duck, but this was truly superb - very tender and flavorful but not too salty. Also got the lamb which was not bad but not outstanding. read more
3 years ago
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4 years ago
Came to Nerai on a Friday evening to hang out with friends. The restaurant has really elegant decor and vibes. I ordered the Lobster pasta, which is one of their famous entree on the menu. It was tasty and brings out a distinct flavor. The pricing is definitely positioned at a higher side with its portion ($46) read more
6 years ago
6 years ago
Nerai is absolutely wonderful. I had a reservation that I was running a bit behind for and they kindly updated my reservation time to prevent any issues. The service was impeccable. The wait staff were very attentive. I have nothing bad to say about their cocktails. Each one very unique and delicious. My friend and I had Persephone, Anemone, Calypso, and Chios Mojito (this one was a bit earthy/herbal- very interesting!) I apologize for no drink pics. We were too busy drinking it........ Onto the food, Grilled Octopus: So so so tender and expected really nothing less. I wished there was more than just 4 pieces of octopus though! Short Rib Yiouvetsi: The short rib was super tender and moist and deliciously meaty. I wasn't so impressed with the orzo. It was okay. Chicken Lemonato: My friend had this dish but I got a little taste and I rather would've gotten this over the short rib pasta. The chicken was very tender and paired so well with the lemon potato gnocchi. Saragali: I really enjoy baklava and whenever it's on the menu, I always have the need to order it. This Baklava did not disappoint. I could've made do without the tahini parfait but wasn't bad at all. I would definitely come back again and try other items on the menu. I've got my eye on the shrimp santorini spaghettoni and lobster pasta! read more
Wonderful time here! The ambiance is amazing and I had a lovely time. The portions are small and costly, so be aware of that. Don't come here expecting to get full, expect a savory flavor and delicious plates. The "chef doesn't like to change the dishes" is the answer you'll get if you ask to take off onions or something. I found that sooo interesting, it made me question if things were pre-made, since wouldn't you want to please the guest not please the chef? We sat outside and although it was wonderful, I got 6 HUGE bug bites from sitting on their patio. I mean HUGE. There's standing water on their patio, and even though the guy tried to swoosh it away, there were still puddles. read more
Cons: 1) food is so so. Greek salad was tasteless and wasn't fresh. Chicken was ok but nothing special. 2) waiters is not friendly and not welcoming; 3) expensive for such a bad quality of food Pros: 1) great outdoor seats read more
The silver lining of COVID is that we get to enjoy really intimate experiences with many of the great restaurants in our city. Nerai has been one of my favorite so far, with the blend of incredible food, wine pairing and overall ambiance. We stopped by on a Saturday morning for brunch. We started with a trio of dips (tzatziki, hummus and spicy feta). All three had great taste and weren't too filling. Was just enough for two if not starving. The entrees were the star. I got the slow braised chicken breast which was incredible - excellent flavors, well cooked and topped with crunchy onions to bring it together. The gnocci was a nice touch and paired well with the chicken. They have an extensive wine and cocktail list, many of which are also sourced from Greece. Ask for guidance on what pairs well. I hope this restaurant makes it through the COVID "pause" and is around when NYC comes back stronger. I look forward to dining in their cellar and indoors on their two floors. read more
4 years ago
More info about Nerai
55 E 54th St
New York, NY 10022
Midtown East
Directions
(212) 759-5554
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http://www.nerainyc.com
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Ask the Community - Nerai
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.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
54 reviews that are not currently recommended
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