Eleni’s Introduce
In the vibrant intersection of Gramercy and Union Square, a culinary gem awaits those in search of an authentic and elevated Greek dining experience. Eleni’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every bite. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that is both cozy and romantic, blending a casual vibe with an upscale feel. Eleni's is a true standout, not only for its delicious food but also for its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space. It is a women-owned business that has successfully carved out a niche for itself by offering a unique and memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick, flavorful meal or a long, leisurely dinner with friends, Eleni's offers a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Eleni's has built a strong reputation for its fresh ingredients and a menu that balances traditional Greek flavors with modern sensibilities. The restaurant is a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, drawing a diverse crowd of locals, tourists, and groups. While some reviews note minor inconsistencies, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the fresh salads, flavorful small plates, and the cozy terrace. The menu is thoughtfully designed to offer a variety of options, from classic dishes like Moussakas and Lamb Chops to fresh seafood selections. Beyond the food, the bar is a major highlight, with a great wine list and impressive cocktails that perfectly complement the meal. This combination of a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, coupled with a focus on high-quality food and drink, makes Eleni's a must-visit spot for anyone craving a taste of Greece in the heart of New York City. The restaurant’s charm and dedication to hospitality ensure that every visit is a delightful one.
---Eleni's is conveniently located at 226 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it right in a prime spot between the Gramercy and Union Square neighborhoods. Its central location makes it highly accessible for anyone in Manhattan, whether you're coming from work, exploring the city, or meeting friends for a night out. The area is well-served by public transportation, with several subway and bus lines nearby, so you can easily reach the restaurant from various parts of the city.
For those who drive, the restaurant's accessibility is also quite good, with both paid street parking and a paid parking garage available in the vicinity. This is a significant convenience in a dense urban area like New York City, where parking can often be a challenge. The restaurant is also committed to inclusivity and is highly accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This thoughtful approach ensures that all patrons can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. The combination of a fantastic location and excellent accessibility makes Eleni's an ideal choice for any dining occasion, big or small.
---Eleni's offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all its guests. They have adapted to modern dining needs while maintaining a focus on a high-quality, sit-down meal.
- Dine-in: The restaurant provides a full dine-in experience with attentive table service. This is the best way to enjoy the cozy and romantic atmosphere, especially for a special occasion or a relaxed dinner.
- Outdoor Seating: When the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal on their charming terrace. This outdoor space adds to the restaurant's appeal and is a popular choice for many diners. They also allow dogs outside, making it a great option for pet owners.
- Takeout: For those who want to enjoy Eleni's delicious food at home, they offer a convenient takeout service. This is perfect for a quick, high-quality meal without the sit-down commitment.
- Delivery & No-contact delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery options, allowing you to get their food delivered right to your doorstep. This is an excellent service for a cozy night in or a work lunch.
- Catering: For special events or large gatherings, Eleni's provides catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious Greek flavors to your own party or event.
The variety of services shows that Eleni's is a flexible and accommodating restaurant, ready to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a group get-together, or just a quiet night at home, they have a service option for you.
---Eleni's stands out from the crowd with a variety of unique features and highlights that enhance the overall dining experience. These elements are what create the restaurant's distinctive identity and loyal following.
- Highlights: The bar and grill is celebrated for its fast service, ensuring a timely and efficient meal, even during busy periods. They have a great cocktails menu, a great wine list, and their dessert offerings are a major highlight, with the chocolate mousse receiving special praise.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is a perfect blend of styles—casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale. This unique combination makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a laid-back dinner with friends to a romantic date night.
- Offerings: The menu includes a variety of options, from a full selection of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, to a dedicated food menu with healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian options. They also serve coffee to end your meal on a perfect note.
- Crowd & Inclusivity: The restaurant welcomes a diverse crowd, including locals, tourists, groups, and families. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly space and identifies as a transgender safe space, which speaks to their commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
- Amenities: Eleni's has a full bar onsite, a clean restroom, and offers Wi-Fi. They also provide high chairs for children, making it a family-friendly choice.
- Planning & Payments: It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner, as they are a popular spot. They accept reservations and make payments easy by accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
- Business Identity: As a women-owned business, Eleni's is an excellent place to support female entrepreneurship in the city.
These features demonstrate that Eleni's is a thoughtfully designed establishment that cares about its customers' comfort and enjoyment. It’s a place that offers more than just food; it offers a welcoming and sophisticated experience.
---For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach out to Eleni’s directly. The restaurant is located at 226 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. To speak with a staff member, place an order, or reserve a table, you can call them at (212) 982-9030. Their simple and direct contact information makes it easy for patrons to get in touch. Since dinner reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights, it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure you have a table. This ease of communication, combined with their central location, ensures a smooth and stress-free experience from the moment you decide to visit.
---When you're choosing a Greek restaurant in New York, why should Eleni’s be at the top of your list? It’s all about the perfect combination of authentic flavors, a lovely atmosphere, and a commitment to quality. While some reviews mention minor issues with food preparation, the overall consensus is highly positive, with customers praising the freshness of the ingredients and the flavorful dishes. The menu offers a wide variety of classic Greek fare, from the savory Moussakas to the tender Paidakia (Lamb Chops), ensuring there is something to satisfy every craving. The salads, particularly the Horiatiki, are made with fresh ingredients and are a definite highlight.
Beyond the main dishes, the "From The Garden" and "From The Sea" sections of the menu are fantastic. One review praised the "banging" pitas, which are a testament to the quality of the basics. The wine list and cocktail menu are also major draws, making Eleni's a great destination for a drink in addition to a meal. The atmosphere itself is worth choosing the restaurant for, as it provides a calm, romantic, and upscale-yet-casual environment that is hard to find in a city that can often feel overwhelming. As a women-owned business that is also a transgender safe space, choosing Eleni's means supporting a restaurant that is not only dedicated to great food and drinks but also to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy a great meal, and feel truly at home.
Eleni’s Menu
From The Garden
- Pikilia $18.00
Traditional Greek Spreads Tarama (Carp Roe), Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip), Spicy Feta and Tzatziki; Surrounded by warm pita.
- Dolmadakia $15.00
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, raisins, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Gigantes $15.00
Braised imported Giant Greek lima beans with traditional tomato sauce
- Melitzana Feta $17.00
Roasted eggplant rolled and stuffed with feta cheese, tomato sauce and organic parsley
- Spanakopita $17.00
Traditional spinach and feta savory pastry
- Imam $17.00
Roasted eggplant, caramelized onion in organic tomato sauce, herbs and olive oil
- Eleni's Chips $20.00
Organic zucchini & eggplant chips with tzatziki
- Roasted Veggies $21.00
Pan roasted zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, carrot, onion, tomato with yogurt and dill sauce
From The Land
- Avgolemono Soup $9.00
Classic organic egg-lemon soup with chicken stock and orzo
- Keftedes $15.50
Greek style meat balls slow roasted in tomato sauce
- Seftalia $15.50
Cypriot style meatballs, grilled on a bed of tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and cucumber
- Halloumi $16.00
Semi-hard seared cheese, topped with capers and citrus mustard vinaigrette
- Saganaki $17.00
Traditional hard pan seared Graviera Cheese, lemon
- Brizola $33.00
16oz. Charcoal grilled Black Angus Rib Eye Steak served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Paidakia (Veal Chops) $39.00
Charcoal grilled baby veal chops, served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Paidakia (Lamb Chops) $36.00
New Zealand charcoal grilled baby lamb chops, served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Kotopoulo $26.00
Free range organic half roasted chicken with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and organic Greek oregano. Served with lemon potatoes (Please allow 45 minutes preparation time)
- Moussakas $23.00
Layers of sauteed ground meat, eggplant, potatoes; topped with Bechamel sauce
- Chicken Souvlaki $22.00
Organic chicken breasts and vegetable kebab served with leek rice
- Giovetsi Arni $26.00
Baby lamb shank oven-baked with orzo and fresh tomato sauce
From The Sea
- Htenia $19.00
Seared diver scallops on a bed of fava puree
- Octopofi Sharas $20.00
Mediterranean grilled octopus, onions, capers, fava puree, lemon and herbs
- Calamariakia $16.50
Choice of fried or grilled; Extra virgin olive oil and lemon sauce
- Garides Sharas $17.00
Grilled jumbo shrimp dressed with extra virgin olive oil and herbs
- Garides Saganaki $17.00
Braised jumbo shrimp in fresh tomato sauce, melted greek feta cheese and organic herbs
- Mussels $19.00
Steamed in the shell choice of tomato sauce or white sauce, feta, fresh herbs
Some Salad
- Horiatiki $17.00
Diced organic tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, olives, feta and extra virgin olive oil
- Marouli $14.00
Chopped romaine hearts, chopped scallions, dill and Arachova feta with extra virgin olive oil
- Patzaria $16.00
Bed of arugula topped with pickled beets, walnuts, feta and extra virgin olive oil
- Octapodi $28.00
Endive mixed greens topped with chopped grilled octopus tail and shaved Graviera cheese
- Ntakos $14.00
Greek bruschetta olive oil, shredded tomato, oregano,onion and feta cheese, on a crisp rye rusk
Some Pasta
- Eleni's $26.00
Wild caught Norwegian salmon paired with linguine, finished with a light herb cream sauce
- Sal Anthony's $30.00
Whole lobster tail braised in tomato and Assyrtiko wine broth, herbs and a light cream sauce over linguine
- Seafood Orzo $32.00
(Greek Paaella) Sauteed mussels, shrimp and scallops over orzo. Finished with organic tomato sauce
- Fettuccine Shrimp $28.00
Sauteed shrimp and asparagus over fettuccine. Finished with olive oil and fresh herbs
- Makaronia Me Kima $21.00
Braised ground beef in a tomato sauce over linguine
A Little More... From the Sea
- Lavraki (Imported-whole) $29.00
Bronzini - Lean white fish, mild moist tender flakes, semi sweet flavor; Dressed in lemon oil and herbs
- Orata (Ancient Greek word meaning "Golden") $36.00
Medium protein, semi-sweet, flaky white fish; Dressed in lemon oil and herbs
- Tiger Shrimp (2 Pcs) $36.00
Seared Tiger Shrimp dressed in lemon and oregano
- Langousines $46.00
Seared Langoustines finished in a balsamic vinegar sauce.
- Salmon $27.00
Grilled wild Norwegian salmon paired with a leek rice pilaf
A Little Extra (Sides)
- Brocolli Rabe $9.00
- Spanakorizo $9.00
- Sauteed Baby Spinach $9.00
- Brussels Sprouts $9.00
- Leek Rice $9.00
- Roasted Lemon Potatoes $9.00
- Greek Style Fresh Cut Fries $9.00
- Greek Feta Cheese $9.00
- Grilled Organic Asparagus $9.00
Eleni’s Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Eleni’s Photos










Eleni’s Location
Eleni’s Reviews
bartenderbranzinochocolate moussegrilled octopuslamb chopsscallopsgreek wineseafood orzolobster pastacustard
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I thought Eleni’s was decent but it has potential to be better it’s super cute inside and was relatively crowded on a Thursday for dinner. I loved the salad but the lettuce wasn’t washed and I was crunching sand. That gave me trepidation for the rest of the meal. The shrimp were only four and two were large and two were much smaller. The pitas were banging tho! I’m not sure id go back but thank you for having us!
August 22 · Carly PisarriHighlight was the chocolate mousse. Chicken Kebab was dry and flavourless and would have appreciated a spicy sauce that is made from scratch. Salad was fresh and feta creamy. Nice Terrace in a nice neighborhood. Was left with a lack of real greek top flavours but food was fresh.
July 19 · Daniel GOMEZ HAROI was very happy with everything in this place. Very attentive service, everyone is so polite, smiling, nobody rushes you. The food was a great success: calamari and octopus were not chewy but melting in the mouth. Even pita was so warm and tasty! Wine recommended by a restaurant sommelier was exceptional as well. Thank you very much, we had a great time!
June 26 · Lubov KorshunovaThe service was exceptional w/ the waitress providing wine taste tests…Had the grilled squid, fried zucchini/eggplant, octopus, swordfish, orata… The squid was not well prepared and tough but the rest was fantastic. Also didn’t care for the dessert - Galaktompouriko. Overall great experience and will be back!
August 11 · Oscar FilipeExcellent atmosphere and attentive and friendly service. The food was good, I particularly liked the eggplant, and the octopus was also good. The swordfish tasted good, but the texture was off, kinda mushy. The chocolate mousse was very decadent.
March 01 · Javier Kohen
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