Souvlaki GR Kouzina: A Taste of Greece in Midtown East NYC

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Introduce

Souvlaki GR Kouzina is a well-known Greek restaurant in the heart of Midtown East, New York City, celebrated for creating a dining experience that genuinely feels like a mini-vacation to the Greek islands. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant's decor, with its whitewashed walls and cozy, intimate setting, is designed to transport you to a a traditional taverna in Mykonos. This immersive atmosphere, combined with the aroma of charcoal-grilled meats and fresh herbs, sets the stage for an authentic and memorable meal. It’s more than just a place to eat; it's a small piece of Greece right here in NYC, offering an escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

The menu at Souvlaki GR Kouzina is a testament to classic Greek cuisine, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored family recipes. The name "Souvlaki GR" is no accident—the restaurant is renowned for its souvlaki, grilled skewers of meat or vegetables that are a staple of Greek street food. However, the offerings extend far beyond that, including a wide variety of traditional dishes, from savory appetizers and vibrant salads to hearty main courses and delectable desserts. The commitment to authenticity is a key reason for its popularity among locals and tourists alike, who appreciate the honest, straightforward, and delicious flavors. The restaurant successfully balances a casual, friendly vibe with an authentic and high-quality culinary experience.

Location and Accessibility

Souvlaki GR Kouzina is located at 231 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This places it in a highly convenient and accessible area of Midtown East, a neighborhood bustling with commercial activity, cultural landmarks, and residential buildings. Its proximity to major transit hubs like Grand Central Terminal and the Lexington Avenue/53rd Street subway station makes it incredibly easy to get to from anywhere in the city. The central location is a major draw for professionals on their lunch break and for those seeking a pre-theater dinner.

While information on specific accessibility is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the restaurant is a well-established fixture in a highly walkable urban neighborhood. Its street-level entrance and general setup in a prime location suggest it is designed to be accessible to a wide range of customers. For those with mobility concerns, it is always a good practice to call ahead and confirm specific features. The restaurant's location on a main street also benefits from consistent foot traffic, making it a visible and easy-to-find destination for anyone exploring the area on foot.

Services Offered

Souvlaki GR Kouzina provides a flexible range of services to accommodate various dining preferences and needs.

Dine-in: Enjoy a full dining experience in the cozy, themed atmosphere, with table service available. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Takeout: For those on a tight schedule or who prefer to eat at home or work, takeout is a convenient option.
Delivery & No-contact delivery: The restaurant offers a robust delivery service, including a no-contact option, bringing its delicious Greek food directly to your home or office.
Curbside Pickup: An additional convenience for customers on the go, allowing for a quick and easy pickup.
Catering: With a dedicated catering menu, Souvlaki GR is a great choice for parties, office events, and other gatherings, offering large trays of their most popular dishes.

The variety of service options highlights the restaurant's commitment to fitting into the busy New York City lifestyle, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Features and Highlights

Souvlaki GR Kouzina is known for several key features that set it apart.

Authentic Greek Atmosphere: The restaurant's design and decor are a major highlight, creating a warm, cozy, and immersive experience that makes you feel like you've been transported to a Greek island.
Fast Service: Praised for its efficient and fast service, the restaurant is an excellent option for those who need a quick meal without compromising on quality.
Classic Greek Dishes: While the souvlaki is a standout, the menu is full of traditional Greek favorites, including Moussaka, Pastitsio, and various mezedes (appetizers), which are all made with authentic recipes.
Creative Menu Items: Beyond the classics, the restaurant offers unique items like "Souvlaki Pitza" and a variety of Greek-inspired salads and dips, providing an exciting twist on traditional flavors.
Happy Hour & Full Bar: The restaurant offers a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, including happy hour specials, making it a great spot for a social gathering.
Family-Friendly: With a casual atmosphere, high chairs, and a welcoming vibe, the restaurant is noted as being good for kids and groups.

These highlights, from the unique ambiance to the quality of the food and the accommodating service, all contribute to Souvlaki GR Kouzina's status as a beloved destination for Greek cuisine.

Contact Information

To learn more, make a reservation, or place an order, you can contact Souvlaki GR Kouzina using the following information:

Address: 231 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 832-0395

What is worth choosing?

When you visit Souvlaki GR Kouzina, the menu offers a wealth of delicious options. For a truly authentic experience, the Souvlaki Pita Tylikto is a must-try. These wraps are a cornerstone of Greek street food, and the chicken and pork versions, in particular, are beloved for their flavor and satisfying qualities. The Feta Pie, a phyllo-wrapped treat with honey and sesame seeds, also receives high praise as a unique and tasty appetizer.

For main courses, the Lamb Chops are noted as "outstanding" and are a fantastic choice for a more substantial meal. Similarly, the baklava is described by a customer as "potentially the best baklava I’ve ever had," making it a required item for dessert lovers. While some dishes may not be as consistently perfect as others, like the moussaka, the overall quality of the menu is very high.

Ultimately, what is worth choosing about Souvlaki GR Kouzina is the full experience. The combination of a cozy atmosphere that feels like a trip to Mykonos, fast and friendly service, and a menu filled with authentic and well-prepared dishes makes it a standout choice. Whether you're in the mood for a quick, delicious souvlaki wrap or a full-course Greek dinner with friends, this restaurant delivers. It is a reliable and enjoyable spot that has earned a reputation for bringing a genuine taste of Greece to the bustling streets of New York.

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Menu

Specials
Fakes $11.00
Lentil soup with garlic.
Moussakas $26.00
Traditional Greek casserole with bechamel sauce, ground beef, eggplant and potatoes.
Veggie Moussakas $24.00
Traditional Greek casserole with bechamel sauce, zucchini and eggplant.
Pastitsio $25.00
Traditional baked pasta with ground beef and bechamel sauce.
Garides Saganaki $25.00
Sauteed shrimp cooked with feta cheese, red tomato sauce and ouzo.
Kotopoulo Lemonato $24.00
Grilled Chicken with lemon sauce
Soutzoukakia $24.00
Meatballs in tomato sauce with hand cut fries
Yiouvetsi Thalassina $29.00
Calamari, shrimp and octopus with herbs and orzo in fresh tomato sauce.
Gigantes $16.00
Giant baked beans in tomato sauce with celery, parsley and garlic
Spanakorizo $16.00
Spinach and rice in lemon sauce
Melitzanes Imam $18.00
Oven baked eggplant with garlic and onions, in homemade tomato sauce.
Lavraki Me Horta $31.00
Grilled branzino with sauteed dandelions
Dolmadakia Yialantzi $16.00
Stuffed vine leaves with rice and Greek herbs.

Souvlaki Pitza
HORIATIKI THE GREEK VILLAGE PITZA $24.00
Tomato Sauce, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Red Onions, Fresh Tomatoes, Capers, Oregano & EVOO
THE GREEN PITZA $23.00
Lettuce, Dill, Scallion, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese, On A Base Of Our Signature Anthotyro Yogurt Sauce
THE MOUSSAKA PITZA $23.00
Ground Beef Cooked In Homemade Tomato Sauce With Eggplant, Onions, Light Béchamel And Graviera Cheese
THE PORK PITZA $21.00
Grilled Pork Off The Skewer, Homemade Tomato Sauce, Tomato, Onions, Tzatziki & Parsley Open Face Souvlaki Style
THE CHICKEN PITZA $25.00
Grilled Chicken Off The Skewer, Homemade Tomato Sauce, Sautéed Spinach, Signature Anthotyro Yogurt Sauce, Drizzled With Greek Herbs & EVOO
SOUTZOUKAKI THE GREEK MEATBALLS PITZA $23.00
Homemade Meatballs Cooked In Traditional Tomato Sauce Drizzled With Our Signature Anthotyro Yogurt Sauce
THE VEGAN IMAM PITZA $22.00
Roasted Eggplant And Onions On Top Of Homemade Tomato Sauce
THE GREEK MEATLOVERS PITZA $26.00
Grilled Chicken, Pork, Greek Sausage & Bifteki On Top Of Homemade Tomato Sauce And Topped With Onions, Fresh Tomatoes, Parsley & Tzatziki
BREAKFAST OF THE GODS $23.00
Sautéed Spinach, Eggs Sunny side up, Scallions & Greek Feta on Homemade Tomato Sauce Base

Mezedes
Tzatziki $9.50
Yogurt-cucumber.
Hummus $9.50
Chickpea.
Tyrokafteri $9.50
Spicy feta.
Melitzanosalata $9.50
Eggplant.
Fava $9.50
Skordalia $9.50
Garlic dip
Taramosalata $9.50
Salmon roe dip
Extra Pita $2.00
Extra Small Dip $3.00
Any 3 Spreads $24.00

Salates
Horiatiki $17.00
Greek salad. Tomato, cucumber, red onions, feta and Kalamata olives.
Prassini $16.00
Green salad. Greens, scallions, dill and crumbled feta.
Revithosalata $17.00
Chickpea salad. Chopped tomato, cucumber, red onions, red peppers and crumbled feta.(We can not remove any of the chopped veggies is already mixed)
Dakos $16.00
Barley rusk topped with chopped tomato, onion, kalamata olives, feta, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
SGR Steak Salad $29.00
Skirt steak, romaine hearts lettuce , grilled vegetables and feta cheese.

Orektika
Keftedes $14.00
Greek meatballs. Beef, onion, garlic and parsley.
Kolokithokeftedes $14.00
Zucchini croquettes. Shredded zucchini, carrots, scallion and mint.
Spanakopita $14.00
Spinach pie - Feta, Ricotta, Dill & Scallion
Tyrocroquettes $18.00
Cheese saganaki with kasseri, kefalograviera and feta cheese.
Halloumi $19.00
Pan fried Halloumi cheese with extra virgin olive oil and oregano
Greek Sliders (Beef Sliders) $19.00
Beef, tomatoe and red onion
Octopodi Ksidato $27.00
Souvlaki GR signature charcoal grilled octopus.
Feta Pie $18.00
Phyllo wrapped with honey & sesame seeds

Kalamakia
Individual Skewers $5.75
Chicken or pork skewers with tzatziki and pita.
Kalamaki Veggie $5.75
Eggplant, zucchini and colored peppers.
Kalamaki Bifteki $6.75
100% beef skewer.
Kalamaki Bifteki Kotopoulo $6.75
Ground chicken meat.
Kalamaki Garida $8.75
3 shrimp per skewer.
Kalamaki Arni $8.75
Lamb.
Kalamakia Paketo $28.00
Your choice of 6 chicken or pork with tzatziki and pita.

Souvlaki Pita Tylikto
Chicken Pita $8.75
Wrapped with tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.
Pork Pita $8.75
Wrapped with tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.
Cold Veggie Pita $8.75
Tomato, cucumber, red onions, fries, Kalamata olives and tzatziki.
Hot Veggie Pita $10.75
Tomato, eggplant, zucchini, onion, colored peppers, fries and tzatziki.
Loukaniko Pita $9.00
Traditional Greek sausage wrapped in pita, tomato, red onion, feta and tzatziki.
Bifteki Pita $9.00
Traditional Greek burger wrapped in pita, tomato, red onion, feta and tyrokafteri.
Bifteki Kotopoulo Pita $9.00
Ground chicken wrap myped with tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.
Arni Pita $10.00
Lamb. Tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.
Shrimp Pita $10.00
Tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.
Steak Pita $10.50
Wrapped with tomato, red onions, fries and tzatziki.

SGR Souvlaki Pita Tylikto
SGR Chicken Pita $8.75
Tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.
SGR Pork Pita $8.75
Tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.
Cold SGR Veggie Pita $8.75
Tomato, cucumber, red onions, fries, Kalamata olives and tyrokafteri.
Hot SGR Veggie Pita $10.75
Tomato, eggplant, zucchini, onion, colored peppers, fries and tyrokafteri.
SGR Loukaniko Pita $9.75
Traditional Greek sausage wrapped in pita, tomato, red onion, feta and tyrokafteri.
SGR Bifteki Pita $9.75
Traditional Greek burger wrapped in pita, tomato, red onion, feta and tyrokafteri.
SGR Bifteki Kotopoulo Pita $9.75
Ground chicken wrapped with tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.
SGR Arni Pita $10.75
Lamb. Tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.
SGR Shrimp Pita $10.75
Tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.
SGR Steak Pita $11.25
Tomato, red onions, fries and tyrokafteri.

Psita Tis Oras
Loukaniko $17.00
Homemade traditional Greek pork sausage, orange peel or leek.
Bifteki Gemisto $26.00
2 handmade Greek burgers, stuffed with Greek cheeses, scallion and dill.
Bifteki Kotopoulo(Platter) $24.00
Two handmade chicken burgers with chopped spinach, red peppers, fresh herbs and tomato.
Lamb Chops
Charcoal grilled and marinated with Greek salt and extra virgin olive oil. Served with pita and tzatziki.
Psita Lachanika $19.00
Mixed grilled vegetables with zucchini, eggplant, colored peppers, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Psita Tis Oras Poikilia $47.00
Mixed grilled meat platter for 2 people. Combination of lamb chops, traditional Greek sausage, chicken, pork and beef skewers, accompanied by pita and tzatziki.
Brizola $39.00
Charcoal grilled ribeye marinated with Greek salt and Kalamata Extra Virgin olive oil.

Patates
Hand-Cut Fries $9.00
Hand-Cut Greek Fries $11.00
Sprinkled with feta cheese and seasoned with Greek oregano.
Lemonates Patates $12.00
Lemon potatoes

Glika
Loukoumades $9.00
Fried dough drizzled with honey, walnuts and cinnamon.
Yiaourti Sakoulas $9.00
Strained yogurt, shaved walnuts and honey.
Baklava $11.00
Layered pastry filled with crunchy walnuts and honey syrup.
Yiaourti Sakoulas Vissino $9.00
Greek yogurt with sour cherries dressing

Beverages
Soda $3.50
Greek Sodas $5.00

Catering Orektika
Spanakopita $12.00
3 pieces. Phyllo pie with spinach, Olympos feta, ricotta, dill, and scallion. Nut-free, and shellfish free.
Tyropita $11.50
3 pieces. Phyllo pie with Olympos feta, ricotta, mint, dill, and scallion. Nut-free, and shellfish free.

Catering Salates
Horiatiki Salate Tray
Traditional Greek salad with tomato, cucumber, red onions, Olympos feta, and Kalamata olives. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free.
Revithosalata Salate Tray
Chickpea salad with chopped tomato, cucumber, red onions, red peppers, and crumbled Olympos feta. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free.
Prasini Salate Tray
Green salad with romaine lettuce, scallions, dill, crumbled Olympos feta, and Kalamata olives. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free.

Catering Greek Mezedes
24 Oz. Melitzanosalata $30.00
Eggplant spread. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free.
24 Oz. Tyrokafteri $30.00
Spicy Greek feta. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free.
24 Oz. Hummus $30.00
Chickpea. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free.
24 Oz. Tzatziki $30.00
Greek yogurt cucumber and herbs. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free.

Catering Kalamakia
Chicken Kalamakia $4.50
Gluten-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, dairy- free, egg-free, and soy-free.
Pork Kalamakia $4.50
Gluten-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, dairy- free, egg-free, and soy-free.
Bifteki Kalamakia $5.50
Choice of beef or chicken. Nut-free, shellfish-free, soy-free, pork-free, and dairy free.
Veggie Kalamakia $4.50
Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free.
Shrimp Kalamakia $8.00
Gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free.
Arni Kalamakia $8.50
Lamb. Gluten-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, dairy- free, egg-free, and soy-free.

Catering Prix Fixe Options
Prix Fixe Option A
Choice of 2 kalamaki (skewers), 1 salad (6 oz.), and 1 meze spread (3 oz.) and grilled pita.
Prix Fixe Option B $18.00
Choice of 2 kalamaki (skewers), 1 salad (6 oz.), and 1 meze spread (3 oz.) and grilled pita.
Prix Fixe Option C $21.00
Choice of 2 kalamaki (skewers), 1 salad (6 oz.), and 1 meze spread (3 oz.) and grilled pita.
Prix Fixe Option D $24.00
Lamb chops (3 pieces), choice of salad (6 oz.), and choice of 1 meze spread (3 oz.) and grilled pita.

Catering Traditional Greek Homemade Specials Kyria Maria
Moussaka Tray
Baked eggplant, minced ground beef, and Bechamel sauce. Nut-free, soy-free, and shellfish-free.
Pastitsio Tray
Baked Greek pasta, minced ground beef, Bechamel sauce, and kefalograviera cheese. Nut-free, soy-free, and shellfish-free.
Catering Soutzoukakia $17.00
4 pieces. Braised beef meatballs in a fresh tomato. Nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and shellfish-free.
Catering Greek Lemon Chicken $15.00
Chicken in a lemon sauce and herbs. Egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and shellfish-free.
Catering Greek Lemon Lamb $22.00
Lamb in lemon sauce and herbs. Egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and shellfish-free.

Catering Psita Tis Oras
Bifteki Gemisto $21.00
2 handmade greek burgers, stuffed with Greek cheeses, scallion, and dill.
Piperies Gemistes $15.00
2 grilled horn peppers, stuffed with Greek cheeses, scallion, and dill.
Psita Lachanika $17.00
Mixed grilled vegetables with zucchini, eggplant, colored peppers, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Lamb Chops
Charcoal grilled and marinated with greek salt and extra virgin olive oil.
Psita Tis Oras Poikilia $38.00
Mixed grilled meat platter with lamb chops, traditional Greek sausage, chicken, pork, and beef.

Catering Sides
Hand Cut Fries Tray
Hand Cut Greek Fries Tray
Sprinkled with feta cheese and seasoned with Greek oregano.
Lemon Potatoes Tray
Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.
Spanakoryzo Tray
Sauteed spinach and rice with herbs, and Greek extra virgin olive oil. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.
Chickpea Spinach Tray
Black-Eyed Peas Tray

Catering Glika
Greek Yaourti Sakoulas $9.00
Strained yogurt, and shaved walnuts. Vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, and shellfish-free.

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Photos

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Location

Souvlaki GR Kouzina

New York New York County New York East 53rd Street

231 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Souvlaki GR Kouzina Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 420 user reviews.

skewersspanakopitadipslamb chopsbaklavamoussakasoupspicy fetawrapshoney

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant truly feels like a little piece of Greece in NYC.The service was good. Our server was friendly and recommended the weekly deal which was hard to pass up! For just $30 per person, you get an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.The avgolemono soup was absolutely phenomenal. Very comforting and perfectly balanced with lemony notes that tied all the flavors together beautifully.The tyrokroketes started off delicious however, the aftertaste was a bit strong. If kefalotyri was one of the cheeses used, that would explain the sharpness. While not my personal favorite, it was still enjoyable overall and the dip made it much better.The lamb chops were outstanding, perfectly marinated and full of flavor, paired with fries that were extra crispy and seasoned just right.Unfortunately, the moussaka was extremely disappointing. Every bite was so bland. The béchamel sauce lacked flavor. I expected at least a hint of nutmeg. The ground beef was unseasoned, and the eggplant felt simply tossed in the casserole rather than properly being fried first, leaving it tasteless. Overall, the dish fell flat and in desperate need of more thoughtful preparation. But I don’t think it reflects the menu as a whole, since the other dishes we ordered were excellent.As for the baklava, absolutely freaking DELICIOUS!! This is potentially the best baklava I’ve ever had, even better than the Lebanese version. The honey and walnut mix so well with the crunchiness of the pastry. Definitely a must have!
August 21 · Jonathan
I came here with my husband and we had a good time. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service was smooth. The fries and feta pie were definitely the stars—so tasty and well prepared.The only letdown was the bifteki and chicken skewers, which were both pretty dry and overcooked. I’ve had the gyro here before and it was delicious, so I’ll probably stick with that next time.
April 24 · Gizem Nacir
Piece of authentic Greece in the Midtown Manhattan! Greek Salad and Spanakopita are REALLY WORTH DYING FOR! Friendly staff, amazing service.As for Souvlakis, come on guys! You could do better! Bifteki was dry. Pork souvlaki could have been more prepared. Same goes to lamb souvlaki.Overall, positive experience!
July 12 · Konstantine Elizbarashvili
Amazing little spot in Midtown east, you step in and it’s like being in Greece. Perfect for a date or with friends. I was here for restaurant week and it did not disappoint, the menu for dinner was $30 and it exceeded our expectations. The portions were big and we liked everything. Special mentions: cheese croquettes and the mains (a whole branzino, perfectly cooked and seasoned and lamb chops).We also got a couple of wine glasses and since I got a pine wine the waiter was very thoughtful and let me try it before pouring the full glass in case I didn’t like it.Overall a very nice dinner and I would definitely go back!
January 30 · giulia panarelli
The first 2 dishes are in $30 Lunch Restaurant week deal. I think the portion is huge for the price, and the food tastes good. First dish is like a paste/rice kinda thing. It's well-cooked, not soggy at all. I did add more salt and lime juice for more flavor. The 2nd one is croquettes filled with 3 types of cheese. The souvlaki pita is standard. I don't like how I asked for to go box and they gave me a paper box for saucy food.
January 31 · Uyen Nguyen