Review: KORALI ESTIATORIO for Fine Greek Dining on the UES

You will feel transported to Greece at Manhattan's Korali Estiatorio, a charming restaurant that serves delicious Greek fare on the Upper East Side. This is the spot for fantastic small plates, wonderfully prepared fresh seafood and the best in traditional Mediterranean specialties. Their menu features authentic recipes and ingredients directly from Greece as well as locally sourced produce and sustainably raised organic meat and seafood from Barn Lane Farms in Connecticut.

Owner Gregori Politis is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, the founder and former owner of Yefsi Estiatorio. At Korali Estiatorio, he has created an eatery that is already making its mark in the city. The casually elegant restaurant has been decorated with a design that brings to life the Greek Island of Mykonos, with a sleek white-washed interior, gray stone pillars, brick walls and towering ceilings. We love the stylish atmosphere that is conducive to a relaxing lunch, dinner or weekend brunch.

We stopped by on a Tuesday night for an early dinner. The wait staff was outstanding and our server gave us excellent advice on menu selections. We started our culinary adventure with few "meze" or small plates that are perfect for sharing. We loved their Xtipiti, the spicy, smooth feta dip whipped with roasted chilies served with warm pita chips. Don't miss the Keftedes, tender Greek meatballs topped with a savory tomato sauce. A signature small plate is their sashimi-grade Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, char-grilled and seasoned with saffron-infused lemon oil served in a pool of yellow pea purée, with cherry tomatoes, scallions and capers.

And for an entrée, you won't find a better Moussaka anywhere in the area. This Greek-style lasagna has layers of tender, sweet eggplant, potatoes and ground beef seasoned with garlic, onions, and red wine and covered with a creamy, slightly spicy yogurt-béchamel sauce. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Whole Grilled Branzino or Whole Grilled Dorado. Both are served with sautéed local seasonal greens. Even though the portions are generous, we suggest you add a distinctive side like the Slow Roasted Lemon Potatoes or the Spanakorizo, their spinach rice casserole.

Indulge in one of their traditional Greek desserts that are made fresh daily. Selections are perfect with coffee or an aperitif. The Baklava has layers of warm filo dough with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon and nutmeg coated with lemon-honey syrup. And the Walnut Cake is absolutely scrumptious, moist and flavorful.

The beverage program offers guests the finest classic cocktails along with a rotating wine list includes Greek selections like Assyrtiko, a white grape varietal with a crisp minerality from its harvest in the volcanic soil of Santorini, and Agiorgitiko, a full-bodied red with deep fruit notes and a velvety persistent finish. Korali Estiatorio also has a lovely bar area where you can stop by for a drink whenever you're in the neighborhood.

Korali Estiatorio is located at 1662 3rd Ave. and East 93rd Street. Visit their web site at KoraliNYC.com and call 646-964-5470. Hours of Operation are Monday and Tuesday dinner only from 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunch and dinner noon-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch and dinner noon-11 p.m. Available for private events, takeout and delivery and pre-ordered whole meats.

Photo Credit: Moussaka, Courtesy of Korali Estiatorio

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