Review: NISI ESTIATORIO in the West Village Transports Guests to the Mediterranean with Delicious Cuisine

There's another great reason to spend time in New York City's West Village. Nisi Estiatorio, the stylish, modern Greek restaurant has a table waiting for you. They serve lunch, dinner, weekend brunches and they also have a bar area that is just right for cocktails and small plates.

The interior is bright and airy with lots of cozy seating options. In the cold winter months, you'll feel as though you've been transported to the Mediterranean. Nisi is pleased to accommodate private parties and group gatherings.

Chef Ioannis Moustsatsos and his team prepare top Greek cuisine that includes gourmet twists on traditional dishes using the finest ingredients. Their seafood is shipped fresh daily from the Mediterranean and their meats and vegetables are carefully sourced from local, responsible, farmers.

We stopped by early on a Saturday evening before going to a local theatre. Start your meal with one of their artisanal cocktails as you peruse the inviting menu. We enjoyed the Mulari with ginger liquor, Greygoose Vodka and fresh lime. Their Bloody Bourbon is a delightful mix of Grand Marnier, fresh lemon, bitters and bulleit bourbon.

Ilir Davidi helped us to plan our meal and he shared his vast knowledge of fine Greek wines for perfect pairings. We like the selection of savory spreads that are served with pita or crudité. One of our favorites, the Fava spread makes a nice table share. And don't miss one of their most popular appetizers, Grilled Octopus. It is prepared with red wine vinegar, capers, and extra-virgin olive oil. Other meze selections include light, crispy Calamari served with a spicy roasted tomato puree, and their Seafood Ceviche with marinated shrimp, branzino and tomato served over ripe avocado. Of course, they serve a delicious Spanakopita with perfectly seasoned spinach wrapped in flaky, homemade phyllo dough.

The menu includes entrees from the farmer's market, from the land, and from the sea. There are choices suit people with many tastes and dietary preferences. A top vegetarian, gluten-free choice is their Organic Cauliflower Steak. The roasted cauliflower is sprinkled with mixed seeds and nuts and served with a yogurt-tahini. Another main dish, the moist, flavorful Organic Salmon is accompanied by wonderfully seasoned spinach rice. You'll like the Lobster Mousaka with layers of fresh eggplant, potato, zucchini, lobster ragout and topped with béchamel sauce. If you have an appetite and are in the mood for tender meats, consider the Mixed Grill for Two with lamb chops, lamb sliders, lamb kebab and grilled chicken. The Grill is served with Greek fries, tzatziki and toasted pita. You can also add a tempting side to any main course that includes Lemon Potatoes or Grilled Asparagus.

Are you craving a sweet, authentic, and creative Greek dessert? Baklava, Cheesecake with Feta or Greek Yogurt Mousse are all scrumptious finishing touches to a memorable meal.

Be sure to visit Nisi in January and order the "Regional Tasting Menu." January's specials transports guests to the Greek island of Santorini with four courses for only $55. Guests will start with Salad with caper leaves, sun dried tomatoes, Greek anthotyro cheese and honey dressing. It will be followed by Shrimp saganaka with fresh tomato sauce, ouzo and crumbled feta cheese. Grilled Gilt head sea bream will be served with wild mountain greens fricassee. Top off your meal Assorted Greek Desserts. Wine selections specially paired for the dinner will be available for an additional cost.

Check out Nisi's "Bottomless Brunch" served on weekends until 4:00 pm. The prix fixe menu includes one-hour bottomless mimosas and brunch items like smoked salmon, pancakes, and eggs as well as some unique favorites including spanakopita, green pea hummus, and octopus carpaccio.

You'll like the fresh flavors and attractive presentations that make the food at Nisi especially outstanding. Sit back, relax and enjoy. We are sure you'll be back again and again.

Nisi also does catering. They are located at 302 Bleecker Street, New York NY 10014. Call them at 212.727.7463. Visit: https://www.nisinyc.com/.

Broadwayworld.com featured Nisi's Chef Ioannis Moustsatsos in our "Chef Spotlight." Read about him here: /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-Ioannis-Moutsatsos-of-NISI-in-the-West-Village-20171202.

Credit: ElJay Aguillo

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