Kellari Calamari

Last week, I was at a conference in midtown Manhattan and wrapped up early with the sessions, right around lunchtime. Since I was near one of my favorite restaurants, Kellari Taverna, I decided to stop in for some of the best mezzes, small plates of food, one can find on this side of Greece.

The restaurant is spacious with many tables for two, but what I like doing at this popular Greek restaurant is to sit at the bar to grab lunch. A friendly bartender took my drink order, a glass of 2007 Boutari Assyrtiko from Santorini Greece. I enjoy Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine, and know Boutari delivers a solid product (see my review of the 2010 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko).

Kellari Greek Salad

After sipping my wine for a few moments, I ordered my favorite dish at Kellari, the Calamari ($15.95). The calamari is simply grilled with lemon and oregano and it’s the most tender version of this dish you’ll likely encounter. I also ordered the Traditional Greek Salad ($15.95). Not sure where Kellari gets its tomatoes but they are certainly not the variety one finds at the grocery store in the winter. The salad features vine ripe tomatoes, onions, blue olives, cucumbers, peppers and a huge block of good-quality Feta cheese.

I didn’t order dessert but there’s always a huge platter of various Greek cookies and treats available for guests as they walk out. My go-to cookie, the Koulourakia.

I love eating at Kellari Taverna and highly recommend a visit at lunchtime for a quick and delicious meal.

19 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

212-221-0144

Opa!

Veronique