Avli the little Greek kitchen

- 461 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552

For residents across Long Island, finding truly authentic Greek cuisine—the kind that transports you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite—can be a quest. Fortunately, right in the heart of West Hempstead sits a local gem that has earned a reputation for serving up unparalleled quality and flavor: Avli the little Greek kitchen. Situated prominently on Hempstead Turnpike, Avli is the go-to spot for busy New Yorkers seeking classic Greek specialties, generous portions, and a culinary experience defined by high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

Avli has successfully carved out its niche by focusing intensely on the flavor and consistency of its food. As local patrons readily attest, this is the Greek restaurant that, once tried, becomes the only one you'll ever order from. Its commitment to quality shines through in everything from the perfectly marinated meats in their souvlaki and gyro sandwiches to their renowned spreads, such as a signature tzatziki that customers describe as having "way more flavor than any I've had from other places." Whether you're craving a quick, satisfying pita sandwich or a full platter of Greek comfort food like Moussaka or Pastitsio, Avli consistently delivers a delicious experience that keeps Long Islanders coming back.

Introduction / Overview

Avli the little Greek kitchen is celebrated for bringing the robust, time-honored flavors of Greece to Nassau County. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on preparing every meal with high-quality ingredients and a true passion for Mediterranean cuisine, making it a reliable choice for residents of West Hempstead and surrounding Long Island towns. The menu is a comprehensive tour of Greek classics, offering a diverse array of dishes that appeal to every palate, from satisfying meat dishes to vegetarian favorites.

While the dining space is described by some as "small" and best suited for "takeout/delivery," this focus allows Avli to concentrate entirely on culinary excellence and efficient service. Their dedication to food quality has created a fiercely loyal customer base who prioritize the deliciousness and value offered here above the ambiance of a larger establishment. Signature items that frequently draw praise include perfectly roasted chicken, flavorful gyros, and a variety of freshly made appetizers (meze) and spreads that showcase authentic Greek techniques. The staff is consistently described as "very nice" and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant, neighborly transaction, even if the experience is primarily focused on grabbing and going.

The menu selection features classics like Souvlaki (marinated grilled cubes of meat), Gyro (vertically roasted spiced minced beef and lamb), and Doner, available both as quick Pita Sandwiches and as generous Platters, typically served with sides like Greek Salad and lemon-roasted potatoes. Beyond the grills, the kitchen offers traditional baked specialties such as Spanakopita (spinach pie), Pastitsio (baked layered pasta), and Moussaka (baked eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and ground beef), ensuring a taste of home-cooked Greek authenticity right here in New York.

Location and Accessibility

Avli the little Greek kitchen is centrally located, providing easy access for the Nassau County community.

The restaurant's address is: 461 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA.

Located directly on the busy Hempstead Turnpike, Avli is easy to find and convenient for quick stops. This location makes it an ideal spot for locals grabbing dinner after work or for residents driving through the area. While parking may be limited, the business model is heavily geared toward takeout and delivery, which significantly enhances its accessibility for the broader New York region. Customers rely on the quick turnover and the ease of online ordering to bring the flavors of Avli home, whether they are five minutes away or further out in the delivery zone.

Services Offered

Avli is expertly streamlined to cater to the modern Long Island lifestyle, prioritizing speed, convenience, and delicious food preparation.

• Takeout and Pickup: The primary service model is efficient takeout, making it simple for customers to call ahead or place an online order for quick collection.
• Delivery Service: Avli partners with major third-party platforms, including Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, ensuring broad delivery coverage across West Hempstead and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Online Ordering: The full menu is available via a dedicated online portal (Toast Tab) and delivery apps, allowing for convenient pre-ordering and customization.
• Catering: Avli offers catering services, making their authentic Greek specialties like Gyro Platters and large salads available for corporate events, family gatherings, and parties on Long Island.
• Hot and Cold Meze (Appetizers): A vast selection of appetizers, including Spanakopita, Keftedakia (Greek meatballs), and the famously flavorful Tzatziki, is available for sharing or enjoying as a light meal.
• Full Menu of Traditional Greek Entrees: Serving a complete range of Greek specialties, from classic grilled Souvlaki and Gyro Platters to oven-baked dishes like Pastitsio and Moussaka.

Features / Highlights

Avli the little Greek kitchen distinguishes itself in the competitive Long Island dining market through several key features and highlights that keep its customer base fiercely loyal.

• Exceptional Tzatziki: This is perhaps the most celebrated item; multiple reviews single out the Tzatziki for its superior flavor profile, often prompting customers to order large appetizer portions just to have enough to put "on everything."
• Unbeatable Consistency and Quality: The restaurant is praised for its reliability. One reviewer noted they had "cut back on how often we order food" but still make an exception for Avli "at least once every month or two" because the food is consistently "so good."
• Flavorful Roasted Chicken: The Half Lemon Chicken is a notable highlight, described as being "cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of flavor," earning a strong recommendation from satisfied patrons. The Full Roasted Chicken is also a popular Steam Table offering.
• Diverse Menu for Every Craving: Beyond the common gyro, the menu spans from crowd-pleasers like Avgolemono Soup (traditional chicken lemon soup) and Greek Fries (topped with seasoned feta and oregano) to premium grilled items like Char-Grilled Octopus and Broiled Filet of Salmon (Solomos), satisfying both comfort food and fine dining tastes.
• Popular Sandwiches and Platters: The most-liked menu items include the Chicken Souvlaki Platter, Gyro Platter, and the corresponding Pita Sandwiches, confirming their excellence in quick, delicious Greek staples. The value and portion size of the platters are a huge draw for local families.
• Authentic Baked Dishes: Specialties like Moussaka (layers of eggplant and seasoned meat) and Pastitsio (layered pasta with ground meat and béchamel) offer a comforting, deeply traditional Greek dining option.

Contact Information

For ordering, catering inquiries, or to check current specials, please use the contact information provided below.

Address: 461 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA

Main Phone: (516) 564-7575

Mobile Phone: +1 516-564-7575

Approximate Hours (Please call or check online for exact daily hours):

Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

Friday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

What is Worth Choosing

When ordering from Avli the little Greek kitchen, the menu offers numerous delights, but a few items stand out as essential choices for first-timers and loyalists alike.

The most highly recommended choice is anything paired with their famous Tzatziki—so, be sure to order an extra side of the spread. This creamy dip, made with yogurt, garlic, dill, and cucumber, is a game-changer and a must-try.

For a classic, fulfilling meal, opt for one of the Platters. The Chicken Souvlaki Platter and the Gyro Platter are consistently ranked among the most popular and are served with your choice of sides, often including the highly-praised Patates Fournou (Oven-roasted lemon potatoes). The Chicken Souvlaki Pita Sandwich is the perfect choice for a quick, delicious lunch on the go.

Don't overlook the main kitchen items. The Half Roasted Chicken (from the Steam Table) is a newer favorite that has garnered high praise for being "tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

For appetizers, beyond the Tzatziki, the flaky, savory Spanakopita (spinach pie) and the comforting Avgolemono Soup are crowd favorites, perfectly setting the stage for the main course. For a true taste of the sea, the Grilled Octopus or the Salmon Platter showcase the versatility of the kitchen and its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. Whether you’re stopping in for takeout or enjoying a delivery at home, Avli ensures that the vibrant, delicious experience of Greek cooking is brought right to your table in New York.

Avli the little Greek kitchen

461 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA