Eleni’s Introduce
Tucked into the charming streets of Gramercy, just a short walk from Union Square, Eleni’s offers New Yorkers a taste of the Mediterranean right in the heart of the city. This restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey to Greece, offering a menu that is as authentic as it is delicious. Identified as a women-owned business, Eleni’s is a multifaceted dining destination, serving not only as a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant but also as a cocktail bar, wine bar, and a haven for healthy and vegan food options. Its atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual and cozy with a romantic and upscale feel, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
The essence of Eleni’s lies in its commitment to tradition and quality. The restaurant’s philosophy is to serve fresh, natural food, slow-cooked with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and spices to ensure every bite is both nutritious and flavorful. The result is a menu filled with dishes that are praised by patrons, who note the food as a "great success" with fresh ingredients and a taste that transports you. From the "melting in the mouth" calamari and octopus to a wine list described as "exceptional," Eleni's strives to provide an unforgettable experience of Greek hospitality.
Eleni’s is located at 226 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it squarely in the Gramercy Park neighborhood. This area is known for its beautiful architecture, quiet residential streets, and convenient access to a variety of Manhattan neighborhoods, including the bustling Union Square. Its location on 3rd Avenue makes it a simple and straightforward destination for anyone coming from around the city.
The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W subway lines at the Union Square station just a short walk away. This makes it a great meeting point for friends and groups. For those driving, paid street parking and a paid parking garage are available, a helpful convenience in this part of Manhattan. Eleni’s is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. The option of outdoor seating is a fantastic feature for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day, and it's even dog-friendly outside for pet owners.
Eleni’s is a full-service establishment that offers a wide range of services to cater to every need, from a casual meal to a large event. The offerings are designed to provide convenience and an enjoyable experience for every type of diner.
Dine-in: The restaurant provides a full dine-in experience for lunch and dinner with table service. The setting is ideal for a romantic date, a family meal, or a group outing. With seating both indoors and outdoor seating available, guests have a choice of where to enjoy their meal. The restaurant accepts reservations, with dinner reservations being recommended due to its popularity.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Eleni’s offers both takeout and delivery, including no-contact delivery. This service ensures that the delicious food can be enjoyed anywhere in the city.
Catering: Eleni’s is also a catering food and drink supplier, offering its delectable Greek cuisine for private events, parties, and corporate gatherings. This service allows you to bring the authentic flavors of Eleni's to your next big event.
Bar Services: As a cocktail bar and wine bar, the establishment offers a full range of beverages, including beer, hard liquor, and an extensive wine list praised as "great" by customers. The bar onsite is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
Eleni’s sets itself apart with several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Greek food in New York City. These are the elements that create a memorable and highly-rated dining experience.
Authentic and Delicious Menu: The menu is a major highlight, with a wide variety of offerings from the garden, land, and sea. Customers praise the food as a "great success," noting dishes like the "melting in the mouth" calamari and octopus. The menu includes both classic Greek comfort food and healthy, flavorful options. Standouts include the Pikilia, a selection of spreads, and various grilled seafood dishes.
Exceptional Service and Atmosphere: The service is described as "very attentive," with staff who are polite and not in a rush to move you along. This contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable meal. The atmosphere is a blend of casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, providing a warm and inviting space for any type of diner. The outdoor seating is a significant plus, offering a delightful al fresco dining experience.
Diverse and Inclusive Offerings: Eleni's caters to a wide crowd, being family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace. They offer a range of dietary options including healthy options, vegetarian options, and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The presence of a high chair and a bar onsite with a "great wine list" also adds to its versatility.
Women-Owned Business: Eleni’s proudly identifies as a women-owned business, adding a unique and meaningful layer to its identity and appeal within the New York community.
To experience the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of Eleni's, you can find them at:
Address: 226 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 982-9030
For New Yorkers seeking an authentic and high-quality Greek dining experience, Eleni's is a choice well worth making. What makes it stand out is its ability to offer a comprehensive and deeply satisfying meal in an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming. The restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in the positive reviews of its seafood and vegetable dishes. Furthermore, the attentive and friendly service, with a staff that ensures you have a great time without feeling rushed, elevates the entire experience. It's not just about the food; it’s about the hospitality, a core principle of Greek culture. The versatility of Eleni's, from being a casual spot for a quick lunch to a romantic destination for a special dinner, makes it a reliable favorite. The fact that it is a women-owned business that is inclusive of all communities adds a layer of depth and character that many diners will appreciate. For a true taste of Greece with all the modern comforts, Eleni's is a top-tier destination in Manhattan.
Eleni’s Menu
From The Garden
- Pikilia $18.00
Traditional Greek Spreads Tarama (Carp Roe), Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip), Spicy Feta and Tzatziki; Surrounded by warm pita.
- Dolmadakia $15.00
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, raisins, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Gigantes $15.00
Braised imported Giant Greek lima beans with traditional tomato sauce
- Melitzana Feta $17.00
Roasted eggplant rolled and stuffed with feta cheese, tomato sauce and organic parsley
- Spanakopita $17.00
Traditional spinach and feta savory pastry
- Imam $17.00
Roasted eggplant, caramelized onion in organic tomato sauce, herbs and olive oil
- Eleni's Chips $20.00
Organic zucchini & eggplant chips with tzatziki
- Roasted Veggies $21.00
Pan roasted zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, carrot, onion, tomato with yogurt and dill sauce
From The Land
- Avgolemono Soup $9.00
Classic organic egg-lemon soup with chicken stock and orzo
- Keftedes $15.50
Greek style meat balls slow roasted in tomato sauce
- Seftalia $15.50
Cypriot style meatballs, grilled on a bed of tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and cucumber
- Halloumi $16.00
Semi-hard seared cheese, topped with capers and citrus mustard vinaigrette
- Saganaki $17.00
Traditional hard pan seared Graviera Cheese, lemon
- Brizola $33.00
16oz. Charcoal grilled Black Angus Rib Eye Steak served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Paidakia (Veal Chops) $39.00
Charcoal grilled baby veal chops, served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Paidakia (Lamb Chops) $36.00
New Zealand charcoal grilled baby lamb chops, served with Greek style fresh cut fries
- Kotopoulo $26.00
Free range organic half roasted chicken with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and organic Greek oregano. Served with lemon potatoes (Please allow 45 minutes preparation time)
- Moussakas $23.00
Layers of sauteed ground meat, eggplant, potatoes; topped with Bechamel sauce
- Chicken Souvlaki $22.00
Organic chicken breasts and vegetable kebab served with leek rice
- Giovetsi Arni $26.00
Baby lamb shank oven-baked with orzo and fresh tomato sauce
From The Sea
- Htenia $19.00
Seared diver scallops on a bed of fava puree
- Octopofi Sharas $20.00
Mediterranean grilled octopus, onions, capers, fava puree, lemon and herbs
- Calamariakia $16.50
Choice of fried or grilled; Extra virgin olive oil and lemon sauce
- Garides Sharas $17.00
Grilled jumbo shrimp dressed with extra virgin olive oil and herbs
- Garides Saganaki $17.00
Braised jumbo shrimp in fresh tomato sauce, melted greek feta cheese and organic herbs
- Mussels $19.00
Steamed in the shell choice of tomato sauce or white sauce, feta, fresh herbs
Some Salad
- Horiatiki $17.00
Diced organic tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, olives, feta and extra virgin olive oil
- Marouli $14.00
Chopped romaine hearts, chopped scallions, dill and Arachova feta with extra virgin olive oil
- Patzaria $16.00
Bed of arugula topped with pickled beets, walnuts, feta and extra virgin olive oil
- Octapodi $28.00
Endive mixed greens topped with chopped grilled octopus tail and shaved Graviera cheese
- Ntakos $14.00
Greek bruschetta olive oil, shredded tomato, oregano,onion and feta cheese, on a crisp rye rusk
Some Pasta
- Eleni's $26.00
Wild caught Norwegian salmon paired with linguine, finished with a light herb cream sauce
- Sal Anthony's $30.00
Whole lobster tail braised in tomato and Assyrtiko wine broth, herbs and a light cream sauce over linguine
- Seafood Orzo $32.00
(Greek Paaella) Sauteed mussels, shrimp and scallops over orzo. Finished with organic tomato sauce
- Fettuccine Shrimp $28.00
Sauteed shrimp and asparagus over fettuccine. Finished with olive oil and fresh herbs
- Makaronia Me Kima $21.00
Braised ground beef in a tomato sauce over linguine
A Little More... From the Sea
- Lavraki (Imported-whole) $29.00
Bronzini - Lean white fish, mild moist tender flakes, semi sweet flavor; Dressed in lemon oil and herbs
- Orata (Ancient Greek word meaning "Golden") $36.00
Medium protein, semi-sweet, flaky white fish; Dressed in lemon oil and herbs
- Tiger Shrimp (2 Pcs) $36.00
Seared Tiger Shrimp dressed in lemon and oregano
- Langousines $46.00
Seared Langoustines finished in a balsamic vinegar sauce.
- Salmon $27.00
Grilled wild Norwegian salmon paired with a leek rice pilaf
A Little Extra (Sides)
- Brocolli Rabe $9.00
- Spanakorizo $9.00
- Sauteed Baby Spinach $9.00
- Brussels Sprouts $9.00
- Leek Rice $9.00
- Roasted Lemon Potatoes $9.00
- Greek Style Fresh Cut Fries $9.00
- Greek Feta Cheese $9.00
- Grilled Organic Asparagus $9.00
Eleni’s Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Eleni’s Photos










Eleni’s Location
Eleni’s Reviews
branzinobartenderchocolate moussegrilled octopuslamb chopssalmonscallopsseafood orzolobster pastacustard
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I thought Eleni’s was decent but it has potential to be better it’s super cute inside and was relatively crowded on a Thursday for dinner. I loved the salad but the lettuce wasn’t washed and I was crunching sand. That gave me trepidation for the rest of the meal. The shrimp were only four and two were large and two were much smaller. The pitas were banging tho! I’m not sure id go back but thank you for having us!
August 22 · Carly PisarriI was very happy with everything in this place. Very attentive service, everyone is so polite, smiling, nobody rushes you. The food was a great success: calamari and octopus were not chewy but melting in the mouth. Even pita was so warm and tasty! Wine recommended by a restaurant sommelier was exceptional as well. Thank you very much, we had a great time!
June 26 · Lubov KorshunovaEleni’s is such a standout spot! The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We loved the dip spread, dolmadakia, and gigantes to start, followed by a crisp horiatiki. The lavraki was delicate and perfectly cooked, and the salmon was outstanding—so fresh and flavorful.Service was amazing—warm, attentive, and truly hospitable. The cocktails were excellent too, creative and well-balanced. Between the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere, Eleni’s is a must-visit!
September 11 · LorenzoThe service was exceptional w/ the waitress providing wine taste tests…Had the grilled squid, fried zucchini/eggplant, octopus, swordfish, orata… The squid was not well prepared and tough but the rest was fantastic. Also didn’t care for the dessert - Galaktompouriko. Overall great experience and will be back!
August 11 · Oscar FilipeHighlight was the chocolate mousse. Chicken Kebab was dry and flavourless and would have appreciated a spicy sauce that is made from scratch. Salad was fresh and feta creamy. Nice Terrace in a nice neighborhood. Was left with a lack of real greek top flavours but food was fresh.
July 19 · Daniel GOMEZ HARO
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