Greek Islands

- 253-17 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362

If you are a New Yorker in Queens or the surrounding area craving an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than Greek Islands in Little Neck. This beloved local establishment has been a staple for residents for over two decades, delivering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere paired with home-cooked, traditional Greek cuisine. It is a genuine neighborhood gem where the quality of the ingredients and the passion in the cooking shine through with every plate.

Greek Islands has built a stellar reputation on its dedication to authentic flavors and fresh preparation, making it a go-to spot for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. The restaurant is renowned for specializing in fresh whole fish and traditional Greek specialties, ensuring an experience that transports diners straight to the shores of the Aegean.

The menu is an extensive journey through the best of Greek food, featuring savory meats, fresh seafood, and a wide array of vegetarian dishes. From the classic Moussaka and Pastitsio to the grilled Souvlaki and fresh fish options, Greek Islands commits to using only the finest quality ingredients, a factor consistently praised by long-time patrons. It’s a place where tradition meets superior taste, resulting in a dining experience that feels both comforting and distinctly Mediterranean.

A strong focus on hospitality and a friendly staff, often including the owner, enhance the dining experience, making every guest feel like part of the family. Whether you are a devoted lover of Greek cuisine or simply seeking a warm, cozy spot for a delicious meal, Greek Islands offers a dependable and delightful experience right here in New York.

The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and romantic, with an authentic vibe that focuses squarely on the quality of the food and the comfort of the diners. It’s a place where groups can gather and enjoy a relaxed meal, making it ideal for family outings or a dinner with friends.

—

Location and Accessibility

Greek Islands is conveniently located in the Little Neck neighborhood of Queens, making it easily accessible for locals across the borough and beyond. The restaurant’s precise location is a key benefit for New Yorkers seeking high-quality ethnic dining without having to venture into the city center.

The physical address is:

253-17 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362, USA

For New Yorkers driving to the location, street and residential parking are available nearby. Accessibility is a key feature of the venue, which includes:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible seating

—

Services Offered

Greek Islands provides a comprehensive range of services and offerings to accommodate every dining need, reinforcing its status as a versatile local favorite:

• Service Options: Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in are all available, offering flexibility for busy New Yorkers.
• Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant happily accepts reservations to ensure you secure a table.
• Dining Options: Serving lunch and dinner, with full seating and table service provided. Catering services are also offered for special events.
• Menu Offerings: The full menu includes alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and a great wine list. They also offer coffee, comfort food, healthy options, small plates, and an extensive list of vegetarian options.
• Payment: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it perfect for family dining.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed in the outside dining areas.
• Amenities: A clean restroom is available for all guests.

—

Features / Highlights

The exceptional qualities of Greek Islands are frequently highlighted by its loyal customer base and critics alike, setting it apart in the competitive NYC dining scene:

• Authentic Atmosphere: The environment is consistently praised as authentic, cozy, and inviting, creating a comfortable space to enjoy traditional Greek culture and cuisine.
• Exceptional Owner and Service: The owner, George, is noted for his friendly, knowledgeable service and personable touch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Seafood Specialization: A core feature is their focus on fresh, whole fish, including favorites like Lavraki (Branzino), and perfectly grilled appetizers such as the tender Octopus.
• Top-Rated Appetizers: The menu boasts several standout appetizers, particularly the Homemade Spanakopita and the highly-addictive Honey Cheese Pie Triangles.
• Traditional Greek Kitchen Specialties: Diners rave about the perfectly executed classic Greek dishes, including layers of Moussaka (baked eggplant and ground beef with béchamel) and Pastitsio (baked Greek pasta and ground beef with béchamel).
• Great Dessert and Wine: The restaurant is lauded for its great dessert selection and an impressive wine list, ensuring a complete and satisfying dining experience.
• Vegetarian Choices: A wide variety of Ladera (vegetarian dishes) are available, such as Gigantes (baked giant lima beans) and Briam (baked mixed vegetables), using only fresh, non-frozen vegetables and the finest Greek extra virgin olive oil.

—

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to make a reservation, place an order, or inquire about catering, you can reach Greek Islands via the following information:

Address: 253-17 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362, USA

Phone: (718) 279-5922

—

What is Worth Choosing

While the fresh Branzino and tender Grilled Octopus are undisputed crowd-pleasers, Greek Islands offers a vast menu with many other must-try items that demonstrate the restaurant's quality and authenticity.

For appetizers, venturing beyond the octopus is highly recommended. The Homemade Spanakopita—a flaky, savory spinach pie—is a perennial favorite. For something unique and unforgettable, the Honey Cheese Pie Triangles (flash fried filo stuffed with feta and drizzled with honey) are an absolute must-order dessert or sweet/savory appetizer that consistently garners five-star feedback. The Tzatziki and the rich Tirokafteri (spicy feta spread) are also perfect starters, especially when ordered as part of the Ios Trio to sample a variety of dips.

From the main dishes, the traditional baked specialties are a highlight. The Moussaka and Pastitsio are celebrated for their authentic preparation, rich meat sauces, and velvety béchamel tops. For meat lovers, the Lamb Souvlaki—marinated chunks of charcoaled lamb served with grilled vegetables—is a popular choice from the Souvlaki section. The Gyro, offered as both a pita sandwich and a platter, is another top-ordered item, featuring perfectly sliced beef and lamb.

Seafood enthusiasts looking for an alternative to Branzino should explore the Garides (super jumbo grilled shrimp) or the Xifias (North Atlantic swordfish steak, charcoaled grilled). Furthermore, the extensive Ladera section is perfect for vegetarians, featuring home-cooked specialties like Gigantes (Greek lima beans) and Imam (baked baby eggplant stuffed with tomatoes and herbs).

In short, whether you choose a signature seafood dish, a traditional Greek kitchen specialty, or one of their exceptional appetizers, Greek Islands promises an authentic and passionately prepared meal that has earned its place as one of Little Neck's finest dining destinations for New York locals.

Greek Islands

253-17 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362, USA