Maria's Mediterranean

- 38-11 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361

### Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic taste of the Aegean without leaving Queens, **Maria's Mediterranean** in Bayside is the premier destination. This highly-regarded **Greek restaurant** offers a vibrant culinary escape, celebrated for its commitment to fresh, flavorful, and traditional Mediterranean cuisine. From classic dips and spreads to perfectly grilled meats and sensational seafood, Maria's elevates the dining experience, making it a beloved local institution.

More than just a place to eat, Maria's Mediterranean is an experience defined by its warm, inviting atmosphere—described by patrons as **Casual, Cozy, Romantic, and Trendy**. It is proudly a **women-owned** business that focuses on quality ingredients and exceptional hospitality. The menu is an expansive journey through Greek culinary traditions, featuring popular dishes like **PASTICHIO ($22.00)**, **MOUSAKA ($25.00)**, and the famously tender **Lamb Shank ($38.00)**. The kitchen excels at providing diverse options, including plentiful **Healthy options**, **Vegetarian options**, and, notably, a majority of their menu can be made **Gluten Free**, with a knowledgeable staff trained to handle allergy concerns.

The restaurant is not only a fantastic spot for a quiet **Dinner** or a bustling **Lunch**, but it also boasts a full bar, known for its **Great cocktails** and an extensive **Great wine list**, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish. Whether you're a local or a tourist exploring the best of Queens, Maria's Mediterranean promises an attentive, high-quality, and memorable taste of Greece right here in NYC.

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### Location and Accessibility

Maria's Mediterranean is ideally situated at **38-11 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361, USA**, placing it in a central, accessible, and lively corridor of the Bayside neighborhood in Queens. Bell Boulevard is a popular hub for dining and entertainment, making the restaurant easy to find and reach.

The location offers considerable convenience for drivers with a rare NYC amenity: a **Free parking lot**, in addition to both **Free street parking** and **Paid street parking** options. For those utilizing public transit, the restaurant is well-served by local transport routes in the Bayside area.

The venue is committed to inclusivity, offering a fully accessible environment with a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. Furthermore, the restaurant welcomes furry friends, with a policy of **Dogs allowed outside** in their exterior dining areas.

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### Services Offered

Maria's Mediterranean provides a comprehensive suite of dining and convenience services, catering to a diverse clientele in the New York region:

• **Dine-in:** Enjoy the full, attentive dining experience with **Table service** and comfortable **Seating** in a romantic and cozy atmosphere.
• **Outdoor Seating:** Perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks, especially with the bonus of a **Dogs allowed outside** policy.
• **Takeout and Delivery:** Convenient options are available, including standard **Delivery** and **No-contact delivery**, as well as **Curbside pickup**.
• **Reservations:** The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, with both **Lunch reservations recommended** and **Dinner reservations recommended**, particularly for peak times or larger **Groups**.
• **Full Bar Service:** Featuring an **Bar onsite** with **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor**, and an acclaimed **Wine** selection.
• **Catering:** Specialized services are available for events, allowing guests to bring the authentic taste of Maria's to any gathering.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities:** The restaurant is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**.

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### Features / Highlights

What makes Maria's Mediterranean a standout choice for Greek cuisine in Queens are its unique features and high standards across the board:

• **Exceptional Drink Program:** The bar is a major highlight, celebrated for having **Great cocktails** (with specific, high-quality drinks noted by customers), a **Great beer selection**, and a particularly well-curated **Great wine list**.
• **Health and Allergy Focus:** The menu is built around **Healthy options** and offers a wide array of **Vegetarian options**. Crucially, the kitchen can prepare a majority of dishes **Gluten Free**, and staff are well-versed in addressing allergy concerns.
• **Authentic and Diverse Menu:** Beyond the main courses, the menu is celebrated for its traditional items like the **Traditional Greek Spreads** and popular appetizers like **SAGANAKI ($16.00)** and **SPANAKOPITA ($15.00)**. The food is noted for being consistently **fresh, flavorful, and authentic**.
• **Superior Service and Ambiance:** Customer reviews consistently praise the **Top-notch service** and **Attentive and friendly** staff. The atmosphere is ideal for a **Romantic** dinner or a **Casual** meal, creating a high-quality, enjoyable dining environment.
• **Dessert Excellence:** The restaurant is lauded for its **Great dessert** selection, with specific items like the **BLUEBERRY BAKLAVA** and the cheesecake-stuffed lukomades (mentioned in a review) being called the "best dessert of the year."

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### Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about reservations and catering, you can reach Maria's Mediterranean using the following details:

• **Address:** 38-11 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361, USA
• **Phone:** (718) 279-1606

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### What is Worth Choosing

Diners at Maria's Mediterranean are spoiled for choice, but a few dishes and categories stand out as absolute must-try items for the ultimate Greek experience:

#### **Appetizers: Dips, Chips, and Starters**

Start your meal with the truly "mind-blowing" **DIPS & CHIPS** sampler, which offers a selection of six in-house made spreads, including **TZATZIKI**, **HUMMUS**, and **TIROKAFTERI**, served with freshly fried pita chips. For a hot starter, the savory **SPANAKOPITA ($15.00)**, the flaming cheese **SAGANAKI ($16.00)**, or the fresh **CRAB CAKE ($16.00)** are all highly recommended. The **KOLOKITHAKIA ($19.00)** (pan-fried zucchini chips) also comes highly praised.

#### **Mains: Meats and Traditional Greek Specials**

For meat lovers, the **BABY LAMB CHOPS ($43.00)** and the **Ribeye Steak ($59.00)** are premium choices. For a truly authentic Greek experience, you must try the signature slow-cooked dishes: the **Lamb Shank ($38.00)** is described as a "must-try" by repeat diners, and the traditional layered casseroles, **PASTICHIO ($22.00)** and **MOUSAKA ($25.00)**, are both house favorites. If dining with a group, the **SMALL MEAT PLATTER ($59.00)** or **LARGE MEAT PLATTER ($114.00)** offers a massive, satisfying array of grilled items.

#### **Seafood and Healthy Options**

Emphasizing fresh Mediterranean flavors, the seafood menu is robust. The **SALMON FILLET ($36.00)**, **SWORDFISH SOUVLAKI ($32.00)**, and the classic **Branzino** (Whole Fish) are excellent choices. For a lighter, healthy meal, explore the wide array of fresh salads, like the **Greek Salad** or the **BEET SALAD ($12.00)**, or opt for the **LENTIL ($10.00)** soup, which is **Vegan and Gluten Free**.

#### **Sides and Desserts**

A non-negotiable side is the **Lemon Potatoes**, which customers call "insanely good" and "memorable." Finally, save room for dessert. The **BLUEBERRY BAKLAVA** is a sensational twist on the classic, while the mention of the cheesecake-stuffed lukomades confirms the kitchen’s dessert mastery—a sweet finish to a magnificent Mediterranean meal in Queens.

Maria's Mediterranean

38-11 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361, USA