Meltemi Greek Restaurant

- 21 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

For residents of New Jersey, particularly those in **Bergen County**, the search for truly authentic and high-quality Mediterranean dining often leads to a delightful discovery: **Meltemi Greek Restaurant** in Ridgewood. Stepping into Meltemi is like catching a fresh breeze from the Aegean Sea—the word "Meltemi" itself refers to the strong, dry summer winds of the region—and the cuisine lives up to that evocative name, offering a genuine taste of Greece right here on **East Ridgewood Avenue**.

This exceptional restaurant has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot, despite being a relatively new presence on the local scene, having been highlighted by local media like 201 Magazine. It is a full-service **Restaurant** dedicated to providing an immersive Greek dining experience. From classic meze and richly flavored mains "From The Land" to delicate, fresh options "From The Sea," Meltemi ensures a comprehensive menu that appeals to traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

The tone inside is consistently described as **casual and cozy**, creating an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s a popular choice for both **lunch** and **dinner**, catering well to **groups** and favored by **locals**. Whether you are looking for a satisfying **solo dining** experience or planning a family meal—where the restaurant’s amenities like being **good for kids** and providing **high chairs** and a **changing table** are especially welcome—Meltemi is perfectly equipped. The menu thoughtfully includes options for a **quick bite**, **small plates** for sharing, hearty **comfort food**, and excellent **healthy options**, ensuring there’s something for every preference and dietary need.

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Location and Accessibility

Meltemi Greek Restaurant is ideally situated at **21 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA**. This prime address places it on a bustling street in the heart of Ridgewood, a central and easily accessible location within Bergen County, making it convenient for patrons traveling from nearby towns and neighborhoods.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on comprehensive **accessibility**, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Essential features include a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, a **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and importantly, **wheelchair accessible seating**. This commitment reflects a welcoming attitude towards the entire local community.

For diners arriving by car, parking options are flexible. Guests can take advantage of **free street parking** available in the area, or utilize **paid street parking** depending on the time of day and availability. The ease of access, combined with its central positioning, makes Meltemi a practical and appealing choice for any dining occasion in Northern New Jersey.

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Services Offered

Meltemi Greek Restaurant offers a wide array of services designed for maximum customer convenience and satisfaction, ensuring the delightful flavors of Greece can be enjoyed on-site or at home.

The service options available are comprehensive:

• Dine-in: Experience the cozy and casual atmosphere with full **table service** and comfortable **seating**.
• Outdoor Seating: A fantastic option to enjoy your meal al fresco, especially pleasant during warmer New Jersey weather.
• Takeout: Easily order and pick up your favorite Greek dishes to enjoy at home or the office.
• Delivery: Have the full Meltemi menu, from appetizers to entrees, delivered directly to your location.
• No-Contact Delivery: A safe and convenient option for delivery, providing peace of mind.
• Reservations: The restaurant actively **accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended for groups or during peak **dinner** hours to ensure you secure a table.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepted payment methods include **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**, making transactions smooth and efficient.

The availability of services like **table service** and the ability to **book ahead** with reservations speaks to Meltemi’s professional approach to hospitality, accommodating both planned gatherings and spontaneous outings.

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Features / Highlights

Meltemi’s menu is a journey across Greek cuisine, showcasing quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods. The highlights below demonstrate the depth and variety of their offerings, based on customer favorites and signature dishes.

Key menu and restaurant features include:

• Exceptional Seafood: A clear focus on fresh seafood dishes. The **Fresh Whole Calamari** ($29.90) and **Calamari Imia** ($35.10) have been highly praised by customers for being "crispy" and not disappointing. Other standout options include the whole fish like **Lavraki** ($59.80), the substantial **Seafood Giouvetsi** ($53.30) paired perfectly with pasta, and the flavorful **American Red Snapper** ($61.10) special.
• Traditional Spreads and Meze: Perfect for sharing, Meltemi excels at classic Greek appetizers. Diners can select an **Assortment Of 3 Spreads** ($27.30) or the full **Assortment Of All Spreads** ($36.40), including the zesty **Tzatziki** ($15.60), creamy **Revithosalata** (Hummus, $15.60), and the spicy cheese spread **Tyrokafteri** ($15.60). The **Feta Phyllo** ($23.40) and **Spanakopita** ($20.80) are also excellent choices for starting the meal.
• Hearty Land-Based Classics: For meat lovers, the menu offers rich, traditional dishes. The **Lamb Chops** ($59.80) are a premium option, while the comforting **Mousaka** ($36.40) and **Pastitsio** ($36.40) provide a true taste of home-style Greek cooking. The **Mixed Grill For Two** ($93.60) is an excellent choice for a comprehensive taste of the land-based specialties.
• Authentic Pita and Platter Options: Meltemi delivers on familiar favorites like the **Gyro Pita** ($19.50) and various Souvlaki options. The customer-reported improvement in the **gyros** compared to the prior establishment highlights their commitment to quality in even the simplest dishes.
• Premium Greek Beverages and Coffee: Beyond food, the restaurant offers an array of Greek beverages, including **Sparkling Mineral Water From Greece** ($10.40) and specialty cold coffees like **Frappe** ($9.10) and **Freddo Espresso** ($9.10), providing an authentic Athenian coffee shop experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The provision of a **Kids' menu**, **High chairs**, and a **changing table** ensures that families with young children can dine comfortably and without stress.

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Contact Information

To make a reservation, place an order for delivery or takeout, or inquire about the menu, please use the following contact details:

Address: **21 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA**

Phone: **(201) 632-0022** (or the mobile number **+1 201-632-0022**)

We recommend calling ahead, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or with a larger group, as Meltemi **accepts reservations** to better manage seating and service.

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What is Worth Choosing

Why should Meltemi Greek Restaurant be your next dining destination in New Jersey? The decision is easily justified by the restaurant's blend of high-quality cuisine, comprehensive service, and warm atmosphere.

Firstly, Meltemi stands out for its **commitment to authenticity** and fresh, quality ingredients. The positive reviews highlighting the **crispy calamari**, the delicious **baklava**, and the perfectly paired Pinot Grigio with their **Seafood Giouvetsy** all point to a high standard of kitchen execution. Even the simple side dishes, like the **Greek fries** and **spreads**, are noted for their excellence, demonstrating that attention is paid to every plate. The menu is structured to offer truly **authentic Greek cuisine**, not simply Americanized versions.

Secondly, the restaurant’s dedication to a comfortable and accommodating experience is notable. The atmosphere is **casual** and **cozy**, appealing equally to **locals** and visitors. Despite minor challenges, the staff, such as the server Niko mentioned in a review, are celebrated for being **hospitable & welcoming** and **very accommodating**, highlighting a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction.

The extensive menu variety ensures that Meltemi can cater to almost any craving or occasion. From light and fresh options like the **Horiatiki** (village salad) and **Small plates** to substantial, premium entrees like the **Lamb Chops** and whole fish specials, the kitchen delivers across the board. The inclusion of **healthy options** alongside **comfort food** ensures broad appeal.

Finally, the combination of practical amenities—including **outdoor seating**, the ability to **accept reservations**, full **accessibility**, and being fully equipped for families with a **Kids' menu** and changing facilities—positions Meltemi Greek Restaurant as a premier, all-encompassing dining establishment in the Ridgewood area. For an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, delivered with professional and friendly service right here in Bergen County, Meltemi is the clear choice.

Meltemi Greek Restaurant

21 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA