Village Taverna: Authentic Greek Cuisine in the Heart of NYC

Village Taverna Introduce

Introduction to Village Taverna: A Slice of Greece in Greenwich Village

For New Yorkers seeking an escape to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, Village Taverna on University Place offers a culinary journey right in the heart of the city. This restaurant is a beloved staple, known for serving authentic Greek cuisine that has been passed down through family for generations. Unlike trendy, fusion-focused spots, Village Taverna prides itself on tradition, providing a menu that is both extensive and deeply rooted in classic Greek flavors. The moment you step inside, the cozy and casual atmosphere welcomes you, making you feel as though you've been invited into a Greek family's home. The space is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining solo or with a group.

The restaurant's commitment to authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. From the flaky, honey-drizzled Feta Filo appetizer to the perfectly seasoned grilled meats and fresh seafood, the menu is a celebration of Greek culinary heritage. Village Taverna has become a go-to spot for locals who crave reliably delicious food and a friendly dining experience. Its reputation for being a busy, popular spot—even on a weeknight—is a testament to its consistent quality and welcoming service. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to what makes Village Taverna a must-visit destination for anyone in New York looking for a true taste of Greece.

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Location and Accessibility

Village Taverna is conveniently located at 81 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA, in a prime spot between Union Square and Washington Square Park. This makes it incredibly accessible for locals and tourists alike. The area is a hub of activity, with numerous subway lines serving the nearby Union Square station (including the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines). Its central location means you can easily stop by for lunch after a morning walk in the park or for dinner before a night out in the lively Greenwich Village neighborhood.

The restaurant is committed to providing an accessible dining experience for all guests. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the interior layout and restrooms are also designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. For those who prefer to dine outdoors, Village Taverna offers outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a meal while people-watching on a pleasant day. The restaurant also has amenities like high chairs and is considered good for kids, making it a viable option for family dining. While street parking can be a challenge in this busy area, the free and paid street parking options nearby, coupled with excellent public transportation, make it easy to visit.

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Services Offered

Village Taverna provides a variety of services to cater to every customer's needs and preferences.

Dine-in: Guests can enjoy a meal in the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with table service. It's a great spot for a relaxed lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a solo dining experience.
Outdoor Seating: A popular feature, the outdoor seating area allows for an open-air dining experience, perfect for warmer days. Dogs are also allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for takeout, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Greek dishes at home.
Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery services, ensuring you can get their delicious food brought right to your door.
Reservations: Village Taverna accepts reservations, which are highly recommended for dinner, especially on busy nights, to ensure you get a table without a long wait.
Bar Onsite: The restaurant has a full bar offering a great selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and hard liquor. It is also known for its extensive wine list, with a wide selection of Greek and international wines.

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Features and Highlights

Village Taverna is celebrated for several key features that make it a standout choice for Greek cuisine in New York.

Authentic and Delicious Appetizers: The appetizer menu is a major highlight, with fan favorites like the Feta Filo (feta wrapped in homemade filo dough with honey) and the Fried Calamari. Their spreads, such as Tzatziki, Hummus, and Tirokafteri, are also a must-try.
Extensive Menu: The menu is massive and diverse, covering a wide range of traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes. From grilled meats like the Lamb Kebab and Bifteki Skaras to seafood specialties like Grilled Octopus and Royal Dorado, there's something for every palate.
Great Wine List and Cocktails: The restaurant is known for its excellent wine list, featuring a selection of Greek wines that perfectly complement the food. They also serve a variety of cocktails and other beverages.
Quality of Food: Reviews consistently highlight the high quality and freshness of the ingredients. The food is often described as being reliably good, with generous, family-style portions. Popular dishes include the Mixed Grill Platter, Chicken Souvlaki, and the traditional Moussaka and Pastitsio.
Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a significant draw. It's a casual and cozy space that feels warm and inviting, making it an excellent place for groups and a comfortable spot for solo dining.
Fast and Friendly Service: Despite being a busy place, the service is often praised for being fast and attentive. The staff is confident and friendly, providing excellent recommendations for both food and drinks.

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Contact Information

For more information, you can contact Village Taverna directly.

Address: 81 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 982-3457

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What is Worth Choosing: A Taste of Authentic Greek Hospitality

Choosing a restaurant in New York City can be overwhelming, but Village Taverna stands out as a top contender for anyone craving an authentic and comforting Greek meal. What makes it truly worth choosing is not just the food, but the entire experience. The menu is an ode to Greek tradition, offering hearty and flavorful dishes that feel both authentic and genuinely delicious. The appetizers alone are worth the visit, particularly the Feta Filo with its perfect balance of savory cheese and sweet honey, or the crispy zucchini chips served with homemade tzatziki. These dishes are so good that they are often cited as some of the best in the city. For the main course, the Moussaka and Pastitsio are classics that are rich and authentic, while the Lamb Kebab and whole grilled fish offer lighter, but equally satisfying options. The generous portions ensure you get great value for your money.

The restaurant's atmosphere is another major reason to choose Village Taverna. It is consistently described as a busy but warm and inviting space, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re meeting a large group of friends, having a celebratory dinner with family, or simply enjoying a quiet meal alone, the setting is always perfect. The outdoor seating is a significant bonus, providing a great spot to enjoy the city's energy while you dine. The service is also a key highlight. Staff members are known for being friendly, confident, and knowledgeable about the menu, adding a personal touch that enhances the dining experience. Their recommendations for food and wine are often spot-on, helping you discover new favorites.

In a city filled with endless dining options, Village Taverna offers a sense of reliability and comfort. It's a place where the food is consistently amazing, the portions are generous, and the service makes you feel like family. Its enduring popularity, with lines forming on a Monday night, is the best testament to its quality. For a true taste of Greece and a dining experience that feels both authentic and genuinely welcoming, Village Taverna is the perfect choice for any New Yorker.

Village Taverna Menu

Beverages
Fountain Sodas $4.00
16 oz.
Souroti $7.00
750 ml. Naturally sparkling mineral water.
Theoni $7.00
One ltr. Flat bottled water.

Specialty Cheese Selections
Psito Manouri $12.95
Manouri cheese grilled with a honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Feta Dodonis $9.95
Barrel feta served with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with oregano.
Feta Filo $18.95
Greek barrel feta wrapped in a homemade filo dough topped with honey and sesame.
Haloumi $14.95
Cyprian cheese grilled, served with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and lemon.
Saganaki $18.95
Pan-fried graviera cheese served with seasonal fruit and drizzled with thyme honey.
Graviera Kasteliani $17.95
Mild graviera cheese lightly breaded, pan-seared, and finished with honey and sesame.

Seasonal Specials
Organic Chicken $38.00
Free-range chicken (half) pan seared and oven finished served with seasonal mushrooms, green peas, baby carrots & chicken aujus.
Feta Phyllo Special $24.00
Flash fried Greek imported feta cheese wrapped in prosciutto & phyllo dough served with homemade fig-apricot jam.
Beet Salad $24.00
Seasonal roasted beets, strawberries, orange segments, caramelized almonds, fresh mint & feta cheese tossed with beet-honey dressing.
Watermelon Salad $25.00
Golden tomatoes, baby arugula, flash fried breaded goat cheese & blackberry dressing.

Gyros and Souvlaki
Kalamakia $33.95
Platter of ten traditional skewers.
Filet Mignon Platter $35.95
Skewers of marinated chunks of fillet mignon grilled and served over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.
Chicken Gyro Platter $27.95
Chicken gyro served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.
Chicken Souvlaki $27.95
Skewers of grilled marinated chicken served over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.
Souvlaki Platter $27.95
Skewers of marinated pork chunks grilled and served over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.
Shrimp Souvlaki $34.95
Skewers of grilled marinated shrimp served over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.
Gyro Platter $27.95
Lamb-beef gyro served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese over rice pilaf or french fries with grilled pita.

Salads
1 Lb Mixed Olives $15.00
Kalamata, Green Cracked & Mammoth Olives
Feta Dodonis $9.95
Barrel Feta served with EVOO & seasoned with mountain oregano.
Prasini Salad $20.50
Chopped green leaf lettuce, scallions, dill, and feta cheese tossed in an extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette.
Domatosalata Salad $20.50
Vine ripen tomatoes, red onions seasoned with oregano, and extra virgin olive oil.
Dakos Salad $20.50
A mixture of large barley rusks, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, capers, and extra virgin olive oil.
Chopped Salad $19.00
Tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers, feta cheese, scallions, red onion, chickpeas, capers, olives, and toasted pita chips, with a lemon vinaigrette.
Horyatiki Salad $20.50
Tomato, cucumber, feta, olives, green peppers, and red onions served with an extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette.
Village Salad $20.50
Mixed greens, grilled manouri cheese, croutons, cherry tomatoes, and white and dark sesame with honey balsamic vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Spreads
Patzaria $15.95
Farm fresh beets marinated, cooked in a light vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil served with skordalia spread.
Cruditee Mix $5.00
Fresh sliced cucumbers & carrots.
Skordalia $11.95
Garlic spread made with garlic, potatoes, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
Tzatziki $11.95
Traditional Greek dip made with shredded cucumbers, thick Greek yogurt, garlic, fresh chopped dill, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
Sliced Cucumbers $3.00
Fresh sliced cucumbers
Silogy $32.95
A Selection of Spreads. (Tirokafteri, Hummus, Taramosalata, Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata & Skordalia)
Pikilia $20.95
A Selection of three cold spreads. (Tzatziki, Taramosalata & Skordalia)
Taramosalata $11.95
Greek style caviar spread made with red caviar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, shallots, and extra virgin olive oil.
Sliced Carrots $3.00
Sliced Carrots.
Tirokafteri $11.95
Tangy puree of three Greek cheeses, feta, manouri, and graviera that are folded, flavored with Greek spices and hot peppers.
Feta Cheese $3.00
1.5 oz Feta Cheese
Melitzanosalata $12.95
Pureed fine roasted eggplant spread made with fresh ground eggplants, garlic, vinegar, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil.
Hummus $11.95
Pureed chick pea spread made with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, tahini, and extra virgin olive oil.

Warm Appetizers
Octapodi $28.95
Char grilled fresh octopus with capers, red onion, and roasted red peppers.
Fried Calamari $20.95
Fried baby squid served with fresh garlic aioli, red pepper aioli, and marinara sauce.
Spanakopitakia $14.95
Spinach and feta cheese blended and individually wrapped in filo dough.
Keftedes $16.95
Greek style seasoned meatballs served with a yogurt dipping sauce.
Kolokithokeftedes $19.50
Zucchini croquettes stuffed with feta, manouri cheese, fresh herbs, tomato marmalade, and tzatziki.
Veggie Chips $18.95
Lightly fried zucchini and eggplant chips served with tzatziki.
Dolmades $15.95
Grape leaves stuffed with ground beef, rice, fresh dill, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.
Alcoholic Octopus $30.95
Octopus cooked in mavrodafni wine. All spice and caramelized balsamic dressing.
Loukaniko $16.95
Char grilled Greek sausage served with lemon sauce.
Shrimp Saganaki $23.95
Mikrolimano, shrimp cooked in a tomato sauce, ouzo, and diced feta cheese.
Keftedakia Kokinista $17.95
Meatballs made with ouzo, herbs, spices baked in a light tomato mint sauce, and crumbled feta cheese.

Sides
2 Oz Romesco Sauce $3.00
Romesco sauce made with walnuts, roasted red peppers, bread crumbs, vinegar & EVOO.
Patates Tiganites $8.95
Hand-cut fries seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and oregano.
Veggie Rice $7.95
Lightly sautéed vegetables with basmati rice.
Patates Sto Fourno $7.95
Oven roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon and oregano.
Side Pita Bread $3.00
Pita Bread
2 Oz Tzatziki $3.00
Traditional Greek dip made with shredded cucumbers, thick Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, vinegar & EVOO.
Spanaki Me Skordo $11.00
Sautéed spinach with garlic.
Horta $8.95
Seasonal wild greens with lemon and olive oil.
Spanakorizo $13.00
Spinach, rice pilaf with fresh tomatoes, and dill.
Sautéed Vegetables $12.00
Sautéed seasonal vegetables.

Soups
Avgolemono Soup $12.00
Traditional Greek chicken soup made with rice and thickened with an egg-lemon sauce.

Pita Wraps
Chicken Souvlaki Wrap $13.95
Pork Souvlaki Wrap $13.95
Chicken Gyro Wrap $13.95
Beef Gyro Wrap $13.95
Sautéed Vegetables Wrap $13.95
Bifteki Wrap $13.95

From the Grill
Bifteki Skaras $30.50
Chargrilled Greek seasoned burgers.
Paidakia $48.00
Char-grilled baby lamb chops, seasoned with a mixture of Greek spices, finished with fresh lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.
Mixed Grill Platter $49.00
A combination of gyro, loukaniko, chicken gyro, souvlaki, and bifteki.
Lamb Kebab $48.00
Chargrilled marinated lamb chunks and served with sautéed seasonal vegetables.
Kotopoulo Skaras $29.00
Chargrilled chicken breast seasoned with oregano, herbs, and spices with extra virgin olive oil.
Bifteki Yemisto $31.95
Chargrilled Greek seasoned burger topped with cheese and tomatoes.

Seafood
Royal Dorado $45.00
Char-broil mediterranean fish with extra virgin olive oil. White flesh fish with a clean flavor and meaty texture.
Salmon $36.95
Fresh salmon grilled with extra virgin olive oil.
Lavraki $43.00
Mediterranean sea bass grilled with extra virgin olive oil.
Shrimp $35.95
Fresh premium shrimp sautéed in fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.

Desserts
Baklava $9.00
Layers and layers of a light and crisp filo dough filled with a mixture of honey and walnuts, and baked golden brown.
Portokalopita $12.00
Greek style orange pie made with filo dough, Greek yogurt & orange syrup.
Greek Yogurt $8.95
Homemade yogurt served with honey and walnut.
Galaktoboureko $9.00
A custard pie that is a combination of a cream custard and flaky filo dough. Baked golden brown, topped with a lemon, and orange infused syrup.

Traditional Greek Entrées
Moussaka $27.50
Oven-baked casserole of layered zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, spiced ground beef, and bechamel served in an individual casserole.
Yemista $25.95
Wild rice and seasoned with fresh herbs.
Pastitsio $25.50
Oven-baked layers of thick Greek pasta mixed with spiced ground beef and topped with bechamel creme served in an individual casserole.
Vegetarian Moussaka $25.00
Oven-baked casserole of layered zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, roasted red peppers, cauliflower, portobello mushrooms, kefalograviera cheese and bechamel creme served in an individual casserole.
Lamb Shank Yiouvetsi $35.00
Oven-baked lamb shank, orzo pasta, celery, tomatoes, onions, herbs, spices with feta cheese, and served in an individual casserole.
Makaronada $22.00
Spaghetti with traditional Greek meat sauce and crumbled graviera cheese.

Village Taverna Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Village Taverna Photos

Village Taverna Location

Village Taverna

New York New York County New York University Place

81 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Village Taverna Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 940 user reviews.

platterdiningappetizerlamb shankhalloumispreadsdipslemon potatoesfaregreek wines

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Reliably good! The appetizers are amazing — the feta filo is one of my favorite appetizers in the city, the pita bread is so fresh and tasty, and the zucchini balls are also excellent.
September 13 · Tay Jacobe
Iv been to this restaurant 4 times and every time food was delicious.Lady night we ordered grilled octopus, village salad (which had grilled soft cheese in it - never had it before and it was surprisingly good, it tasted like halumi but was soft almost like ricotta), lamb chops and chocolate cake.In the past Iv also had whole fish, grape leaves, chicken from the grill, and different salads. Everything was amazing!We got to the restaurant at 6pm and place was super busy already, by the time we were leaving it was PACKED and had line for table (which is avoid sign for Monday night).And one more thing - I really like service here, happened to have same server for last couple times and he is very confident about food and drink recommendations and very friendly.
April 15 · Natalia Serova
OMG I was not expecting this quality of Mediterranean food outside of Greece! My wife and I decided we wanted something light after spending multiple days in NYC. We have been to Greece so there's always that wish that we will find a place in the states that comes close to the quality of authentic Greek food here in the US. I think we found it! We came early in the morning and could not have been more pleased with the food. Our dishes were fantastic, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was so nice. Sadly, we live in California but if we ever come back to NYC, we are making a b-line to Village Taverna for a great time ☺️
April 21 · Paul
Service was perfect. They are so nice and attentive. The food was phenomenal. If you are looking for a great Mediterranean spot and are a meat lover, this is the place. I already can’t wait to come back soon.
July 26 · Amy
This place is great. Large portions, upbeat environment and an all around fun time. I ordered the gyro platter which was really, really good. In fact, the portions were enough for two people to share. If you enjoy Greek food, then you should check this place out.
June 04 · David Ryan