Owned and operated by Chef Michael Psilakis and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia (both often seen as judges on various Food Network shows), Kefi has been one of our favorite neighborhood gems. It serves the best rustic, comforting Greek food. With appetizers under $10 and entrees under $20, Kefi is one of the best deals in the city.
It was originally located on W 79th Street in a smaller space but is now in a much needed two-level space a few blocks away. Unlike the old space, the new Kefi takes reservations, credit cards, serves lunch, but retains much of the same, affordable menu items that brings in the crowds.
It was originally located on W 79th Street in a smaller space but is now in a much needed two-level space a few blocks away. Unlike the old space, the new Kefi takes reservations, credit cards, serves lunch, but retains much of the same, affordable menu items that brings in the crowds.
Our drinks of choice: At left is an affordable, fruity and balanced Xinomavro wine from Boutari (Greek, of course!) and a crisp Radebeger Pilsner (ok, it's German) on draft is always a good pick.
Greek Salad ($6.50): This is our favorite Greek salad in the city! It is so light, fresh, and crispy. There's so much flavor with the olives, feta cheese, pepperoncini, red peppers, finely shredded lettuce, and extra virgin olive oil.
Grilled Octopus Bean Salad ($9.95) with tomatoes: The octopus is meaty and tender while the white bean salad is nicely marinated.
Sweetbreads ($7.95) with spinach, crispy shallots, and garlic: We cannot get enough of this rich dish - the sweetbreads are pan roasted and the sauce is very garlicky.
Pan seared striped bass ($15.95) with green beans, potatoes, caspers, and olives. With crispy skin and flaky meat, this fish entree was simple but satisfying. We love food cooked with just olive oil as it allows the pure flavor of fresh vegetables to shine through.
Grilled swordfish ($16.50) with tomatoes, cauliflower, and olives: This is a meaty fish - it's like the steak of fish - and was perfectly seared. The vegetables were earthy and like most dishes here, cooked with olive oil and lots of garlic.
Flat pasta, pulled braised rabbit, and graviera cheese ($11.95): There's a nice almost sweet taste to this hearty dish. The cheese is melted and the rabbit is tender.
Shrimp, Spinach, Orzo, Feta, and tomatoes ($13.95): There were four very large and plump shrimps in this dish. The orzo is wonderfully plump and
We love this place and hope they bring back our favorite dish from the old location: Moussaka. We asked our server and she said that the chef was not happy with the consistency of the dish so it was taken off the menu. We told her if they needed taste-testers for the dish, we'd be more than happy to volunteer!
Kefi is located at 505 Columbus Ave (at W85th St) in NYC.
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