We spotted Ammos Estiatorio while dining at Urbanspace Vanderbilt, next to Grand Central Terminal and decided to go there for Valentine’s Day. Surprisingly, the place was not that crowded and they sat us at one of the tables upstairs, an area fairly quiet.

We ditched the Valentine’s Day menu that seemed pricey ($95 per person) and preferred ordering from the menu, sharing few appetizers. Here is what we had:

We started with the pikilia or dips. We could either order a few for $9 each or 5 for $24. We decided to go for the latter as it seemed to be a good deal and a great opportunity to try the following dips:

- tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber),

- melitzanosalata (eggplant),

- hitpiti (red peppers and feta),

-skordalia (potato and garlic),

- taramasalata (spread made with salted and cured fish roe).

The latter not being vegetarian, I asked the waiter if they could switch it with another spread but he refused. I admit that I was surprised and found it disappointing as usually, restaurants accept graciously.

The spreads were served with pita, my favorite being the tzatziki, eggplant and then red pepper and feta one. The taramasalata did not have much taste...

Next was the Kolokhito-Keftedes or zucchini fritters that were sitting on tzatziki. Stuffed with cheese, they were deliciously soft and gooey in the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

It was followed by the saganaki, graviera cheese flambé with brandy and topped with figs. It was delicious! Much better than the one we had a couple of weeks before at Kellari Taverna.

I always go for a non-vegetarian dish and typically, when ina Greek restaurant, I order an appetizer with octopus. But not this time as they had grilled sardines (psites sardeles). They were three of them, served with the head. It was pretty good, but I admit that I would have preferred them deboned.

I should mention that with my meal I got a glass of ouzo.

Last was dessert. We hesitated between the baklava and the karidopita that is a walnut cake dipped in honey cinnamon syrup. We finally went for the latter. It was good but I regretted a bit not going for the baklava. With the description, I was expecting something a bit more decadent and I admit that the fact the the ice cream was frozen burned did not help.

At least the Greek coffee I had with it was great.

So overall it was ok. The food there is good but a bit pricey for what it is. I still prefer Molyvos for a great Greek meal or some of the places in Astoria.

Enjoy (I still did)!

Ammos Estiatorio - 52 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017

Ammos Estiatorio in NYC, NY

I Just Want To Eat!