Ammos Restaurant

(212) 922-9999

52 Vanderbilt Ave (45th Street)
New York, NY 10017 40.7541 -73.9772

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Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown

Hours:

Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Restaurants, Lounges, Catering

Payment Methods:

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot, Casual Date Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Theater District Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Bar Scene, Private Parties

Cuisine:

Tapas / Small Plates, Greek, Mediterranean, Seafood

Event Planning Services:

Corporate Events

What People Are Saying About Ammos Restaurant

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Sandstone pillars, sweeping ceilings and suspended umbrellas create drama at this Greek refuge. A two-story wall of wine stretches to the mezzanine, while an oversized image of a boat drifting on a turquoise sea decorated with ammos--the Greek word for sand--transports diners to the isles. The wide-ranging menu of regional selections is overwhelming and difficult to pronounce; luckily the mostly Greek staff translates. Superior mezedes--octopus stew in rich tomato sauce, smoky eggplant salad prepared tableside and sharable assortment of house-made spreads--tantalize. Seafood fans will rejoice…

Editor's Tips

Save Money:
Know that whole grilled fish listed by the pound is often feeds multiple people, and the listed price will be multiplied by the weight of that fish that day.
ambiance
86.66999816894531% positive
  1. My only visit to Ammos proved to be a wonderful experience complete with delicious plate of food after delicious plate of food, great wine, excellent service and a wonderful Greek atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands.
  2. There was definitely not that cozy feeling you usually get in a typical greek restaurant.
  3. have been here a few times before and I really like the whole ambience that this place projects.
  4. very good food ,great service,nice ambiance
  5. The decor inside is great.
  6. Did I mention what a beautiful room, the decor was subtle and sophisticated.
  7. There was just something very uncomfortable abou the place that i cannot place my finger on - may have been the rudeness of the bartender who believed he was God's gift to the world, the rudeness of the patrons or even the layout of the place, which is no
  8. the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did
  9. Ammos set the romantic mood for my date and I. We had a fabulous time, the decor was beautiful and the food was absolutely amazing, we would definitely come back.
  10. The decor was very cozy and warm.
  11. The food coupled with the atmosphere combined for a terrific dining experience.
  12. Class and style in a romantic setting
  13. The music and ambience is great.
  14. The setting can be romantic or jovial--take your pick but be forewarned, either way you will NOT be disappointed!
  15. lovely room where spartan decor that proves to be cool and warm, at the same trime, and a great midtown location are just about the nicest thing one can say about Ammos in Manhattan (there's an eponymous eatery in Astoria).
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. The manager offer ed us a big plate with various Greek desserts, once he knew that it was my friends bday.
  2. My first visit to Ammos was excellent all around: from the very pleasant hostesses who greeted us at the door, to the delicious appetizers, main course and desserts (Greek Coffee ice cream-my favorite & highly recommended), great music, to the extremely f
  3. Great Fresh Fish, they Import overnight from Greece, Amazing & interesting wine list up to 150 bottles all over regions of Greece, Desserts was superb, at the and they gave as a complimentary dessert wine- That was a great move!
  4. Excellent service, Fresh Branzini, good Greek wines- it's good to pay at the end feel proud- try the walnut cake with fig ice cream
  5. The dessert was absolutely delicious.
drinks
87.1500015258789% positive
  1. Staff and Matrie'ds very educated and helped us decide menu choices and select beautiful greek wine to accompany our evening.
  2. have been twice at the bar and once in the tasteful dining room on a first date.
  3. My only visit to Ammos proved to be a wonderful experience complete with delicious plate of food after delicious plate of food, great wine, excellent service and a wonderful Greek atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands.
  4. Excellent service, Fresh Branzini, good Greek wines- it's good to pay at the end feel proud- try the walnut cake with fig ice cream
  5. Went last Friday with friends, but it's too bad that the bartender doesn't know how to make a drink and has a terrible personality.
  6. usually stay nearby and It was always perfect for someone dining alone to eat at the bar and enjoy a nice glass of wine and good conversation.
  7. One of whom looks like slightly younger version of John Mcenroe and served us a gourmet cheese sampler, paired it with a fabulous red wine and made us laugh at a story about cats on the Titanic (random)!
  8. The owner hands out delicious bar snacks which adds a nice touch.
  9. The wine list by the glass really leaves much to be desired, but the beautiful greek bartender more than makes up for it.
  10. Great Fresh Fish, they Import overnight from Greece, Amazing & interesting wine list up to 150 bottles all over regions of Greece, Desserts was superb, at the and they gave as a complimentary dessert wine- That was a great move!
  11. Ammos offered an authentic menu with great wines from Greece.
  12. It is a nice restaurant where you can spend some time to feel the delicacy of the Greek sea-food paired with the nice and very refreshing wines, in a fine ambient taken from the islands of Greece in the company of the Greek music and an attentive service.
  13. restaurant you can eat and have a great dimming experience, also have great selection of fine wines like any other good manhattan restaurant!
  14. Took the time to talk to me and my guest while servicing a pretty full bar.
  15. Ammos is great for client lunches or after work drinks and dinner.
  16. Very fresh fish- reasonble prices and very good wines!
  17. For the latter experience, the young man waiting on us was charming and knowledgeable about the extensive wine-list.
  18. the wait staff was so attentive and the greek wine was extraordinary.
  19. The somalier suggested a bottle of wine to compliment our food.
  20. The girl bartender is so cool, she got me hooked on this strawberry drink she makes and was even sweet enough to write the receipe on a napkin for me.
  21. Within the first ten minutes of waiting at the bar for the rest of my party to arrive, I had a lovely conversation with the bartender who was both knowledgeable and attentive (even though she had a full bar).
  22. Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small.
  23. the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did
  24. have to recommend this both for a lovely dinner destination as well as a great place simply hanging out at the candlelit bar.
food quality
95.67000389099121% positive
  1. Ammos has excellent service and the food is delicious.
  2. The dessert was absolutely delicious.
  3. Great food.
  4. The best mezedes was a salad of red and yellow tomatoes spiked with excellent feta and a well balanced dressing.
  5. amazing service, fresh fish from Greece specialy now with the oil promblem i dont want to risk it !
  6. It was a duo: a perfectly frenched chops like a lolli-pop with Indian Spices on whipped potatoes and nice sea salt- and their version of Moussaka, which was a mini dutch oven (covered and presented table-side) filled with Braised Lamb Leg, grilled eggplan
  7. Octopus is amazing and so is the cypriot cheese dish.
  8. The others in my group had the seafood and other items and thought the food was wonderful as well.
  9. We came here for lunch and thought the food and service were excellent.
  10. The sommelier recommended a delicious Chardonnay that was a perfect complement to our food selections.
  11. The seafood was so fresh and delish.
  12. The tuna and octopus were incredible as well as the scallops and steak.
  13. Everything was delicious from the pikilia to the spanakopita and from the keftedes rizotto to the stuffed calamari.
  14. Scallops were also delicious (prepared creatively in a white buerre blanc with cauliflower and Brussell sprouts).
  15. Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small.
  16. great place for a great food
  17. Good food.
  18. Crudo and crab salad with avacado and watermelon was great.
  19. believe that this restaurant will continue to provide great service and fantastic food, which is why I will return very soon.
  20. Very fresh fish- reasonble prices and very good wines!
  21. recommend the Crudo and Scallops for anyone looking to try classic dishes with new, inventive twists.
  22. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad or anything but I wouldn't rave about it to a friend if we were discussing best dishes.
  23. In addition to a superb meal, the chef came out and introduced one of his dishes, the tuna collar.
  24. the seafood is usually not very fresh and the rest of the food is mediocre at best.
  25. The minute we sat down they brought us fresh bread , like they do in Greece and the most delicious olives I ever had.
  26. very good food ,great service,nice ambiance
  27. The spreads and bread was amazing-
  28. We had at least 5 of the appetizers on the menu, which all were delicious.
  29. I've only eaten some of apps - all delicious and probably moderately healthy - nothing fried or battered.
  30. Usually order the Greek salad and Grilled Octopus to start and the Fagri which we share or the lamb chops which is amazing for main course.
  31. The manager, who also designed the menu chose some of the best dishes for my table.
  32. The food coupled with the atmosphere combined for a terrific dining experience.
  33. The somalier suggested a bottle of wine to compliment our food.
  34. My only visit to Ammos proved to be a wonderful experience complete with delicious plate of food after delicious plate of food, great wine, excellent service and a wonderful Greek atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands.
  35. highly recommend Ammos if you are looking for GREAT Greek food!
  36. The food was so flavorful and I had the vegetarian dishes.
  37. This is a nice place, however not consistant with food or service quality.
  38. Try Trata instead for some amazing food (and where management treats you with huge care and respect) or even Rafina if you dont mind venturing up that far up the east side.
  39. Fish by the pound is expensive but if you love fish, it is worth it.
  40. Ammos offered an authentic menu with great wines from Greece.
  41. It was so fresh and had ben prepared on a grill having the perfect balance of flavor and char with a hint of lemon, this was a great starter.
  42. It is a nice restaurant where you can spend some time to feel the delicacy of the Greek sea-food paired with the nice and very refreshing wines, in a fine ambient taken from the islands of Greece in the company of the Greek music and an attentive service.
  43. But the others we tried were wonderful, notably the salads with fresh beets.
  44. The food was amazing at Ammos and the service superb!
  45. My first visit to Ammos was excellent all around: from the very pleasant hostesses who greeted us at the door, to the delicious appetizers, main course and desserts (Greek Coffee ice cream-my favorite & highly recommended), great music, to the extremely f
  46. the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did
  47. Ammos is nice looking spot with some good seafood dishes.
  48. Ammos set the romantic mood for my date and I. We had a fabulous time, the decor was beautiful and the food was absolutely amazing, we would definitely come back.
  49. The owner hands out delicious bar snacks which adds a nice touch.
  50. The food is very good, service is excellent.
  51. Kalamari should be light and melt in your mouth and the flavors of lemon and oregano should be abundant and run rampant in many traditional Greek dishes.
  52. Ok, so my friend and I decide to go out for a nice meal and run into this place.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. restaurant you can eat and have a great dimming experience, also have great selection of fine wines like any other good manhattan restaurant!
  2. Ammos offered an authentic menu with great wines from Greece.
  3. Really interesting menu--greek staples, plus a few items you wouldn't find in the typical greek restaurant.
  4. The manager, who also designed the menu chose some of the best dishes for my table.
  5. For the latter experience, the young man waiting on us was charming and knowledgeable about the extensive wine-list.
  6. Usually get the pre-fix menu which is always great.
  7. The sommelier recommended a delicious Chardonnay that was a perfect complement to our food selections.
  8. Staff and Matrie'ds very educated and helped us decide menu choices and select beautiful greek wine to accompany our evening.
  9. We had at least 5 of the appetizers on the menu, which all were delicious.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. ...Ammos is definetly one of my favorite restaurant!
  2. Ok, so my friend and I decide to go out for a nice meal and run into this place.
  3. great place
  4. great place for a great food
  5. the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did
  6. It is a nice restaurant where you can spend some time to feel the delicacy of the Greek sea-food paired with the nice and very refreshing wines, in a fine ambient taken from the islands of Greece in the company of the Greek music and an attentive service.
  7. My favorite restaurant
  8. restaurant you can eat and have a great dimming experience, also have great selection of fine wines like any other good manhattan restaurant!
  9. have to recommend this both for a lovely dinner destination as well as a great place simply hanging out at the candlelit bar.
  10. This is a nice place, however not consistant with food or service quality.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. Overall I really liked this place and will come back soon.
  2. believe that this restaurant will continue to provide great service and fantastic food, which is why I will return very soon.
  3. Ammos set the romantic mood for my date and I. We had a fabulous time, the decor was beautiful and the food was absolutely amazing, we would definitely come back.
service
85.05000114440918% positive
  1. But it lacks that feeling of being someplace you are welcome and management is rude, has an awful attitude and lied and tried to cheat us on our bill even when the rest of our table confirmed pricing when we placed our orders.
  2. The food was amazing at Ammos and the service superb!
  3. My first visit to Ammos was excellent all around: from the very pleasant hostesses who greeted us at the door, to the delicious appetizers, main course and desserts (Greek Coffee ice cream-my favorite & highly recommended), great music, to the extremely f
  4. We came here for lunch and thought the food and service were excellent.
  5. It is a nice restaurant where you can spend some time to feel the delicacy of the Greek sea-food paired with the nice and very refreshing wines, in a fine ambient taken from the islands of Greece in the company of the Greek music and an attentive service.
  6. The service was great.
  7. Service was attentive, but not obsequious.
  8. believe that this restaurant will continue to provide great service and fantastic food, which is why I will return very soon.
  9. Food was excellent, service good and try the feta napolean, great!
  10. very good food ,great service,nice ambiance
  11. The bartender was great.
  12. The manager, who also designed the menu chose some of the best dishes for my table.
  13. After getting decent service for a busy night, we had an issue with our check.
  14. The wine list by the glass really leaves much to be desired, but the beautiful greek bartender more than makes up for it.
  15. The food is very good, service is excellent.
  16. Ammos has excellent service and the food is delicious.
  17. Went last Friday with friends, but it's too bad that the bartender doesn't know how to make a drink and has a terrible personality.
  18. The service is not good but who cares.
  19. amazing service, fresh fish from Greece specialy now with the oil promblem i dont want to risk it !
  20. Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small.
  21. Excellent service, Fresh Branzini, good Greek wines- it's good to pay at the end feel proud- try the walnut cake with fig ice cream
  22. Some days the service is excellent, and yet not so on other days.
  23. There was just something very uncomfortable abou the place that i cannot place my finger on - may have been the rudeness of the bartender who believed he was God's gift to the world, the rudeness of the patrons or even the layout of the place, which is no
  24. The manager offer ed us a big plate with various Greek desserts, once he knew that it was my friends bday.
  25. We received excellent and friendly service starting with the host, continuing with the bartender, and finally from our server.
  26. the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did
  27. The girl bartender is so cool, she got me hooked on this strawberry drink she makes and was even sweet enough to write the receipe on a napkin for me.
  28. the maitre d and all the waiters were on top of their tables all night long it was nice to see people taking care u providing u a good service
  29. the wait staff was so attentive and the greek wine was extraordinary.
  30. Great service.
  31. Within the first ten minutes of waiting at the bar for the rest of my party to arrive, I had a lovely conversation with the bartender who was both knowledgeable and attentive (even though she had a full bar).
  32. My only visit to Ammos proved to be a wonderful experience complete with delicious plate of food after delicious plate of food, great wine, excellent service and a wonderful Greek atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands.
  33. Everything the waiter recommended was right on the ball!
  34. This is a nice place, however not consistant with food or service quality.
value
55.0% positive
  1. Try Trata instead for some amazing food (and where management treats you with huge care and respect) or even Rafina if you dont mind venturing up that far up the east side.
  2. Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small.
  3. But it lacks that feeling of being someplace you are welcome and management is rude, has an awful attitude and lied and tried to cheat us on our bill even when the rest of our table confirmed pricing when we placed our orders.
  4. Very fresh fish- reasonble prices and very good wines!
  5. Fish by the pound is expensive but if you love fish, it is worth it.
wait time
72.91999816894531% positive
  1. The minute we sat down they brought us fresh bread , like they do in Greece and the most delicious olives I ever had.
  2. Within the first ten minutes of waiting at the bar for the rest of my party to arrive, I had a lovely conversation with the bartender who was both knowledgeable and attentive (even though she had a full bar).
  3. Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small.
  4. the maitre d and all the waiters were on top of their tables all night long it was nice to see people taking care u providing u a good service
1 Star Rating: Poor

12/24/11

The Management Really Blew It

by KimL13 at Citysearch

This review is based on how the management at Ammos mishandled our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding this past October.

We chose Ammos to host our rehearsal dinner because we had been happy with the food, service and treatment on several prior occasions. In July, we met with two managers who seemed very eager to please and went over the details of our 60 person event with us seemingly very carefully. We told them that we wanted a private event and they agreed, stipulating that we had to be out by 9:30pm because they had another party coming in. I recall this conversation distinctly because they were very hesitant at first to offer a "buy out," because it was Saturday night, but they did, in fact, agree to let us have the place to ourselves until 9:30pm. In the contract we received soon after, the dinner was listed as "private event."

As the event drew closer, we discussed a couple of changes to the menu: one of which was extremely important. My Aunt is extremely allergic to fish--she could go into anaphylaxis--and we made it very clear fish had to be taken off the menu.

We also made a point of saying that we wanted our guests to be able to get up and make speeches. They assured us that they had a microphone and sound system that we could use for this purpose.

So...the Big Night comes and we arrive early to get ready. We are shown where our tables are all set-up and we see another table of 25 set that was not a part of our number but right next to us. When we asked what this was, the manager present said that it was a birthday party that was coming in. Our stomachs fell to our feet. When we asked about our private event that we were promised, the manager told us that we had a "private event"--that the table of 25 was also a "private event"--and that there was yet another "private event" that was going to be in the loft area upstairs and visible from our "private event." The manager said that they never agreed on a "buy out," but they absolutely did.

To make matters worse, as we were in the heat of discussing our distress and disappointment over their failure to live up to what any reasonable person would consider a "private event," they started seating random people that were coming in off the street for dinner.

As if you couldn't see this coming, they served a fish spread when they were specifically told no fish could be served. Luckily, as soon as we realized this, we swept it off the table where my Aunt was dining. Disaster averted. Nothing ruins a rehearsal dinner more than one of the key guests dropping dead from an allergic reaction.

Oh yes, and the microphone they promised us for our speeches--now being made in a room of our friends, family and a whole gaggle of strangers dining and having their own "private event" in the same room--was hanging from the loft area down into the main dining room, like they have at a boxing match. Ugggh.

Fortunately, our friends and family were very happy for us and in the mood to celebrate and we did not let these setbacks ruin our evening. We felt sorry for the birthday party who also expected a "private event' and were compromised. So, we overcame the obstacles and had a wonderful evening, despite what was promised and certainly not delivered.

We will never give any more business to Ammos in the future, nor will any of our family or friends. The management really blew it.

1 Star Rating: Poor

10/03/11

OVERPRICED & OVERATED

by NataBen at Citysearch

DO NOT GO TO AMMOS EVER TO THROW A PARTY WHEN THEY CONVERT IT INTO A LOUNGE/CLUB. BECAUSE THEY ADVERTISE EVERYONE FREE ADMISSION BEFORE 12AM AND THAT IS FALSE ADVERTISEMENT. Just yesterday I invited all my loved ones and close friends to a get together for my 25th birthday and it turned out to be a disaster. They advertise free Admission before 12a, I and a few other arrived at the about 9:30-10:30p and not only did they tell people who arrived to wait outside (in the freezing rain) made us wait outside until 11:30p and began charging women $10 at the door men $15, $20. They request $50 tab if you want to buy at drink at the bar with your credit card. They charged one of my guest who arrived later $60+ because he wore denim (which he wore dress shirt and shoes btw). And when I asked them over the phone, in person if what they Advertised online was correct they give you the run around and avoid answering you directly. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY, I'M SAVING YOU A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY AND HEADACHE. PLEASE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT... DO NOT GO!!!!! JUST YOU WILL BE WASTING YOUR TIME, YOUR FRIENDS TIME, YOUR MONEY, AND A GOOD COCKTAIL DRESS OVER THIS PLACE.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/12/10

Gotta love Greek!

by Jnntavarez at Citysearch

Good menu, kind service. I've gone during lunch hours midday as well as the evening weekend dinner thing. Both experiences were pleasures! Aways start with a traditional Greek salad!

  • Pros: Traditional food
  • Cons: busy as any other ho restaurant in nyc
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/17/10

In the New Yorker for a good reason!!!

by Breno27 at Citysearch

I have been a regular at Ammos for a while now.. Always there for lunch since I work near Grand Central. Usually get the pre-fix menu which is always great. I also go for dinner after work every now and then when I have a chance. Usually order the Greek salad and Grilled Octopus to start and the Fagri which we share or the lamb chops which is amazing for main course.. Always have a great time and leave soo satisfied ...Ammos is definetly one of my favorite restaurant!

  • Pros: wine list, delicious food, friendly staff
  • Cons: far from my house (lol)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/16/10

Fantastic Mediteranian Cusine

by Wulfgar at Citysearch

Service and wine service was exceptional. Staff and Matrie'ds very educated and helped us decide menu choices and select beautiful greek wine to accompany our evening. Food was fantastic and very traditional with slight tweaks that make it original and innovative. All around great time and noticed pre-fixed pre theater menu available as well for $33. Have to try it for lunch sometime, heard its very busy with a heavy business crowd influence.

  • Pros: Excellent wine menu, traditional cusine
  • Cons: very busy(noisey)ok

The Details on Ammos Restaurant

Place Categories:

  • amazing good food
  • excellent exceptional service
  • great place
  • fresh fish
  • best grilled octopus
  • great wines
  • favorite manhattan restaurant
  • beautiful decor
  • nice ammos
  • already great dining experience
  • wonderful dinner
  • really interesting prefix menu
  • great girl bartender
  • usually order greek salad
  • recommend scallops
  • romantic setting
  • best seafood dishes
  • delicious plate
  • usually not very fresh seafood
  • amazing bread
  • absolutely delicious dessert
  • perfect balance
  • big fan
  • beautiful dining room
  • delicious everything