Ethos
(212) 252-1972
495 3rd Ave
New York,
NY
10016
40.7453
-73.9784
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Kips Bay
What People Are Saying About Ethos
The Editor
Kathleen Squires
Citysearch
The Scene
No, there's not a private party going on--that's just the effect of the convivial vibe inside. Though the open facade, kitschy multicolored lanterns, plastic vines and cookware-adorned brick walls attempt to evoke an island taverna, but it's the familiar hospitality that really brings in authenticity and makes diners feel adopted into one big, happy, if very loud, family.
The Food
Amid the rush of modern Greek restaurants, Ethos stays refreshingly true to its roots with unfussy, fresh cooking. Pignoli nuts insert crunch to stuffed grape leaves and garlicky potato skordalia is whipped to a pleasant fluffiness--though stale pita puts a damper on the dips. From the ice-packed fish display, branzino is a reliable favorite for its mild flavor, which takes well to the charcoal grilling. Meats like a charred chicken souvlaki are given the same modest treatment with equally tasty results. If the spot isn't too busy, a dessert of the day comes on the house.
Hits: Reasonable fish-by-the-pound prices offer great value compared to other restaurants with the same system. The staff expertly fillets fish table-side.
Misses: Pita doesn't reflect the freshness of other dishes. The sound-sensitive may be bothered by the boisterous din.
User Reviews
Shizrrr
May 26, 2009
I still can't believe this happens in NYC. These people are extortionists and they are getting away with it!!!! Imagine this: There's a gorgeous fish bar at the back of the restaurant. You order a seabass expecting it comes as a whole fish. No - they filet it without asking, claim they give you a 2-pound fish, and charge you $45 ($19 / pound) for what you received.... knowing full well they'll get away with it because who can argue about what's already been eaten!! EXTORTION be so so careful - this can easily ruin your evening. Oh, plus, their salads are the oiliest I've ever had. Shame on them.
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glandpuck
May 21, 2009
Having read the reviews on this website, we made reservations for Ethos on our trip to Manhattan. We arrived at 6:45 PM for our 7PM reservation. Three other couples with 7PM reservations arrived. A group of 4 pregnant women also arrived for their 7PM reservation for their party totaling seven. The restaurant was full, noisy and very crowded. THE RESTAURANT TOOK RESERVATIONS AND DID NOT HOLD ANY TABLES FOR THE PATRONS! Some of the people left, the pregnant ladies determined there was no table and too much noise and not enough room for their bellies, so they left. We waited since we were not rushed. After standing for 30 minutes, we were seated. Tables are small, so small in fact that entrees are eaten on small appetizer plates. Oh yes, you have to ask for a clean plate between courses. There is no room for a regular sized dinner plate. Portions are tasty, but small and servings are overpriced. We ordered 2 chicken dishes in addition to salad. We were served 2 lamb dishes which we returned to the kitchen. Our chicken arrived. One dish was a breast of chicken in a clay-pot. Unfortunately, there was precious little breast meat, but a significant amount of chicken thigh - not cool! The chicken kebab was just adequate. No tzatiki with the kebab. Greek orzo was average. In summary, they don't hold a reservation, they are noisy, crowded, overpriced, don't serve what is on the menu and you can do better if you look elsewhere.
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majacastillo
April 02, 2009
I wanted to do Greek food for my birthday dinner and none of my friends wanted to trek to Astoria. So I found Ethos on Citysearch and made a reservation based on reviews. The place lived up to the reviews and so much more. The reservation was on a Saturday night for 12 people. Not only was the table ready and waiting when we arrived (no waiting around like most other places), but they also accommodated an extra two people who showed up. The service was friendly and always around to refill wine, bring another napkin, or whatever we wanted. At the end they brought us a free dish of AMAZING desserts with a candle for my birthday. It was the best birthday dinner I have had or been to in NYC where most places hate large groups and can't wait to get you out the door.
read full reviewThe Details on Ethos
Where to Sit:
Couples should angle for one of the booths-for-two near the rear, while outdoorsy eaters can settle into sidewalk seating.
Delivery:
Delivery service is offered from East 45th to East 23rd Streets.
What to Drink:
Select from more than two dozen Greek wines by the bottle or glass, like a minerally white kouros, ($7), or there's traditional anise-flavored ouzo ($7), up or on ice.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining
