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Entertains and dines guests with live Greek music, authentic Greek dishes and fresh seafood picks.
(347) 748-1408
1481 York Ave
(Between 78th and 79th St)
New York,
NY
10021
40.7711
-73.951
Neighborhoods: Upper East Side, Midtown
Rafina Taverna Restaurant
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Rafina Taverna Restaurant
The Owner
Rafina Taverna Restaurant
Owner
The Rafina Taverna Restaurant is a New York restaurant that features authentic, Greek cuisine. We have a variety of seafood dishes to choose from and our Greek island atmosphere will put you in the mood. We would love to host your private party or treat your group to a classic Mediterranean meal. Our seafood is the best in the city as all of our fish are fresh and prepared with the finest ingredients. We offer dine-in or take-out meals Wednesday through Saturday, after 10:30 p.m., the owner, Dennis Spilios, treats his customers to live, Greek entertainment. Family owned and operated, the…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Entertains and dines guests with live Greek music, authentic Greek dishes and fresh seafood picks.
12/01/09
Amazing!!!
by KennyGross at Citysearch
The food was amazing, and there is a very hommie enviroment, cozy and very good service, i really liked it
- Pros: Very good food
09/07/08
Wonderful food, gracious service!!!
by eensygreenfrog at Citysearch
We were a party of 6 celebrating my birthday. I decided on Greek food & after reading the reviews.... my expectations were exceeded, from the man who took my reservation, to the quaint Greek fishing village decor, our waiter, the food...a wonderful experience. We were not rushed, and that allowed for some great dinner conversation and stories.
The service was attentive without being overbearing. It was a really nice night so we opted to sit outside in the "garden" and it was quiet and cozy. My friend and I ordered a glass of champagne and were really pleased to be served colorful champagne"splits", poured tableside (more special than just getting a glass), and my husband enjoyed his Alpha (Greek Beer). Our appetizers: Grape leaves (fresh and delicious), Spanikopita (flavorful), Keftedes (little meatballs) were a delight, kind of lemony,Hummus (you could tell it was freshly made) and Saganaki...(I have only ever seen this dish lit on fire tableside and people get to say "OPA" when it's doused in ouzo...but this was served without fanfare, and although it was DELICIOUS, I wondered if that's just something that restaurants do for tourists or if Greek people routinely set their cheese alight tableside...sorry, I digress)...The warm pita bread was continuously replaced, the water glasses full at all times, and we were very well taken care of. The waiter recommended a type of bass that was not on the menu (so naturally I ordered it) and everyone else ordered a variety of entrees: Steak, Chicken Kabob, Salmon, and another seafood dish. Everyone declared their meals wonderful, moist and delicious. After dinner we each were served an unexpected and refreshing slice of watermelon.
The perfect meal was ended with baklava (and something else covered in cinnamon and sugar, maybe a walnut?), and Greek coffee (!) We plan to go back when they have live music. I am kicking myself for having lived on the UES for 15 years without trying this place sooner.
- Pros: Wonderful, Easy environment, Delicious food
- Cons: None (Contrary to this listing, they do not take Amex, but Visa/MC, etc. no problem.)
08/04/08
Gracious people!
by kjm415 at Citysearch
This place was recommended to my friends and I for the food. We went to dinner a little after 9 on a Saturday and were a little uncomfortable that we were one of 3 parties in the entire restaurant. 2 of my party of 4 left after dinner while my friend and I decided we'd stay for 1 drink to check out the music. Fast forward 4 hours and a few glasses of sambuca later and we are still there...thoroughly enjoying the scene (music! dancing! flowers!) and reminding ourselves that we are still in NYC and had not been teleported to Greece. The owner (or at least the manager?) was very gracious and appeared to just want to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. I felt like I was in on a big secret. A a big, wonderful Greek secret.
- Pros: friendly staff
- Cons: strangely empty for dinner!
The Details on Rafina Taverna Restaurant
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Message from Rafina Taverna Restaurant
- Huge Seafood Variety
- Live Greek Entertainment
- Greek Cuisine in New York
The Rafina Taverna Restaurant is a New York restaurant that features authentic, Greek cuisine. We have a variety of seafood dishes to choose from and our Greek island atmosphere will put you in the mood.
We would love to host your private party or treat your group to a classic Mediterranean meal. Our seafood is the best in the city as all of our fish are fresh and prepared with the finest ingredients.
We offer dine-in or take-out meals Wednesday through Saturday, after 10:30 p.m., the owner, Dennis Spilios, treats his customers to live, Greek entertainment. Family owned and operated, the Rafina Taverna Restaurant was ranked in the Top 5 Greek restaurants. Come experience the fine cuisine of Greece at the Rafina Taverna Restaurant.
NY TIMES - Unlike many Greek Restaurants, Rafina does not routinely overcook its fish so you can taste the flavor of the fish.
