This restaurant was as all other reviewers have noted. Very well prepared and tasty meal. The grilled octopus and the mushroom appetizers were wonderful as was the branzino entree. Wine bottle 108 was quite enjoyable. Will come again.
Mars
By now of course this place is a NYC Institution like Da Umberto, Raouls and Il Mulino. They run a good program, and the service is always attentive. The drinks come quickly, and notably the mezze are the star, along with the fresh fish. The whole bronzino is excellent. You can also almost aways get a table short notice, so that's nice too. Go with a smile on your face, and you are liable to leave with a bigger one.
Doug
We had a lovely dinner here last night with a friend visiting from Boston. This was our first time dining at Periyali. It was outstanding. The food was delicious - we each got an appetizer and and entree and we all ordered different meals. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was classy and quiet, so we could have a conversation. This place is a find and a neighborhood gem. We will definitely be back!
STEPHENM
Excellent Greek cuisine with fabulous fish choices on the menu and specials of the day. Very fresh and nicely seasoned , prepared and presented. Vegetable sides were also excellent and not wilted/overcooked as is often the case. Wine selection, including many Greek options, is well thought out and reasonably priced. An excellent choice in this very busy restaurant neighborhood of UNION SQ.
Vin DeMarco
Loved Octopus appetizer! It was tender and lemony and grilled and so very delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
WLBayRidge
The service and food were exemplary. Friend zucchini with tzatziki. Salmon en papillote with feta and spinach. Moussaka. Solid wines by the glass. Not crazy expensive. Hit the right notes.
AEB1101
Hostess flail her arms & said you may seat & pointed to table along wall close to door or over there with an aimless thrust of her arm. Mindful Only one table was presently n use. She did not ask if we would like to check our costs. We seated ourselves & waiter dropped menus on table. He did not ask if we wanted a drink. Again only one other table was in use. Overall the staff seemed bothered Ed to be there
Martha Olivia
A good, longstanding place with fresh fish. Octopus was very well prepared. 80s NYC vibe, with large tables, lots of space, and quiet conversation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Grilled Branzino, Octopus
Lizzie
We had to ask for the prix fixe lunch menu. It was not offered. If didn't know that it existed I would not have gotten it. I take friends there for lunch frequently to celebrate birthdays. So I knew to ask. I was disappointed that it was not automatically offered.
marla
I've been going for years and the food is better than ever. A trip to Greece with no jet lag. everything is fresh and made with love. Service is great and decor very simple and pretty. I highly recommend for everyday and special occasions too!!
First time back this century and it was as good as I recalled it. Restaurant week selections from regular menu (octopus and branzino) were outstanding and a real bargain. The house white wine, an interesting Greek blend, was excellent. Attentive service. Attractive decor and ambiance. Going back soon.
Patti Edelstein
I first went to Periyali 30 years ago. I loved it then, and I love it again now when I dined there. Fresh, delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere. The bronzino filet and baklava were delicious. Service was very good too. It's nice to see that it's still as good as ever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Branzino, Baklava
Pietro Messina
Great food.... Shockingly amazing cocktails and wine.... And a staff that will know your mind. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Our lunch at Periyali was wonderful! The restaurant is bright and cozy and the service was impeccable. The dips were delicious and the octopus was particularly outstanding as well. Can't wait to dine here again!
Randall M.
Periyali was my first fine dining experience when I landed in NYC many years ago. I remembered the space being very rustic, and I recall that their Octopus was superb. Fast Forward and the dining room has been renovated, and the Octopus is still excellent. I grabbed a table today and ordered some fried Zucchini to start. It was lightly fried, and the Tzatziki sauce was delicious. The prep on the Octopus was different, but still very delicious. My experience was probably four and a half stars. I'm surprised that a bottle of sparkling water cost $12. Is everybody is NYC rich?
This restaurant was as all other reviewers have noted. Very well prepared and tasty meal. The grilled octopus and the mushroom appetizers were wonderful as was the branzino entree. Wine bottle 108 was quite enjoyable. Will come again.
By now of course this place is a NYC Institution like Da Umberto, Raouls and Il Mulino. They run a good program, and the service is always attentive. The drinks come quickly, and notably the mezze are the star, along with the fresh fish. The whole bronzino is excellent. You can also almost aways get a table short notice, so that's nice too. Go with a smile on your face, and you are liable to leave with a bigger one.
We had a lovely dinner here last night with a friend visiting from Boston. This was our first time dining at Periyali. It was outstanding. The food was delicious - we each got an appetizer and and entree and we all ordered different meals. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was classy and quiet, so we could have a conversation. This place is a find and a neighborhood gem. We will definitely be back!
Excellent Greek cuisine with fabulous fish choices on the menu and specials of the day. Very fresh and nicely seasoned , prepared and presented. Vegetable sides were also excellent and not wilted/overcooked as is often the case. Wine selection, including many Greek options, is well thought out and reasonably priced. An excellent choice in this very busy restaurant neighborhood of UNION SQ.
Loved Octopus appetizer! It was tender and lemony and grilled and so very delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The service and food were exemplary. Friend zucchini with tzatziki. Salmon en papillote with feta and spinach. Moussaka. Solid wines by the glass. Not crazy expensive. Hit the right notes.
Hostess flail her arms & said you may seat & pointed to table along wall close to door or over there with an aimless thrust of her arm. Mindful Only one table was presently n use. She did not ask if we would like to check our costs. We seated ourselves & waiter dropped menus on table. He did not ask if we wanted a drink. Again only one other table was in use. Overall the staff seemed bothered Ed to be there
A good, longstanding place with fresh fish. Octopus was very well prepared. 80s NYC vibe, with large tables, lots of space, and quiet conversation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Grilled Branzino, Octopus
We had to ask for the prix fixe lunch menu. It was not offered. If didn't know that it existed I would not have gotten it. I take friends there for lunch frequently to celebrate birthdays. So I knew to ask. I was disappointed that it was not automatically offered.
I've been going for years and the food is better than ever. A trip to Greece with no jet lag. everything is fresh and made with love. Service is great and decor very simple and pretty. I highly recommend for everyday and special occasions too!!
Restaurantji Recommends
First time back this century and it was as good as I recalled it. Restaurant week selections from regular menu (octopus and branzino) were outstanding and a real bargain. The house white wine, an interesting Greek blend, was excellent. Attentive service. Attractive decor and ambiance. Going back soon.
I first went to Periyali 30 years ago. I loved it then, and I love it again now when I dined there. Fresh, delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere. The bronzino filet and baklava were delicious. Service was very good too. It's nice to see that it's still as good as ever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Branzino, Baklava
Great food.... Shockingly amazing cocktails and wine.... And a staff that will know your mind. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Our lunch at Periyali was wonderful! The restaurant is bright and cozy and the service was impeccable. The dips were delicious and the octopus was particularly outstanding as well. Can't wait to dine here again!
Periyali was my first fine dining experience when I landed in NYC many years ago. I remembered the space being very rustic, and I recall that their Octopus was superb. Fast Forward and the dining room has been renovated, and the Octopus is still excellent. I grabbed a table today and ordered some fried Zucchini to start. It was lightly fried, and the Tzatziki sauce was delicious. The prep on the Octopus was different, but still very delicious. My experience was probably four and a half stars. I'm surprised that a bottle of sparkling water cost $12. Is everybody is NYC rich?