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NOVY
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
NOVY
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-run Greek restaurant with polished service, a full bar, and a menu spanning souvlaki to moussaka. It’s a reliable Noe Valley choice for date-night Greek classics without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Souvlaki Plate, Moussaka, Avgolemono Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Family-owned Greek cooking with a neighborhood-polished dining room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups
When to visit: Reserve for weekend dinner; walk in early weekdays
What to order: Chicken souvlaki, moussaka, avgolemono
Insider tip: Happy hour runs daily—pair mezze with Greek wines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 24th Street and adjacent blocks; metered until 6pm, moderately available after dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a button-down or dress are typical; relaxed but tidy fits the neighborhood tone.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with some ambient chatter from the bar.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many mezze, salads, and mains marked vegetarian on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited but present—look for hummus, lentil soup, and modified mezze platters.
Gluten-free options: Yes—menu notated; pita can be substituted for gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is warm, service is attentive, and tables are well spaced—ideal for conversation over wine and shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend reservations are strongly recommended as the dining room fills quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—staff is accommodating and portions are shareable, though it leans more adult during dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: A polished Greek dinner with professional service and cocktails, more refined than nearby casual Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking quick takeout or budget pricing—this is a sit-down experience with higher-end entrées.
NOVY
8.3
Family-run Greek restaurant anchoring Noe Valley with polished service, wine on tap, and a menu that spans souvlaki, gyro, and Greek-leaning comfort plates. Locals use it for weeknight dinners, casual dates, and dependable brunch with Greek touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb gyro plate, Chicken souvlaki, Galaktoboureko
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Woman-owned, multi-generational Greek spot with wine and beer on tap.
Who should go: Couples, families, neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Daily 3–5pm happy hour or early dinner before 6:30pm
What to order: Lamb gyro; chicken souvlaki; galaktoboureko dessert
Insider tip: Ask for Greek varietals by the glass—Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko rotate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 24th Street can be competitive during dinner hours, but side streets like Noe and Sanchez typically open up after 7pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit perfectly. Most guests lean relaxed but polished for date nights or family dinners.
Noise level: Moderate – upbeat neighborhood chatter with background music, but you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around 7–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several well-marked options like falafel, spanakopita, and Greek salads.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 items can be modified vegan; staff are accommodating with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes – dedicated gluten-free items noted on the menu, including gyro plates and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting and warm neighborhood vibe make it ideal for a relaxed first date—comfortable but not too loud or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes, especially for lunch or early dinner. For weekend evenings, a reservation is smart, as walk-ins may face a 30-minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs and kids’ menu items are available, and the staff are used to accommodating families during early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: NOVY excels at offering polished Greek comfort food in a casual but refined setting—ideal for families or casual dates without compromising food quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a high-end fine-dining Greek experience or extensive seafood selection—this is more of a neighborhood gem than a destination restaurant.