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Avra Madison Estiatorio
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Avra Madison Estiatorio
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 2000, Avra Madison has been a splashy Greek seafood house just off Central Park, known for whole grilled fish, theatrical dining-room energy, and a scene-y bar. With over a thousand multi-platform reviews praising its branzino, grilled octopus, and raw bar, it functions as both a power restaurant and a celebratory destination despite steep pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus with vidalia onions and capers, Whole Branzino (grilled Mediterranean sea bass), Chilean Sea Bass Plaki
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Large-scale Greek seafood temple with whole fish display and big-room energy.
Who should go: Expense-account diners and upscale seafood lovers.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner for the full scene or late lunch to linger.
What to order: Grilled octopus, whole branzino, Chilean sea bass plaki.
Insider tip: Ask your server to walk you through the whole-fish selection by the pound.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Madison Ave and notoriously tough after 6pm; nearby private garages on 60th–62nd typically run $30–$45 for evening stays.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; polished jeans are acceptable but most guests lean dressy (blazers, dresses, elevated separates).
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially in the main dining room; conversation is possible but raised voices may be needed during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn over but remain competitive.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait with reservation; walk-ins typically seated within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — Greek salads, roasted vegetables, spanakopita, and cheese-focused starters offer several viable choices.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 vegetable dishes and simple salads; seafood-focused menu offers minimal plant-based mains.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many grilled fish preparations are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide adjustments but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a glamorous, high-energy setting and impressive seafood; less ideal if you prefer quiet intimacy, as the room can be loud and bustling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak times; for prime dinner hours, expect to wait at the bar. Lunch walk-ins are generally easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved older kids (8+). No dedicated kids’ menu, and the atmosphere skews adult, but staff are accommodating with simpler grilled items.
Best For
Better for: Whole grilled fish selection, power-dining atmosphere, and celebratory energy outperform most Midtown Greek competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, extensive vegan choices, or more budget-conscious Greek fare; consider smaller neighborhood tavernas instead.
Avra Madison Estiatorio
8.7
Avra’s Madison Avenue outpost serves charcoal-grilled whole fish, pristine seafood, and classic Greek mezze in a polished, whitewashed space that runs late into the night. It feels like a high-energy Aegean dining room a block from Central Park, with a scene-y bar that stays busy after dinner hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lavraki (whole branzino), Greek salad, Grilled lamb chops
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Upscale Greek seafood with whole grilled fish and a polished Mediterranean setting.
Who should go: Seafood lovers, client dinners, and special-occasion groups.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or late dinners after theater.
What to order: Lavraki, Greek salad, grilled lamb chops with sides.
Insider tip: Ask to see the whole-fish display and let staff guide your selection.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Madison Avenue; nearby garages on 61st–63rd Streets typically run $35–$55 for the evening. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—dressing polished is the norm; elevated denim is acceptable but most guests skew dressy.
Noise level: Lively and high-energy, especially late; conversation is possible but expect a vibrant buzz rather than quiet intimacy.
Weekend wait: With no reservation, expect 45–75 minutes; the bar is often standing-room only after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; walk-ins seated quickly unless a large group booking overlaps.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options—Greek salads, dips, vegetable mezze, and a few composed mains.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—grilled vegetables, simple salads, and select mezze; clarify preparation to avoid dairy.
Gluten-free options: Many seafood dishes and grilled items are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to GF requests and can guide safely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a polished, high-energy scene with great seafood. It’s more glamorous than intimate, so expect a lively backdrop rather than a quiet corner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Early evenings or late-night hours offer the best chance; peak dinner times often require a significant wait, especially for larger parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older children who can handle a refined, bustling environment. No dedicated kids’ menu; best for families comfortable with seafood-centric dining.
Best For
Better for: Whole grilled fish selection, late-night energy, and polished Mediterranean ambiance that feels celebratory without being overly formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, budget-friendly pricing, or a menu with extensive non-seafood options—other Greek tavernas or seafood spots may be a better fit.