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Avra Estiatorio
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Avra Estiatorio
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Avra 48th Street is a high-end Greek seafood restaurant in Midtown East, known for whole grilled Mediterranean fish, polished meze, and a bustling dining room that attracts business diners and special-occasion groups. Open since 2000, it serves as the Avra Group’s flagship, combining attentive service with an upscale, island-inspired setting steps from Grand Central. Guests consistently praise the quality of the seafood and the professional service, while noting the premium pricing as part of the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass Souvlaki, Whole Grilled Lavraki (Mediterranean Sea Bass), Greek Salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Flagship Greek seafood spot pairing whole grilled fish and meze with an upscale, island-inspired Midtown dining room.
Who should go: Seafood-loving diners planning business dinners or special occasions.
When to visit: Prime-time dinners for buzz; weekday lunches for easier reservations.
What to order: Chilean sea bass souvlaki, whole lavraki, classic Greek salad.
Insider tip: Book well ahead for peak dinner slots; bar seats are easiest to snag last-minute.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; garage parking is available on 3rd and 2nd Avenue between 47th–49th Streets. Street parking is limited and highly competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual — polished attire recommended. Jeans are acceptable if dark and styled, but most diners lean business or dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is still manageable, though large groups elevate the room’s energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — meze, salads, and several vegetable plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but viable — grilled vegetables, salads, and select meze can be adapted; confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Strong gluten-free compatibility — many grilled fish and meze items are naturally GF; staff is accustomed to accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the upscale setting, attentive service, and polished seafood presentations create a refined, impressive atmosphere. Note the lively energy during peak hours if you prefer quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — walk-ins can sometimes be seated at the bar or during off-peak windows, but prime dinner hours typically require a reservation. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older children who can handle a formal dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu; the environment leans business and special-occasion, so families seeking casual settings may prefer alternatives.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier whole grilled fish, a polished island-inspired room, and professional service that outshines most Midtown Greek competitors.
Skip if: You want a casual taverna experience, quick service, or budget-friendly pricing — Avra is a luxury-leaning destination.
Avra Estiatorio
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Avra Estiatorio on 48th is a high-energy Greek-Mediterranean seafood restaurant featuring a display of whole fish on ice, grilled over charcoal and served simply with olive oil and lemon. Its white-stone, island-inspired dining room is a favorite for power lunches, business dinners, and celebrations built around shared seafood platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole grilled Mediterranean fish (today’s catch), Grilled octopus, Lavraki (branzino) with lemon and olive oil
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bustling Greek seafood house showcasing whole fish on ice and charcoal-grilled preparations.
Who should go: Groups and clients who want lively, upscale seafood.
When to visit: Prime-time dinners or weekday lunches when the room hums.
What to order: Whole grilled fish, grilled octopus, classic Greek starters.
Insider tip: Let the server walk you through the fish display and price by the pound before choosing a whole fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 48th Street; nearby paid garages along Lexington and Third Avenue are the most reliable options. No in-house valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; blazers and dresses common. Jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but expect a lively, energetic room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though business lunch rush can fill the room—5–15 minutes max without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection — Greek starters, salads, and vegetable sides offer enough variety for a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based starters and sides, but entrées are seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Strong accommodation — many grilled seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to handling gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a high-energy, upscale setting. The room is lively rather than intimate, so it's ideal for a confident, fun first date rather than a quiet one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes during off-peak hours, but prime-time dinners are rarely available for walk-ins. The bar area may offer limited first-come seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older children who are comfortable in upscale dining environments. No dedicated kids’ menu; seafood-focused offerings skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Whole grilled fish presentations, polished Greek-Mediterranean flavors, and a high-energy dining room ideal for client dinners and celebrations.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining, budget-friendly seafood, or a menu with extensive vegan choices—other Midtown spots may suit those needs better.