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Meraki Greek Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Meraki Greek Bistro
8.6
Meraki Greek Bistro brings a white-and-blue island aesthetic and generous Greek cooking to Grand Street, with platters, grilled seafood, and meze built for sharing. Portions are substantial and the menu leans classic—think souvlaki, gyro platters, and village salads—backed by friendly, attentive service. The enclosed back patio gives it extra appeal for small celebrations and laid-back date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poikilia mixed grill platter, Calamari and gyro platter, Complimentary house baklava
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Sun-drenched Greek taverna vibes with big portions and a backyard patio.
Who should go: Groups or couples craving hearty Greek platters and seafood.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when the patio feels most festive.
What to order: Poikilia platter, calamari, gyro, baklava dessert.
Insider tip: Ask for the garden seating; it feels like a tiny island courtyard.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect tight competition after 6pm and during weekend dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine, but it skews nicer for evenings and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meze, salads, and vegetable-forward plates make this easy for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — grilled vegetables, salads (without cheese), and a few side dishes work.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled meats, seafood, and salads are naturally gluten-free with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm service, cozy lighting, and shareable Greek plates make it relaxed but still special enough for a memorable first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekend nights — especially for the patio — are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly during daytime and early dinner, with familiar dishes like gyro, chicken souvlaki, and fries that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty portions, classic Greek comfort food, and a rare enclosed patio that works for group gatherings and relaxed celebrations.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-modern Greek cuisine, a high-energy party scene, or strictly small-plate fine dining.
Meraki Greek Bistro
8.4
Meraki Greek Bistro is a lively Williamsburg taverna where sprawling platters, grilled meats, and classic mezze lean more celebratory than casual weeknight. The menu runs from gyros and spanakopita to lamb chops and huge mixed grills, making it a go-to for groups who want a full Greek feast with plenty of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Char-grilled Lamb Chops with Lemon Potatoes, Kalamaki Souvlaki Platter, Marinated Grilled Octopus over Garbanzo Beans
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big-hearted Greek platters and grills built for sharing in a festive room.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving a full-on Greek feast.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the room and platters feel most celebratory.
What to order: Start with spanakopita, share grilled octopus, finish with lamb chops.
Insider tip: Use the family-style platters to feed a crowd more economically than ordering solo entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Grand Street, especially after 6pm; rideshare or walking is recommended if you're coming during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for date nights and group outings.
Noise level: High-energy and lively—conversation is doable but expect a festive, loud taverna atmosphere during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute seat-down.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze, salads, spanakopita, and vegetable-forward plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—dolmas, salads, roasted vegetables, and certain mezze can be ordered without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free options like grilled meats, seafood, and salads, but no dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a lively, festive atmosphere—it's energetic and social rather than quiet and romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends almost always require a wait without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy grilled meats and simple Greek dishes, but the evening crowd and noise level skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Big communal platters, celebratory group dining, and a high-energy Greek taverna experience.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, intimate Greek dinner or a low-key neighborhood bite—this spot leans loud and festive.