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Nerai
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Nerai
8.7
Opened in 2013, Nerai delivers refined, seafood-focused Greek cooking in a multi-level townhouse with soft, nautical-inspired design. High-volume, cross-platform reviews highlight precise execution on dishes like grilled octopus and lobster pasta, polished service, and a serious Greek wine program that make it a destination for both business dining and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Htapodi Sti Skara (grilled octopus with Santorini fava), Astakomakaronada (lobster with squid ink linguine in Metaxa bisque), Orzotto Thalassino (saffron seafood orzotto with octopus, shrimp, mussels)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern island-inspired Greek seafood with fine-dining polish and deep wine list.
Who should go: Clients, anniversaries, and serious Greek wine fans.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or weekday lunch for quieter service.
What to order: Grilled octopus, lobster Astakomakaronada, seafood Orzotto Thalassino.
Insider tip: Lunch prix fixe offers similar cooking at a softer price point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garages on 54th–55th Streets are the safest bet. Street parking is limited and tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; polished denim is acceptable but most guests opt for elevated attire.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at two-tops, slightly louder in peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes at the bar for walk-ins; prime hours generally require a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, mezze, and pasta dishes can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 suitable dishes; confirm modifications with the server.
Gluten-free options: Strong options — many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free and GF pasta is available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, polished service, and relaxed pacing create an upscale but comfortable environment ideal for a first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Early weekday dinners often have space, and the bar handles walk-ins well. Weekends and prime hours typically require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (8+) who can handle a formal setting. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the tone leans adult and business-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Refined seafood-forward Greek cooking, polished service, and a curated Greek wine list that outperforms more casual neighborhood Greek spots.
Skip if: You want rustic tavern-style Greek comfort food, loud energy, or budget dining — several casual Midtown options fit those needs better.
Nerai
8.3
Nerai serves polished Greek seafood in a whitewashed townhouse setting a few steps off Madison Avenue. The menu leans on whole fish, pristine crudo, and modern takes on classics that suit both business lunches and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lavraki (whole grilled Mediterranean branzino), Lobster pasta (astako makarounada), Charcoal-grilled octopus
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Refined Greek island cooking with a seafood focus in a serene townhouse space.
Who should go: Clients, anniversaries, and upscale Greek food fans.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early evening dinners are ideal.
What to order: Lavraki, grilled octopus, lobster pasta.
Insider tip: Ask about whole fish specials; they often have off-menu seasonal catches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 5pm. Nearest reliable option is paid garage parking on 54th–55th Streets within a 2–4 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished tops, dark jeans, and business-casual attire fit the room; jackets not required but common at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a full conversation, though peak dinner hours bring a lively buzz.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait if you arrive before 12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options—salads, spreads, and a few composed mains work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but most items rely on seafood or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Strong options—many grilled fish preparations and crudo dishes are naturally gluten-free; servers are informed and can guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Nerai’s calm townhouse setting, warm lighting, and polished service make it ideal for relaxed conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Earlier seatings (before 6:15pm) or late evenings offer the best chance. Otherwise, expect to wait at the bar on weeknights and almost certainly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy seafood. There’s no dedicated children’s menu, and the ambiance skews adult, especially during dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Refined Greek seafood, attentive service, and a serene Midtown escape that’s equally suited to business dining and special occasions.
Skip if: You want a casual taverna vibe, budget-friendly pricing, or a menu with extensive meat and comfort-leaning Greek classics.
Nerai
8.7
Nerai modernizes Greek island cooking in a bright townhouse space with generous mezze, pristine seafood, and an unusually polished wine program. It’s equally strong for long business lunches and white-tablecloth date nights, with grilled octopus, branzino, and pastas drawing repeat locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Horiatiki salad, Htapodi sti Skara (grilled octopus), Lavraki (whole branzino)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sophisticated Greek cooking with polished service and a serious wine list.
Who should go: Seafood lovers, client lunches, upscale date-night planners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or Friday lunch for balanced calm and energy.
What to order: Grilled octopus, lavraki, horiatiki, a Greek white by the glass.
Insider tip: Book the garden-like back area for a quieter, more romantic feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages on 54th–55th Streets between Madison and Park. Street parking is limited and tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished tops, dark denim, or business attire fit the room’s upscale tone.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation-friendly at lunch; slightly livelier during peak dinner hours but still manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though prime business lunch hours (12:30–1:15pm) can fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—mezze, salads, and a few mains accommodate vegetarians well.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 2–3 workable mezze/salad options; confirm dressings and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Good range—grilled seafood and many mezze items can be prepared gluten-free with clear communication.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The townhouse setting, attentive service, and polished design create a calm, flattering atmosphere—particularly in the garden-like back room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early weekdays offer the best odds, and the bar can work for small groups. Peak dinner windows (7–8pm) on weekends usually require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Suited for older kids or teens. The menu skews refined, and the room is more adult-oriented; no dedicated children’s menu or stroller-friendly setup.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, business-friendly ambiance, and high-level seafood execution surpass many nearby modern Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You want a casual taverna, loud party energy, or budget-friendly pricing—lighter, neighborhood Greek spots may fit better.
Nerai
8.7
Nerai brings refined Greek island cooking to Midtown East, with pristine grilled seafood, elegant mezzes, and a whitewashed townhouse interior that feels far from office towers. Vegans and vegetarians can assemble a satisfying meal from Santorini fava, spreads, salads, and vegetable sides while the kitchen maintains fine-dining execution and polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santorini Fava with Caramelized Onions, Lavraki Whole Grilled Branzino, Traditional Greek Spreads with Pita
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Polished Greek island dining with serious seafood execution and thoughtful vegan accommodations.
Who should go: Date nights, business diners, and upscale Mediterranean lovers.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or lingering Friday lunches with colleagues.
What to order: Start with Santorini fava and spreads, then share the Lavraki.
Insider tip: Request vegan-friendly courses when booking; the kitchen can customize menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 5pm; nearby paid garages on 54th/55th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but not formal. Dark jeans and a blazer or an elevated top fit in.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation is comfortable at two-tops, but larger groups may notice a lively dining room.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins depend on bar availability.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though prime business lunch hours (12–1pm) may see brief delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several mezzes, salads, and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Moderate availability—about 3–5 viable items; the kitchen is willing to adjust dishes if requested in advance.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free; staff is accustomed to guiding substitutions, but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The refined Greek setting, soft lighting, and polished service make it an impressive but not overly formal first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Walk-ins are easiest at lunch or early weeknights; weekend dinners usually require advance booking, though bar seats may open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens. The atmosphere skews adult and business-focused, with no dedicated children’s menu or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: A more refined, island-inspired Greek experience than nearby casual Mediterranean spots, with standout seafood execution and unusually strong vegan accommodations for the category.
Skip if: You want a fully vegan restaurant, low prices, or a loud, high-energy scene—other options in Midtown or Lower Manhattan may fit those needs better.