Get to the Greek
Latest addition to the Astoria restaurant scene
offers a finer side to Greek dining
Amylos Taverna, a new
Greek-inspired restaurant
at 33-19 Broadway in
Astoria, opened its doors to
customers on Jan. 7.
42 FEBRUARY 2 0 1 9
FOOD +DRINK
BY ALEJANDRA O'CONNELL-DOMENECH
In a neighborhood famous for its
small Greek eateries, Amylos aims to
prove that Greek food and fine dining
go hand-in-hand.
“There is a presentation. There is an
art. There is a thought,” said Martha
Arvanitis, co-owner of Amylos Taverna,
about the design and cuisine of the restaurant.
Amylos’ modern rustic chandeliers,
marble backlit bar and mix of stone walls
and wood floors create an atmosphere similar
to that of many Financial District spots.
The menu — featuring dishes like lobster
moussaka — is meant to elevate traditional
Greek favorites. According to Arvanitis,
even though the restaurant has only just
opened, some customers have said that it
has brought “New York City to Astoria.”
“Not any Greek restaurant has tried to do
that,” Arvanitis said.
Amylos is located a block away from Arvanitis’
other business, Omonia Café, and is
currently located in the building that once
housed Uncle George’s Greek Tavern, which
permanently closed in 2013.
Uncle George’s generated a large amount
of foot traffic on Broadway, and according
to Arvanitis, the popularity of the restaurant
with the Greek and Greek-American community
played a large part in Omonia Café’s
success.
“People would first go to George’s for diner
and then to Omonia for their coffee and
cake,” Arvanitis said. When George’s closed,
he said, Broadway became less bustling.