Eléa

Eléa Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: For those nights when you’re craving a trip to the Mediterranean, Eléa fits the bill. From restaurateur Reno Christou (Kyma Flatiron), the restaurant offers two floors for dining, each having its own attraction. Upstairs is a quieter white-washed oasis with a bar and an airy space with a mix of seating. The expansive downstairs, which includes a wine room and private dining room, seems to fill an entire city block. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s a bit crazy. In either location, however, you won’t be disappointed with the Greek home cooking.

Likes: The upstairs setting feels like you’ve been transported to a Greek island.
Dislikes: The noise can be overpowering when the restaurant is full.

Food & Drinks: Start with homemade bread and tzatziki and some of the addictive zucchini chips. Then it’s a difficult choice between grilled baby lamb chops or any of the whole grilled fish served simply with olive oil and sea salt --- you can’t go wrong. Karadopita, Eléa’s homemade walnut cake, and baklava are sweet finishes. Wines include some lovely Greek selections such as a full-bodied Rapsani and a retsina for those who prefer an adventurous, crisp white. Be sure to make a reservation. This Upper West Side spot is busy from early to late.