Two years ago I went to Greece and I was in food heaven. The purest fish and meat dishes, vegetables sautéed in the richest olive oils, and potatoes roasted to perfection. Not once did I have to ask if something was “gluten free” or “dairy free,” and I couldn’t have been happier. Avra Restaurant, in Midtown East, is my absolute favorite Greek/seafood restaurant in New York City and is a taste of Greece here in NYC…
Before going to Avra, I had never had grilled calamari or grilled octopus; thank you Avra, for my new found obsession with ordering grilled calamari and octopus ANY TIME I see it on a menu; even at pubs! The octopus and calamari are absolutely incredible and must be ordered right away. Upon seating, each table is served a complimentary bread basket with hummus, radishes, and olives. Stay away from the bread! But the hummus is amazing and the perfect start to your meal. Other favorite nobread dishes: chilean sea bass skewers, arctic char on wild greens, chicken frites, and the greek oregano fries (careful of cross contamination!) The list of whole fish at Avra is incredible, too, and my favorite is the Dover sole. The fish is filleted so you don’t have to worry about bones, served only with olive oil and lemon, perfectly light, and still very filling. Round out your meal with one of the most beautiful fruit bowls I have ever seen served at a restaurant and a trio of sorbet; your food coma will last you for days.
Every time I go to Avra, I know I’m in for an upscale, fine dining experience. Top it off with food that is absolutely delicious and nobread approved; it’s no wonder why I go to Avra all the time! I counted only SEVEN items on the Avra menu that contain gluten so ordering here is easy and fun. Avra leaves you full and satisfied, yet the food is so good you will want to keep eating more. The menu is extensive and has TOO many possibilities for the nobread crowd, but hey, that’s a good problem to have, right??