Taverna Kyclades

We were able to sneak into the restaurant pretty easily although the line was out the door! The food was amazing and the service was as to be expected. It’s absolutely worth the short trip from Manhattan.

My husband and I went there for an overdue date. We love seafood and wanted to try something different.
We found this place on Unilocal and decided to give it a try.
Although we made the mistake of making no reservation, the customer service provided completely helped us forget the hour wait.
We sat outside to enjoy the nice weather
I had the baby shark and my husband went for the sea bass. Both tasted sumptuous!
Our meal even came with complimentary Greek yogurt with berries. Never had better! It was so delicious that even if I felt full, it would’ve been a waste if I didn’t finish it.
The only con is that they only accept cash tip. But just around the corner there’s a multitude of banks (BOA, chase, capital one, TD Bank)
We just couldn’t leave without thanking our waiter.
We will definitely go again!

I recommend reservations. but the wait is worth it!!! I had the calamari and grilled chicken breast with potatoes. It was delicious, not to mention the complimentary desert at the end of your meal! Definitely coming back, must try the octopus and the special seafood platter.

I simply had an appetizer, as a dinner option. I ordered grilled clams. What!!! Off the radar. So good, so fresh, seasoned to perfection. The flavors of the Mediterranean come alive as soon as you slurp these delish clamsies, olive oil, garlic. The service gets another nod, if I told you that I went on a busy, packed Saturday night and the waiter and staff always attentive to our needs, filled our glass with water, cleared the table of obstructive dinner ware. Simply, amazing, experience *baklava and all.
*It was a friend’s bday, and they brought out these morsels, you guys rock.

I love this place! I always get the grilled octopus, grilled calamari, warm bread and olive oil and they give you greek yogurt and cherries at the end. It’s more than enough food and it’s always fresh. There is usually a line and it’s a bit hectic but it’s a part of the experience. Definitely go!

I had to check it out due to several reasons… it’s the most reviewed place in Astoria, it’s always so crowded/​popular and someone else told me that it was a great greek restaurant.
Maybe it’s because I went on Memorial Day and I had high expectations, I didn’t find it to be as great as I thought it would be…
FYI. On holidays, they don’t have the lunch special. And I was expecting some greek souvlaki/​gryo type food to be on the menu like most greek restaurants, but there wasn’t any. This place is like a fancy restaurant with most of their foods ranging from $ 10 – 30. This place also has a lot of seafood options, which I’m not really a fan of.
I ordered the Chicken kebab. The kebab had about 4 – 5 big chicken pieces with burnt vegetables in between. It was kind of disappointing. However, I did enjoy the sauce and it was quite filling with the potato sides. I was bloated. However in terms of the food, it wasn’t as great as everyone raved about. I’ve tried my friend’s calamari dish. It seems like you can get this kind of food in other places with a cheaper price tag.

Warning: you will wait, but it’s worth it. This is one of those shining gems of a place that knows exactly what it is… Too good. For that reason, it doesn’t matter that you have been «waiting an eternity», or if they snub you and stick you in the corner table next to morodor; they can pretty much get away with anything because they are the prettiest girl on the block and an army of dudes is lined up to get a taste.
That being said, the food is delicious. The red snapper was light and flakey. Straight from the sea. The quail was seasoned to perfection… And yes I know what you are asking yourself… I did order two entrees, and yes, I did finish them both. #NoJudgement.
*Bonus: before and after pics have been posted.
Remember, there is a reason why the Greek economy is tanking, because they don’t know how to run businesses like the rest of the western world, but there is also a reason why none of that matters and people keep coming back. Like the views from Santorini, the food will leave you in shock.

This is the place to go for seafood. My boyfriend and I got the massive sampler platter and it was wayy too much food for two people. Authentic Mediterranean food. There are waits of 1 – 2 hours on weekend nights, even at 9pm, so make a reservation… and definitely mention if you’re Mediterranean ;) We sat out on the heated patio during the winter and it was pretty warm!

This place does NOT disappoint! I think I found my go-​to place for Greek food, especially since I rarely find good Greek restaurants in NYC. Granted I don’t actively go searching for them but they’re definitely harder to locate than a good sushi place or dessert spot.
My party of 3 got there just before 6pm on a Friday night. It was already super crowded but we only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. I think we just beat the rush. The place is very spacious with many tables and outdoor seating, a bit surprising considering their kitchen is TINY.
Word of advice though: once you put down your name, make sure you stay nearby so that the hostess can still see you. Otherwise she just seats other parties after you if she thinks you’ve disappeared.
Once seated, we ordered the large Greek salad, grilled octopus, caviar dip, and the Kyclades seafood special.
The salad came with two HUGE blocks of feta cheese. I’m not even a big fan of cheese and I still loved it. It complemented the rest of the salad perfectly.
The grilled octopus was heaven. Grilled just enough to remain juicy and tender, not the least bit tough or chewy.
The caviar dip was good too. We spread it over the free bread that came to the table.
And the seafood special was delicious! It came with shrimp, lobster tail, scallops, stuffed clams, and fish. Everything was stuffed with crab meat, baked, and coated with a savory sauce. We got the lemon potatoes as the side, which was just the right amount of tangy to go with the seafood.
They gave us free dessert at the end. It’s somewhere between a really sweet pudding and a chewy, melted marshmallow. Great end to a fantastic meal!
Our total came out to about $ 85, not including tip. Not bad for a seafood dinner for 3 people! I’d definitely come back again, maybe not all the way out to Astoria, but I heard they’ve opened up a location in East Village too. Will check out that next!

Outstanding Greek food. Unbelievably fresh and authentic.
Came Saturday mid afternoon with my mom for an early Mother’s Day lunch. When I asked what restaurant she wanted to go to she said «somewhere in Queens.» So we ventured 40 minutes away and waited another 40 minutes or so for a table. My mom said afterward that it was the best lunch she had in a while.
You must start with the peasant salad. It was the most incredible salad. Simple but huge (we ordered the small — $ 10.50). The block of fresh feta on top was perfect. I was never a fan of the crumbly feta served on «Greek salad» at regular places. This feta was life changing.
Also, I got a lunch special ($ 12.85) — grilled chicken with a side of lemon potatoes. First of all, WHAT are these portions?! My meal was giant, especially given the fact that it was a lunch special. I expected the grilled chicken and potatoes to be basic. It was anything but basic… so ridiculously flavorful.
Now for the highlight:
My mom ordered the «Kyclades Special» — included a lobster tail, stuffed clams, stuffed shrimp, scallops, and another kind of fish. And a side (she got lemon potatoes as well) For $ 39.95… what… She would not stop raving about this and ended up bringing half of it home for dinner. I am allergic to seafood of all type so obviously I only got to look/​take photos.
Another thing, everyone in the restaurant seemed to be ordering the grilled octopus. We didn’t get it (my allergies) but it seems like a specialty here.
AND the service was just as great as the food! Both the hostess and our server were so gracious and attentive. I really don’t have a single complaint.
Truthfully, this was my first *real* Greek meal and Taverna Kyclades set the standard high. Will be returning for sure.

I came here Friday night for dinner with my friend. This place is very popular and they don’t take reservations. I put our names on the list they said 45 min but it ended up being about 20 min! We ordered the fried cheese, small greek salad which was big enough for 2 to share. I ordered the grilled salmon and she ordered the grilled swordfish. The pricing was very reasonable. They had a very attentive staff. The appetizers were good. The feta cheese was spot on. The grilled salmon was good but not great. It came out luke warm to the touch but not hot so that was quite disappointing. I will definitely return but just for appetizers and drinks.
Overall 3.5 stars

We went here for typical Greek food. Luckily we got there before the dinner crowd just before 4pm & were seated right away at a table outside. I’ve read that this establishment gets super crowded ave you will wait for a long time for a table. My colleague is from Greece so she just ordered several typical greek appetizers so that we could try a little of everything.
We had the fried cheese, grape leaves, lemon potatoes, grilled octopus, peasant salad and the grilled sausage. They also serve you Olive bread upon arriving.
My 2 favorites were the fried cheese (of course, everything fried is delicious) it was salty and just had a flavor that I enjoyed. I also liked the sausage, the flavor was really good. Just the right amount of spices and it was cooked to perfection. The grilled octopus was good as well. It was tender and had a charred flavor that you want when you’re eating something grilled. My least favorite were the grape leaves, but only because I’m not particularly fond of mushy or moist rice.
They also serve a traditional Greek dessert that is a custard with phylo dough on top with cinnamon and sugar. It was very good and complimentary.
Overall this place was very good. We wanted to try Greek food the way the Greeks eat and not the stereotypical dishes that people think Greek people eat. I was glad to have my colleague/​friend there to order for us in Greek & hearing her speak the language sounded very pleasant.
My only complaint is that they allow patrons to bring their dogs to the table when dining outside. I really can’t stand anything that compromises hygiene and I feel like it’s just not good to allow pets at your establishment because it’s unhygienic. Also, you never know who might be allergic.

TIP: put your name down on the list with your number and walk two blocks east to chill At Starbucks instead of waiting in line outside.
There will always be a line here.
There is a reason.
Trust it.
Go.

I LOVE this place. It’s one of my faves. It’s very busy in the summer, but in the winter/​early spring as I’ve been going, it’s easy to get a table for two right away around 6pm for dinner. Expect some high-​quality, authentic Greek food in super large portions. The chicken kebab is amazing — succulent even. I’ve been getting the dip trio, which is a perfect meal paired with their bread. Most of their Greek wines come in bottles but keep in mind that both their house red and their house white are very good and are only $ 6 per glass. I recommend splitting the Greek salad among your party. Get a small if it’s two of you and a large if it’s more. You’ll be impressed by the feta and the bountiful amount of tomatoes. The lemon potatoes are the side you should definitely choose to accompany your entrée and if you’re feeling splurgy, go for the grilled octopus. You won’t regret it.

Grilled octopus is on point! This was my first time dining in the official Astoria Greek scene and this place did not disappoint. Loved the tzatziki and salmon steak as well. The salmon steak was melt in your mouth. Flaky and moist and flavorful. I could have had that as my dinner for weeks it was so perfect. The octopus was cooked perfectly, tender and moist and just the right amount of grilled char you need for excellent flavor. The complimentary dessert was a nice surprise and super yummy. And you can’t go wrong with inexpensive carafes of wine. This place was a hit. I can’t wait to go back again!

GRILLED OCTOPUS is the name of the game here ! Its really hard to describe in words just how fresh and good it tastes. The peasant salad is good too ! Enjoyed the beets more than the lemon fries but maybe that’s just my preference. All the fish are fresh. makes you think they’re fishing in the backyard or something. Finally the dessert hits the spot every time That amazing GOOOOOOO!
Worth the wait put your name down and pregame across the street for some drinks it saves you a lot less time compared to jumping on a plane to Greece.

After eating here I told everyone I know about this place… because it was that good!!!
Arrived here on a Sunday around 2pm and the wait was 30 minutes long. The waiting area is small so if it’s cold out, good luck. The service was great though while waiting. We were served complementary white or red wine while we wait. Can’t beat that!
Eats:
— Complementary bread with olive oil was really good
— Fried Cheese amazing cheesy goodness. Got better as it cooled down
— Grilled Octopus was just the right chewy, perfectly grilled and olive oil drizzled upon completion
— Peasant salad, delicious. The freshest produce and feta was used. For a party of 2 the small service was more than enough. We took some home
— For the main dish we had the Grilled Calamari with a side of lemon potatoes. Perfectly grilled whole calamari, would definitely order again. I wasnt a fan of the lemon potatoes, it was simply cut potatoes with lemon.
— Complementary dessert was so good we asked if we can order one to take home
Likes:
— Service was on point
— Food was just delicious
— Complementary bread and dessert
— Prices are decent
— Didnt get a chance to try but the fillet fish looks amazing.
Tips:
— They do not accept reservations so be ready to wait. I believe the wait on weekend nights can be up to 2.5 hours! Yikes, but it’s worth the wait.

I’ve been meaning to try this place for legitimately the last two years, ever since a former co-​worker told me it’s the best seafood in the city. I went once with my Dad and the wait was too long so he insisted we go to MP Taverna instead (he gets cranky when he’s hungry… must be where I get it from). I finally got another chance to go yesterday with a friend. Surprisingly, there was still a 20 minute wait for a table at 3pm on a Monday. Of course, it was President’s day. My friend is Greek so I let him do the ordering and oh. my. god. Believe me when I tell you it was worth the wait. The food was off the CHAIN!
We got the grilled octopus, grilled calamari, chicken kebab, lemon potatoes and Greek salad (Ok he may have gone a little overboard). Everything was delicious. Fresh and perfectly seasoned. The portions are also huge. The salad was «small» and we couldn’t even finish it between the two of us and that’s saying something since he’s a big dude and I can put it away.
The space is nice enough. Cute and casual. We had a table outside of their main area in what looked like a makeshift building addition. They were smart enough to include heaters on the ceiling which helped with the fact that it was super cold outside, though our toes weren’t as happy as the tops of our heads.
Apparently George Clooney comes here.
The end.

The restaurant is casual with tables placed close together. It was the perfect restaurant after a long day at work. Unfortunately, I was held up at work last minute, resulting in my husband arriving first. He had to wait 30 – 45 minutes Meanwhile, the hostess offered him a glass of water and later a glass of wine. The gesture was very kind, and I appreciated their hospitality towards my husband as he waited for me to arrive.
Appetizers:
1) Tzatziki
2) Octopus
3) Greek salad
— Tzatziki had a slight (but good) kick and the texture and flavor was excellent. We both agreed, it was one of the best, if not, the best Tzatziki we had ever had. The octopus did not disappoint either. It was tender and practically melted in your mouth. The Greek salad was on the smaller side, but had all the ingredients that you would expect in a good Greek salad.
Entrees:
1) Chicken
2) Salmon
— After seeing all the pictures of other Unilocalers’ chicken, the husband could not wait to order it. The food came out exactly as all the pictures depicted. They give a large quantity. Each piece is thin but cooked in a way to bring out its tenderness/​juiciness. He can be picky about chicken (he cooks it pretty well at home), but I was happy to hear him say he enjoyed it. The salmon was presented at the right temperature and seasoning.
We were surprised when a serving of custard was given to us at the end. We saw other tables «ordering» it. We didn’t realize that it was complimentary and were sad that we were too full to order it.
If you want a good, no frills, Greek meal, it’s worth visiting this restaurant!

Surprisingly we didn’t have to wait for a table — rainy, Wednesday night might be the key there. Shocking since usually the line is out the door, but it would have been 100% worth the wait (I get it now).
Their Greek salad is a must to start. I don’t think I’ve ever had better. The small is plenty for two to share (we even took a bit home). And yes, you get a block of feta cheese on top! Also started with the fried calamari, which basically melts in your mouth. Super fresh and delicious.
I ordered the chicken kebab, which was great (side of rice). I also tried the sea bass filet, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD. And that is coming from someone who doesn’t really love fish. Though the chicken was delicious, I will certainly order the fish next time. It was delicate, fresh and full of lemon… yum! Highly recommend going with a fish dish.
House wine selection is OK, though we didn’t come here for the drinks so that won’t impact the five star rating here.
To top it off they give you a complimentary DELICIOUS dessert that I have no idea what it is or what it’s called but yes, yes and yes! It was awesome.
Suggest waiting on the line wrapped around the block because it’s worth it (or go on a rainy Wednesday night).

3.5 stars, rounded up for amazing appetizers and efficient service.
1 hour wait for Friday dinner, which is totally doable, especially for Taverna Kyclades!
I waited across the street at a Greek bakery (dessert before apps/​entrees haha) for their phone call but it seemed like those who waited inside the restaurant received complimentary red/​white wine. The area by the entrance (which is smack down in the middle of the two dining rooms) was congested. I don’t know how the waiters are so patient asking people to move aside every time they go from the kitchen to the other dining room. But they are and they do their jobs very efficiently (same for hostess).
I liked their appetizers more than their entrees but portions are large! So many people took doggy bags home. Maybe I picked the wrong ones. Their crab-​stuffed clams and spinach pie were amazing and worth the one hour wait alone. The salmon steak was good. I wasn’t a fan of the Greek-​style shrimp. The rice was plentiful (and colorful) but on the salty side.
Dessert is complimentary and up to the kitchen. We received Greek yogurt with cherries that night. Greek yogurt is indeed an acquired taste but with something sweet, like honey or their cherries, I’m down!

Whenever you are in need of some great seafood this is the place to come to. I’ve been here for lunch a few times and have never left disappointed.
The grilled shrimp is my absolute favorite! It’s grilled to perfection and they don’t add much seasoning but they have olive oil and salt n’ pepper at the table to add if you choose to. The lemon potatoes are divine! They appear as though they are something simple but after that first taste you can really see what a fresh and palatable side dish it proves to be. On occasion I will order the grilled octopus as an appetizer but the smell can be a bit putrid but nonetheless it is delicious once you get past the smell.
The staff here moves very quickly but they are efficient with their service. I always ask for a recommendation for wine pairing with my meal and they are always very happy to assist in what would be best. And lastly, the galaktoboureko they serve as a complimentary dessert is so creamy and light, it truly is the cherry on top of every meal here.

Woah, wait, I swear I wrote a review for Taverna before! I’ve been here so many times.
Well, what can I say that wasn’t already said by others? This is a no-​frills Greek seafood place at its best. Nice wines, good bread, great sea food. Busy, yet not pretentious.
Best things to get; lunch specials, Greek salad, scallops, and octopus. Enjoy!

Another delicious dinner at Kyclades. We went with a few family members and all of us left full and happy as usual.
We arrived early to avoid the long waits as the evening progressed. During our 20 minute wait we were offered wine. And were seated promptly after. We ordered grape leaves, a Greek salad, grilled octopus, and saganaki all of which was delicious.
Dinner was equally tasty. My scallops and beets were amazing even though I was disappointed that they had run out of baby shark. The service was great and quick as well for another packed night. Can’t wait to go back!

La comida griega en especial el seafood es espectacular. …las papas al limón son deliciosas… la espera para las mesas es demasiado larga pero vale la pena

Maximizing table turnover — this is the top priority at this place. Servers here don’t seem to be patient enough to allow customers to enjoy food and wine. They kept asking whether we were done with dishes every 10 minutes, and at the end of our dinner after free dessert was served, they somewhat urged us to pay a bill asap. We had a bottle of wine for the dinner and finished only half of it by that time and were still working on the remaining wine and the dessert.
We arrived here at 5pm for Saturday dinner and waited for an hour in a line. I believed we deserved to enjoy food and wine at least for an hour, but maybe I was wrong. I won’t come back again. All the hype and 4+ star rating re: this place is, I guess, more about an equation of quantity/​price rather than quality/​service.
Had grilled octopus, peasant salad, stuffed clam and lamb chop. The first three were okay (nothing to be amazed about); won’t recommend lamb chop. We should have ordered seafood (sea bass, salmon, lobsters, etc) — looked delish…