Throughout the history of Greece, there is a long and storied tradition of hospitality. From the Iliad to the Odyssey, the concept of hospitality is an enduring one. Filoxenia, the Greek word for hospitality, emphasizes the importance of friendship, food, and libations. At Nerai, you will find a contemporary take on this age-old tradition of filoxenia.
We offer a modern and sophisticated twist on Greek dining in the heart of New York, featuring a lively bar, elegant dining rooms, and intimate private event spaces. Our spaces are sleek and tasteful, with nautical-inspired decor, crisp whitewashed walls, and an ambiance of refined tranquility that will transport you from the bustling streets of New York to the breezy shores of Mykonos.
We offer a modern and sophisticated twist on Greek dining in the heart of New York, featuring a lively bar, elegant dining rooms, and intimate private event spaces. Our spaces are sleek and tasteful, with nautical-inspired decor, crisp whitewashed walls, and an ambiance of refined tranquility that will transport you from the bustling streets of New York to the breezy shores of Mykonos.
Services
Dining
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Let us help you plan the perfect soiree at Nerai. Our private events spaces, Cava Nerai and the Garden, are ideal for setting a refined and intimate atmosphere for your event. These elegant venues, combined with our flavorful dishes and exceptional service, are sure to impress your guests and create an evening to remember.
Outdoor Courtyard
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Escape New York City, for a night, and be transported to the isles of Greece, as you delight in all of your Nerai favorites in our winterized Outdoor Courtyard. Our outdoor courtyard features 16, socially distanced, tables within a semi-enclosed structure, allowing for airflow throughout. Reservations are requested due to the limited number of tables and we kindly ask that all guests adhere to the time limits on reservations.
Wine Library
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Our Wine Library is tucked away in our wine cellar Cava Nerai. The Wine Library can seat up to 10 guests at one table. This room offers an elegant yet intimate setting encircled by sophisticated dark wood paneling, bottles of wine encased in glass cabinets, and the soft glow of candlelight. Indulge in a beautifully curated chefs tasting menu and wine pairing to make the most of a memorable event.
The Bar Room
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Host your next business meeting, reunion, or celebration in our fully private Bar Room. Lined with white stone walls, leather banquettes, and decorated with warm light fixtures, this space offers a beautiful escape from the bustling streets of New York City. Our Bar Room can accommodate parties of up to 20 guests at one large table or up to 40 guests at multiple tables in an elegant and comfortable setting.
The Garden
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Our fully private Garden on the second floor is designed for larger events and gatherings. Guests can comfortably mingle and move about in this spacious room, under high ceilings, exposed white rafters, and a beautiful eighteen-foot olive tree. The Garden Room can accommodate up to 75 guests for a seated lunch or dinner and up to 50 guests for a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner.
Reviews (27)
Erica W.
Jan 20, 2022
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I love love love this place so much. I came on a Saturday night for a dinner party in the semi private room upstairs. The inside (out outside) setup is so beautiful- such a great ambiance. The lobster pasta is the best dish I've ever had. The drinks, appetizers (dips and zucchini chips) are amazing and so is the lamb chops. I seriously can't wait to go back and bring all my friends and family.
Melanie D.
Jan 17, 2022
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Wenye X.
Jan 15, 2022
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Helen Fong
Dec 26, 2021
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The food was absolutely delicious, the overall service was not bad, our waiter was just okay. His mask was constantly below his nose or face, that it bothered my friends a lot. They got my order completely wrong, they were able to get me the right one pretty quickly and let me take home the wrong order. However, picking up our leftovers when we left was complicated and they gave us the wrong ones again. I will return, but hoping it'll be a little more organized next time.
Sheryl B.
Dec 09, 2021
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Martin Wang
Dec 07, 2021
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Seolbin P.
Dec 06, 2021
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Back for dinner first time since pandemic only to find out its pleasant improvements in food and drink menu not to mention the quality of hospitality! Paris, our waiting person, was knowledgeable on wines and altered serving each course in timely manner. Had Greek Salad, Trio dips, Octopus as starters, then Lobster Pasta followed by Daily special fish and Lamp chops. Each dishes were well cooked with the excellent original tastes. Forgot to take pictures of some dishes which barely happened to me. Food are that great here! Definitely coming back soon!
Mahsa T.
Nov 30, 2021
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Upscale setting, but the food doesn't match. For the most expensive dinner for two that I've had in a long time, I can't say it was worth it. First, there was the attitude from the waiter, unnecessary and unappreciated. Cocktail - weak and not an ounce of alcohol. We started with the octopus appetizer and it was one of the worst I've had. Chewy and tough, didn't smell or taste fresh. It had so much sediment in it, it felt like I got bits and pieces of rock under my teeth, not good for your teeth and fillings. My friend was ok with his salmon, but I ordered the Dover sole
Peter M.
Nov 17, 2021
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If I could give zero stars I would.
Ordered online. They told me 40 minutes. Then that became over an hour. After an hour and 10 minutes I called and the woman said that it was in the hands of DoorDash. She said sometimes they just go home with the order. She said the service was very bad. But apparently somebody was on their way.
Half an hour later still no delivery. I spoke with the manager who said he had never had this problem before. When he starts with a lie, proven by the fact that the woman I spoke to said this happened regularly, you know you are not getting anywhere so I canceled. One
Ordered online. They told me 40 minutes. Then that became over an hour. After an hour and 10 minutes I called and the woman said that it was in the hands of DoorDash. She said sometimes they just go home with the order. She said the service was very bad. But apparently somebody was on their way.
Half an hour later still no delivery. I spoke with the manager who said he had never had this problem before. When he starts with a lie, proven by the fact that the woman I spoke to said this happened regularly, you know you are not getting anywhere so I canceled. One
Kyle W.
Nov 14, 2021
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I went here for an early date dinner and food and service exceeded my expectations. This place specializes in Greek food with a heavier emphasis on seafood, and reservations are highly recommended although there is an above average amount of seating for a typical NYC restaurant. The ambience here is so aesthetic, and you can't go wrong with either indoor or outdoor seating, though we opted for indoor when we arrived.
We shared a grilled octopus and lobster pasta. Grilled octopus is very chewy and fresh, with sweet fava contrasting the tangier onions and red peppers. It's hard to find
We shared a grilled octopus and lobster pasta. Grilled octopus is very chewy and fresh, with sweet fava contrasting the tangier onions and red peppers. It's hard to find
Ameya Bhakay
Oct 27, 2021
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Had made reservations for a friends birthday for 8 pm on a Thursday evening, and we managed to get reservations 3 days before our preferred date. Reservation process was fairly straightforward for a group of 4 and a 2 year old.
They had this amazing outdoor seating what they refer as Outdoor Courtyard... they were these 3, well lit beautiful booths, where we really wanted to seat, but weren't given those. From the time we entered to the time we left, 2 of them were unoccupied. Don't understand the rationale behind that especially when we were celebrating something special!
Anyway, that however
They had this amazing outdoor seating what they refer as Outdoor Courtyard... they were these 3, well lit beautiful booths, where we really wanted to seat, but weren't given those. From the time we entered to the time we left, 2 of them were unoccupied. Don't understand the rationale behind that especially when we were celebrating something special!
Anyway, that however
Ana Fowler
Oct 05, 2021
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Idan Gigi
Sep 25, 2021
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Thomas S.
Sep 04, 2021
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It isn’t too often that I find a restaurant that really knocks my socks off with every dish, however, this one really did. Even from the tzatziki at the start, I knew we were in for something special. The octopus is arguably one of the best I’ve ever tried. The texture is perfect—not gooey at all. The lobster pasta with squid ink was fantastic too. Even the spinach pies were flawless. If you’re in the area, definitely check out Nerai!
Queen Atapka
Sep 04, 2021
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The ambiance was beautiful and the service was exceptional! We ordered the Saganaki and Octopus for starters and they both were delightful. We had the Lobster squid ink pasta and the flavors were unexpectedly good. The sauce has a sweet but savory richness to it. For my entree, I ordered the Lamb chops and my friend ordered the Filet mignon - both were exquisite! When I travel back to New York, I’ll definitely be back to dine here.
Arti G.
Sep 01, 2021
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We had an excellent meal on a Tuesday evening the place was quite busy but we got seated outside which is what we wanted.
Our appetizer was the Saganaki, a pan sear Greek cheese, which was absolutely amazing, we devoured it and enjoyed every single bite of it. It came warm and it stayed warm until we finished it.
As an entrée we got the duck moussaka and lemon potatoes, the duck moussaka was very different, not what we expected at all. we thought it would be duck meat inside moussaka but it was actually that plus some duck breast on the side which was delicious. it came with these black lentils
Our appetizer was the Saganaki, a pan sear Greek cheese, which was absolutely amazing, we devoured it and enjoyed every single bite of it. It came warm and it stayed warm until we finished it.
As an entrée we got the duck moussaka and lemon potatoes, the duck moussaka was very different, not what we expected at all. we thought it would be duck meat inside moussaka but it was actually that plus some duck breast on the side which was delicious. it came with these black lentils
Yu P.
Jul 15, 2021
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Falling in love doesn't come easy as we age, but just one bite of Nerai's Lobster Squid Ink Linguine Pasta in a metaxa bisque and I was taken. It is rich and its textures and temperature and flavors and the visual are all well orchestrated. It's like a perfect string of words that have been thoughtfully chosen that transforms itself into poetry for the senses.
The food language here is real and captivating and addictive.
The food language here is real and captivating and addictive.
Matthew H.
Jul 01, 2021
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I came here with a bunch of friends for a late dinner. We were lucky to grab a reservation at the last minute.
Service was extremely friendly and attentive. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the food was served and how exceptionally fresh everything was.
The wine list was also excellent, the waiter chose an excellent medium-bodied Greek wine which was delicious.
I definitely intend to come back here.
Service was extremely friendly and attentive. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the food was served and how exceptionally fresh everything was.
The wine list was also excellent, the waiter chose an excellent medium-bodied Greek wine which was delicious.
I definitely intend to come back here.
Tiahna P.
Jun 18, 2021
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Wonderful time here! The ambiance is amazing and I had a lovely time. The portions are small and costly, so be aware of that. Don't come here expecting to get full, expect a savory flavor and delicious plates. The "chef doesn't like to change the dishes" is the answer you'll get if you ask to take off onions or something. I found that sooo interesting, it made me question if things were pre-made, since wouldn't you want to please the guest not please the chef?
We sat outside and although it was wonderful, I got 6 HUGE bug bites from sitting on their patio. I mean
We sat outside and although it was wonderful, I got 6 HUGE bug bites from sitting on their patio. I mean
Vincybie Lee
Jun 16, 2021
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Had lunch at a beautiful Greek restaurant in Manhattan. Restaurants and bars in NYC have set up temporary outdoor dining booths (they have to apply for a government permit for the space as it is actually pedestrian lanes and roadside they’re using) due to no dine in restrictions earlier and I think most people do enjoy dining outdoors especially if it's a nice weather. It's so European!
Everything was lovely! The foods, the service, especially the ambience! We also noticed that most servers were Greek too. It won't go wrong choosing what to have with their recommendations. The highlight of our
Everything was lovely! The foods, the service, especially the ambience! We also noticed that most servers were Greek too. It won't go wrong choosing what to have with their recommendations. The highlight of our
Biana G.
Jun 15, 2021
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Beautiful atmosphere & delicious and sophisticated Greek cuisine! Preparation and presentation on every dish was spot on. Some of the best and most tender octopus I've had! The king salmon was also noteworthy and perfectly cooked medium rare. Portions are on the smaller side but hey I vote quality over quantity any day! Service was attentive and the entire experience was elevated as a whole. Beautiful indoor and outdoor area. On the pricier side, but as expected in this part of town and for this quality.
Feel like Nerai doesn't get enough attention relative to some of the trendy
Feel like Nerai doesn't get enough attention relative to some of the trendy
Nicole G.
Jun 10, 2021
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This is a very popular Greek restaurant on Red Book and the most popular entree is the lobster pasta. Indeed their lobster pasta is very special. Tasty, creamy but not greasy. But I don't see what the Greek element in it... to me it's kind of Italian style. I like everything else they had. Tuna tartare was fresh and chickpea fritters used some spice to spice it up! My friends loved their entrees as well and it was kind of surprising looking at the large portion of the lamb chops.
I would say their interior design and the chickpea fritters are the only things that are kind of Greek/Mediterranean
I would say their interior design and the chickpea fritters are the only things that are kind of Greek/Mediterranean
Mallika G.
Jun 09, 2021
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Nerai was a very elegant restaurant, slightly pricey but you know that going in. A great spot for a nice date night. I went with 2 of my friends who ordered the fish and shrimp pasta. The fish was very bony but yummy and the pasta was filling (per them).
The risotto pasta was delicious with a pesto flavor and very creamy. The falafel was yummy and not dry at all. For the appetizers, the such union chips came in a big platter. They were a little oily but still had a good crunch. The spinach pies were very delicious and it was a nice bite sized portion for each person.
Overall, a good experience
The risotto pasta was delicious with a pesto flavor and very creamy. The falafel was yummy and not dry at all. For the appetizers, the such union chips came in a big platter. They were a little oily but still had a good crunch. The spinach pies were very delicious and it was a nice bite sized portion for each person.
Overall, a good experience
Tansy W.
May 30, 2021
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Really cute place! The inside is really nice. They have outdoor dining also in a coveted environment but with all the construction outside, didn't seem like a good option (it was both loud and smelly).
As for the the food, we loved the trio dip but mostly just the spicy tzatziki sauce. The pita bread it came with was delicious. Also really enjoyed the lamb entree and scallops. Great wine list - I really enjoyed the assyrtiko. They had a sign for some Sunday special - discounted prefix menu or something - will have to come back and check it out!
As for the the food, we loved the trio dip but mostly just the spicy tzatziki sauce. The pita bread it came with was delicious. Also really enjoyed the lamb entree and scallops. Great wine list - I really enjoyed the assyrtiko. They had a sign for some Sunday special - discounted prefix menu or something - will have to come back and check it out!
Loreta Geneviciute
May 23, 2021
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Good atmosphere, delicious food and drinks. Portions are on a smaller end which means you can try many different items and leave without feeling stuffed.
I was there in the evening and enjoyed outdoor seating with cozy lighting and plants creating that Mediterranean feel.
I will say that I communicated with the hostess to obtained reservations when no availability was listed online and she was very pleasant and accommodating. I think that’s the biggest plus for this place. As you may know, more and more restaurants have good ambiance and food but customer service experience can be disappointing
I was there in the evening and enjoyed outdoor seating with cozy lighting and plants creating that Mediterranean feel.
I will say that I communicated with the hostess to obtained reservations when no availability was listed online and she was very pleasant and accommodating. I think that’s the biggest plus for this place. As you may know, more and more restaurants have good ambiance and food but customer service experience can be disappointing
Magda K.
May 01, 2021
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My mom and l had an amazing experience at Nerai! The food was delicious, you can tell the chef uses the best ingredients because it was fresh and tasty! The Greek wine we ordered was amazing! Divine bland of native Greek grapes! Their wine list is very well done and offers lots of options, but l love Greek wines and would highly recommend them! The service was very friendly and attentive. I hope to dine at their beautiful patio soon!
Brian M.
Apr 05, 2021
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Overall I had a good experience and would rate them 4 stars. I made a reservation for Easter Sunday which did require a credit card to hold the reservation. The cancellation fee is $25 per person if you cancel in under 24 hours.
The only disconnect I had here was a little on the table service and a few things that turns me off. First off I addressed the issue with the phone system, when you call they state to call beck after 4 pm although after 4 pm you could not get through. I addressed this and hope it will be resolved soon. The second thing was that they allowed customers in the enclosed courtyard
The only disconnect I had here was a little on the table service and a few things that turns me off. First off I addressed the issue with the phone system, when you call they state to call beck after 4 pm although after 4 pm you could not get through. I addressed this and hope it will be resolved soon. The second thing was that they allowed customers in the enclosed courtyard
