NYC Restaurants

Eléa evokes the Greek islands at its Upper West Side location. The sister of Kyma, in Flatiron, Eléa offers a modern take on Greek cuisine. An oval-shape concrete bar serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant, a meeting place for casual diners looking for a quick bite or cocktail. The dining room is brightened by white-washed walls and ceilings, along with reclaimed wood and teal tapestry. Artifacts also fill the space, including a 200-year-old olive press. After all, Eléa means “olive” in ancient Greece. Executive chef David Perez, of Estiatorio Milos and Cipriani, is offering a lively twist to dishes like tuna tartare, Mediterranean salads, assorted whole fish, char-grilled lamb chops, braised short rib and Greek classics like Pastitsio; baked pasta with seasonal mushrooms and béchamel.  A semi private dining room is perfect for larger gatherings.

- Thomas Rafael