NYC Restaurants

Molyvos, the spirited Greek restaurant, has re-emerged in the former Esca space (402 West 43rd St) in Hell’s Kitchen. The reimagined space is operated by the Livanos family and named after their ancestral town of Molyvos on the island of Lesvos. The restaurant sports a rustic look with flowers and vines climbing the wall near the entrance.

Vibrant seafood, meats and seasonal vegetables abound. There are starters like Roasted Marinated Baby Beets with dill, orange zest, sherry vinegar, skordalia and micro greens; Ouzo Flamed Haloumi Cheese Saganaki with lemon sauce; and Grilled Octopus with Santorini fava, and Vinsanto tomato compote. Diners will also find assorted spreads – Tzatziki spiked with cucumber and dill, Melitzanosalata with roasted eggplant, and Tirokafteri, a spicy feta roasted red pepper dip.

From the sea are dishes such as Ionian Hamachi Crudo with anise carrot puree, pink grapefruit, and watermelon radish; Ouzo Cured Atlantic Salmon with crisp capers, sumac onions, fennel pollen, and dill horseradish yogurt; and Smoked Ioannina Eel with ouzo blood orange glaze, black truffle tamara,  and picked shallots. Classic Entrees include Lahano Dolmades, stuffed Napa cabbage with ground lamb, beef & pork, arborio rice, scallions, dill, and avgolemono sauce, and Roasted Free Range Chicken with lemon garlic roasted fingerling potatoes.

Baklava with walnuts and pistachios wrapped in Phyllo with spiced honey makes for a sweet finish, along with Sokolatina, a layered chocolate mousse cake with chocolate glaze and orange; among others.  Cocktails, Greek beers and spirits are also available.

Molyvos' close proximity to Broadway makes it a perfect spot for a before or after-theatre meal.