TLDR
Upscale Greek seafood spot w/ a renowned, budget-friendly 3-course lunch special. Perfect for business or a pre-show bite.
Details
AVRA ESTIATORIO is a Greek seafood restaurant in Manhattan known for its excellent 3-course prix fixe lunch, often praised as a great value at around $40, a price significantly lower than its typical à la carte cost [1], [2]. While many patrons recommend it for business lunches and special occasions, citing its upscale atmosphere and quality seafood [3], [4], some have found the lunch experience rushed and the food lacking flavor [5]. It's considered a popular choice among financial and legal professionals and is noted for flying in fresh fish daily [6].
Food Overview
This Greek and Mediterranean restaurant specializes in seafood, with reviewers specifically mentioning the branzino as a standout dish [1], [2]. The 3-course prix fixe lunch is frequently cited as an excellent value, often costing around $40 and considered a major draw [3], [4]. While many find the food delicious and fresh, with fish flown in daily [5], one reviewer found the bread and hummus stale and the overall flavor lacking during a lunch visit [6].
Caveats
One reviewer found their lunch experience at Avra disappointing, noting that the food lacked flavor and the bread and hummus tasted stale, suggesting that while it can be good for business lunches, the quality might not always meet expectations.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About AVRA ESTIATORIO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Top Trendyhigh Vibe Restaurant Around
"Avra was listed as one of several restaurant suggestions for a client dinner."
NeutralFrom post: Top Trendyhigh Vibe Restaurant Around
"The commenter stated they had been to Avra previously and were looking for other suggestions."
NeutralFrom post: Top Trendyhigh Vibe Restaurant Around
"Avra was suggested as a restaurant choice for the client dinner."
NeutralFrom post: Finally Found A Seafood Restaurant By Grand
"This user expressed their difficulty in finding good restaurants in Midtown and noted that they love Greek food, indicating they would check out Avra."
PositiveFrom post: Finally Found A Seafood Restaurant By Grand
"This user suggested Avra as another option for Greek-style seafood in Midtown, in response to the original poster's difficulty finding good restaurants in the area."
PositiveFrom post: Need Help Selecting A Location For A Work Team
"Avra was mentioned as a suitable choice for a celebratory meal in the midtown area, fitting for a large group's needs."
PositiveFrom post: Best Greek Food Place Ie Not For A Date
"Avra's lunch pre-fixe is considered a favorite steal in the city and feels fancy."
PositiveFrom post: Inexpensive Lunchdinner
"Avra's prix-fixe lunch is recommended as a lunch option."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Corporate Dinnner Locations In Midtown
"This restaurant was recommended as a potential location for a corporate dinner in midtown Manhattan. It's suggested to have semi-private rooms suitable for groups of 8-10 people."
PositiveFrom post: Best Upscale Restaurant For A Group Business
"Avra is recommended as an easy crowd-pleaser for the group."
PositiveFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"Avra is mentioned as a great option, though pricey a la carte, suggesting their lunch specials are a better deal. They also note there's a new Avra location on 32nd and 9th."
NeutralFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"This user suggests Avra as a potential option for a 30th birthday celebration, though they note Limani might offer a nicer experience despite not having the best Greek food."
NeutralFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"There is a new Avra location on 32nd and 9th, which could be a convenient option."
NeutralFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"The user recommends Avra as a good, upscale option for a night out before a show, noting it's a suitable choice for Greek food enthusiasts."
PositiveFrom post: Best Manhattan Greek Restaurants
"The commenter stated that Milo's is outstanding on a corporate card and that Avra is fantastic and less expensive, noting that both fly in a lot of their fish."
PositiveFrom post: Business Lunch Recs Close To 605 3rd Ave
"Avra on 48th was recommended as a suitable option for the user's lunch needs."
PositiveFrom post: Best Manhattan Greek Restaurants
"This commenter argued that Avra is the best Greek in Manhattan, with other places being double the price, having less vibe, and lower quality."
PositiveFrom post: Best Manhattan Greek Restaurants
"The original poster reiterated their disappointment with Avra's lunch, citing a lack of flavor and stale-tasting bread and dip."
NegativeFrom post: Best Manhattan Greek Restaurants
"Avra Madison was recommended for its lunch deal, described as the best by a mile."
PositiveFrom post: Best Manhattan Greek Restaurants
"The original poster found Avra disappointing during a recent lunch visit, despite a recommendation. They felt the lunch experience was rushed and the food lacked flavor, with the bread and hummus tasting stale."
Negative