Taverna Kyclades

As the most celebrated Greek restaurant in Astoria, it was only a matter of time before Taverna Kyclades made their mark in Manhattan. While I’m happy for their expansion a couple of years ago, I’m also mildly lamenting the Manhattanites who will no longer use the excuse to visit their neighboring borough due to having a version of their own. The story here at this TK is the same as the original: Incredible seafood, fantastic Mediterranean /​Greek fare.
While substantially smaller than the Astoria location, TK in the East Village has an intimate charm about it: family dining in a cozy interior, attentive staff, and a far more contemporary feel than the old school vibe from the mother spot. It is super date friendly and doesn’t carry the wait (pun intended) the other location is known for. The prices are marginally higher, but that’s just Manhattan pricing at work. An added bonus? The seafood is on display at the bar for everyone to see; changed out daily.
I’m pleased to note the food is just as wonderful. My favorite broiled scallops ($ 33) are plump and abundant. There is a certain char along the scallops that really complements the texture and the lemon juice brings out the flavor. When available, the grilled octopus ($ 23) is a real treat, as is the branzino. I’m still a sucker for their filet of sole stuffed w/​crab meat ($ 24) and for real gluttony of the seafood sense, shoot for the Kyclades Special ($ 40) which includes stuffed clams, stuffed shrimp, lobster tail, fillet of sole, and scallops. It is a platter that can feed 2 decent appetites and 3 wimpy ones.
When it comes to the sides, I am all for the wonderfully baked lemon potatoes or horta (boiled greens). They also have beets available and rice as well, but I would steer clear of the fried potatoes. they’re usually a tad too dry for my liking. For appetizers, go with the fried cheese saganaki ($ 9) and their infamous spanakopita spinach pie ($ 12). It’s easy to fill up on these, but save room for the main courses.
I make no bones about my fanboy status for TK. They have kept their menu consistent for years and have made strides in keeping the food at optimum quality. While I know I can always head back to the Q-​borough for some of the best seafood in NYC, it’s good to know I can be here in the EV for the same thing.

SO. I’ve eaten octopus before… via Japanese food. And it usually tasted small, squishy, and chewy to me. First time I had grilled octopus period, at this place, and my taste buds were doing whirlwinds! It had SO much flavor, was meaty, and delicious. I most certainly will come back to this restaurant again! My bff and I both ordered the salmon dish which is HUGE (we should have in fact shared– and he’s a guy that eats a lot too).
Takeaways:
— share your main dish. it is HUGE
— get the grilled octopus… I couldn’t stop salivating after the first bite

I love the ambience of this place. The service and food was great.
The calamari was tasty, as most are. The chicken soup was very filling on its own but definitely perfect for the NYC weather. I love the hint of lime/​lemon in the soup and shredded chicken; I couldn’t put it down.
The chicken skewers was more than the serving I anticipated. Absolutely delicious with the Greek yogurt mix that it came with.
The complimentary Greek yogurt with cherries was a wonderful ending to our meal. I’m excited to come back and to try the rest of the menu!

Came here for a friend’s birthday dinner on a Saturday night. No reservations. You also need your whole party here in order to be seated. The food was okay. The staff was friendly and great (hence the three stars). See what I ordered below and take notes–
— Fried calamari: safe choice, can’t go wrong
— Dozen oysters: not the best oysters I had but it was okay
— Greek salad: it was good– need more lettuce though (overload with tomatoes and cucumbers)
— Pita with spreads: I like this– spreads were good (prefer the hummus the most)
— Grilled Octopus: get this (most memorable dish)
— Veggie chips: get this (better than calamari)
— Pink Snapper: lacking flavor; a bit over cooked
— Side of beets: taste like corn (nothing wrong with that)
— Side of lemon potatoes: too lemony!
— Side of fries: basically chips
— Salmon: get this as your fish dish (best one! You won’t regret)
Overall, the food was okay. The service was great. They have free dessert and the waiter showed me their fish selections in person. I got to see the different types of fish near the back and learn a bit or two about them.

I come for the Octopus but was wowed by the lamb. It really is a shame that they don’t take reservations. I know it’s a casual walk in type joint in East Village.
I brought cousinswho were on a Paleo diet from SF here for lunch and they loved it! The service was great — we never felt rushed — and the food was as authentic as it gets… fresh and so clean delicious.
Service was good fabulous and the staff is patient and accommodating if your a Greek food newbie. Would’ve liked to see a «show» with the saganaki but it was fried to perfection is ooey gooey meltylicious nonetheless! Can’t wait order more items on the menu when I return.

Came at the right time! (around 4:30pm).no wait~!
The must have is the Kyclades Special — pretty much have a little bit of everything all on one plate! (Perfect for 2) + comes with a side (ordered Beet salad)
Another amazing dish was the Octopus — Sooo juicy and again perfect for 2!
Plus the on the house free dessert~~~ DELISH!