Seemor
EleaAWorth Trying
217 W 85th St, New York, NY 10024
· Greek restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1022 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished, lively Greek on the UWS delivering standout seafood, lamb chops, and meze with strong hospitality and a bustling two-level room; prices are high and noise/host stand issues appear intermittently.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Elea delivers grade A performance through exceptional seafood and lamb preparations paired with attentive, knowledgeable service and appealing two-level design. However, occasional consistency lapses with overcooked fish and tight seating upstairs prevent the higher tier. This Upper West Side destination earns its reputation as a reliable, celebratory Greek dining choice with polished execution and warm hospitality.
Restaurant Summary
The scene at Elea feels warm and bustling, with a handsome bar up front and a lively dining room below that turns energetic as the night goes on. Servers are attentive and upbeat, steering guests to Greek wines and celebration touches; one diner raved, "the sea bass had crisp skin and a bright, tangy sauce." Seating can be tight upstairs, and the host stand sometimes draws mixed feedback, but most nights flow smoothly. In the kitchen, the cooking leans classic Greek with polish rather than theatrics—think fresh seafood, lamb chops, and meze you can build a whole meal around. Spreads and the Elea chips are easy wins for the table; octopus on silky fava and dorade or lavraki anchor the seafood side. A few outliers flagged dry lamb shank or overcooked fish of the day, but the majority praise clean flavors, crisp textures, and portions that encourage sharing. Families fit in well here: the vibe is lively but welcoming, and staff are kind to little ones. The menu has kid-accessible choices like chicken skewers, Greek fries, and simple seafood or risotto-style dishes, while adults can explore bolder plates. No formal kids menu is noted, but practical options abound for cautious eaters.
At a Glance
- Excellent seafood and lamb chops with generous, shareable meze
- Lively two-level space well-suited for dates, groups, and celebrations
- Competent Greek wine guidance and polished service
- Premium pricing, especially for fish and bottled water upsells
- Host stand friction and occasional seating downstairs when not preferred
What Sets It Apart
- refined_greek_seafood
- shareable_meze_program
- two_level_ambiance
- group_event_capability
What People Love
- Crisp-skin lavraki and dorade
- Elea chips and vibrant spreads
- Attentive, upbeat service
- Lively ambiance that still feels polished
Points of Concern
- Seating preferences not always honored; some routed to downstairs despite empty-looking tables
- Occasional overcooked fish or dry lamb shank reported
- Pricing is genuinely premium (many mains $35-$55) which may surprise casual diners
- Potential bottled water upsell; ask for tap if preferred
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$65-$92 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Tasting of 3 Spreads ($22) and Elea Chips ($27) to share.
- Choose one seafood main (Lavraki $39) and one land main (Short Rib Youvetsi $38) for balance.
- Vegetarians: Spanakopita ($19) plus Vegetarian Moussaka ($30) or Garden Risotto ($29).
Perfect For
- Sharing meze with friends before or after the museum
- A celebratory date night with Greek wine
- Group dinners or family gatherings
- Seafood lovers seeking polished Greek classics
Location Insights
Area: Residential, family-heavy Upper West Side with cultured, neighborhood dining and steady local traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, active foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Near Central Park, AMNH, and Broadway retail; draws pre- and post-museum/theater diners.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-oriented, with a strong community feel and a steady flow of both locals and visitors enjoying cultural landmarks nearby.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a cultural hub within the Upper West Side, home to Lincoln Center and several theaters. The dining scene here includes a mix of upscale restaurants catering to pre- and post-show crowds, as well as casual spots popular with locals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday11:30–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–15:00, 16:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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