Ammos

A lovely room where spartan decor that proves to be cool and warm, at the same trime, and a great midtown location are just about the nicest thing one can say about Ammos in Manhattan (there's an eponymous eatery in Astoria). The food tries to be nouvelle-Greek --whatever that is-- but falls short of the mark. Our party of three agreed that what was most lacking in our several dishes was... flavor, taste, zest. The best mezedes was a salad of red and yellow tomatoes spiked with excellent feta and a well balanced dressing. From there it was downhill. At the strong insistence of the waiter we ordered the "special" duck confit ("Somewhere in Greece there might be a confit," commented my Greek-American friend Nick). What we got was half the dissecated undercarriage of a late bird. In texture it was closer to damp pemmican than confit. A Greep basic such as spanakopita was OK but certainly not at the price charged here. Other dishes were undistinguished and undistinguishable. They made no mark whatsoever. One gets the drift... no need to go on. There's far better Greeks in Midtown.

Pros: Decor, location, comfort, service

Cons: Loud when keyboard plays, more quasi than Greek cuisine

Posted 10/04/09

This is a nice place, however not consistant with food or service quality. Some days the service is excellent, and yet not so on other days. Same for food. As for the prices, well you can have better food in Astoria and pay only a fraction of what you would pay here.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, great location

Cons: Inflated prices

Posted 02/26/09

Great Bar Deal! I work in the area and on Friday nights, they offer half off your entire bar check. Went last Friday with friends, but it's too bad that the bartender doesn't know how to make a drink and has a terrible personality. By the way, an extra dry martini doesn't have 1/2 vemouth and 1/2 vodka with a bunch of olive juice! Too bad, we would have been regulars.

Posted 12/07/08

I am a frequent (twice a month) NYC business traveler and Ammos was always a visit I looked forward to. I usually stay nearby and It was always perfect for someone dining alone to eat at the bar and enjoy a nice glass of wine and good conversation. I regret to say "was" but Ive been three times now since the summer and I have had three different bartenders none of whom are on par with the former staff. I know its the nature of the business for higher than usual turnover when compared to other types of businesses but the care, class and most of all friendliness has taken a slight step back. I'm not trying to get anyone replaced but maybe some additional training on the finer points of traditional bar service would suffice.

Posted 11/20/08

Good food. Good service. Good ambiance. Notice I didn't say great. When you are paying prices like that you should be getting great. Ok maybe I'll change my opinion on one of those things. The service was great. But it should be at a restaurant like that :)

Pros: service

Cons: not special

Posted 11/17/08

I have ate here with my family and friends. The food is very good, service is excellent. I really enjoy how the get as many waiters/waitress needed and all service your food all at once. The cost is a bit high, but is worth the experience. If you do plan on dining here, make sure you make a reservation or else youll be waiting for hours and getting a small table.

Pros: ambiance

Posted 09/29/08

Ammos was expensive, the service unprofessional and annoying including filling up the wine glasses every few minutes and most importantly the "fresh" fish was was dry and pathetically small. Appetizers and sides were awful, for example, baked Haloumi cheese, a Cypriot specialty was so thinly sliced that it lost all flavor and would be unrecognizable by any Cypriot or like ourselves anyone who has traveled to Cyprus. The bill for three was $240.00 and we walked out hungry.

The worst high end Greek food that we ever had!

Posted 08/04/08

I had a wonderful dinner at Ammos! I am not usually a fan of Greek food - but Ammos is exceptional. The wine list is broad and the dinner menu featured many Mediterranean dishes that I have come to love. I recommend the Crudo and Scallops for anyone looking to try classic dishes with new, inventive twists. I am also a big fan of Thievery Corporation - so the playlist only added to an already great experience. Recommended to all!!

Pros: Great ambience and even better food

Cons: Can't seem to find any!

Posted 07/16/08

I haven't eaten here, however, I have heard great things about the food. I have gone to Ammos on a Saturday night with some girlfriends. We had a great time, the Greek music was live and great. We drank, danced and had a lot of fun. I recommend this place if you like to dance, and if you don't mind a large crowd.

Pros: great Greek music

Cons: crowded

Posted 07/16/08

I have been here a few times before and I really like the whole ambience that this place projects. I have only ever eaten at the bar or at the bar tables - havent made it to the formal room yet - and i just love it. The girl bartender is so cool, she got me hooked on this strawberry drink she makes and was even sweet enough to write the receipe on a napkin for me. I def used it over the 4th. The chef is young and hot and hanging out in the bar area, chatting with the bartender and other bar guests. Not at all stodgy like those stereotypical yelling chefs you hear about - super social, way cool.

I've only eaten some of apps - all delicious and probably moderately healthy - nothing fried or battered. Octopus is amazing and so is the cypriot cheese dish. I dont often blog about bars or restaurants, but I really love this place!!!!

Pros: Bartenders, chef, appetizers

Cons: Nothing yet

Posted 07/14/08

After three trips to AMMOS after long work days I feel I must write my first review. I have been twice at the bar and once in the tasteful dining room on a first date. For the latter experience, the young man waiting on us was charming and knowledgeable about the extensive wine-list. We sampled many appetizers including the Sikoti which is basically fois gras renamed in Greek. It was outstanding though as was everything else. I have to recommend this both for a lovely dinner destination as well as a great place simply hanging out at the candlelit bar. Both bartenders that were there on the respective nights were personable and professional. One of whom looks like slightly younger version of John Mcenroe and served us a gourmet cheese sampler, paired it with a fabulous red wine and made us laugh at a story about cats on the Titanic (random)! LOVE IT!

Pros: wine list, service

Posted 07/08/08

This place is amazing! From the food to the service to the decor. This restaurant is a must, especially if your into greek mediterreanean food. I had recently dined there and had many of their signature items. There were so many great entrees and mezedes (appetizers) that i just couldnt decide. The manager, who also designed the menu chose some of the best dishes for my table. When you go you have to try the Foie Gras, it is scrumptious and literally melts in your mouth. The baked octopus was phenomenal. It was so fresh and had ben prepared on a grill having the perfect balance of flavor and char with a hint of lemon, this was a great starter. The scallops entree and the Lamb were incredible. The lamb comes baked two different ways, a traditionally on the bone as well as a braised lamb with moussaka and feta in a mini dish, this was quite tasty. The scallops were baked to perfection, not too chewy or fishy and had the perfect balance of soft yet crisp. That came garnished with baked cauliflower and brussel sprout heads. An absolute must try!
At no point during the meal did i feel as though i needed something. The servers and all the waitstaff anticipated our every need, the buspersons were right on with clearing tables, everything was spotless.
The decor inside is great. It has great feel and atmosphere. I definately would recommend for dinner or even just an after work drink. AMMOS, i will be back!

Pros: Exceptionally fresh seafood, Well trained wait staff

Posted 06/22/08

We have come to AMMOS on one Friday night and again on the following Monday night for drinks and appetizers at their attractive and comfortable (despite the low chairs) bar area. It is a welcome respite from the chaos and muggy heat of the neighboring establishments. I must say that the new wine list and drink menu is a quantum leap from the limited offering of a year ago. The bartender is a sharp-looking mix-master who actually knows something about entertaining and accommodating his own customers (who all seem to know him) as well as servicing what looked like a busy wait-staff simultaneously. We should delve deeper into the menu than we do but the dips and Grilled Octopus are what we always look forward to. My only complaint would be that both times we visited, heard the same sequence of songs playing in the background. But check it out anyway!

Posted 06/03/08

As with many of your reviewers, we were anxious to experience the "new Ammos" given the change in chef. We were certainly impressed. Favorite appetizer: Grilled octopus---tender, flavorful, excellent. But the others we tried were wonderful, notably the salads with fresh beets. Favorite main course: halibut-- fresh, juicy, beautiful presentation. Scallops were also delicious (prepared creatively in a white buerre blanc with cauliflower and Brussell sprouts). Service was attentive, but not obsequious. The sommelier recommended a delicious Chardonnay that was a perfect complement to our food selections. The food coupled with the atmosphere combined for a terrific dining experience.

Pros: Appetizers, seafood

Posted 05/26/08

As a someone getting tired of the Grand Central apres work scene - Ammos is a real find for an afterwork drink. The wine list by the glass really leaves much to be desired, but the beautiful greek bartender more than makes up for it. I was in last night and not only does this lady make a mean martini but she also talked up the menu - which definitely delivered. Took the time to talk to me and my guest while servicing a pretty full bar. Whoever is back in that kitchen now knows what they are doing. The owner hands out delicious bar snacks which adds a nice touch. Highly recommended and will become my new go to spot.

Pros: Great service, wonderful food

Cons: Gets quite packed, wine list

Posted 04/10/08

My recent visit to Ammos was nothing short of superb! Within the first ten minutes of waiting at the bar for the rest of my party to arrive, I had a lovely conversation with the bartender who was both knowledgeable and attentive (even though she had a full bar). Once seated at our table I was impressed with the chic decor and the promptness of service by our waitress. When I asked about the Greek wine selection I was approached by a gentleman that seemed so eager to introduce me to some bottles that I had no previous knowledge of and picked out exactly what I was looking for. As for the food, all I can say is fabulous! We ordered some of the chef's recommended dishes and were not dissappointed. The tuna and octopus were incredible as well as the scallops and steak. Management has done the right thing by bringing in a young and talented chef. I believe that this restaurant will continue to provide great service and fantastic food, which is why I will return very soon. You would be crazy not to check this place out!

Pros: Ambience, service, FOOD!!!

Posted 04/05/08

Based on the reviews of this site, I was interested to see how a young chef from french laundry could put a spin on Greek. In addition to a superb meal, the chef came out and introduced one of his dishes, the tuna collar. the entire experience was an impressive surprise: the food, the service, the decor, and the a brief discussion with the chef. My friends and I even had a great time digging into this tuna collar. I think this is a must try, not just for fans of Greek food, but for foodies who want to try an up an coming chef.

Pros: Service and quality of food

Cons: Might not be in everyone's price range (but hey, that's what you pay for in Manhattan)

Posted 04/05/08

I read a blog that Ammos, a Greek restaurant near Grand Central, replaced its chef with a young gun from the French Laundry, so my wife and I decide to return after a very disapointing experience a couple of months ago. Lamb Dish! It was a duo: a perfectly frenched chops like a lolli-pop with Indian Spices on whipped potatoes and nice sea salt- and their version of Moussaka, which was a mini dutch oven (covered and presented table-side) filled with Braised Lamb Leg, grilled eggplant, tomatoes, and oh-so-good cheesy sauce. My girlfriend had the Scallops which were to die for. They were seared and cooked perfectly, paired with roasted cauliflower and brussel sprouts in this buttery sauce of pancetta and capers. The music and ambience is great. The service is not good but who cares. I could this everyday. Yum!

Pros: Food, Ambience

Cons: Service

Posted 03/26/08

We went as a late night greek night out after dinner! It was ok. Nothing special. There was definitely not that cozy feeling you usually get in a typical greek restaurant. But then again, we did not have dinner, instead we stood at the bar until a table cleared so that we can watch all the Greek dancing. As far as Ammos being a fun, cozy greek night out - nope - just doesn't cut it! I would maybe go back to try the food just to give it a second chance. There was just something very uncomfortable abou the place that i cannot place my finger on - may have been the rudeness of the bartender who believed he was God's gift to the world, the rudeness of the patrons or even the layout of the place, which is not a cozy restaurant ---- it does not feel anything like Greek restaurants in Greece. Or night clubs for that matter. It was just not a great night out --- decent but not great.

Pros: Greek music

Cons: Service and bar scene are not at all good

Posted 01/22/08

last time i saw and tasted a place that looks and food thats prepared this way, i was at a greek beach estiatorio in mykonos. Food was excellent, service good and try the feta napolean, great! Fish by the pound is expensive but if you love fish, it is worth it. no regrets. try soon

Pros: feta napolean

Cons: seats

Posted 10/22/07

Ammos is nice looking spot with some good seafood dishes. But it lacks that feeling of being someplace you are welcome and management is rude, has an awful attitude and lied and tried to cheat us on our bill even when the rest of our table confirmed pricing when we placed our orders. It's quite sad becuase this place has so much potential, but management puts forward a pretty negative image of the type of people running this establishment. Sadly, unless there was a change, I would Never return. Try Trata instead for some amazing food (and where management treats you with huge care and respect) or even Rafina if you dont mind venturing up that far up the east side.

Pros: Seafood is ok

Cons: Management lies and cheats, way overpriced

Posted 10/21/07

Ok, so my friend and I decide to go out for a nice meal and run into this place. I should have went home! All of the appetizers were either over cooked, bland or just simply bad-Crab cakes, shrimps, calamari & one other thing I can't recall. My friend ordered a lobster and linguine -which she hated and couldn't finish. I had lamb chops-which I might say were excellent. We asked for a wine recommendation and ordered a bottle of it. I will have to say that we were better off randomly picking something! The bottle was about $100 and we both woke up in the middle of the night wanting to ram our heads against the wall! I would never go back again. I had a friend suggest that place for dinner and almost cancelled on her for lunch. Don't go to this place no matter how hungry you are!

Pros: Lamb Chops & ambiance

Cons: Over priced...poor wine recommendations and terrible food

Posted 08/21/07

Ammos set the romantic mood for my date and I. We had a fabulous time, the decor was beautiful and the food was absolutely amazing, we would definitely come back. The seafood was so fresh and delish...the wait staff was so attentive and the greek wine was extraordinary. Two thumb up for Ammos!

Posted 08/06/07

We came to Ammos for Valentine's Day in celebration of our first Vday as husband and wife! We had gone to Greece for our honeymoon and Ammos definately brought us back to the amazing nights we spent on the islands of Greece!! The food was amazing at Ammos and the service superb!! Everything the waiter recommended was right on the ball! Thanks for a great night!!

Posted 02/15/07

Growing up in a traditionally Greek household I have a discriminating palate. Taramosalata has to be "just right"--not too fishy nor too bland. Kalamari should be light and melt in your mouth and the flavors of lemon and oregano should be abundant and run rampant in many traditional Greek dishes. Thankfully, Ammos got it right! My only visit to Ammos proved to be a wonderful experience complete with delicious plate of food after delicious plate of food, great wine, excellent service and a wonderful Greek atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands. The setting can be romantic or jovial--take your pick but be forewarned, either way you will NOT be disappointed!

Posted 02/04/07

we've been to this restaurant several times. the food is so inconsistent. the seafood is usually not very fresh and the rest of the food is mediocre at best. milos and avra are a much better choice for seafood and greek cuisine. absolutely no comparison here.

Cons: cuisine not very good

Posted 02/03/07

I love Ammos. The spreads and bread was amazing-
thier selection in Greek wines out-did my expectations and the entrees served were beyond delicious. A plus for Ammos!

Pros: Everything

Cons: No complaints

Posted 07/31/06

What a terrific experience! My first visit to Ammos was excellent all around: from the very pleasant hostesses who greeted us at the door, to the delicious appetizers, main course and desserts (Greek Coffee Ice Cream-my favorite & highly recommended), great music, to the extremely friendly Maitre D' that came over to our table to check on our experience. We had at least 5 of the appetizers on the menu, which all were delicious. Must try the Octopus (the best I have had in NYC)!!! Everything was way beyond our expectations. I have returned numerous times since my first visit and it seems as if it gets better every time. I highly recommend Ammos if you are looking for GREAT Greek food!

Posted 05/02/06

the food was absoultely excellent, i enjoyed the great service i was getting, the food made me feel like i was traveling through different parts of greece, the wine was great, i went the other night, not willing to try a new restaurant, but im happy i did,i went on a saturday night and they had greek music , im not sure if its everydasy but it was truly comfortable and enjoyable, i will most likely attend again.

Pros: service, decor

Posted 04/25/06

We went there for our first anniversary and had a great time and a wonderful dinner. Ammos offered an authentic menu with great wines from Greece. I will definately go there again.

Pros: food, service, atmosphere

Cons: expensive wine list, must like seafood

Posted 03/22/06

We came here for lunch and thought the food and service were excellent. The food was so flavorful and I had the vegetarian dishes. The others in my group had the seafood and other items and thought the food was wonderful as well. The dessert was absolutely delicious. I would definitely come again.

Posted 03/19/06

I had to sign up as a reviewer for the first time when I saw the poor review this restaurant previously received. My experience couldn't have been more different! We received excellent and friendly service starting with the host, continuing with the bartender, and finally from our server.
Hosted a event at Ammos and everything we had was delicious. We especially loved the appetizers we tried, which included the pikilia (House-Made Greek Spreads on Grilled Pita), psarokroketes
(Beignet of Lavraki (Mediterranean sea bass) with Skordalia) and kalamari (Crispy Local Squid with Fresh Lemon). All of us will definatley return to sample more of the menu!

. I also really enjoyed the Smith's cocktail. All 3 of us who had dinner that night are definitely returning.

Posted 03/08/06

It is a nice restaurant where you can spend some time to feel the delicacy of the Greek sea-food paired with the nice and very refreshing wines, in a fine ambient taken from the islands of Greece in the company of the Greek music and an attentive service.

Posted 02/28/06

Ammos has excellent service and the food is delicious. I highly recomend this restaurant

Posted 02/18/06

Greek food at a different leval. The best in town, have to try it.

Posted 01/11/06