Catering Companies, Restaurants, Greek Restaurants, Mediterranean Restaurants
Live Music, Private Rooms
The Rafina Taverna Restaurant is a New York restaurant that features authentic, Greek cuisine. We have a variety of seafood dishes to choose from and our Greek island atmosphere will put you in the mood. We would love to host your private party or treat your group to a classic Mediterranean meal. Our seafood is the best in the city as all of our fish are fresh and prepared with the finest ingredients. We offer dine-in or take-out meals Wednesday through Saturday, after 10:30 p.m., the owner, Dennis Spilios, treats his customers to live, Greek entertainment. Family owned and operated, the Rafina Taverna Restaurant was ranked in the Top 5 Greek restaurants. Come experience the fine cuisine of Greece at the Rafina Taverna Restaurant. NY TIMES - Unlike many Greek Restaurants, Rafina does not routinely overcook its fish so you can taste the flavor of the fish.
This place is awsome. I went there a few times for drinks and we always have a great time and can't wait to go back. The owner is the best. He welcomes you sings, treats, tells stories, he is a one man show. Must see!!!
Posted 10/03/08 | Report Abuse
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We went here for a company party and was pleasantly suprised. The waitstaff was very attentive, the food was really good. What stood out to me was the music. The singing and impromptu dancing was a lot of fun!
Posted 06/12/08 | Report Abuse
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Amazing!!!
by KennyGross
The food was amazing, and there is a very hommie enviroment, cozy and very good service, i really liked it
Pros: Very good food
Posted 11/30/09
Wonderful food, gracious service!!!
by eensygreenfrog
We were a party of 6 celebrating my birthday. I decided on Greek food & after reading the reviews.... my expectations were exceeded, from the man who took my reservation, to the quaint Greek fishing village decor, our waiter, the food...a wonderful experience. We were not rushed, and that allowed for some great dinner conversation and stories.
The service was attentive without being overbearing. It was a really nice night so we opted to sit outside in the "garden" and it was quiet and cozy. My friend and I ordered a glass of champagne and were really pleased to be served colorful champagne"splits", poured tableside (more special than just getting a glass), and my husband enjoyed his Alpha (Greek Beer). Our appetizers: Grape leaves (fresh and delicious), Spanikopita (flavorful), Keftedes (little meatballs) were a delight, kind of lemony,Hummus (you could tell it was freshly made) and Saganaki...(I have only ever seen this dish lit on fire tableside and people get to say "OPA" when it's doused in ouzo...but this was served without fanfare, and although it was DELICIOUS, I wondered if that's just something that restaurants do for tourists or if Greek people routinely set their cheese alight tableside...sorry, I digress)...The warm pita bread was continuously replaced, the water glasses full at all times, and we were very well taken care of. The waiter recommended a type of bass that was not on the menu (so naturally I ordered it) and everyone else ordered a variety of entrees: Steak, Chicken Kabob, Salmon, and another seafood dish. Everyone declared their meals wonderful, moist and delicious. After dinner we each were served an unexpected and refreshing slice of watermelon.
The perfect meal was ended with baklava (and something else covered in cinnamon and sugar, maybe a walnut?), and Greek coffee (!) We plan to go back when they have live music. I am kicking myself for having lived on the UES for 15 years without trying this place sooner.
Pros: Wonderful, Easy environment, Delicious food
Cons: None (Contrary to this listing, they do not take Amex, but Visa/MC, etc. no problem.)
Posted 09/06/08
Gracious people!
by kjm415
This place was recommended to my friends and I for the food. We went to dinner a little after 9 on a Saturday and were a little uncomfortable that we were one of 3 parties in the entire restaurant. 2 of my party of 4 left after dinner while my friend and I decided we'd stay for 1 drink to check out the music. Fast forward 4 hours and a few glasses of sambuca later and we are still there...thoroughly enjoying the scene (music! dancing! flowers!) and reminding ourselves that we are still in NYC and had not been teleported to Greece. The owner (or at least the manager?) was very gracious and appeared to just want to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. I felt like I was in on a big secret. A a big, wonderful Greek secret.
Pros: friendly staff
Cons: strangely empty for dinner!
Posted 08/03/08
Great Greek joint for dinner & entertainment...a must do in the city!
by navarino
This place is like a hidden jewel...one of the last few great Greek places to put together a live show on the weekends...and the food is great too. Very authentic, very reasonable, very entertaining! You're especially lucky if the owner Dennis is singing himself...very friendly, he always makes it a point to visit every table and welcome his guests...There was even people dancing on the table one night when we went, I felt like I was literally in Athens...I definitely reccomend, but don't go too early, Greeks are notorious for late dinners, especially when there's music...go later if you want to see the place in action
Posted 11/07/07
Authentic without a trip to Astoria (or Athens...)
by robertmc
I stopped in for a late meal on an off weeknight, so getting a table was no problem. This is an unpretentious, casual place with one main large dining room and a charming back outdoor garden space. They offer live music (but not the night I was there). the Taramosalata, tzatziki, dolmades appetizers were delicious. The grilled baby lamb chops were perfectly grilled, herbed and presented with strips of grilled zucchini. The ample porgy was also very tasty. A bit of watermelon and baklava and coffee finished off a delightful meal. The service was good. There are certainly more upscale (and expensive) greek restaurants in the city but for simple, tasty fare this place did the trick. I would certainly go back. The meal with three drinks came to $98.
Posted 08/15/06
a true taste of Greece
by nourania
At Rafina you will find the most authentic tasting Greek fish, appetizers and main courses. I grew up in Greece and know what is real Greek food and what isn't! and this is the real thing....
Pros: friendly staff, FAIR PRICES, PORTION SIZE
Posted 03/15/06
