Loukoumi Taverna
| Address: | 45-07 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105, USA |
| Phone: | +1 718-626-3200 |
| Site: | toloukoumi.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 12AM–11PM 12–11PM 12–11PM 12–11PM 12–11PM 1PM–12AM 12AM–12PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
JA
James Wardle
There just isnt a bad thing to say about Loukoumi Taverna, besides the lack of tables. And even though thats true, the wait made it all the better. We sat in the garden and had the experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere in the garden was incredible- a very spirited party belting Greek folk ballads joyously, asking us for our song requests- was one that truly added to the Greek family inclusive feel, and as five non-Greek out-of-towners, we couldnt have felt more at home. We ordered on the advice of Spiro and his lovely mother and were not disappointed. They suggested eating family style, and its certainly the way to go; youll want to try everything you can. The things they do with eggplant are downright witchcraft, the hummus is fresh, simple, and delicious, the tzatziki was unique for me and had an interesting bite, the seafood was wonderful- particularly the octopus, the beef seasoning was perfectly balanced and not overwhelming like it so often is for me, the pork tender, the sweat breads (sweat breads!) still make my mouth water when thinking back on them, and every type of sauce they had was amazing. They even stepped up lima beans- imported from Greece, apparently- to a level I didnt know they were capable of. Everyone in our party agreed everything was next-level good. Finally, I highly recommend trying the Mastika for a very interesting drink experience. Its hard to compare it to anything, as it seems to be something entirely different from any other liquor out there, and unique to Chios- the familys island of origin in Greece. Theres family trappings everywhere- all the family pictures are actual family photos of the ownership, and Spiro is more than happy to tell you all about Chios. Try to make reservations the day before at least- or wait and hope for the best, I assure you its absolutely worth it. This place is less of a pit stop on your travels and more of the reason to be in Queens or even the state of New York. Make it happen, because youre worth it- and Loukoumi Taverna will make sure you know it.
TH
Thanassi Karageorgiou
Take it from a lifetime neighborhood Greek. This is THE BEST Greek food and dining experience in Astoria. They get everything right. Stamatis use to be the best, but theyve fallen off ever since they moved across the street. Try the grilled Octopus, Saganaki or Bifteki. You wont be disappointed. Anyone who says Kyklades is better is off their rocker. (Why would you want to wait in line for 2 hours when youre hungry?) Come to Loukoumi and get seated within minutes. Agnanti is similarly good food-wise to Loukoumi, but their seating is cramped and if you go there during the summer, youll be subjected to a cacophony of boy racers and motorcyclists revving their engines on their way to Astoria Park. None of that here at Loukoumi, as its on the quiet side of Ditmars in the 40s. The other places mentioned are good, but they should be your plan B,C, and D if you cant make it to Loukoumi. PERIOD!
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Ellen Lowitt
We have now been here twice. The first time was for lunch with Greek friends who grew up in the neighborhood. Last night we brought other friends for dinner. We were seated in the garden, which was quiet and delightful. The service was excellent. We shared a bunch of dishes, many that we have not had elsewhere. And food appeared on the table that we had not ordered, some grilled halloumi, vegetable keftedes. I have no idea if we were billed for these items, but my husband didnt care. Even with a bottle of wine and way more food than we could finish, it was still only about $40/pp. Agnanti has been our favorite for years, but now Lokoumi may have usurped that spot. We were not rushed and had a very relaxed, enjoyable evening catching up with friends over delicious food.
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Ellen Sheppard
At Loukoumi youll feel like part of the family - a family with a sensational kitchen! Loukoumi has the feel of a neighborhood resteraunt, but the cuisine of a NYC culinary icon. The vibe is casual and friendly; the food, authentic Greek; the staff, warm and friendly. We arrived late (after 10 pm), but couples and small groups continued to arrive over the entire two hours I was there. And they were all having such fun! The waitress patiently and graciously helped us through the Greek on the menu. Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and delicious. Seasoning was perfect. We were not charged for the coffee we ordered with dessert. Ive eaten in dozens of Greek restaurants, including several in Greece. Loukoumi equals or exceeds the best of them!
JA
Janina Siegert
Went here on a Saturday evening. The lady on the phone said a reservation was unnecessary but next time we will insist. It gets pretty full on Saturdays. Fortunately we got a table in the garden. We had the pikilia spread which was fresh and very good. Warm pita bread was served along. I had the lomb chops for main, my husband had grilled liver. Both dishes were cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. Our son got some extra attention from the very friendly staff and complimentary cake. We declined the yoghurt dessert that another waitress offered. We could not have been happier with our evening and will return if we ever happen to be in the area again.
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Ted Fourlis
This was our first trip as a family to NY from the west. Loukoumi Taverna was an amazing experience. We had Xmas eve dinner at Loukoumi and cant wait to go back. The grilled octopus is a house specialty. The melted Feta spread with jalapeño and spices combined with warm pita slices left our mouth watering. We had chicken souvlaki and the homemade pastichio. Both were done to perfection. Spiros was a phenomenal host and the staff was attentive and made sure we had a great experience. Being raised as a Greek its a treat to dine at a restaurant that feels like home. Cant wait to go again. Opa!
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A Private User
This is what a Greek Restaurant is supposed to be like! Loukoumi Greek restaurant, The appetizers were great -- tzatziki, taramosalata (excellent!), stuffed kalamari, ikoumeniki salad, and grilled octopus perfect!. You can make a great meal just out of the "starter" dishes. Grilled fish comes de-boned or whole (however you request) -- light, delicious with lots of lemon. All the sides we had were done well -- potatoes, dandelion greens. The wait for a table is tremendous on a weekend night but theyll give you free wine while you wait, Cant wait to go back!
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Jacky Beren
My boyfriend has been wanting to try his resturant for months. We showed up and the place was packed. The wait was long but it was worth it! (Next time we will make reservations.) The greek salad is the BEST I ever had. Their hummus is so fresh and we also ordered some other apps that were great. Everyone enjoyed their individual meals and I would HIGHLY recommend this place to someone looking for good, fresh authentic greek food in an inviting atmosphere. We felt like family and we WILL be back.
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Jean McClean
I had only had Greek food once before and found it not to my liking. I found the meat very dry amd stringy. But a friend recommended Loukoumi and I am happy to say I am now a fan. We shared two dishes, one pork, the other shrimp. They leave the shell on after splitting the shrimp open amd removing the vein. It was grilled and because of the shell it stayed tender and moist. The pork kebab was phenomenal, full of flavor, and tender as can be. Both came with lemon potatoes which were excellent.
