Est. 2006 · Midtown Manhattan
Twenty Years of Greek Hospitality in New York City
From a single dining room on West 44th Street to one of New York's most celebrated Greek seafood restaurants — the Kellari story is one of passion, provenance, and the pursuit of the perfect fish.
Our Story
The Kellari Story
Kellari Taverna opened its doors in 2006 with a singular mission: to bring the authentic flavors of the Greek taverna to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The name 'Kellari' — Greek for cellar — evokes the warmth and intimacy of a neighborhood gathering place, the kind of restaurant where fishermen and families eat side by side.
From the beginning, the kitchen was built around one non-negotiable principle: the fish must be flown in fresh from Greece. Multiple times each week, whole fish — sea bass, red snapper, branzino, dorade, and more — arrive directly from Greek waters. Our fishmongers select each specimen by hand. Nothing is frozen. Nothing is compromised.
Over two decades, Kellari has grown from a beloved neighborhood secret into a Midtown institution — the go-to destination for Broadway theatergoers, business lunches, private celebrations, and anyone who wants to taste Greece without leaving New York.
Our Philosophy
Provenance
Every fish on our menu has a story. We know where it was caught, when it arrived, and how it was handled. That transparency is the foundation of everything we do.
Simplicity
The best Greek cooking is an act of restraint. We let the quality of our ingredients speak — olive oil, lemon, herbs, fire. Nothing more than the fish needs.
Hospitality
Kellari means cellar — a place of warmth and welcome. Every guest, whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, deserves to feel at home.
Consistency
Twenty years is not an accident. It is the result of showing up every day with the same standards, the same care, and the same commitment to excellence.
As Seen In
The New York Times
Dining Section"Kellari Taverna delivers the kind of whole-fish experience that transports you straight to the Aegean — impeccably fresh, simply prepared, and deeply satisfying."
New York Magazine
Restaurant Review"One of the most reliable Greek restaurants in the city. The fish is always exceptional, the room is always full, and the hospitality never wavers."
Eater NY
Essential NYC Greek Restaurants"For whole fish done right in Midtown, Kellari remains the standard-bearer. The kitchen's restraint — letting the quality of the fish speak — is a lesson many restaurants could learn."
Time Out New York
Best Greek Restaurants NYC"Kellari is the rare Midtown restaurant that earns its reputation year after year. The pre-theatre prix fixe is one of the best deals in the theater district."
Condé Nast Traveler
New York City Dining Guide"A must-visit for any serious New York food itinerary. Kellari's commitment to sourcing whole fish directly from Greece is unmatched in the city."
Forbes Travel Guide
Private Dining in New York"The private dining rooms at Kellari Taverna set the standard for Greek hospitality in New York. Bespoke menus, impeccable service, and a wine list that would impress in Athens."
Wine Spectator
Award of Excellence, 12 consecutive years"Award of Excellence — a wine program that honors the breadth of Greek viticulture alongside a thoughtfully curated international selection."
Grub Street
NYC's Essential Greek Restaurants"Kellari is an essential. If you haven't been, go. If you have, you already know."
20 Years of Milestones
- 2006
Kellari Taverna opens at 19 West 44th Street, Midtown Manhattan
- 2007
Named one of New York's top new Greek restaurants by New York Magazine
- 2008
Zagat Survey recognizes Kellari for outstanding seafood and authentic Greek cuisine
- 2009
Featured in The New York Times dining section for whole-fish program
- 2010
Expands private dining capacity to accommodate up to 220 guests across three spaces
- 2011
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — first of many consecutive years
- 2012
Eater NY names Kellari a top destination for Greek seafood in New York City
- 2013
Featured in Condé Nast Traveler's guide to New York City dining
- 2014
Time Out New York recognizes Kellari among the city's best Greek restaurants
- 2015
Celebrates 10 years — introduces the pre-theatre prix fixe, now a Midtown institution
- 2016
New York Post food critic highlights Kellari's whole-fish program as best in class
- 2017
Featured in Forbes Travel Guide for exceptional private dining in New York
- 2018
Grub Street names Kellari one of NYC's essential Greek restaurants
- 2019
Zagat 30 Under 30 event hosted at Kellari; featured in Zagat's NYC dining guide
- 2020
Pivots to takeout and delivery during pandemic; recognized by Eater NY for community support
- 2021
Reopens dining room to full capacity; New York Times features Kellari in post-pandemic NYC dining revival
- 2022
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — 12th consecutive year
- 2023
Voted one of NYC's top Greek restaurants by OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards
- 2024
Featured in Vogue's guide to New York's best seafood restaurants
- 2025
Celebrates 19 years; launches weekend brunch program to critical acclaim
- 2026
Marks 20 years as one of New York City's most enduring Greek seafood restaurants
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Experience twenty years of Greek hospitality.