Nowhere is true Mediterranean spirit celebrated more than at Molyvos, where you can find an authentic taste of the Greek isles with just a metrocard. Executive Chef James Botsacos prepares classic dishes like grilled baby octopus, warm lamb sandwiches and "aglaias moussaka," a dense casserole with layers of eggplant, potato, tomato, spiced ground lamb and yogurt béchamel, with the freshest ingredients around — choice meat cuts, greenmarket vegetables, day boat fish fresh herbs — and serves them with incredible presentation and flare. Extra tips: Molyvos makes a great pre-theatre choice (it's a stone's throw from Carnegie Hall) and they sell their homemade spreads (melitzanosalata, tzatziki, taramosalata, htipiti) by the pint to take home. Entrees start at $17, reservations recommended.
Molyvos
871 Seventh Avenue, between 55th and 56th Street, New York | 212-582-7500