OPA!
When the urge comes for authentic hummus, horiatiki, loukoumades or spanakopita there is absolutely no need to book a ticket to Greece (or even drive to Astoria). The Westfield Area has four legit Greek standouts that will have you thinking you’ve just stepped off a ferry in the bustling port of Piraeus. Here are four ways to experience Greek cuisine and culture at its best in the Area.
Limani Seafood Grill
This South Avenue storefront restaurant is the home office of those who want to experience the Greek lifestyle. Limani Grill (recently reviewed in the New York Times) in Downtown Westfield serves up fantastic greek salads, super fresh seafood and delightfully decadent desserts. Don’t miss the whole branzino (simply grilled and seasoned). It is a 10! Its BYO, so don’t forget to pick up a Greek white to pair with your fish.
Ambeli Greek Taverna
This authentic taverna in the heart of Downtown Cranford on North Union Avenue keeps it real and does Greek super simply by serving up classic flavors from start to finish. From the addictive hummus to sweet Baklava, locals return to experience the warmth and community only Greeks can dish out. The establishment was added to nj.com’s hot list in 2016. Also BYO.
The Greek Store
Run by the Diamandas family, The Greek Store on the Boulevard in Kenilworth is a destination for many who seek out traditional businesses that maintain the Old World ways of doing things. Yes, they have food (gotta, gotta, gotta have the spanakopita), but they also offer hard-to-find Greek CDs, religious gifts and even imported baptism gowns.
NJ Greek Fest
A can’t-miss Westfield experience! Greek food, Greek culture and the Greek church. What more could a Greek-loving Area explorer need? The gyro (pronounced HERO!) is stellar and the loukoumades drizzled with honey and cinnamin (mouthwatering pic above) are so good they may drive you to smash a plate in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s parking lot. The annual festival is run by the church and typically held in June.