Start your day off right with breakfast at Nerai

September 17, 2018

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your day off on the right foot with breakfast at Nerai. From 7:30 am to 10:00 am on Monday-Friday, you can relax in our elegant space and enjoy a delicious meal.

Our breakfast menu is comprehensive and offers something for everyone. If you want something sweet and light to start your day, we have an assortment of Greek Yogurt Parfaits, prepared in-house with fresh fruit. You can try our classic parfait, with thyme honey and pecans. If you want to spice things up, you can also choose to add fresh figs and toasted hazelnut, strawberries and bananas, or apple cinnamon and granola.

For people who want something more substantial to satisfy their sweet tooth, we offer the perfect fix: Tsoureki French Toast, drenched in Greek honey syrup and topped with bananas and seasonal berries, our French Toast is scrumptious and will give you more than enough energy to get through the rest of the day.

If you absolutely love eggs, then you’re in luck. We offer a hearty full breakfast consisting of Two Eggs cooked any way you like, home fries, baked beans, sausage, and toast. We also have two equally mouthwatering omelets: the Greek Omelet, prepared with feta, spinach, cherry tomato, and basil, as well as the Mushroom Omelet, prepared with Swiss cheese, chives, and onions. And last but not least, for all the people who adore runny yolk, we have poached eggs prepared in two ways: the Lobster Benedict with lobster hollandaise and tsoureki bread, as well as the Constantine with spinach, asparagus, and hollandaise.

Not really in the mood for eggs? You can enjoy our tasty smoked salmon plate that comes with a bagel, chive cream cheese, capers, tomato, and onion. Or, you can sample one of our breakfast toasts. There’s Avocado Toast, of course — although ours is a spin on a beloved classic, as it is prepared with yogurt, feta, tomato, caramelized red onions, and arugula. If you’re not in the mood for avocado, we also have a Hummus Toast that comes with Israeli salad, roasted red pepper, and frisse, as well as our new favorite a Whipped Goat Cheese Toast that is served with fresh figs, balsamic honey glaze, toasted hazelnuts, and mache greens.

If you’re not really hungry or rushing to get to work, we also offer some lighter options: a seasonal fruit plate as well as steel cut oatmeal with berries and Greek honey. Both are perfect for people who are on the go, but don’t want to skip the most essential meal of the day. Click here to see our new and refined breakfast menu!

in Greek Food

Relish the mouthwatering flavors in our daurade crudo

September 13, 2018

If you’re looking to try a fish that’s simply packed with rich and buttery flavors, then look no further than the daurade. The daurade is a mouthwatering fish from the Mediterranean Sea that has enraptured people for centuries thanks to its unique appearance and mouthwatering flavor profile.

This saltwater fish — also known as dorade or European sea bream — usually weighs around 4 to 5 kilograms and possesses glistening silver skin. It is a popular fish in many cuisines, and it is often consumed fresh, grilled, fried, boiled, and even steamed.

The fish’s name, “daurade,” means “golden” because of the golden scales between its eyes that make the fish look like it has a bright brow or a royal gilt. Thanks to this unique coloring, the daurade has developed a reputation as a particularly aesthetically pleasing fish. In ancient Greece, the daurade was deemed so beautiful that it was devoted to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.

Aside from its physical appearance, the daurade is also widely beloved for its delicious taste. Ever since ancient times, it has been considered one of the tastiest fish. The daurade has tender and juicy white flesh, with a sweet, buttery, and slightly firm flavor profile. As a result, the daurade is versatile and suited for many different styles of preparation, from grilling to serving in bouillabaisse.

Moreover, the daurade is also incredibly healthy to consume. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, vitamins B9 and B12, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

At Nerai, we prepare this beloved fish in a way that best showcases its delicious flavors. Our daurade is sourced from Kefalonia, Greece and then served crudo, or raw. The dish is prepared with 4 ounces of sliced sushi-grade daurade. Half of the fish is prepared with lemon zest, fresh thyme, and mint ouzo fluid gel. The other half of the fish is prepared with red pepper, Aleppo pepper, and lime zest. The dish is served with a lemon, which you can squeeze over the fish to enhance its mouthwatering flavor.

in Greek Islands

Escape from reality on the tranquil shores of Skopelos

September 11, 2018

For those seeking an oasis of calm and relaxation, Skopelos is the perfect island escape. In fact, you can’t even fly to the island directly since there isn’t an airport. Instead, you arrive by ferry at a picturesque harbor, with a magnificent view of the hillside sprawl of white houses topped with terracotta tiles.

The island itself is quiet and tranquil, but there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Adventure seekers can hike and explore the many narrow paths through the forest that lead to chapels, monasteries, and mysterious pirate graves. Beach bums, on the other hand, would be pleased to find that Skopelos offers a number of stunning beaches where they can sunbathe, swim, and kayak to their heart’s content.

Foodies can revel in the delightful food that Skopelos has to offer — in particular, the plums. Citrus groves can be found all over the island and there are three major plums that people consume — the black plum, the red plum, and the yellow plum. These plums are often used to make jam, prepared in pastries such as plum pies or plum cakes, dried and sold as sweets, served along with chicken and pork dishes, or simply eaten as fresh fruit.

From its unique dishes to azure waters to rugged forests, Skopelos is simply brimming with charm and character. In fact, Skopelos is so endearing that it was chosen to be the main shooting location for “Mamma Mia!” in 2007. Most of the outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed at various beaches and towns on Skopelos. The film’s star-studded cast even stayed at the accommodations on the island and frequented the local shops. Many of the locals fondly recall having Meryl Streep and Colin Firth in their bars and restaurants.

Fans of the movie can flock to identifiable spots on the island to take a closer look at the sites where their favorite film was shot. For example, many people visit the iconic Saint John Chapel where the beautiful wedding scenes were filmed. Tourists also enjoy exploring the shores of Kastani beach, where the character Tanya sang “Does Your Mother Know” in the movie.

Yet, despite being the filming location of a widely beloved movie, Skopelos has largely retained its authenticity. There are very few “Mamma Mia!” themed tours, and most locals prefer to keep it that way. However, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for intrepid fans of the movie to hunt down the spots where some of their favorite scenes were filmed and relive the magic of “Mamma Mia!” for themselves. There’s no denying that Skopelos is the perfect place to escape from reality.

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Revel in the lush greens and rich aquamarines of Corfu

September 6, 2018

The Greek islands are well-known for their signature colors of white and blue. As a matter of fact, when most people imagine a romantic getaway to a Greek island, they envision whitewashed walls and blue-colored domes. Green, however, is not a color that usually comes up. Due to the dry climate on most of the islands, the landscape is usually fairly barren and devoid of greenery.

In that respect, Corfu is notably different from the other Greek islands. This unique island, the second largest in the Ionian Sea, boasts not only white sand beaches and azure waters but also lush greenery that carpets the entire island. Thousands of olive trees flourish on Corfu, thanks to the torrential rains that the island experiences from September to June.

As a result, Corfu absolutely glistens with bright jewel tones. From aquamarine waves glittering under the midday sun to the green trees coating the mountainous landscape, there is no shortage of colorful sights to behold.

There are plenty of ways for people to explore the natural beauty of Corfu. There is a plethora of beaches ideal for relaxing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Some of the beaches even offer scuba diving. People can also explore the island’s flora and fauna on foot or by bicycle. Adventurous travelers can head to Pantakratoras Mountain, the highest point of the island, to get a good hike in and explore the monastery on top of the mountain.

But Corfu is not only visually gorgeous. It is also the site of many landmark events throughout the history of Greece. Ever since the medieval times, this island was the site of many protracted struggles and wars against the Ottoman Empire. And in fact, Corfu was the only part of the entire country that never fell under the rule of the Ottoman Turks.

Today, there are many attractions and museums on Corfu that bear witness to this rich history. One of the top highlights on the island is the 15th century Old Fortress, the Venetian fortress that successfully repulsed the three major Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571, and 1716.

Other impressive historic sites include the Achilleion, a museum filled with paintings and statues of Achilles that was built by the Empress of Austria, as well as the Archaeological Museum, which houses the remains of a temple to Artemis. Corfu is even home to the only museum in the entire country of Greece that is dedicated to Asian art.

in Greek Food

Indulge in our creamy, rich, and savory lobster pasta

September 4, 2018

Summer may be slowly winding to a close, but that’s no reason to stop treating yourself to fresh seafood. If you’ve had your fill of lobster rolls and want to experience the luxurious taste of lobster in a different way, then you absolutely must try our astakomakaronada, or lobster pasta.

This lobster pasta dish represents the pinnacle of nouveau Greek cuisine. A highly popular seafood dish in Greece, lobster pasta is especially common in the summer. During the hot summer months, nearly every restaurant on a Greek restaurant will serve this as their specialty dish.

For tourists, lobster pasta is an excellent way to experience an authentic taste of Greece. An absolute must-try for foodies, this gourmet plate is typically prepared with lobster that was freshly caught from the nearby shores. Travelers can enjoy this famous dish beside the azure water at a picturesque destination like Santorini or Mykonos.

At Nerai, our lobster pasta is a favorite among many of our guests and it’s not difficult to see why so many people rave about this dish. Our squid ink pasta is skillfully prepared al dente and infused with the savory flavors of lobster stock, carrot, and red pepper. The pasta is then gently tossed in a rich, creamy sauce along with chopped lobster meat.

As a finishing touch, a generous helping of fresh lobster tail is served on top of the squid ink pasta. The end result is an exquisite dish that simply sings with the flavors of the sea.

One bite of our lobster pasta will instantly transport you from the concrete streets of New York to the seaside towns in Greece. Make a reservation at Nerai to experience this authentic dish for yourself.

in Greek Islands

Immerse yourself in the wildly unique culture of Tinos

August 31, 2018

When most people think about Greek islands, they think about pristine white sand and crystal clear water. Beautiful beaches are all well and good, but what if you’re looking to spend a little less time tanning and a little more time exploring a culture that’s wildly different from the one you’re accustomed to?

Tinos is an enigmatic island in the Aegean Sea that is often bypassed by tourists. Only a stone’s throw away from the glitzy and glamorous Mykonos, Tinos couldn’t be more different. Rugged and unpretentious, this island is famous for being the hub of two dominant religions — Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholicism. The presence of both religious forces on the island is highly unique and it gives Tinos a unique character.

In fact, Tinos is the center of the most notable yearly religious pilgrimage in the entire region of the eastern Mediterranean. Every year on March 25 and August 15, thousands of Greek pilgrims make their way to Tinos to worship at the Church of Panagia Evangelistria. The church is built around an icon that, according to tradition, was found after the Virgin appeared to the nun Pelagia and revealed the location of the icon.

Aside from its religious significance, Tinos is also home to an abundance of marble. One of its towns, Pyrgos, has even been dubbed a “marble village” — and it’s not difficult to see why. While the entire country of Greece is well-known for marble statues and temples, Pyrgos takes it to another level. In this unique little town, nearly every single street, building, church, home, and doorway is shaped from marble or adorned with marble carvings of birds, flowers, and sailboats. Even the street signs are gorgeous asymmetrical slabs of marble inscribed with Greek script.

Marble craftsmanship has a long legacy in Pyrgos, and marble craftsmen often host workshops to show off their artistry and sell their handmade artwork. Tourists can also visit the Museum of Marble Crafts to learn more about the history of marble.

Tinos, therefore, is the perfect place for people who want to explore a culture that’s different from their own. From marble architecture to picturesque villages to a traditional way of living that has stayed relatively untainted throughout the years, you can truly immerse yourself in the unique culture of Tinos.

in Greek Food

Pan-fried Saganaki just hit our menu

August 28, 2018

If you’re a cheese addict, then you’ll be obsessed with the newest addition to our menu. Saganaki is a beloved traditional Greek appetizer that consists of pan-fried cheese.

The recipe may be incredibly simple, but it packs a flavorful punch. The cheese is fried until it bubbles and forms a crunchy golden crust on the outside. Once cut upon, melted cheese slowly oozes out. Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, saganaki is an utterly heavenly treat for any cheese lover.

The word “saganaki” can actually refer to any Greek appetizer that has been prepared in a small two-handled heavy-bottomed frying pan. Other classic Greek dishes include mussels saganaki and shrimp saganaki. However, cheese saganaki is by far the most popular recipe — and it’s not difficult to see why.

At Nerai, our saganaki is made with kefalograveria cheese. The cheese is lightly floured and pan-fried. As a finishing touch, fresh lemon is squeezed on top. The saganaki is then served to you when it is hot and juicy.

Kefalograveria is one of the newer Greek cheeses, but it has quickly become a favorite among many. Produced in the mountains of Epirus and Macedonia, kefalograveria is made from sheep’s milk that has been aged for three months. This hard yellow cheese is often sold in wheels or wedges, and it has a rich nutty flavor and smooth texture. Its taste and texture make it perfect for saganaki, and it pairs well with ouzo and white wine.

So if the thought of gooey melted cheese makes your mouth water, then you are sure to fall in love with saganaki. Come to Nerai and try this simple but delicious Greek dish for yourself.

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Unwind on the blissfully laid-back island of Hydra

August 21, 2018

Tired of running around all day checking things off a to-do list that never seems to get any shorter? It might be time to book a flight to Hydra, the ideal place to laze around and do absolutely nothing all day.

While that may sound intimidating at first to many of us Type-A New Yorkers, it might actually be helpful for us to completely unplug, put away our phones, and just unwind on a beautiful Greek island for a change.

The island of Hydra offers the perfect retreat for people who want to get away from the endless hustle and bustle of a sprawling metropolis. Instead of cars stuck in traffic jams loudly honking at each other, the only thing that can be seen on the streets in Hydra is a donkey or two.

That’s right — there are no cars, no motor vehicles of any kind, and not even any bikes on this entire island. Donkeys are the primary form of transportation on Hydra, and these hardy animals trot through the stone-paved lanes with baggage, heavy shopping, and tourists on their back.

The most beautiful part of Hydra is its laid-back charm that makes everyone who visits want to ditch their itinerary. The cobblestoned streets on the island are secluded and inviting, with colorful bougainvilleas tumbling down the whitewashed walls, and the cafes are perfect for people-watching over a cup of coffee.

There is no shortage of things to see and do at your own pace. A leisurely walk from one fishing village to another yields many fascinating discoveries, such as Byzantine-style cathedrals and elegant monasteries and historical museums. Travelers can also climb the bastions to admire the breathtaking view over the Aegean.

And of course, as a Greek island, Hydra is also home to a number of lovely beaches. Quiet and undisturbed, these beaches are blissful havens for rest and relaxation. From the pebbled shores of Vlychos to the sandy cove of Agios Nikalaos to the spectacular blue-green waters of Bisti Beach, there are a number of serene beaches that travelers can access either by foot or by water taxi from Hydra Town.

in Greek Food

Taste the finest cheese around the world with our international cheese plate

August 21, 2018

There is no better way to end a sumptuous meal at Nerai than with our decadent cheese plate that features a delicious and diverse array of cheeses around the world. With its versatile combination of different flavors and textures, our cheese plate is sure to delight.

The first cheese in our selection is La Tur, a soft-ripened cheese made from a blend of cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk that is produced in Piedmont, Italy. Similar to Brie cheese, it is a light yellow colored cylinder shaped cheese with an edible soft rind. The taste of La Tur is buttery and creamy, with acidic notes and yeasty flavors. With its fluffy texture and pleasant earthy aroma, La Tur pairs well with a variety of wine, especially those with floral or honey notes.

Next is Manouri, a semi-soft fresh Greek whey cheese made from sheep’s milk that is produced in Larissa, Greece. Similar to feta, this cheese is white in color with a creamy texture similar to a light cheesecake and a delightfully mild, lemony flavor. A highly versatile cheese, manouri is often used in pastries or other dishes. For example, both manouri and feta cheeses are used in the stuffing of our fried zucchini flowers.

Metsovone is another Greek cheese, but it is semi-hard and made of cow’s milk. Produced in Epirus, this is one of the few cow’s milk cheeses in Greece. After an aging period of three months, the cheese is exposed to smoke from grass, leaves, and herbs that is responsible for the cheese’s golden color and distinctive flavor. Metsovone has a full, rich flavor that is best enjoyed as a table cheese or grated over potatoes and mushrooms. This particular cheese pairs perfectly with red wine.

Then there is Caciotta, a cheese produced in Treviso, Italy. Made from raw goat’s milk, this cheese is hard and wrapped in walnut leaves, resulting in a nutty and earthy flavor. With a firm texture and strong aroma, Caciotta is a highly versatile cheese, and it pairs well with many wines as well as fruit preserves, raspberry, apples, nuts, and crackers.

Ossau Iraty is a delicious cheese from the Basque Country in France, and it is said to be one of the first cheeses ever produced. Made from sheep’s milk that has been aged for 12 months, Ossau Iraty has a firm texture and a floral and fruity taste. This is one of the most pairable cheeses, and it goes exceptionally well with red wine.

Last but not least, Fourme D’Ambert is one of France’s oldest cheeses and it dates back as far as the Roman times. Made from cow’s milk in Auvergne, Fourme D’Ambert is a semi-hard blue cheese with a creamy, supple texture. In order to make this cheese, the curds are inoculated with a blue mold that infuses the cheese with a savory and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the notes of butter and cream.

Build the perfect cheese plate from our selection of six heavenly cheeses. You can choose two different types for $16, or four different types for $24. All of our cheese plates come with peach paste, seasonal condiments, fresh figs, and pickled shimeji mushrooms.

in Greek Islands

Marvel at the beautiful architecture in Syros

August 13, 2018

Although Syros is one of the many Greek islands in the Cyclades, it looks considerably different from its peers. Most Cycladic islands are well-known for a distinctive style of architecture that predominantly consists of whitewashed cubic houses, pristine windmills, cobblestone streets, and blue-domed churches.

But Syros does not have these distinguishing features. Instead, the island has its own unique architectural style that seamlessly merges elements from ancient Greece and Western Europe.

The entire island exudes an aura of neoclassical romance, with elegant Medieval-style buildings that hearken back to a bygone era. And the Venetian mansions lining the streets of Hermoupolis, the capital of the island, are beautiful reminders of a time that was both glamorous and affluent.

Hermoupolis, named after the god Hermes, was once an incredibly prosperous and cosmopolitan city. Though these days are in the past, its rich legacy continues to live on through the city’s neoclassical architecture. Throughout the years, architects from all over Europe convened to build the ancient mansions, marble paved streets, imposing marble square, grandiose churches, and superb monuments that can still be seen today in Hermoupolis.

Travelers can stroll the romantic streets and picturesque neighborhoods to discover images and experiences from the grand history of Syros. From the magnificent Town Hall building, the marble relief panels depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses in Miaouli Square, the Apollo Theater, the mansions in Vaporio, and the assorted beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches, there is no shortage of architectural marvels for tourists to feast their eyes upon.

In fact, the architecture on this island is so stunning that Eleftherios Venizelos, the former Prime Minister of Greece, once declared that “Greece was reborn in Hermoupolis.”

Discover the breathtaking architecture of Syros for yourself.

We welcome you to experience our impeccable attention to service and genuine hospitality. We look forward to hosting you and your guests soon.

Hours of Operation
	Days	First & Last Seating
Breakfast	Monday - Friday	7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Lunch	Monday - Friday	11:45 AM – 3:30 PM
Dinner	Monday - Thursday	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
	Friday & Saturday	5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Start your day off right with breakfast at Nerai

Relish the mouthwatering flavors in our daurade crudo

Escape from reality on the tranquil shores of Skopelos

Revel in the lush greens and rich aquamarines of Corfu

Indulge in our creamy, rich, and savory lobster pasta

Immerse yourself in the wildly unique culture of Tinos

Pan-fried Saganaki just hit our menu

Unwind on the blissfully laid-back island of Hydra

Taste the finest cheese around the world with our international cheese plate

Marvel at the beautiful architecture in Syros

Haute Greek Cuisine

Nerai Blog