Throughout the history of Greece, there is a long and storied tradition of hospitality. From the Iliad to the Odyssey, the concept of hospitality is an enduring one. Filoxenia, the Greek word for hospitality, emphasizes the importance of friendship, food, and libations.
At Nerai, you will find a contemporary take on this age-old tradition of filoxenia. We offer a modern and sophisticated twist on Greek dining in the heart of New York, featuring a lively bar, elegant dining rooms, and intimate private event spaces. Our spaces are sleek and tasteful, with nautical-inspired decor, crisp whitewashed walls, and an ambiance of refined tranquility that will transport you from the bustling streets of New York to the breezy shores of Mykonos.
Our team works relentlessly to ensure every guest is touched by our filoxenia. Our warm hospitality begins at the door as you are welcomed into the bright and airy multilevel space by a staff trained in the fine art of personalized attention. Our polished service team pays close attention to each guest and strives to make your experience outstanding.
Our executive chef Moshe Grundman combines classical Hellenic food preparation with Mediterranean twists to create a dining experience guaranteed to please. Our flavorful dishes present high-quality ingredients with beauty and simplicity. We source the freshest possible ingredients from across the world, with an emphasis on sustainability. Our lavraki comes from Greece, fresh octopus from Spain, Ora King salmon from New Zealand, and lobster from Maine. The freshness of our ingredients and the traditional Greek flavor in our dishes is one you will remember long after your meal.
Our wine director Michael Coll carefully curates an extensive wine list that highlights a variety of well-known wines, as well as a number of fine wines produced by boutique Greek wineries using traditional and organic methods that date back thousands of years, to satisfy even the most sophisticated palates. The wine selection complements our cuisine perfectly, creating a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that harkens back to the rich heritage of Greece.
Nerai provides our guests with an escape from the everyday. We welcome the local business community for a light and refreshing lunch in the middle of their busy day, colleagues for a chance to unwind with after-work drinks and light bites, and groups of friends and family for drinks, dinner, and celebration. We are located in Midtown on East 54th Street, between Madison and Park, in the heart of the city. Come dine with us and discover modern Greek hospitality.