Note: I was invited as a guest and received a complimentary meal. However, the opinions expressed on my blog are 100% my own.

Being a huge fan of the Greek cuisine, we have explored so many Greek restaurants that I think I have come to a point where I am very specific with what I like and I don’t really like to settle for anything less than that. 

So when I was recently invited by Andrew, the owner of Avlee Greek Kitchen, located in Brooklyn, New York city, I knew that it was something I could not pass up.

Avlee Greek Kitchen is a nice and quiet restaurant and like most Greek restaurants, it has its own unique charm. The decor is simple, rustic and inviting with an open kitchen style.

Andrew is a humble man and is very passionate about his work. At Avlee, they only use Fresh ingredients. In fact, they don’t even own a Freezer!

Avlee’s food contains natural flavors with no use of any enhancers, which is Andrew’s top priority. Now, that is saying something, right? Many of their ingredients are imported directly from Greece. They also like to support the local farmers and so you can bet that you will only be served the freshest of food!!!!

As we were approaching the restaurant, a group of friends passed by us and we overheard one of the guys saying to his friends that this is a ‘really really good place.’ This gave me a good vibe even before I could enter ?

We started with a sampler of Fava Mani (similar to Hummus – made from chickpeas, garlic, lemon and tahini), Tzatziki and Tirokafteri (feta cheese with bell peppers and jalapenos.) It was served with incredibly soft and warm pita bread.

The Fava Mani was really rich and delicious and the Tzatziki was as fresh as fresh can get! I honestly, kinda fell in love with the Tzatziki!

The Tirokafteri was spicy and had a nice kick to it – something one can eat in only moderate quantities. 

 

Along with the spread sampler, we were also served ‘Dolmathes’ which are Hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, herbs & spices.

Next, we got this dish called ‘Htapodi’ which is basically Grilled Mediterranean Octopus. It was a truly divine dish which was perfectly cooked and the subtle charcoal flavors that were coming through made it  incredibly delicious! I couldn’t stop eating it – I mean look at this beauty –

 

We then tried their ‘Haloumi Stin Psistaria’ which is grilled Goat cheese with a light lemon oil dressing. If you ask me to describe the taste, it tasted a lot like Paneer which is, of course, a winner for me.

 

Along with this, we were also served the ‘Argiotiko Eggplant.’ This dish consists of Roasted eggplant filled with caramelized onion and sauteed tomatoes. Definitely a great option for vegetarians.

 

And then, came the lovely entree! We were served Mousaka which is an Eggplant & Potatoes based dish including Ground Lamb & beef and Bechamel. It came with a refreshing salad. We tried this dish for the first time and really loved it.

 

Along with this lovely Entree, they also served us three sides – 

Gigandes – white beans baked in an onion & tomato sauce

Spanakorizo – Spinach sauteed in rice & onion and

Horta Revithia – Kale sauteed with roasted chickpeas. All three sides are yet again a great option for vegetarians and were full of delicious flavors.

 

 

 

Well, they say no Greek meal is complete without the decadent dessert – ‘Baklava’ and so that’s what we were served, along with another dessert called ‘Galaktoboureko.’

Baklava is a very famous and traditional dessert made from chopped walnuts & almonds wrapped in phyllo (it happens to be one of my favorite desserts too)

Galaktoboureko is also a Greek dessert that is made with semolina custard in phyllo. It was not too sweet (just the way we like it) with hints of cinnamon.

Both the desserts were truly Phenomenal and I can’t really choose which was one was better amongst the two! But, I will be honest here – I have had Baklava at manyyyyy places and this was by far the best! It’s a must try and I recommend it 100%. 

My husband is a true Coffee-lover (more than me) and so at the end of our meal he asked for a cup of their ‘Coffee in Briki.’ Mind you, this is a really, really strong Coffee unlike what you get at your regular coffee shops. It has an exceptional taste, body and aroma.

We left the place with a heavy stomach and a promise of coming back very soon!

They have plenty of wonderful dishes on the menu varying from Non-Vegetarian, Vegetarian, Vegan as well as Gluten Free options. This restaurant is truly a gem in Brooklyn!

If you want to experience the Freshest Greek food just the way I did – you should definitely check out Avlee Greek Kitchen someday. And… You can thank me later 🙂

Address: 349 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Trains: F, G to Carroll St.

Website

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XOXO