It’s no secret – I love me some Greek food. And although Astoria is no stranger to this cuisine (after all, that’s what it’s famous for), there are certain establishments that I have a strong preference for. One such restaurant is the relatively new, Akti. Technically specializing in seafood, they also serve your typical Greek favorites such as tzatziki, spanakopita, keftedes (Greek meatballs), halloumi and others. I love coming here because the food is always fresh, the service attentive and the bill never breaks the bank. Here’s more information on why I really, really heart it.
What I HEART About Atki:
Atmosphere: What I love most about Akti’s decor is its soothing color palette – there’s a lot of blues, browns and whites that conjure up serene scenes of the ocean. There’s a “flowing wall” as you enter the restaurant, which is a cross between a water fountain and aquatic art. It’s rather an unusual sight but just like the peaceful colors, it helps relax you and make you feel like you’re at the beach.
Seating is comfortable with good quality chairs and simple yet spacious tables. I was surprised at how many plates they could hold at one time, which is important because most meals here include a lot of small plates that are typically shared. Outdoor seating is available too during warm weather, which is just lovely and so pleasant.
I like listening to the Greek background music, which transports you to a beachy Greek town with clear blue skies and a gorgeous ocean.
Dishes I HEART and Recommend:
- Any kind of salad – Akti boasts wonderfully fresh vegetables and therefore, excelling at salads. Try the portobello mushroom salad or the ntomatosalata (mixed tomato salad).
- Dips - Choose an assortment of three such as the tzatziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) and their chunky hummus
- Keftedes - Cypriot-style meatballs that are tender and incorporate mint, which makes them smell divine
- Grilled Haloumi – Talk about perfection, the gorgeous char marks on this dish alone make me swoon. The cheese is delicious and it’s beautifully paired with grilled pita and fresh tomato.
- Zucchini Croquettes – By far my favorite item on the menu – you’ll love its delicate texture and crispy exterior. Oregano, parsley and mint make this dish super aromatic and so fresh-tasting.
- Any grilled catch of the day – It’s always fresh and served butterflied on a large platter. The fish is tender and never overcooked. Try the lemon potatoes or the grilled asparagus as a side.
Akti Restaurant - 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.3530
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