Greek Restaurant Newcomer EGEO Will Be Helmed By White House Chef

When the corner building on 31st St. and 34th Ave. (the former El Boqueron space) was painted a royal blue, it likely reminded its neighbors of the deep blue sea. Well, when signage went up it all made sense: Egéo is the Greek translation for the Aegean Sea. And, it gives a hint of what will be housed inside..

The restaurant is being started by three partners and friends, all with extensive experience in the restaurant business. One is Christos Bisiotis, who was the executive chef at Milos and Avra in Manhattan, worked for four years with Mario Batali and Eataly locations around the world, and even worked as a White House Chef during the Obama administration. Their goal is to bring “Manhattan hospitality to the heart of Astoria.” Their specialty will be serving the freshest seafood possible from all over Greece, as well as some other European countries like Portugal and Spain.

“We are strictly using Greek ingredients, and will offer fish on your plate that was caught off the coast of Greece 18 hours ago,” Chef Bisiotis said.

That very fish will be set up in what they call the “fish market,” a large, iced seafood case right in the dining room. Guests can peruse the daily catches and select exactly which cut of fish they want, which will then be taken to the back to be cooked on the grill as desired. There will be the likes of lavraki (branzino), fagri, lobster and more, all which customers can buy by the pound. There will be salad and side options, and specials like the Mediterranean classic Kakavia (grouper soup) and fresh lobster spaghetti. There will also be an amazing oyster bar.

Though they want to serve traditional Greek fare, the Egéo team doesn’t want to be the typical Astoria Greek taverna. The high-end menu will be simple, with pared down items made “exactly how [they] eat them in Greece.” All-natural imported ingredients like salt and olive oil will be used.

“Our grandmothers taught us how to cook, it’s very rustic with not a lot of spices,” Chef Bisiotis explained. “That’s what we want to share: great food, a great environment, great ambiance, and amazing service.”

The restaurant seats 45 people in addition to bar seating. They hope to open in February, and plan to be open Tuesday through Friday from 5 – 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 11 p.m.

31-01 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106

3 Comments

Jen January 6th, 2020

Has this restaurant officially opened yet?

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Claire Leaden January 7th, 2020

Now they are saying a February opening…

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Brian December 4th, 2019

Looking forward to this opening.

But, I’m dubious of the desire to bring “Manhattan hospitality to the heart of Astoria.” I’m generally in search of Astoria hospitality (and value for the money) in Manhattan!

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