Help choosing between 2 Greek restaurants in Queens

[Mlah]

Taverna Kyclades or Mythos. By looking at some of what has been said and rated elsewhere, I prefer the former but always appreciate a fellow Chowhound's opinion. Also note that one of the dinner goers prefers Moussaka and it didn't appear that either offered this staple dish. So in addition to hearing your take on these two, what other Greek restaurants can you suggest from fairly recent experiences? I say that because some places have been sold and new owners can either be a plus or minus. Trying to stay in the Astoria or Bayside/Flushing areas. Plusses would be: fresh fish, a good grill selection and traditional Greek comfort food done well. Thanks!

Mike in Rockland

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Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105

Mythos
196-29 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11358

[CitySpoonful]

Mlah, skip Taverna Kyclades and Mythos and take advantage of rare opportunity for a Greek-Cypriot Easter feast at Zenon Taverna (31st. Ave. btwn. 35th & 34th Sts.). They stay open late into the night tomorrow (Sat.) serving all sorts of special dishes (I know lamb is on the menu). If you're lucky, they may even have some fresh flaounas on hand, too.

(More on Cypriot Easter flaounas: http://bit.ly/fc1e4s

)

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Zenon
34-10 31st Ave, Queens, NY 11106

Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105

[frankie5angels]

My vote goes to Mythos.. Great food and friendly staff. And they have the best bacaliaro I have ever had. BLows the Italian version away.

Avli is OK but for things like Gyros.. It's good but I'm surprised by the "rave reviews".

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Avli
38-31 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361

[daffyduck]

If you like seafood, you should not miss Taverna Kyclades

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Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105

[janie]

there have been several reports of downhill quality there--have you been recently? How are the scallops?

[queenseats]

After a long absence of at least five years, I returned to Kyclades a few weeks ago with a group of friends. I had always loved Kyclades, but after moving to Astoria three years ago, I've spent my time trying out new places and had been meaning to return. We were a group of seven, so had to wait a long time (I think we were told an hour and 45 min) -- but it was close to 8 pm on a Friday night. We killed time by having some well made (but pricey) cocktails at 718 down the block. By the time we sat down, it was close to 10 pm but the place was still hopping.

We ordered a bunch of plates for the table to share, plus several carafes of wine. The food was incredible -- and I mean, truly amazing. Better than I remembered from a few years ago. We had grilled octopus, saganaki, peasant salad, skordalia, quail, red snapper, fried sardines. It was a total feast -- especially with the sides that come with the entrees. Everything was super fresh and delicious. All of my friends were raving about the food (several had never been before). It's also a great value to go with a group and order this way, almost tapas style, because it was so affordable. With tax and tip, we each put in less than $30. Incredible value and a meal that has stuck with me for about three weeks now. I highly recommend and will be back a lot this summer.

It's also sad to see some very good Greek places close up recently -- Philoxenia and Akti to name a couple. I'm happy to see Kyclades doing such good business, even if it means a long wait -- it's worth it.

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Philoxenia
32-07 34th Ave, Queens, NY 11106

Akti
34-19 30th Ave, Queens, NY 11103

[janie]

thanks for the review..good to know..gotta make it over there...thanks again

[daffyduck]

i haven't tried the scallops yet. but ive been there 3 times in the 6 months. i've enjoyed the salmon, shark, chicken kebab, and red snapper.the favorite seafood entree was easily the salmon, it just melted in your mouth.

[daffyduck]

the calamari is also very good

[foodie1017]

Never been to Taverna Kyclades, but heard good things about it. Is it worth the wait? Yes I like Avli and Mediterranean Grill too.

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Avli
38-31 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361

Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105

Mediterranean Grill
160-24 Willets Point Blvd, Queens, NY 11357

[diprey11]

very much depends on how long the wait might be: the place is quite popular Life is short: I would prefer Avli almost anytime, the quality being pretty much the same

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Avli
38-31 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361

[foodie1017]

Good to know. Thanks!

[janie]

I really like this place in Whitestone:
http://medgrilltaverna.com/menu.html

Mediterranean Grill Greek Taverna..the atmosphere is pleasant--food always fresh and nightly fish specials...I think it's better than Avli----avli is more homestyle, this place is more refined.

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Mediterranean Grill
160-24 Willets Point Blvd, Queens, NY 11357

[johnk]

Great octopus @ M.G. Soup or salad, a side dish, and the largest portion I've ever had in a Greek place for $19.00.
Nice place.
JK

[janie]

Had lunch at Med Grill on Willets on Friday afternoon, beautiful salad with grilled chicken--good portion and everything fresh--and authentic---this place is heads and shoulders above Avli, I think.......................and the waitress at Med Grill is excellent.

Anyone try their shrimp and scallops at dinner? Lots of nightly fish specials and comes with salad or soup-------------

[PlomeekSoup]

Of those two, I would pick Taverna Kyclades or head to Avli over everyone else (Kati Allo, Mythos, etc.) in Flushing/Bayside because of their consistently solid food, service, and decent prices. What Avli lacks in ambiance (vs. the nicer interiors of Mythos, Kati Allo, etc.) they make up for in great Greek food (though the back garden is great for outdoor dining in warmer weather).

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Avli
38-31 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361

Kati Allo
29-06 172nd St, Queens, NY 11358

Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105

[Mlah]

Thank you for the suggestion. It seems a good one because our group of 6 has varied pallates and at least two of us may prefer an entree of Moussaka, the others fish or chicken. I noticed Avli offers daily specials too and the appys look inviting. Prices appear very reasonable which is also a plus.

[richg35]

Second Avli. It's great. We live in Astoria and actually go there for our Greek fix.

Kyclades is good but overrated and waiting hours for a table isn't really worth it, IMO.

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Avli
38-31 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361