very nice place for a drink but the food… it was so bad… not authentic at all and omg I waited 2h for the worst food I ever had 😂😂
Greek restaurant
Kiki's
Lower East SideManhattan
Lower East Side
Manhattan
The brief
About Kiki's
Straightforward Greek cuisine such as seafood & lamb served in warm digs with exposed-wood beams.
Health inspection
NYC DOHMH Grade B
Score22(lower is better)
Inspected6/30/2025
A Grade B means some violations were found. Many B-graded spots earn an A on re-inspection within weeks.
Community Rating
4.4
out of 5
2,443 community reviews
Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.
Reviews
What diners say about Kiki's
15 verified Google reviews
4.1
15 reviews
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Back in nyc for a few days and wasted a dinner at Kiki’s. Terrible. Cold calamari that had obviously been cooked too long before serving, bland dip, stale odd bits of bread that looked like they’d been pulled out of the trash in a basket and the feta on the Greek salad ( with two olives) was dry and tasteless. The server spent the entire meal throwing used cutlery plates into a bucket 2 feet from my ear. It literally hurt. Such a waste of time and money. Gross food and horrendous service/atmosphere
Arrived around 5 PM and no wait. they do not seat partial parties so we did wait at the bar till the rest of our group showed up.<br>The Lost (white wine by the glass) was crisp and light-medium bodied<br>The slightly bubbly orange wine by the bottle that we got was $24 for 500 mL . It was definitely sweet. Had a very nutty finish.<br>We ordered the giant beans in tomato sauce, fries, lemon chicken soup, and the chicken with potatoes. Everything was okay.<br>Great service!
We had a delightful casual experience at this restaurant, where the food was absolutely delicious! We indulged in the dips, mixed grill, calamari, and spanakopita, and each dish was a treat for the taste buds. Even the dessert was a sweet ending to our meal. The ambiance was warm and cozy, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed dining experience.<br><br>However, we did have a minor issue with the service. It seemed like our table was a bit overlooked at times. Our waitress was pleasant, but she occasionally forgot our requests, such as bringing a to-go box. We found ourselves waiting for about ten minutes while they were engaged in conversation, which was a bit awkward.<br><br>Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed everything else about the restaurant and are looking forward to returning. The food is simply too good to resist! We hope that with a bit more attention to detail, the service can match the quality of the food. Overall, it was a lovely experience, and we’re excited to come back soon!
Walk in only. We waited an hour on Tuesday night to dine here. The food was not bad but not amazing. The zucchini chips here are a must get. The meat was really salty but everything overall was not bad.
Genuinely one of my favorite places to eat in the entire city! You’ll most likely have to wait, but it’s so worth it. When I have family visit from out of town, Kiki’s is typically our first stop for a fresh, DELICIOUS family meal. Now, after mannyyyyyy visits, Kiki’s holds a very special place in my heart and is a special place for me and my mom. I strongly recommend enjoying their Greek salad and Branzino. Price and taste cannot be beat!
My girlfriend and I happened to be in the area and stumbled into Kiki’s on Valentine’s Day, and we were blown away by this place.<br><br>Kiki’s is hidden away inside what looks to be an old Chinese print shop. The interior is dimly lit, and it’s extremely cozy. It’s got an atmosphere almost like you’re a sailor wandering into a random bar between trips. We (luckily) arrived at a perfect time and were seated immediately.<br><br>Our waitress was very friendly, and she actually told us about a dish that wasn’t on the menu, which was the chicken kebabs that I ended up ordering. In addition to that, we ordered the grilled loukaniko sausage and calamari for appetizers, and my girlfriend had the branzino.<br><br>All of the food was incredible. The sausage was perfect. The casing was crisp and snappy, and the filling was perfectly cooked and so flavorful. It has a perfect hint of orange flavor and with some lemon squeezed over it, it was perfection.<br><br>The fried calamari was among the best I’ve ever had, personally. The calamari had the perfect texture, and the coating was so light and crunchy. It doesn’t overpower the calamari at all. It just enhances the flavor entirely. The calamari wasn’t served with any sauce, just lemon, and that’s truly all it needed. It was so good.<br><br>Our entrees were also incredible as expected. My chicken kebabs were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The chicken was juicy and tender. The fries were also the perfect amount of crispy and seasoned so well. The pita bread was also good. The dish also came with a tzatziki sauce that was very fresh and light, perfectly balancing all the flavors on my plate.<br><br>My girlfriend’s branzino was beautifully presented and just so simple and skillfully cooked. All of the flavors present enhanced and brought out the flavor of the fish instead of overpowering it or masking it. It was so light and flaky, with the skin just expertly crusted. The lemon potatoes on the side added a delicious layer of acidity and heartiness to the dish as well.<br><br>Overall, our experience here was incredible. The service was great, the prices were not bad, and most importantly the food was amazing. Our meal just felt so balanced and so fresh. It was one of those meals you walk away from just feeling good, energized, and full. I can’t wait to go back here.
Finally made it to Kiki’s and I’m happy to say it was worth all the hype. They don’t take reservations for small groups though so there’s often a wait, but we went at an odd time on Valentine’s Day and were able to be seated quickly.<br><br>Service was great and the restaurant had a really cozy feel that definitely matched the vibe of enjoying coastal Greek food. The calamari was some of the best I’ve ever had, super fresh with a perfect crumb and the right amount of crisp. The other appetizer we got was the grilled loukaniko, which is like an orange sausage. I definitely think these two were the standouts of our experience and I’d come back for the appetizers alone.<br><br>I ordered the Branzino and it was also very fresh with a nice crispy skin, very bony but that’s to be expected. They also came with lemon potatoes that were nicely drenched in a lemony butter sauce. My boyfriend ordered the kebabs, which was a special not featured on the menu— they were full of flavor and very delicious.<br><br>Kiki’s also had lots of small touches I personally really enjoyed that made it feel very cozy and welcoming, like small coat hooks behind the tables and lots of authentic Greek touches. I also didn’t feel like they rushed us at any point, despite being very busy and I appreciated that.<br><br>Overall I thought the prices were good too for the quality of the food, definitely try and come on an off day or time though because I’ve tried to get in before and the wait times were ridiculous. I’d recommend Kiki’s for a date night and some authentic Greek food.
Tucked away in the vibrant chaos of New York City's Lower East Side, Kiki's stands out as one of those rare spots where the hype doesn't just live up to expectations—it exceeds them. This unpretentious Greek taverna has earned its cult following for good reason: it's a masterclass in straightforward, soul-satisfying Mediterranean fare that leaves you craving more long after the last bite.<br>From the moment you step inside, the energy is electric—think lively chatter over clinking glasses, the sizzle of the grill in the open kitchen, and that unmistakable aroma of charred lamb and fresh herbs wafting through the air. The space is cozy and no-frills, with simple wooden tables and a chalkboard menu that keeps things refreshingly casual. Reservations? Good luck; this place packs in crowds night after night, but the wait is always worth it.<br>Now, onto the stars of the show. The Greek salad here is nothing short of transcendent—a vibrant explosion of crisp romaine, tangy feta that crumbles like snow, briny olives, and perfectly ripe tomatoes dressed in a light, herbaceous vinaigrette that ties it all together without overwhelming a single ingredient. It's fresh, it's balanced, and it's the kind of starter that makes you wish you could bottle the simplicity and take it home. No soggy greens or overly dressed nonsense; just pure, honest excellence that sets the tone for the meal.<br>But if the salad steals your heart, the cheesecake will claim your soul. Oh, the cheesecake—dense yet impossibly light, with a subtle graham cracker crust that gives way to a velvety filling infused with just the right whisper of citrus and vanilla. It's not overly sweet, allowing the creamy richness to shine through in every forkful. Served in generous slices (though they vanish all too quickly), it's the perfect capstone to a hearty dinner, leaving you in a state of blissful, full-bellied contentment. In a city drowning in dessert options, Kiki's version is a standout—hands down one of the best cheesecakes you'll encounter anywhere.<br>Pair it all with a glass of crisp Assyrtiko from their thoughtful Greek wine list, and you've got the makings of an unforgettable night. Service is efficient and warm, even on the busiest evenings, and prices are fair for the quality (entrees hover around $20–$30). Is it perfect? Not quite—the lamb chops can sometimes veer toward the fatty side if you're not in the mood—but at its core, Kiki's is reliable, delicious, and utterly addictive.<br>If you're seeking authentic Greek flavors without the tourist traps, do yourself a favor and add Kiki's to your list. Five stars, no hesitation. Just go hungry, and brace yourself for that cheesecake-induced food coma.
I went to Kiki on a Friday night around 6.30pm, arriving just as the evening rush kicked in. Within minutes the place was buzzing—inside and out—thanks to the still warm September weather. The outdoor area was packed, so we were given a table inside, which still had a lively vibe, although it felt quite dark.<br><br>We shared several plates. The octopus was a bit dry and chewy, so I wouldn’t recommend it. The courgette chips, on the other hand, were tasty—crispy and flavorful—though a bit heavy on the cheese and salt. The moussaka was only okay, served lukewarm and lacking the creamy and melting texture I usually expect. For dessert, we tried the baklava, which was good but not particularly memorable.<br><br>Prices were reasonable by New York standards, and the drinks were a highlight. Their house Kiki’s beer was fun to try, and the half-bottle of orange wine was a great value at $24. The crowd skewed young and energetic, and the atmosphere was vibrant and upbeat. The staff matched that vibe—friendly and fun.<br><br>Overall, it was a lively night out with solid drinks and atmosphere, but the food didn’t quite win me over enough to rush back.
Overall pretty good, but not the best or most authentic Greek food I've eaten. It's okay. The service when we sat was pretty quick with waters. The food itself was okay, flavor is there but not strongly. The Saganaki had goat cheese, which isn't traditionally the case nor was it specified in the menu.<br><br>They do need groups to all be there to be seated and don't take reservations. I'd understand if it was amazing food, but it was just okay.
Amazing Greek / Mediterranean food! The shrimp were amazing. Salad was fresh. Moussaka was phenomenal.<br><br>Great view of the WTC if you sit outside. Huge indoor seating. There is a line to get in, have to have your whole group there for them to let you in.
Got a little bit of everything as I was hungry. Was a little disappointed they were out of the fish so it must be good. The beans were really tasty. I loved the block of feta on the salad. The sausage was a little overcooked so it made it a little rubbery. The fried eggplant was one of my favorite dishes. Towards the bottom it can get a little oily. Nice place to relax with friends and have a bottle of wine and catch up.
Very good experience at Kiki’s. You can’t call and reserve a table it’s walk-in based you put your name down and get a call when it’s your time. It’s a big place separated into multiple hubs in the street but still usually packed.<br><br>Food is very good. My recommendation is to stick to the authentic Greek dishes. I got the Bifteki which was very tasty. First time that I got the Pastichio, it is something between moussaka and lasagna, It was great but I personally prefer moussaka. Fried calamari was okay like I said better to stick to the Greek dishes. Tzatziki was also very good.<br><br>They also offer carafes of their house wine, red or white.
I’ve been recommended by my friends to try this place. It indeed deserves the hype! A really cute little place with chill atmosphere. Food is awesome. I got Moussaka (super flavorful), lamb chop (signature dish!), grilled octopus (this one is nice but not as special as other dishes), cold cheesecake (one of the best cheesecakes!!). Would love to come again:)
Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.
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