Estiatorio Milos: Fine Mediterranean cuisine at New York City's Hudson Yards

Whenever Ron, Bev, Parlo, or I go into New York City, we generally launch our expedition with lunch at the Midtown location (125 E 55th Street) of the famed Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos. This restaurant was Chef Spilades entry point into the US and its signature open kitchen, fish market, fresh ingredients, and esthetically pleasing environment rendered it one of the standard bearers for Mediterranean food in NYC.

Our level of satisfaction with this restaurant has always been very high so when I heard that a second NYC location would be opened at the Hudson Yards development, I promised myself that I would check it out as soon after opening as possible. That occasion presented itself last Saturday.

I came in by Uber from Queens and decamped at the 11th Avenue entrance to the development. Hudson Yards is a "28-acre development built over an active rail yard and serves as home to more than 100 diverse shops and culinary experiences, offices ..., public art and cultural institutions including The Shed, modern residences, 14 acres of public plazas, gardens and groves, and the world's first Equinox Hotel."

Entering the plaza, we were immediately transfixed by The Vessel, the otherworldly structure that is the centerpiece of the Yard. "Comprised of 154 intricately interconnected flights of stairs -- almost 2500 individual steps and 80 landings -- the nearly one mile of vertical climb offers remarkable views of the city, the river, and beyond."

The Vessel

The Shed in the background

Stepping out of the car we were greeted by this bronze-gold, honeycomb structure rising out of the ground, narrowing as it reached for the skies. And there were people traversing its multiple bands, the center of attention of the throngs massed in the plaza below. This was a made-for-Instagram structure and one got the sense immediately that this place will grow to become an iconic New York City structure; a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. A mini-Eiffel Tower on the Hudson.

We crossed the plaza (after viewing The Vessel from every conceivable angle and taking a ton of pictures) and entered the 5-story, high-end shopping plaza that is an integral part of the complex. A security guard directed us to the express elevator to the 5th floor where Milos is located.

As expected, the layout and appointments of the enterprise are pleasing to the eye. The Wine Bar is located on the 5th floor while the restaurant is located one level up.The Wine Bar serves a large selection of by-the-glass wines and small plates while the restaurant has a similar wine list and food offerings as does the Midtown location. The fish market is a welcoming sign to Milos regulars.

What sets this restaurant apart from the Midtown one, is the possibilities afforded by the location: a sixth floor location with sweeping views of the rail yard, the Hudson River, and New Jersey beyond, as well as an in-your-face view of The Vessel. There is an inner bank of seats and then a step-down to another set of seats that hug the large glass walls. There is a balcony on the outside of the dining room which will be available for dining once it warms up.

Parlo, Greg, author, and Chris

There has been some discussion in the press regarding the high price of Milos' meals being obscured by the Market price designation but let not your hear be troubled. The prix fixe menu offers three course (each course selected from a healthy list of options) at a very fair price. We took this route and were very pleased.

The staff is young and eager but not as knowledgeable as the stalwarts of yore. But they will grow into it with the management team looking over their shoulders. Our server was excellent; our original Somm not so much. I had him switched out and things ran smoothly after that.

Ambience, great food, great wine, great views. It does not get any better than this.

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