Kellari offers an elevated Greek dining experience in Midtown Manhattan and has a sister location in Washington DC with delicious seafood selections and an exquisite wine list. The restaurant, which has become an institution over the last decade shines with elegant lighting, comfortable leather seating and crisp white linens, to give the restaurant a Greek island feel. The restaurant’s motto is “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends” and that continues to be the case with warm hospitality complemented by fantastic cuisine. Owner Stavros Aktipis brought on board Executive Chef Themis Papadopoulos who has over 20 years of experience working in fine-dining restaurants and 5-Star hotels in Paris and Greece to elevate the restaurant’s menu with modern Greek touches throughout.
Chef Papadopoulos earned his education from Ecole Lenôtre and as a visiting chef at the Michelin-starred The Kitchen Gallery in Paris and the 2 Michelin starred Greenhouse in London. Papadopoulos’ worked as a gastronomy consultant at the Athens Was Design Hotel from 2015-2017 and spent the last seven years as the Chef de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Le Mavromattis in Paris. Prior to that he was the Executive Chef at ANEMI Hotel in Greece from 2007-2011 and for two years during that tenure also was the private head chef for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens. He also spent seven years at the Executive Chef of Brasserie Valaoritou in Greece from 2000-2007. Papadopoulos is now continuing his journey in the United States at the helm of the kitchen at Kellari.
Kellari is a fantastic spot to head to pre or post theater since the restaurant serves up a multi-course price fixe menu for $38.95 per person for two courses, or $42.95 for three courses. Greek small plates are served nightly at the bar, a signature wine club and Dine Well rewards program with special dinners and tastings as well as an over the top Captain’s Table menu which can serve 12-15 guests. This meal includes your choice or Amuse Bouche, Lobster Bisque and an appetizer of Charcoal Grilled Octopus from the Mediterranean or Citrus Marinated Sea Bass. Main courses includes a grilled 25-30 pound fish and a choice of four sides. Side options include: Greek Fries, Spanakorizo, Spanaki, Horta, Lahanika, Broccoli Rabe, Lemon Roasted Potatoes, Beluga Lentils or Gigantes Melitzana. Lastly, finish this epic meal with a selection of of homemade traditional Greek desserts & fruit.
