Ranked as one of the top 10 NYC restaurants and Kim Kardashian’s new favorite restaurant in Manhattan, Nerai is a modern, upscale and “non-tipping” Greek restaurant in the Midtown East neighborhood.
From the moment you enter Nerai, you will immediately notice the beautiful décor and upscale ambiance of this cozy bi-level restaurant. To compliment the stunning décor, Nerai is filled with art exhibitions from young, up and coming artists of Greece hit by the crisis.
The main dining room, where I dinned, has a nautical feel and a casual spirit that make it perfect for business lunches, informal meetings, or meetings for cocktails at the bar.
Spearheaded by all-star Executive Chef, Chris Christou, (formerly of Per Se, Ai Fiori), Nerai’s Seafood based menu, in the best Greek tradition, offers the freshest seafood flown in daily — Lavraki from Greece, Mediterranean Dorado, Black Tiger shrimp from the Pacific, Live Langoustine from Scotland, Fagri from Greece and Live Lobster from Maine.
I had the opportunity to dine at Nerai for a casual weekend lunch and I truly enjoyed everything about this restaurant. The décor was breathtaking and the food was fantastic, fresh and healthy; highlighted by the Tuna Tartare and Lamb Chops. All of the food was exceptionally well-seasoned and the Greek flavors and Mediterranean influences make for a unique meal.
Nerai is definitely a “must try” for an upscale lunch and/or dinner this summer in NYC. As a foodie, who just so happens to be an attorney, I also recommend that you put Nerai on your short list of restaurants to host your next business lunch, dinner or event in Manhattan.
Check out some of the food I ordered at Nerai below:
Crispy calamari with red pepper marinara. (Perfectly fried, well-seasoned, chewy and fresh).
Yellow tail tuna tartare, tarama espuma and potato kataifi (This was a meal highlight. The Yellow Tail tuna was extremely fresh and the potato kataifi added a wonderful texture contrast to the dish)
New zealand baby lamb chops with rosemary jus. (This was a meal highlight. The lamb chops were grilled perfectly, and cooked “medium” as ordered . The chops were tender, flavorful and juicy.) 
Whole lavraki mediterranean sea bass, grilled with wilted greens. (Perfectly grilled and well-seasoned).
Shrimp santorini linguini with roasted red peppers & feta cheese
Kataifi ekmek mastiha custard with honey / pistachios /cinnamon. (This was also a meal highlight. This was one of the best custards I’ve ever tasted).
Baklava with chopped nuts and honey
Orange filo-sponge cake with chocolate sorbet
NERAI
Where: 55 East 54th Street, New York, NY
Cuisine: Upscale Greek
The Cost: Fine Dining, average $75 Per Person
Recommendations: Tuna Tartare, Lamb Chop (both pictured above)
Perfect for: Date Night, Business Lunch/Dinner
Lunch Menu Here
**Please note that my meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed are 100% my own
