NYC’s neighborhood taverna

The Casual Greek is a chic and cozy Greek Taverna in Midtown East, conveniently located near Grand Central and United Nations Headquarters. We take pride in serving all your favorite traditional Greek dishes and a few new twists on classic flavors. Join us for a quick lunch with friends, a full meal with family, or happy hour with coworkers.

Our beverage program features a wide range of Greek wines, Greece’s favorite beers, and seasonal cocktails. Happy Hour is 3pm-7pm on weekdays.

A blue four-story building with a sign for The Casual Greek restaurant on the ground floor. The front has black fire escape stairs and windows with black trim.
Interior of a cozy café with wooden furniture, bar area, and decorative wall mirrors.

Meet George

Owner, The Casual Greek

Born in Greece and raised in Astoria Queens, George remembers a time when good hospitality was just part of the neighborhood. Special occasions were catered by the block with every household chef contributing their signature meal.

The chefs of his childhood may no longer be with us, but their legacy lives on through recipes and fond memories. George remembers how the harmony of spices, a squeeze of lemon, and a heavy pour of olive oil can work wonders for the soul.

That timeless warmth is exactly why we created The Casual Greek.

A serving of Vegan Moussaka
A plate of coffee seasoned grilled steak topped, roasted mini potatoes, and grilled asparagus.
Close-up of thin, wispy plant stems with small leaves or seed heads, in soft blue and teal tones.
Man laughing while sitting outdoors in a floral shirt, with plants and a window in the background.
Grilled fish with lemon slices and cherry tomatoes, paired with sautéed greens
A plate with chicken wraps, one cut in half to show grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and other ingredients, garnished with fresh greens