Psaraki Traditional Greek is New York City’s premier restaurant, located on the stylish waterfront promenade in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, between the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges with stunning views of Manhattan and the setting sun. Psaraki serves traditional Greek cuisine with a decidedly modern twist, in a sultry, sexy setting that will transport you to the Greek isles.
Fresh fish and seafood are paramount at Psaraki, which means “little fish” in Greek. Restaurateur James (Dimitri) Paloumbis, who purchases all ingredients himself, welcomes you to his sparkling restaurant for indoor and outdoor dining on the water as you watch boats go by under the twinkling bridge. The whitewashed bar evokes a Greek taverna with its cool marble top. Sand-colored tables and banquettes with nautical touches look out onto the spectacular view. The service is exemplary, delivered by Hercules and the team, so simply sit back, relax, and enjoy your night a world away from everything.
Psaraki’s seasonal cocktails cool and refresh you while you enjoy an amuse-bouche of sweet watermelon sprinkled with feta cheese. The Santorini Paloma is a tall glass filled with white tequila, lime, and a splash of grapefruit soda with a rim of tajin. Spicy sunsets in Mykonos mixes tequila with mango puree and a kick of habanero pepper. Green Tears shakes gin with Mastik, an herbal liqueur, basil, and lime for a beautiful and restorative cocktail. There are zero proof drinks, fine Greek wines, and beers to accompany your meal.
We started with some items from the raw bar that include fresh oysters served on ice, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, and lump crabmeat served on chilled plates. We had Psaraki sashimi sliced from branzino, adorned with herbs. Hamachi is yellowtail, paper-thin and topped with sliced jalapenos. Appetizers are very shareable with kudos for the crunchy, gluten-free zucchini and eggplant chips served with homemade tzatziki. Yaya’s recipe spinach pie is like no other and the assortment of Greek spreads beg to be scooped up with triangles of grilled pita. A “must try” is the dacos cheesecake, which is a savory, cool salad made with layers of crushed barley rusks, creamy feta, tomatoes, capers, olives, Greek oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. This is a visual and gustatorial feast of flavors and textures that you won’t forget. Grilled octopus, grilled or fried calamari, and pan-seared scallops are perfectly executed and served hot from the open kitchen.
Psaraki’s entrées include the freshest fish at market, hand selected by James and cooked on open flame over burning oak wood that imparts heavenly flavor. My charming companion and I shared a whole branzino basted with lemon and fine olive oil which melted on the tongue. Wood-grilled king prawns with saffron infused lemon sauce and wild caught salmon make the perfect summer dinner. Lobster pasta with cherry tomatoes or “Kritharoto” seafood over creamy orzo and feta are both delicious and satisfying. Side dishes of spinach and orzo and Psaraki’s addictive French fries pair beautifully with any dish, as do the roasted lemon potatoes. For group dining, Psaraki offers the “Fisherman’s Table Experience” with a bounty of Greek island favorites, and no decision-making so you can just relax and enjoy the conversation with friends and family. A chilled bottle of one of the Greek white wines is a must for your seafood feast.
From the land, Psaraki’s wood-fired grill renders juicy lamb chops, organic chicken marinated in herbs, and tender filet mignon souvlaki with spicy feta. Vegetarian dishes include Greek garden pasta and vegetable moussaka, also gluten-free.
Delightful desserts await you at Psaraki such as creamy Greek yogurt dressed with cherry compote, traditional orange cake made from Phyllo dough and oranges, and specially made Mastika gelato that will cool and refresh you, along with an after-dinner drink and perhaps some coffee.
Psaraki Traditional Greek is open seven days a week: Monday thru Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 11pm, and Sunday 12pm to 9pm for dining on the water. The views are included, and no passport is required for this culinary journey to a Greek island. Visit Psaraki, New York City’s premier destination for traditional Greek cuisine.
www.psaraki.com
