Molyvos

If you think Greek food is just Greek food is just feta cheese sprinkled over iceburg lettuce, or maybe a gyro dripping in watery tzatziki sauce, think again. There is some great Greek cuisine available in Manhattan, sitting right under your nose.

We don’t mean the usual diner fare. There are several good Greek restaurants that offer fresh fare with that healthy Mediterranean profil we should all embrace a little more. Molyvos is one of those places.

Just south of Carnegie hall and within reasonable walking distance of the MoMA and the Theater District, Molyvos offers European style dining in a gracious room of wood and white tablecloths. Chef James Botsacos has put together a menu based the comfort food of his Greek homeland.

Expect some well-known favorites: meze (eggplant spread, humus, etc) and avgolemno (lemon chicken soup), and lamb chops. These are nicely prepared, fresh and well presented. But there are also some innovative dishes, such as the homemade ravioli with shredded braised lamb shanks and prepared with butter, sage & cheese sauce, and the signature grilled octopus salad.The wine list is solid, and does feature a white retsina worth trying, if you dare to explore.

For those visiting the museums or in the neighborhood for lunch, the lamb wrap, pan-seared big eye tuna and slow roasted chicken are well prepared and reasonably priced. Pre-theater menus are also available, and feature the greatest hits of the Greek islands.

Desserts include the usual baklava, but also some interesting yogurt-based alternatives, which are fresh, satisfying and above all healthy. The coffees are excellent.

Bar snacks are also pleasing.