Grilled Branzino and Greek Seafood in a Whitewashed Midtown Room

Avra Estiatorio turns fresh fish into the whole event. The dining room borrows the look of a whitewashed Greek island, and at lunch it fills with a Midtown business crowd talking over plates of grilled octopus, hummus, and halloumi. Order a branzino or swordfish and it arrives simply grilled, letting the fish carry the plate, the way a Greek taverna keeps it. Lamb sausage anchors the table for anyone steering away from the sea. Service stays professional and quick, though the sheer volume of guests means a busy night can run a few minutes behind. The kitchen works from noon until late, and a long weekday lunch can stretch into an easy afternoon, or a group can settle in for dinner well past 11:00 PM. Bring a group, order across the menu, and let the plates land in the middle of the table.