Get us to the Greek (food)

Last week, AS and I were on our way to the movies to see Get Him to the Greek. But we needed dinner first--something light and quick and not too fancy or expensive. Since I always, always insist on eating thematically, we HAD to have Greek food. And there just happened to be a Greek restaurant a block from the theater. To Dafni we went.

I'd been twice, one time that was only okay, one time that was great. Which way would the balance tip after visit number three? Read on, gentle reader, read on.

We walked in and were able to get a table without waiting, which was great. A few minutes of menu perusal, a brief ordering dialogue, and we were off to the races with their basket of pita, warm, as usual. Extra points to Dafni for giving an ample amount of pita to a table for two-- no fighting over the "third piece" here.

Pitahhhhh

Our selections emerged promptly. My choice, as usual, was the Islanders salad-- mixed greens, fennel, dried figs, and grilled halloumi. This wasn't quite as spectacular as the last time I dined at Dafni, but it was pretty darn good. The flavor combination is perfect, the portion is ample, and the price is right. What's not to love?

Yum salad

AS chose the pikilia, a selection of three of their appetizer spreads. When the server took our order, AS asked her to choose the three best spreads on the menu. This request was met with a mixture of confusion, horror, and skepticism. Once she was reassured that he'd eat any of the choices on the menu, she reluctantly agreed, thought for a bit, and took the order. What emerged-- we think-- was tzaziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant puree with garlic, olive oil, and lemon), and taramosalata (fish roe with lemon and olive oil), along with three dolmades and a border of grilled pita points. These selections were met with approval, and once again, it was a huge portion for $10.75.

Pretty!

AS also ordered a side of sauteed spinach, which was pretty delicious. And also- again- a hearty portion ($5).

Mountain of spinach

So does Dafni maintain its four Offset Spatula upgrade, or does it revert to its three OS original rating? I declare Dafni is still a four OS restaurant, mainly by dint of its value. You get good food-- sometimes awesome, always at least good-- and lots of it for a very reasonable price. If you can get past the horrendous location on 42nd Street, you'll agree that Dafni is a neighborhood gem that's a great addition to the neighborhood. Oh, and definitely see Get Him to the Greek-- it's hilarious. Oopa!

Dafni Greek Taverna
352 W. 42nd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues
212-315-1010