Nisí Estiatorio

According to longtime Astoria residents, the space that Nisí Estiatorio now occupies is cursed. Despite its highly visible location, this particular corner has seen five different restaurant closures since 2014, which was the last time it housed a Greek restaurant—before Nisí brought quality grilled octopus and fresh, lemony fagri back into the building. Compared to other Greek places in the area, this one leans slightly upscale, meaning portions are smaller and prices are higher, but you’re also getting something more elegant than big, family-style platters. Nisí's bright white building, lined with garlands of bright pink bougainvillea both inside and out, might just be romantic enough to break the curse.