Kanella Grill

There’s a reason we always watch shows like The Office and 30 Rock right before bed. They’re comfortable, familiar, and we can basically quote every line. We have a similar reason for why we come to Kanella Grill so often. The menu at this spot in Washington Square West has exactly what you’d expect from a Greek place - piled-high salads, gyros, and lots of kebabs. But despite its simplicity, we always find ourselves craving the food here.

Whether you walk in for lunch or dinner, the menu at Kanella is always the same - save for the dips of the day or a grilled fish special. Even though the options are always the same, we’re happy knowing that the $14 lamb platter is just as good and filling as the last time we had it. And that we can get baskets full of the same fluffy pita we know and love for an early lunch or late dinner. Sure, we could buy all the stuff to make a gyro at home, but it’ll never be as good as the one here that comes with crispy fries and tzatziki.

Although you’ll never leave Kanella disappointed with your meal, it’s not a place that’s worth going out of your way for. But if you’re looking to get a dinner for under $25, or for somewhere you can always grab a last-minute reservation for a casual date - you can always rely on Kanella. Just like you can rely on Ron Swanson’s voice to lull you to sleep after watching a horror movie in bed.

Food Rundown

Dips Of The Day

This is one of the few dishes that changes daily, and it’s a great way to start any meal here. You get three dips that can range from labneh to muhammara, and they all come with fluffy quarters of pita right out of the oven.

Grilled Octopus

The octopus is occasionally a bit too charred and overcooked, making it chewier than it should be. But when it’s not overcooked, it’s well-seasoned and one of the better starters here.

Gyro

If you come here for a quick lunch during the day, get a gyro. It’s filled with lamb, tzatziki, onions, and french fries. It’s also definitely way better than the sandwich you normally eat for lunch.

Lamb Kofta

If you order the lamb kofta platter, you won’t need to order any appetizers or sides. You’ll get everything from hummus and pita to cucumber and tomato salad on your plate. Then there’s the lamb, which is marinated in tons of spices and is super tender.

Moussaka

The eggplant and zucchini moussaka is a great vegetarian option. It’s essentially like lasagna without the pasta, and it comes with a delicious bechamel sauce.

Baklava

Sticky sweet with tons of flaky pastry layers, this baklava is some of the best in the city.