Demetrios G
Reserved a table for 3 on their opening day. We arrived around 5:00 PM. We were greeted in a beautiful welcoming hall and ushered through a floral doorway into the main dining room. The atmosphere is bright and airy, perfectly capturing a modern Mediterranean aesthetic with crisp white linens and vibrant pink flowers draping from the ceiling.
The service was truly the standout of the evening. From the moment we sat down, the staff was incredibly attentive and professional, making sure every detail was handled perfectly despite the opening day rush. They were quick with recommendations and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the entire meal.
We started with the fried calamari and the zucchini chips, both of which had a perfect crunch, followed by the octopus and a fresh green salad. Everything was delicious, but the octopus was particularly impressive. For drinks, we tried a few different mocktails, and I highly recommend the lychee lemonade—it was the perfect refreshing pairing for the meal.
It was a flawless 5-star experience, and the exceptional service really tied everything together.
… moreJaySan Avante
Meli Modern Greek, 815 Franklin Ave in Garden city. We spotted a wonderful, clean, fresh & new restaurant sitting on the cross street of Franklin & Stuart and we just had to try it! Note; The entrance is in the rear of Franklin ave.
First impression is wonderful news! Now I don’t have to travel to Limani/Manhasset to get my fix of high end delicious & authentic greek food!
The location is trendy, upbeat, beautiful & the food was delicious, fresh & tasty, not to mention that I can literally see & feel the quality in this establishment!
We were pleasantly greeted by Anastasia who then showed us to our table.
I had the lobster & pasta. It had a wonderful slight kick to it but it was a welcome kick!
My son had the Filet Mignon. I tried a piece and agreed it was a Filet done right. As an appetizer I tried the Caviar greek style! Caviar, chips & dip. It was perfect! (Caviar Russe look out!)
I sampled the Sangria, it was great! I also sampled the margarita, equally on point! We were seated close to the bar- it was a packed house.
We topped off our dinner with a little incredible desert called Portokalopita. It was sweet but exactly what the doctor ordered, you gotta try it!
We will definitely be back. I definitely recommend Meli Modern Greek of Garden City !
… morerechyl manuel
We checked out the new Greek spot in the neighborhood and were really impressed. The food is full of flavor, fresh, and clearly made with care, but without trying too hard. It feels cozy and welcoming, not stuffy or over the top. You can relax, enjoy a good meal, and not feel rushed. Definitely a place we’ll be coming back to.
… moreDaphney Casseus
I was in the mood for Greek because my pregnancy hormones needed olives and google led me here. I wasn’t dressed to the nines but I was welcomed as a walk in and led to the bar as I had no reservation. Everyone was so kind from host to bartender. Food chefs kiss. Best oysters I’ve ever had but that just my opinion. The Branzino cooked to perfection. I’ve been telling everyone to come and try. I hope they are around for a long time
… moreMinas Styponias
My first visit to Meli and definitely not my last. This Mediterranean gem located in Garden City was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. From its large cascading windows to it’s exquisitely designed dining room this restaurant transported me from the busy streets of Garden City to a quiet village in Greece. The seating was plentiful but also comfortable with patrons given adequate space to enjoy their meals and their conversations in peace. The welcome vine from the staff began waht turned into a great afternoon for my table of 8! From the appetizers to the multiple main courses our table returned every plate without a crumb on them because of the deliciousness they contained. Personally I had the filet mignon and it was divine. A great pink color inside and a fantastic seared crust outside made my mouth water. Throw in some delicious fried onions and a serving of mashed potatoes and I was set. The entire table raved about their dishes as well. From lobster, to braised pork to fresh fish, everyone ate the plates dry. Our server Jaime and the rest of the wait staff were attentive, filling water glasses constantly and removing empty plates to allow for more room as others arrived. My only complaint is that I wasn’t hungrier, but Ill 100% be back for more. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for tasty bites and great atmosphere.
… moreMeredith Adelman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meli Modern Greek is hands down the best new restaurant on Long Island. The food is incredible, the staff is so friendly, and the service is excellent from start to finish.
The fish is unbelievably fresh, perfectly prepared, and truly stands out. The octopus is unreal—better than any I’ve had, even compared to top restaurants in the city. Every dish is beautifully done.
The vibe is perfect with great music and cool lighting, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to stay all night. And definitely save room for dessert—the cheesecake is insanely good and not to be missed. Meli Modern Greek is a must-visit and I can’t wait to go back!!!
… morejanice smith
The food was very good. The ambiance however was a “club” atmosphere with loud, pounding club music. The service was a 2…we watched our waiter waiting for drinks at the bar for 15 minutes which was 15 minutes we had to wait to order our drinks, he was overwhelmed but ok, the restaurant just opened. As you can see from the photo, this is considered a full glass of wine. The martini glass in the background is a super mini. I asked one of the men walking around in black, if the martini glasses would eventually grow into adult size?! Bottom line, try it if you must, but I would not go back.
… moreN p
Meli Garden City is hands down one of the best dining experiences on Long Island. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels elevated yet welcoming. The space is beautiful, warm, and vibrant without being overwhelming.
The food is exceptional. Every dish tastes fresh, clean, and thoughtfully prepared. The seafood is outstanding, the spreads are authentic and flavorful, and the grilled meats are perfectly cooked. You can tell there’s real attention to quality and detail in every plate.
The service is just as impressive. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely cares about your experience. They make you feel like a valued guest, not just another table.
Whether it’s a date night, a family dinner, or a special occasion, Meli delivers every single time. This is modern Greek done right.
Highly recommend.
… moreChristian Ragano
We had a fantastic meal here. Went with my parents and some friends and ate half the menu! The seafood is impeccably fresh. Mignonette paired with the oysters was fantastic. Dips and caviar service were delicious and beautiful, yet playful. The whole fish was cooked perfectly. the star of the show was the colossal shrimp with the fresno chili sauce!! I’ve never seen shrimp this big! All in all we had a great experience from food to service to atmosphere.
… moreAlexandra O’Reilly
I recently dined at Meli and had a fantastic experience! The service was exceptional and the restaurant is so beautiful, I felt like I was in Greece. Perfect place for friends, family, or couples! We started with the Pork kontosouvli and the Spreads which were so fresh and perfect for the table. For entrées, the Braised Short Rib was so rich in flavor, and the Lobster Pasta truly stood out as a signature dish. We also loved the Garlic & Herb Potato Purée on the side! Meli is an amazing addition to Garden City, I will definitely be back. Amazing cocktails as well! (there was also a dj on Saturday so that was fun!) Highly recommend!
… more