Kefi is an Upper West Side destination in New York with a cult-like following that offers its customers the authentic and affordable Greek creations of the Michelin-starred chef Michael Psilakis. A folkloric concept, the idea of kefi – or the bliss that accompanies bacchanalia – is a word deeply tied to the cultural ethos of Greece. This restaurant channels these principles by blending delicious cuisine and well-priced Greek wines with a convivial atmosphere. The menu offers signature dishes such as Grilled Octopus with bean salad, baked pasta with rabbit ragout and béchamel (Hilopita), tubular pasta with Greek sausage, peppers, onions, tomato and feta (Macaronia Spestofai) and a selection of house-made sandwiches with sausage and gyro. Kefi’s interior evokes the feeling of a palatial Greek hideaway broken up into several smaller dining rooms to keep the intimate appeal. Upon entrance the bar area appears to be an outdoor patio with a bar crafted from bulkhead-style wood beams fastened by metal rivets. Fitted with blue-and-white-patterned upholstered banquets and sea blue wooden shutters, the interior theme is carried throughout the expansive, two-story space, reflecting a distinctly Mediterranean feel.
Rustic Greek Cuisine from Chef Michael Psilakis
