Estia Reviews

Meal here is amazing. We started with the pita and spread, and the spanakopita....delicious! Then we both got the moussaka for our main course. So so good. We finished with the baklava. To die for! We will 100% be going back!

We made reservations for 5:45 on a Saturday night. We went at 4:30 to sit at the bar and have a happy hour drink. They do happy hour everyday! We also ordered the Estia chips! They are thinly sliced eggplant and zucchini chips. They were delicious! The bartender, was unfriendly and looked mad at everyone. He asked a couple next to us, who apparently were regulars if they wanted another drink. Ignored us and never came back to ask if we wanted another drink. After the bar, we were seated in an area between two fairly large parties. Not ideal. I ordered from the pre theater menu. I got the selection of dips, shrimp Souvlaki and walnut cake for dessert. The dips were great, and good portion. The shrimp were on skewers and well cooked. It came with a side of tomato/feta orzo. The walnut cake was great, and super moist. My friend got a salad with salmon and she said the salmon was good and well cooked. During our meal, a waitress came over and took my bread plate! We still had bread on the table and I’ve never seen this! I asked another waiter if I could have a bread plate. Our waiter was busy attending to the large parties in the area of the restaurant we were seated. He was not very helpful and could tell they didn’t care about just the two of us. The food was very good but employees should be happy, friendly and attentive. The service made us leave disappointed.

I was staying at the Doubletree across Broad Street and looking for a place to have dinner, saw this on Google Maps and went in without a reservation. They found me a table off in a corner--it must have been around 6 PM. Operating on the theory that nobody does lamb better than the Greeks, I ordered the Arni Paidakia. Blew me away. It's ridiculous to rate a restaurant on one visit, but I have no idea when I'll be in Philly again, and these lamb chops have to be given proper tribute. The young fellow who took and brought my order was also above reproach. Even at this hour it was pretty full and rather loud, but I don't think it would have interfered with conversation, had I not been alone. I don't know when, but I'll be back.

I don't understand how we could have missed this restaurant on our many Philly trips. The ambience was so pleasant, upscale but comfortable and inviting. Our waiter was a gem and the food outstanding. Cocktails were creative and delicious and the wine, so good. I had the pre theater menu which was good value. Romaine salad, shrimp souvlaki and baklava for dessert for 40 bucks, all delicious and of high quality. My husband enjoyed the swordfish and my son ordered beets and sardines, two separate dishes. The beets were especially yummy. Overall, it was a special evening and we have Estia to thank for that.

Very inviting restaurant. Menu selection was great as was the food and service. Would visit this restaurant again if in the city.

This place is top notch all the way. The decor is beautiful , the food delicious, and the service we got was perfect. Gavin took good care of us but wasn’t intrusive at all. We went for happy hour and sampled 4 different menu items. The fried eggplant and zucchini chips with tzatziki was our favorite. You must try it. Also delicious was the grilled shrimp, spanakopita, and farmers salad (which we added grilled chicken to). Add a couple specialty cocktails and it was a fantastic experience. We will definitely go back.

Given all the rave reviews, we figured we were in for a treat. Plus that, the day was lush and lovely and plenty of outdoor seating was available. Surprise! $20 for a two-course lunch. Sounded like a deal. We sat and I checked the wine list. Gulp. The prices seemed sky high; next to no excellent but value-priced wines. My wife ordered lamb chops ($14 upcharge) and I had fish; I forget what kind. I remember my wife's lamb chops, however. She ordered them medium rare and they came out medium raw. So, back they went but my fish was getting cold. The presentation was poor; the preparation totally pedestrian; and the taste, marginal. Maybe Monday wasn't a good day for dish. A manager of some kind delivered the lamb chops, with no apology for bad cooking and screwing up our lunch.

After enjoying "Ain't Too Proud", we had dinner here. All three of us had the Theater Menu although it was restaurant week. Two of us ha the Romaine Salad and the other had the Lemon Soup. For the main dish, we had the Fish of the Day, Dorado, and Shrimp Souvlaki. Dessert was two of the Lemon Sorbet and one Baklava. Make sure to ask for the bread and hummus. Their hummus is delicious.

This place was picked by a friend. Since we weren't into the whole fish scene, we opted to go "tapas style" and chose a tableful of appetizers. The stuffed calamari was delicious. And the spanakopita did not disappoint. The calamari was a tad chewy, but the grilled shrimp was worthy of an additional order. The biggest surprise was the side of horta (wilted greens) and the spinach rice was good too.

Tasteful mezzes, delicious mains including a large fresh fish selection and lamb plates. Good service. We had a wonderful night!

Quite expensive and overall, good, but expensive. Felt very hurried and it's annoying when a waiter (even if he's been there for 20 years) finishes your sentences, telling you what you want to eat. "Desert, baklava of course." No. Not the way it works. Good food in a well-known place, but not great.

I was here in a group of 20 seniors on the last evening our our 5 days in Philly. We were given an abbreviated menu, which I suppose is usual for groups of a certain size, but we had numerous choices to choose from for starters & entrees. (Only 2 choices for dessert, which was fine.) I had spanokopita & grilled shrimp with a honey cake for dessert, all of which was delicious. Most ordered the sea bass, which was the specialty that evening, & was cooked to everyone's satisfaction. Both the service & the ambience were top notch & we all left with full stomachs & happy memories.

Wonderful Greek restaurant! Large restaurant with a cozy feeling. Server was excellent - she gave us a great rundown on the authentic Greek dishes. The food was fantastic!!

If you are going to any of the Kimmels stop here ahead of time. Great theatre menu reasonably priced too. We didn’t have that menu but will next time. Wanted to try a few different items and frankly all were good. The zucchini and eggplant chips were terrific, the baklava sensational and the grilled shrimp very flavorful. The staff was nice and cordial and Brandon our waiter very personable, knowledgeable, and quick to respond. Nice overall experience. A bit pricey a la crate but theatre menu reasonable. Try it

We took advantage of Restaurant Week. Had a reservation for 8:30 PM. Showed up a few minutes early and were seated right away. The restaurant is large and inviting, and it was packed on this night. That didn't seem to impact neither the food (with one exception) nor the service -- both excellent. We enjoyed a greek salad and grilled shrimp to start. The salad was really delicious, but the shrimp were unfortunately much too salty. For entrees, we chose the fish (Lavraki) and lamb chops (Arni Paidakia). Both cooked perfectly and so very delicious. For desert, we chose the chocolate cake and baklava. Both very good, but we were so full we only had one bite of each. Due to the noise level, we were unfortunately unable to have much of a conversation.

We had a confirmed reservation and arrived on time. Three young female employees were having a discussion and ignored us for approximately 2 minutes. When we were finally acknowledged, we were led to a table in view of the kitchen. There were dozens of empty tables as it was early. We said we didn't want to be seated there and were told all the other tables were reserved. Again we said, we had a confirmed reservation. We were then led to raised seating at the end of the restaurant. It was in "no man's land". I asked if we couldn't be seated at the table were we were standing. Showing her annoyance, the young woman left to check at the front desk. We were finally seated, ordered a bottle of wine and perused the menu. The meal was outstanding and the waiter was great. We finished our meal with dessert and cappuccino. As we were too early to head to the Kimmel Center, we went to the bar and lingered over a glass of wine. Good food, nicely appointed, great wait staff.....absolutely rotten greater. We ultimately were glad we stayed despite my friend's inclination to leave.

I had a very good experience at Estia! The decor is so beautiful and whisks you away to a cafe in the Mediterranean! The service/food is definitely high end and I am HERE FOR IT ALL! The menu had many options and I loved the choices offered on the Theater Menu…maybe next visit I’ll give it a try! This visit was Oysters…Whitefish and Lamb Chops…all done very well! Although I sampled many dishes..I didn’t feel overly full! Fantastic Restaurant …Recommend Highly!

Beautiful space. We were promptly seated . Service was excellent. Shared the spanakopita which was light and flaky and very tasty. Then we both had the Dover sole which was a real treat. It is expensive but so worth it. You need to order separate sides and we shared roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables- all delicious.

We were a party of 5 visiting Philly for a wedding. I selected Estia based on TA reviews. We had dinner on a Thursday night. The food was great in very virtually every respect. Everyone enjoyed their dinners. However, service, for our party at least, was a little off. the main issue is that one of our 5 entrees was not registered with the kitchen. Four entrees arrived at one time. After about 5 minutes waiting for the last entree, mine, we flagged down a staff member to alert them that we were missing an entree. Our waiter had not, by that point, checked with us to see that all was OK. He later arrived and apologized for the delay. My entree arrived about 15 minutes later, about the time the rest of the party were finishing their entrees. I ate my swordfish while they ordered and ate dessert. I realize that mistakes happen, but what bothered me the most was that no manager came to the table to acknowledge the problem, and it certainly didn't seem there was any urgency in getting me my meal. One other minor issue: after the waiter opened our bottle of wine and permitted me to taste it, he simply placed the bottle on the table and left. Maybe Greeks waiters don't pour wine for their customers? Bottom line: the food was very good, and the overall atmosphere was very nice and elegant. Estia is worth a visit. Just keep an eye on your waiter.

Terrific spot for pre-theater food! A completely charming atmosphere with incredibly attentive and quick service! I would recommend the Theater Menu... I opted for an incredible Romaine Salad, Shrimp Soulvaki, and a lemon sorbet. You can't beat the deal at $40~~

We have eaten here more than 50 times and continue to think their Greek Country salad is the best. I love their fish and my husband loves the lamb chop The atmosphere is also quite unique and charming

We were with a large group and were treated royally. The place is very large so you do not feel like you are on top of other diners. We had the prixe fixe dinner @ $35. Well worth it. So many great entrees to choose from on the menu.

Everything about Estia is top notch from the person who handled the reservation to the warm greeting at arrival, the professional, personable and knowledgeable service, ambiance and the food - oh my, the food! The Saganaki was delicious. Our friends shared grilled calamari and tuna tartare, which was wonderful. Three of us has the lamb chops and they were fabulous and so tender. Our fourth had Mousaka and loved it. The Greek cheese cake for desert was ethereal- one of the best things I have ever eaten. It was not cheap but certainly a good value.

Huge, slightly below ground level restaurant. Large tables, good for groups. But, can get a bit noisy. Excellent selection of Mediterranean tapas. Great location for pre/post theater dinner.

We come to Estia most times that we are in Philadelphia and have never been disappointed. I have the lamb chops and my wife gas the halibut and we have never had a bad meal. The restaurant is huge and colorful and the waiters are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu....but the food including all the other Greek selections have been experienced by our friends and all rave about the taste and quantity especially the spanakopita which could be a meal. My family highly recommends this restaurant....in fact we are going there to celebrate New Years Eve.

Are usually do not gravitate to Greek restaurant to the United States because I find them in authentic and very heavy on the gamy lamb and over salted feta, Both of which I detest. This restaurant is much more like what you get at a good seafood place in Athens. The fish is fresh, and Whole fish are cookedIn a shell of salt, just like in the Mediterranean. Not a hint of over salting, and spiced perfectly. Appetizers varied and delicious, ideal to share. The wine list is short but no nonsense; decent wine to accompany your food can come by the glass that is not overpriced. The portion size is generous without being overwhelming; not like the pretentious continental restaurants with Michelin stars that give you two Bay scallops on a huge plate with fancily Dribbble sauce and you leave the restaurant craving a jar of peanut butter with a spoon. The service is attentive without being over eager, and one can have a decent conversation at low-volume without requiring a hearing aid or a megaphone. The prices are not cheap but this place is definitely worth a visit or a decent dinner in Center City.

beautifully decorated restaurant, vibrant environment. We were in town, and stopped by for dinner without reservations. We were able to get a table in the bar immediately. Food was absolutely stellar ! It was a decent wine list as well. If you enjoy Greek food, you will not be disappointed here. Service was good, even on a busy night.

A really great Greek seafood restaurant with each fish prepared simply with a light touch. Always top scale but busy even on a Sunday night.

We wanted some Greek fare and stumbled across this place. It was packed as people were feverishly gulping down food and wine before a show. We sat at the bar and was immediately greeted and offered drinks. I would recommend their theater menu as it offers some great appetizers, a healthy portion for an entree, and a nice dessert. The Romaine Salad mix is perfect. Go for the octopus if you love grilled octopus. They offer a huge portion of Roasted Chicken with Orzo pasta. It will be hard to cap it with dessert, but we had the traditional walnut cake for dessert and it was phenomenal. For $35 per, the theater menu offered a great selection of food just before you head to a show.

First-rate! Excellent service. We ordered moussaka, romaine salad, halibut - all beautifully seasoned, fresh, and hot. Popular place - be prepared for noisy conversation!

Everything here was phenomenal! The octopodi was so tender and flavorful. The lamb was fall off the bone tender. You cannot go wrong eating here!

Wild Annie here with her latest Excursion in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful restaurant. I had perhaps the best Greek food I have ever had short of the food from my best friend's Yiayia. The meal began with stuffed grape leaves containing pine nuts and kinds and spices. With a side of tzatziki sauce. A truly tasteful appetizer. My main course consisted of lamb chops seasoned and cooked to perfection. The drinks were Hardy and the desserts fantastic and typically Greek. Well this restaurant is a bit pricey($$$) the atmosphere and food is worth every penny.

Restaurant graciously gave us a table that was at the front and covered - there are a few tables that are further up the sidewalk and are not covered so we are grateful to them. Our server, Mariano (sorry for any misspelling), was a delight and clearly explained the menu options and specials and took time to chat to us. For starters, we decided upon octopus and the special of dozen oysters - delicious. When undecided on the quantity of the jumbo prawns for the main, Mariano brought them out to show me the size so I was sure what I wanted - very thoughful. Hubby ordered Lavraki and everything was excellent, especially the service. There is a 1 hr 30 min limit due to covid restrictions but we were easily ok within that time and everyone who entered the restaurant for the rest room adhered to wearing a mask and it was very clean. It's even more wonderfully decorated inside - you can see how this restaurant, as are many, are affected with lower customer numbers so we were happy to support them. We had the recommended Greek red and rosé wine , which were equally excellent. Unfortunately, clumsy me tipped over a glass and they were so good about clearing it up. Dessert was sorbet and the whole experience, thanks to Mariano and staff, was perfect. Definitely visit again. Thank you.

Our first time there before seeing the Lion King show. Party of 3 all had the $40 fixed price, 3 course Theatre Menu. Added $17 saganaki starter only had 3 small strips of cheese. Added $15 glasses of wine that were only finger-width filled; sauvignon blanc was good but pinot noir was not. Appetizer keftedes meatballs were excellent but spanokopitas spinach was too coarse with not enough feta cheese. Entree extra price (+$15) lamb chops with Greek fried potatoes were great. Fish-of-the-day sea bass had nice lemon/butter flavor but was overcooked and mushy. Desserts of honey walnut cake and salted caramel baklava were very good. Table service was outstanding in all respects. Large dining areas were attractive and comfortable but somewhat noisy. Overall, food quality was 3 to 4 stars and service was definitely 5 stars - not sure about going again with its convenient theatre location but high prices.

Went here with my family while in town for a conference. Glad they picked it. We were seated almost as soon as getting there - we did have a reservation. The person who seated us and poured out water was wonderful. The waitress was good. However, wait staff needs to quit using the royal we. I don't want you to ask if " We are enjoying our meal". You are not eating my meal and you are not paying for it! The Theater menu is the best deal - a starter , entree' and dessert for a fixed price. We had the sauteed calamari, fried calamari, romaine salad, and octopus for starters. No complaints on any of them. There was also Spanokopita for the table. The fish of the day was good but not stellar as was the accompanying. mashed potato ball was also standard. My sister ordered the lamb was amazing. Get it!!!! The lemon sorbet was really good sorbet. Our dining companions recommended the walnut honey cake but I did not try it. The baklava was also quite tasty. My wine was wonderful also. Parking is garage parking as it is in Center City. We walked from our hotel. The dining room is beautiful with a lot of character. The restrooms are downstairs. Be careful as there is a bit of a non-obvious decline at the top of the stairs. The restroom was clean. While there I saw the downstairs party room. It looked really nice.

This place came recommended to me and it didn’t disappoint. Despite arriving 5 minutes late for our 7 PM reservation we still have to wait at least 15 minutes for our table to be ready. Once seated in a nice booth everything went really well and the entire group enjoyed their theatre menu. Everyone loved the octopus and personally got their salad with fresh tomatoes feta and cucumbers which was delicious. Fish of the day was another popular pick of my table and everyone enjoyed the entire meal. All in all - slow start but good food totally made up for it. Menu is expansive and I appreciated the deal the theatre menu gave!

The fried zucchini and eggplant was so good and delicate I would go back just for that. The lamb gyro is made with real lamb not your typical gyro meat which made it very good. I’d skip the plate of tomatoes, peppers, olives and feta it was ok and there are so many better choices. I got the pasta with spinach and tomatoes I was so pleasantly surprised because it was very light not like typical Italian pasta and with fresh feta. I am so glad I tried something I wouldn’t normally it was very good. Dessert was good not as good as my mother in laws but good we got the honey cake. The decor is really pretty and rustic. I would go back again.

I attended a private party here with around 50 guests. The venue was beautiful, the staff was very accommodating and the food was incredible! My host selected the menu, everything was absolutely delicious! My favorites were the octopodi, the grilled shrimp, filet mignon and swordfish!! We had such a wonderful experience! We will definitely be return customers!

Very comfortable dining room that made me feel I was back in Greece. Professional and friendly servers were helpful in making suggestions. Took her advice and ordered the most tender octopus I’ve ever eaten...portion large enough for two . Also loved the hummus that was so smooth and delicate in flavor. We shared delicious lamb chops that were tender and flavorful and the whole fish baked in salt Which was also delicate in flavor but not worth the 70.00 price tag..but to be fair they were clear about the price and double checked to make sure I wanted it and I did....interested in how it was done. Now I know! Would go back in a heartbeat

Great service and food in a nice setting. We enjoyed the octopus and eggplant chips as appetizers, and halibut and the whole fish sea bass. Everything was really good. Would definitely recommend!

I had a long time friend contact me when in town for business, so I used Open Table to make a last min reservation. The food fresh seafood (Chilean Sea Bass & Halibut) and Mediterranean setting was great. I plan to return with my wife or larger group as it can accommodate either option.

A friend that visits Philadelphia on a regular basis told as about Estia. You can see why they are top rated. It is a large, well run business that caters to fine dinning. When you have a restaurant that the waiters are older and have been working at the restaurant for a long time you know you have a winner. Well to wrap this up, we were not disappointed and only feel bad we don't live closer. This is a must if you are going to be in Philadelphia.

The estia chips are to die for. Also did theater menu. Horiatiki and Spread Pikilia were great. Moussaka and Shrimp Souvlaki were good. Karodopita and Baklava were fabulous. Wonderful intimate warm atmosphere. Lovely service.

Our host ordered all the theater menu appetizers and they were all superb! I particularly liked the eggplant and calamari. We had a private room and it was charming and the service was outstanding. I ordered the lamb but did not realize they put in an order for lamb shank over trahana pasta with tomato kampama until served. Please be specific if you want lamb chops. The shank was good but I'm not a huge fan of shank. Its a lovely restaurant and the food is excellent.

Well we’ll well… What a extraordinary experience dining at Estia last night. Greek cuisine and service were impeccable. The ambiance is very cozy shedding rustic elegance with stone arches, earthy tiles and old world wooden furniture. One may think your inside a cave restaurant on the Med with enough wine and imagination. In reality this gemstone is across the street from the Kimmel music and arts center, so a dynamite choice for a pre theatre dinner. They offer a 3 course pre theatre menu loaded with a cornucopia of dazzling options for $40 bucks. Wowzers that’s incredibly impressive since your sitting in downtown Philly. The regular menu is a vast ocean of grilled meats, veggies and seafood with authentic Greek selections that entices you to order one of everything. The grilled octopus was the best we have ever had anyplace in the world. The Baklava and Spanakopita were both decadent and executed with panache. Give Estia a shot if your ever craving a trip to Greece and want to save on airfare. #ChefMurph #Killerfoodies

To begin with, the outside of this restaurant is very welcoming, the inside even more with a hospitable staff. This place had different types of tables for seating(round, square, rectangular) and still there is enough room to walk around!! The bathroom is beautiful and roomy. Okay let me talk about the food we had. Appetizers consisted of, Spanokopita, Mussels Saganaki, Octopodi, and fried cheese in a delicious butter and lemon sauce. All four of these items where delicious!!! The entree that where ordered are, Lavraki(grilled sea bass w/ladolemeno and capers) and Arni Paidakia(Lamb chops w/roasted potatoes and tzatziki sauce). My nieces said, “the fish was good.” I had the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection!!! Very juicy and season well. I liked the potatoes too. Dessert was excellent: Galaktoboureko(semolina custard wrapped in phyllo) very light and creamy. One niece had gotten the Poached Peach w/ a champagne reduction, said it was, “good.” The other niece had the same as me, the Galaktoboureko🙂 Oh yeah, thank you to our waiter, Currian!! You were very professional and helpful with choosing the food and wine. Yes, I would go again👍🏾!!!!

The best thing about Estia is the ambiance. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the server was attentive and knowledgeable. The food is good but given the amount of amazing restaurants in Philly— I never find it to be a stand out.

They get it! If you are limited on time, they know how to move the meal along. If you have time, they will space it out perfectly. Food is excellent, service is very good, and it isn't crazy expensive. Lots of fresh fish options. Get the octopus appetizer! Good location and spacious, clean bathrooms. You need a reservation! There is a private room that will seat 10 right off the main dining room for privacy. Good for date night

Only in Philly for a few nights and we selected Estia for our special anniversary dinner.Outstanding service, the best halibut we have ever tasted as well as shrimp, and a saganaki that was beautifully flamed and presented. It was an excellent choice for our special dinner.

We had a wonderful dinner at Estia. Everything was so fresh, starting with the nutty-flavored hummus. For appetizers we had the Estia Chips, extremely thinly sliced eggplant and zucchini lightly fried and served with a tzatziki sauce, and very tasty spanakopita. That could have been a complete dinner. For mains we had an arugula salad and moussaka. Again all the spices and ingredients were fresh and nicely blended. The baklava dessert was even light. Often you feel the honey has been sitting in the dough for quite a while, but here it felt like the ingredients had only recently been put together, so the dough was fresh and light. All of it was worth having again.

Visited this place after a matinee performance. Gorgeous inside. Service pleasant. Food pretty tasty. So why just three stars? I left there light in the pocket and HUNGRY! Now, I do not mind paying a premium for excellent food but portion size was laughable small. Well, I’d have laughed if I wasn’t so hungry.

My aunt and uncle took me here after as a belated birthday present after catching the Philly Pops Orchestra at the Kimmel. They had the the pre-theater dinner special which was excellent and great value for the money. I went with the Spanakopita and Moussaka, both of which were excellent. Service was excellent as well. Definitely would go back next time I visit the theater.

Charming, atmospheric restaurant with well prepared Greek/Mediterranean style food. Prices are out of proportion to the amount of food but this approach seems to be the norm in upscale urban restaurants. An appetizer sampler platter of 3 small servings of yogurt, roasted eggplant, and roasted red pepper based dips featured small dollops of each at a whopping $17. An $18 mixed salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, onions, etc did serve 2 comfortably. $44 for "Chilean Sea Bass" (originally known as Patagonian toothfish, a name one will never see on a restaurant menu)(actually a member of the cod family) seems excessive to me. The grilled halibut was delicious and also demonstrated a disconnect between serving size and price. Wait service was friendly. The theater menu at $35 seems like the best way to enjoy this restaurant without scarring one's bank account.

This time we were post theater, not pre, and the experience was excellent. (Actually I am glad that I did not reread my own review (from 2014), because if I had, we would not have returned) It was cold outside and we were chilled. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I ordered a "winter spiced negroni" cocktail, which was perfect. For appetizers, we ordered the calamari and the octopus. Both were excellent, although the calamari was a bit on the chewy side. Next we enjoyed the beet salad, and then one of us ordered the fish of the day, while the other -- the salmon. For dessert we split the Karidopita, a moist nut cake. Our meal was excellent all the way around.

Estia is one of the best Greek restaurants in Philadelphia. Located near City Center, it is worth every penny and visit. For a special ocassion, this place is a must. We were accommodated in a private table to celebrate my mother’s 70th birthday. We highly recommend their theater menu, where you can choose three items for $35 per person. Within our group, we ordered the spanakopita, octopodi, three sauce spread, moussaka, and baklava. Every single plate is incredible, but the moussaka is a must. It does not compare to anything that I have had over all these years. Make sure that you make reservations in advance and give it a try. You will not be disappointed!

Excellent Greek food and friendly staff. Great value happy hour menu. Can recommend the spanakopita and the salted caramel baklava - wow!

We dined indoors at Estia with a 5:30 reservation on a Saturday. The wait staff was wonderful and attentive. The menu has a lot to choose from and we made the most of Estia's options with the theater menu. The food was wonderful and flavorful and Estia gifted us a card and complementary cookies for dessert because we noted we were dining in celebration of our anniversary during the online reservation. We would highly recommend Estia and would definitely dine here again.

We arrived here late on a Friday and had excellent food. Very helpful with food allergies. The hummus and bread were great starters. Our only dislike was the Manhattan was just not right, but they made it right as soon as they realized it was not liked.

While there were a few blips in my last meal at Estia I have to say thus restaurant is an excellent choice for a pre concert meal in a not overwhelmingly noisy room. As usual, the Estia chips were excellent; lightly battered flash fried zucchini slices. A plate will set you back $18 (!) but the portion is large enough to share among 4 guests. My starter of an arugula salad with cheese, beets and nuts was very good, dressed perfectly and was an entree sized portion. The tuna tartare that followed was not as successful; I found it watery and bland...My perennial favorite, the honey walnut cake was dry. So half my meal was very good & the other half not so much. My companions, who all enjoyed their meal, just think I’m cranky. It can be expensive at Estia and the crowd definitely skews toward an older demographic. But they have an excellent pre-theater dinner menu at $35 per person which is a really good value.

This is a big restaurant that can cater for large groups as well as smaller tables. The menu is moderately sized but has some interesting options. The fish was very good - both its presentation and size (value for money). The service was attentive without being obtrusive. Although it can be noisy with large groups, I would return to enjoy another meal here.

My husband and I went to this resturant because is had a good rating, and it was close by on our first night in the city. We were shown to our seats and the waiter pounced on us before we could even sit down, " What wine do you want to drink " ? We did not even have a menu ! He forgot our bread. He forgot my husband's gin and tonic. We both had appetizers, then salads. Poor attitude. Place was extremely loud. Not what I expected for " fine dinning". Food ok, but for this amount of money, should have been 10 times better. Better service and atmosphere at other places around town.

A good friend recommended this restaurant and we loved it! First of all the staff is friendly, professional, and attentive. Everything we ate was divine! Especially the Octopodi - grilled octopus! It was so tender - it melted in your mouth. The best all around experience on this trip! Beautiful decor too.

I have eaten at Estia about 6 or so times over the years, and it never disappoints. Recently I went to lunch with my husband and we had the $20 lunch special. I couldn't believe the amount of food we got for such a small price. The shrimp skewers were delish and the 3 dip app is awesome. I'm still thinking about that eggplant dip. For dinner or lunch, this is the perfect spot in the perfect location. It is genuinely Greek~

Best Greek Food Ever! Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this restaurant. Lamb chops and shank were the best we’ve eaten anywhere. Service was fantastic and our waiter even gave us a nice loud Opa! when we expressed our joy of the quality of the food.

I recently had a business lunch here, and I loved the Greek salad! No lettuce, just lots of fresh great tomatoes, feta, olives, cucumbers and green pepper. I loved it! We also had their special chips and grilled calamari - all very good! Great service too.

We really enjoy this little slice of Greece in Center City Philadelphia and try to return whenever we are in the city. Last Friday night, we booked a table for three at 8:45 PM. I am a bit of a challenge being in a power wheelchair but they were able to handle me with no issue and found a nice corner table that kept me out of the flow of of traffic as my wheelchair times to take up a bit of room. There is no problem accessing the restaurant in the wheelchair either. An order of Saganaki and drinks was made as soon as we sat down . The drinks arrived promptly, along with a tray of fresh bread and humus. We placed our dinner order and a few moments later, a nice flaming tray of Saganaki arrived. It was piping hot and quite tasty and a lovely way to get ready for our Greek dinner. We ordered lamb chops, grilled octopus and lobster pasta. Everything was delicious with the only issue being the lobster pasta portion was a bit smaller than expected and hoped for. For desserts, we enjoyed lemons sorbet and to Greek desserts whose name escapes me at the moment. Our waitress was the ultimate professional handling everything quickly and efficiently and in a most friendly manner. Her supporting staff kept the bread fresh, the plates cleared and the table clean! We always enjoy dining here although it’s not a cheap dinner with us spending $90 a head after the tax and tip were included.

This is by far our favorite restaurant in Philadelphia, and the best Greek Food in town - we've traveled to Greece and all over the world, so we know a good thing when we see it.. We love the saganaki, the zucchini chips, the calamari, greek salad, shrimp appetizer, bronzini with capers, lobster linguini - all fantastic! The service is always excellent, the cocktails are fabulous, the atmosphere perfect. This is our go to restaurant whenever we are in Philadelphia.

Met here on a Sunday afternoon for a large family gathering. Waiter was superb, as was the wine recommendation, portions, and ambiance. Gorgeous, clean, spacious...and those are the bathrooms! Steps to Broad Street and the High Speed Line.

Not many options in Philadelphia for good fish dinners. Estia has been around for many years and has held its high standard throughout its existence. They also offer the usual Greek fare, which is also good quality.

I strongly recommend folks not give this establishment their business. Our entire family attended a 90th birthday party there. Towards the end of the party, the legs of one of the tables folded and the table partially fell on two elderly attendees, both 84-years old, spilling hot coffee on both of them. The Manager on duty, Colleen, gave the couple her card and told them to send her their dry cleaning bill as their clothes were covered with hot coffee. When they did so, she refused to pay it, fought it and forced them to hire a lawyer to get their dry cleaning bill paid. This couple chose, due to their age, to have their dry cleaning picked up and dropped off, increasing the price. Colleen was wildly unprofessional throughout the entire process, proposing to pay a small portion of the dry cleaning bill which was from a legitimate, experienced, professional dry cleaning establishment. The couple's lawyer spent weeks simply trying to get their dry cleaning bill paid. It was only $224.00. It ended up going to insurance (if you can believe that) and was finally resolved, favorably. Either this restaurant: 1) has faulty tables and chairs that are old and break down without warning; or 2) this restaurant doesn't properly train its staff on how to set up a table. In either event, it's quite the poor showing and the amount of effort Colleen Forced these elderly adults to go through simply to get their clothing dry cleaning bill paid boggles the mind. Do not give them your business. They do not deserve it and treat elderly clientele Very poorly.

The atmosphere at Estia was really nice, and is a good place for groups, couples or friends. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming, and came and checked up on us throughout the meal. The food here is absolutely delicious, and everyone was so satisfied with their dishes. The portions are substantial as well, and seems to be fresh and of high quality.

For anyone who grew up in Greece and knows Greek cuisine, its range and sophistication, Estia is a disappointment and has been losing whatever Greek character it once had. Food was at best mixed. Swordfish souvlaki was burned and served without a side despite its high price. Greek “chips” were soggy. Salads had none of the flavor and zest of their Greek equivalents. Lamb was good but nothing to write home about. Service was attentive but generic. If you want good and authentic Greek, food Estia is not your restaurant. Overpriced and overrated.

 I had the pomegranate margarita and the Dionysus cocktails at happy hour. Neither was notable at all. For dinner I had the lamb chops, which were splendid, perhaps one too many for my elder self, but really tasty, Australian meat in lovely Greek marinade broiled to the degree the chef recommended. Excellent. I asked for roasted rather than French-fried potatoes, but they were as soggy with oil as I supposed the fries would be. The tzatziki was impossible. In old age, I’m a more delicate eater than I used to be. They were out of Retsina, surprised to say, but the Riesling was fine, just the perfect temperature. The free warm pita bread with hummus was lovely.

Dining here was a delightful experience. The atmosphere is very calming and makes for a very relaxing dinner. Nick was a great server and very helpful with menu options. We both had items from the theater menu which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert. All of our choices were delicious. Overall, this was an extraordinary dinner experience.

Me and my husband visited this restaurant before our show at the kimmel center. The environment was very elegant and warm. Since we didnt have reservations they allowed us to eat at the high top table. The menu was consisted of mostly seafood and greek dishes. The seafood you had to pay per lb. You also got to choose your own fresh seafood, that was on display. I ordered Shrimp Souvlaki and my husband had moussaka. Dinner was good, waiter was friendly. Reommend this restaurant for elegant night out.

To start, the food is delicious, really good, and the service is fantastic. My sister and I came here for happy hour. They have a great selection of HH food and drinks. The drink prices are a good value and the pomegranate margaritas are so delicious. The reason I gave it four stars is that one typically expects value prices, i.e. lower prices, for happy hour. While the food prices are slightly reduced, the portions are halved, so you are paying more for less. You are better off just ordering off the regular menu.

Grilled Octopus appetizer was outstanding! The Grilled Lamb Chops were superb. Our server was exceptional. She knew the menu well and made excellent recommendations for our group of six. She was aware of our time constraint for the show and served us accordingly.

Friendly staff, but meal was overpriced. Food did not seem freshly prepared; probably frozen. Spanakopita and Lamb shank were dry and bland.

My husband and I ate dinner just a little bit ago. We chose the theater menu (appetizer, entree and dessert). We had the octopus and squid which were quite delicious and very tender. For entrees I had the fish of the day and hubby had lamb. Both were good. For dessert we ordered a honey cake and baklava and shared. Really good and not overly sweet. Our waitress was quite attentive but not overbearing and the restaurant is quite lovely. We have never been before but would go back.

Flagship of the Estia Group stable of Greek/Mediterranean eateries – which includes outposts in Radnor, PA, Marlton, NJ, and Naples, FL, as well as several Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria locations – the interior of Philadelphia’s Estia Restaurant resembles a cozy Greek taverna (pictured). The ambiance is unobtrusively rustic, the lighting subdued, and there’s a discreet hint of romance in the air. Stepping outside following your evening’s repast, you could very well expect to catch a glimpse of the Acropolis of Athens rather than the Academy of Music. So much for atmosphere… Our visit to Estia Restaurant coincided not only with an afternoon orchestra concert at the Kimmel Center, but also Center City Restaurant Week. And during this time, Estia was offering a three-course dinner menu for $60.00 per person (plus beverages, tax & gratuity), which we planned to take advantage of… However, since the three-course theater menu contained more interesting choices and was $20.00 less per person, we decided to take that route (something to keep in mind should you be contemplating a future visit). But on to the food, which, unfortunately, was something of a mixed bag. To start things off, I choose the Horiatikiv – which also carried a $5.00 supplement – a country Greek salad that is comprised of tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, feta, and olives (sans lettuce), splashed with a red wine vinaigrette. This was quite good. The tomatoes were, as promised, vine ripened. They reminded me of Jersey tomatoes in season. However, as I know I’ve mentioned on several occasions, the key to a great Greek salad lies in the dressing – the proper proportions of oil, vinegar, herbs, and other seasonings – and, in this case, the extraordinary red wine vinaigrette is enough to turn heads. Conversely, my dining partner’s Spanokopita – spinach, leeks, scallions, and feta cheese baked in homemade phyllo dough – a traditional Greek appetizer that should have been right on the money, suffered from an excessively dry crust and flavorless interior. Ditto the Salted Caramel Baklava. In addition, the promised caramel sauce was conspicuous by its absence, and the presentation was hardly what one would call photogenic. As if to add insult to injury, there was a $2.00 supplemental charge for this dessert. My dining partner and I have tasted baklava in numerous Greek-Mediterranean establishments (both here and in Greece), and this bland-leading-the-bland variation on the theme certainly left a great deal to be desired. When it came to ordering entrées, in a most unusual move, we both happened to choose the Moussaka. This is a savory combination of cooked potatoes, tender eggplant, seasoned ground beef, a rich Kefalograviera béchamel, and splash of tomato sauce. And although this traditional Greek dish should have been a no-brainer, the kitchen somehow managed to muck up both orders. My dining companion’s was nicely presented – but also a good deal less than lukewarm – and had to be sent back to be reheated. My presentation, while sporting the proper temperature, had obviously incurred significant structural damage, either during or immediately following the freefall to its final resting place. Estia’s food can be quite good; in my humble opinion, however, not as good as it could be or should be… especially given the prices. The above-mentioned theater menu is something of a bargain, true. But, depending upon your gastronomic proclivities, ordering à la carte certainly has the potential for putting a major dent in your pocketbook. Take the Country Greek Salad, for example. It carries a $5.00 supplement as part of the theater menu. On the other hand, if ordered à la carte, it will set you back a cool twenty-dollar bill, which, to my way of thinking, is more than just a little over the top… … Ditto the Estia Chips, another $20.00 a shot starter. These are lightly fried wafer-thin slices of eggplant & zucchini accompanied by a dollop of tzatziki – a blend of plain yogurt, cucumbers, olive oil, and garlic – that is perfect for dipping… No question, the Chips are simply irresistible. They are also, however, heinously overpriced, as it costs the restaurant a mere pittance to turn them out. Interestingly enough, both the Estia Chips and the aforementioned Country Greek Salad go for $12.00 during the restaurant’s “Happy Hour” (3:30 – 5:30 p.m. daily; at the bar and high-top tables only), which, from my point of view, is a good deal closer to what should be their actual price point. With regard to the Chips, an even better idea would be to serve them as an amuse-bouche, a complimentary gift from the chef, presented to all diners, including patrons sipping cocktails at the bar. When it comes to entrée prices, the above-mentioned Moussaka ($26.00) and Pasta a la Grecca – rigatoni with oven-roasted tomato sauce, sautéed spinach and feta cheese – ($23.00) I consider quite reasonable. From there, however, you begin moving into the high-rent district: Halibut and Tuna go for $40.00: Lobster Linguini, $45.00; Chilean Sea Bass, $50.00; Lamb Shops, $52.00; topping out at $62.00 for Prime Filet Mignon. By the way, under the “Whole Fish Selections” that sweet & flaky Dover Sole will set you back $54.00 per pound; Jumbo African Prawns $55.00/lb.; and Langoustines $58.00/lb. Estia’s recommended wines – particularly their Greek wines – have their own unique pricing peculiarities… The Argyros “Atlantis” Assyrtiko, for example. Assyrtiko wines are produced from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, which is cultivated in some of the world’s oldest vineyards, dating back 3,500 years. The grape originated on the island of Santorini but is now cultivated throughout Greece. In terms of quality, it is one of the most important native varietals. It produces mainly elegant and distinctive dry white wines, some of which are aged in oak. When I was in Athens two years ago, I did sample, on several occasions, the Estate Argyros Assyrtiko from Santorini… and it was utterly superb. But while many Greek wines are of impeccable quality, they are still quite easy on the pocketbook. The average retail price for the above-mentioned Argyros “Atlantis” Assyrtiko, for instance, is a paltry $24.00… Which is why Estia’s price - $22.00 per glass/$85.00 per bottle is so outrageous. … And the price tag placed on the Domaine Skouras Saint George Agiorgitiko is equally appalling. Of Greece’s more than 200 indigenous grape varieties, Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted and among the most commercially successful. It produces red wines that are bold, complex, and alive with dark fruit flavors. Sampled at both Estia and in Athens, this wine is supple & generous on the palate and beautifully balanced. The best part, though, is the price. The average retail price is $18.00; $18.99 if you’d like to take a short drive to Total Wine. Guess what it's going for at Estia: $19.00 per glass/$76.00 per bottle. Dining within restaurant precincts, you naturally expect a hefty mark-up on wine (and other alcoholic beverages)… But Estia truly pushes the envelope. Most people – even knowledgeable wine lovers – tend to be unfamiliar with Greek wines (with the possible exception of the infamous Retsina). So, you would think the restaurant’s owners would make a special effort to acquaint diners with the wines of their homeland – especially those like the two classic vintages noted above – by making them more accessible pricewise. Instead, they go in exactly the opposite direction. Apart from one California Cab, the Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko are the most expensive wines on the restaurant’s menu. Additionally, during happy hour, when several wines are reduced in price to $8.00 per glass, there is not one Greek wine among them. Something here simply does not compute. And it certainly sends a message – and not a positive one – that I find it difficult to ignore. Which leads me to the bottom line: Underwhelming and overpriced… I will not be returning anytime soon.

All the reviews you read about this place are true. Outstanding food, excellent service! Try the octopus-excellent and we were unsure about it. Would get it again.

This restaurant offers Greek food and the menu is very elaborate. The food is refined and their are many incredible specialties. Service is excellent. The restaurant is located in center city a couple of blocks south of City Hall.

Estia is always our first stop for lunch when we arrive for a visit in Philly. The octopus is the best anywhere. Once again a delightful meal.

Had a Thursday dinner reservation prior to a show at Academy of Music. Reservation was acknowledged on arrival. The interior itself is beautiful and feels cozy for its size. Well presented table for 4 had plenty of space on and around it. What's especially nice is menu has a special prix fixe Theater menu which includes an app, entree & dessert and included a fresh bread and hummus starter. We've dined here pre-theater, but before the pandemic. Unlike many places we've dined at recently, Estia hasn't lost a step. Food was great, especially if you're a Greek fan. Ordered a Manhattan from the menu. Though a bit pricey, it was generously sized and well prepared, though it could have been served colder. Service was outstanding by all the staff and timely even though the house was busy. Even a manager stopped by to check and was genuinely interested.

We love Greece, and often enjoy mediterranean cuisine. When you walk into this restaurant, you are taken to Greece before you even reach your table. Atmosphere is fantastic, cuisine and service are first-rate. So is their wine list,.

The restaurant was beautiful and we had a wonderful meal. The waiter was friendly and professional. The food came out at a proper pace and was excellent. The menu offered traditional Greek fare as well as a few meat dishes. Would definitely go back..

We have walked past this restaurant in the city many times over the years, never having eaten there until this year. After a theatre show, we gave it a try for the first time, and it was absolutely wonderful. It was very busy on a Saturday evening; the food was good and the service excellent. We have been back for a second visit, and it was just as good as the first. It’s on our favorite return list.

My favorite go to restaurant when we are in Philadelphia. Try the Estia chips and the the mezze. I even get a spanakopita to go! My husband loves the fresh fish!

I have visited this restaurant multiple times and I have never been disappointed. I especially enjoy the varied selection of food and the fact that I can enjoy the food with some excellent choices of Greek wine. I have to say that their lamb chops are tender, moist and delicious and I especially enjoyed the octopus for my appetizer. I would especially recommend trying the various Greek pastries for your dessert course. The restaurant itself is quite comfortable and the staff are helpful with describing the menu selections and the service has always been excellent. The restrooms are located on the lower floor but there is an elevator for anyone who has difficulty with stairs. I would recommend that you make reservations if at all possible.

I specifically wrote on my reservation notes that we were celebrating a birthday and requesting a more romantic/quiet table. Due to the extreme winds in Philly we arrived early for our reservation- which I acknowledged when we checked in- and to my surprise we were sat right away... in front of a stairwell, next to two huge parties, adjacent to the server station, and right under an AC vent. The table was cold, loud, and anything but romantic or quiet. I asked if we could move to the two top against the wall that had opened up moments after we sat. Hostess stated that table was occupied when we arrived, and I said I would have rather gotten the quieter table than be sat right away. She agreed to move us, came to our table to do so, and then refused to move us to that table saying it was requested by a future guest. I've worked in restaurants since I was 16, so I asked if that specific table number had been requested (it was just a half booth like many other tables, it wasn't particularly unique). She said someone had wanted a quiet table, which is exactly what I'd requsted too so her excuse made no sense. She refused to sit us at that table. It was a slap in the face to see that table go un sat the entire night. The restaurant was practically empty by 8pm. Idk why we got so much push back on a table they never sat anyone in. The no man's land we were sent to belonged to another server and our server was too busy to check on us for the majority of the night. If not for the bussers, no one would've waited on us until towards the end of the meal. When I asked for the check, it was then that the restaurant finally acknowledged my boyfriend's birthday, which was nice but ultimately felt like an afterthought. Moussaka was disappointing. It did not have the ground beef or bechamel from its description. It had one cube of a potato on it. This whole experience was such a letdown and a waste of money.

Great BDay dinner. We lucked out and snagged a reservation on a very busy weekend and we were so happy. Food was delicious and service was outstanding. Very popular place that I highly recommend.

A very attractive place near theater. Seafood was excellent. Greek restaurants have the best octopus of any, and their’s was outstanding. Sardines and fried veggie chips also superb. As was whole Branzini, which three of us shared. Bread & hummus likewise. Great selection of Greek wines, though a bit pricey. The Atlantis Assyrtiko was fine and the Sagalas even better. Waiter was very professional and knowledgeable. An excellent restaurant worth the price.

This place was incredible. Started with the fried cheese, fried zucchini, hummus and bread, fresh shrimp, broiled shrimp, Greek house salad (very fresh with feta) roasted eggplant, baklava, chocolate cake with cookies.

Our company had a Christmas party at Estia. This place is very cool. The food was outstanding. The oysters and crab was so fresh. It is pricey and worse it.

Food was awesome. Service was excellent..daughter had the lobster pasta. Wife had musaca . I had them lamb chops . All delicious. Picture is the appetizer.

I attempted to make an upcoming reservation for one; however, upon contacting Estia restaurant directly, I was told they could not accept a reservation for one person. In other words, the young lady told me their computer system does not allow for reservations for less than two guests. She offered me to just show up on the day I was seeking to visit their establishment and could possibly sit at their bar with the high chairs. I mentioned to her, I previously attempted the aforementioned and "just visit their restaurant" but was turned away at the door because Estia had no availability. Kindly note, I was genuinely taken aback because, Estia could not accommodate a solo traveler; notwithstanding, I should not be required to state my disability which precludes me from sitting on anyone's high chair.

We were very happy with fish, lamb, vegetarian choices. Great atmosphere of high end Greek restaurant, place for the freshest possible fish, dry Greek wine and most pleasant time with your friends.

This is a nice, upscale Greek restaurant, very atmospheric, but we made the mistake of going during pre-theater hours on a Saturday night. With a theater next door, the place was packed and very noisy until shortly before show time. The crowd lessened and the atmosphere improved greatly just before 8. The Estia chips were very good, but more than 2 people could eat. We also shared a whole fish, which was carved tableside and served as a filet, at our request.

My West Point class women's group ate at Estia's during our annual reunion. The ground floor appeared to be a lovely city restaurant, but we were ushered downstairs to one of what looked to be at least three splendid private rooms. A bar was conveniently located in what I would describe as the downstairs lobby, where the coat check was also located, as well as bathrooms for that floor. Considering how big the entire restaurant seems to be, this made dining downstairs a much more convenient experience than other places I have been with multiple floors. The room was spacious and the ceiling high - you forgot you were in a basement! The food, served by efficient and warm staff, was excellent. We had only a few entree choices to make serving all 25 of us at once easier, but those choices were different enough (chicken/fish/moussaka) to please everyone's palate. I would make this a must stop on any trip to Philadelphia.

So disappointed with Estia. The service is inconsistent. I have been to restuarant multiple times in the past 9 months. It seems when I dine with a male companion, service is much improved. I happened to be with a female friend and service was deplorable this past week. Our server needed a refresher with the use of the words "thank-you excuse-me and please". He never checked on our satisfaction with the meal. Food remains good but service is so inconsistent.

When you go to a restaurant with entrees in the $40-$50 range you expect great service and superb food. We received neither - the service was ok and the food was good not great. Overall the meal was fine but would I go back? Not for that price.

We often eat here before attending evening operas at the Academy of Music across the street, to which it is so convenient, but we have always confined ourselves to a series of small plates (still too many) -- not wanting to sit through hours of opera with a heavy meal on our stomachs. But this time, an early start to a short opera during O19, allowed us to have a proper dinner here -- and what a meal it was! We were fortunate enough top draw the rare gem, Saki, as our waiter and he guided us through our dinner experience. We began with an old favorite -- the unique Estia chips -- paper-thin, fried slices of eggplant and zucchini with a thick homemade tzatziki dip. Then, with Saki's approbation, we moved on to amazing main courses -- six huge langoustines and three huge jumbo lobster-tail-sized prawns perfectly grilled and only brushed with olive oil and served with a bit of lemon -- the biggest we have ever been served at prices that we beat any we have ever paid. Truly splendid sweet fresh perfection. A bottle of Assyrtiko was a perfect match from the excellent, wide-ranging wine list. Then, a special dessert. As it turned out, we were the last customers to leave but were never hurried. Just a perfect ending to a weekend of opera in Philadelphia.

Amazing food with amazing portions at a great price. I would definitely go back to eat there often and enjoy it every time.

Dined on a busy Saturday night, and was seated quickly (with a reservation). Our food and service was wonderful. Delicious Greek food!!

Stopped and had a nice light dinner at Estia after work today. My husband had the swordfish and I had the salmon. We shared a delicious tomato and feta salad. The restaurant was a bit crowded due to the avant-théâtre goers, but we had great service from our waiter, Javier.

This was THE Greek restaurant that Milton suggested to me (he was my Concierge at Club Quarters). I had to give it a shot because you could tell he was so passionate about Greek food and when we started talking about Greek, he raved about this place. It has a pretty vibe and of course the food was good. We got some martinis as well and they seemed fair for the price. It isn't cheap, but the presentation was nice and the waiter was great. I think his name was Vincent? Anyway, I hope to be back!

We held our company Christmas dinner at Estia this year, and it was a great experience in every respect. The restaurant has an upscale Mediterranean vibe, complete with stone archways, traditional pottery, and photos of famous Greek locales. It's quite immersive, and I was reminded of theme restaurants I've visited at Disney properties. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the noise level was reasonable despite a large crowd; we enjoyed a pleasant dinner conversation without needing to shout or strain to hear. I would call the cuisine Greek-ish. There are, to be sure, many traditional Greek dishes on the extensive menu. But these are presented in very accessible, dare I say Americanized, preparations that will not seem particularly "ethnic" to most diners. And there are options that one could find in any type of restaurant, including steak, chicken, and lots of seafood. A friend who was born in Greece warned me that Estia does not offer authentic Greek cuisine; perhaps, but it is definitely Greek-inspired, and certainly no less authentic than any of the other "Greek" restaurants I've visited in the area. But quality is what really matters, and Estia's food is exceptional. Everyone in our party was struck by how *fresh* everything tasted. The Seafood Tower made for a wonderful beginning, as did the Calamari and Horiatiki (Country) salad, though the clear favorite among our group was the Octopodi (grilled octopus). My wife loved her Beet salad as well, though the seasoning in the accompanying potatoes was a bit strong. Everyone raved about their entrees as well. I had the Swordfish Souvlaki, which featured enormous chunks of fresh swordfish. Two members of our party had the Lamb Chops, and both agreed that they were the best they'd ever had. My wife had the Tuna, and my coworkers ordered a variety of fish dishes. Everything was cooked perfectly, and no one in our group was disappointed in their meal. Deserts included cheesecake, chocolate cake, and sorbet. I tried the Baklava, which was as good or better than any I've had. I'm also happy to report that the service was first rate. Dealing with a group of ten can be difficult, but our waiter was pleasant, professional, and accommodating, and the staff made our entire meal seamless and all the more enjoyable. Estia is not cheap, but I don't mind paying a bit more for an exceptional dining experience. And it was that, for sure. We loved our meal and look forward to returning. I can recommend Estia without hesitation. Opa!

My husband made a reservation for outside seating but it was raining and cold. They refused to offer a table inside. My child was hungry and of course everything else booked. Woman at front was rude. Never again!

The atmosphere at Estia is top notch. Especially if you get the pleasure of one of their private booths. The food is authentic and as fresh as it gets. The price point is what puts it into special occasion territory although if you don’t mind being limited, the three-course theatre menu for $35 is a bargain. Splurge on adding the Estia chips though. You won’t regret it.

Ordered off of theater lunch menu. Ordered moussaka, lobster special and seafood souvaki. Food was good but not excellent like other times we have visited. Location is great, across the street from the Academy and 1 block form Kimmel.

I was here for a business meeting with a large group. The food was outstanding. The lamb was prepared beautifully. I would love to go back.

We celebrated Christmas Eve with dinner at Estia. Our party of seven was seated at a large round table...perfect. We had a choice of menus to choose from...lunch, theater, dinner. Most chose from the lunch which included an appetizer and a main course. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the ambiance of the space. One of our party was vegan and was able to find options that were delicious.

We had a family celebration dinner and had a wonderful time. Service was excellent, appetizers were delicious, and the grilled fish exceeded our expectations. The decor and the setting was awesome. I loved the complimentary Greek cookies as we were leaving. They were delicious too.

Always outstanding! Food, service, you name it. One of Philly's greatest! I spent a month in Athens years ago and whenever I'm in Estia, it takes me right back!

Charming ambiance with your fresh fish on display. Service was excellent. Branzino and lamb were perfectly cooked and delicious. A short walk from the theaters and hotels in the arts district, but worth the trip across town. Mediterranean food at its finest.

Business dinner : we had a mezze, just a series of starter dishes. I think we ordered 7 or 8 for the 3 of us . The octopus was really nice. Nice service also, maybe slightly over attentive, but that is coming from a European.

The friend of ours who took us around the Academy of arts including behind the scenes came with us for an early dinner here after a long day of touring, that included the Barnes Foundation museum. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable dinner. The food was excellent snd Emily’s service also excellent! For the three of us we shared these appetizers: - Roasted beets - Spanakopitakia - chargrilled octopus (Pictures attached) Our entrees were fish: - Lavraki with a side of grilled vegetables. - Halibut (Pictures attached) Dessert pictures also attached Everything was delicious!! With an atmosphere where we could talk to each other!

My family and I attended a reception here so the formal dining experience may be different. The staff were attentive and efficient. The hors d'oeuvres were pretty and delicious. The main meal, served buffet style, was varied (fish, meat, pasta, salads, etc.), nicely presented and NOT dried out and overcooked! Bodes well for a decent formal dining experience.

At Bar:!Great Service by Charles We came in last Saturday and had Charles as our bartender. He was a great guy and knew his menu. We had octopus and tuna entree. Very tasty

My wife made reservation for my birthday. It was spectacular! We ordered a sampler of Mediterranean dips very well balanced. For dinner, we ordered stuffed calamari, fried octopus which was juicy and tender, beets & spinach salad, and crab cake dinner that come with white beans and salad.

The food was amazing! Our waiter Saki just made our evening a wonderful experience. One of the best meals ever. I highly recommend for a fabulous meal.

Location, check. Ambiance, check. Food, utterly fantastic. Start with the Estia chips, they are the perfect starter. The chicken is great but you will love their orzo. The fish is their specialty. Service is great. For dessert, you can’t leave without trying their version of cheesecake. With greek yogurt and honey, it is the perfect ending to a satisying and relaxing meal. We had one of the best cappucinos we have ever had in all our travels globally, frothy and rich, perfect to the last drop! You won’t be disappointed.

We had a great waiter, Saki, ask for him. We had octopus, lamb chops, fish, all of which were delicious and expertly prepared.

We are from out of town and happened to book Estia far enough in advance that we had a table 1 hour before Hamilton was playing next door. Whoa. Servers were running around trying to get everyone to the theater. We sat back and ordered a bottle of nice Santorini and their eggplant chips. Yum. Told our server, Katelynn, to ignore us til the play started. Once 7:00 came, we had the place to ourselves and had a wonderful dinner (souvlaki, baclava, …). A win win. Interesting space downstairs as well.

Yes, they have what they say are great lamb chops. But you should go here for the fresh fish, displayed on ice in the front of the restaruant. Your waiter may suggest that each diner order one fish; we found that a single fish served two quite will along with an appetizer (the grilled octopus, oh my!) and a side vegetable. We had the dorado, but any of the fish would be terrific. Very good service (except for the upsell) and a terrific bar. Oh, and they have a $40 theatre menu for those visiting the nearby theatre.

Always love this restaurant. Great food, fresh fish. Its expensive but eating here occasionally when you want fish is worth it. My son also loved the lamb chops

The restaurant is nicely decorated, down to the glass elevator that goes to the restrooms in the basement. We shared a large salad. My friend had her favorite, octopus, while I had a crab cake. The desserts were delicious.

The place is much bigger than I had anticipated and it is decorated beautifully. Our server Javier was wonderful and the food was so fresh and delicious.

Gluten free Greek experience. This was a great family dining experience if your children are older. We spent about three hours sampling the menu and sharing bites of food. We tried some excellent Greek wine as well. The flaming fish was delicate and melted in your mouth. Where do they get such hearty tomatoes in the winter time?

First visit to Estia but it won’t be our last! Impeccable service and outstanding food. Our friends ordered the Estia chips and shared- which you should definitely order - what a delight. We ordered off of the theater menu and our dishes were excellent with one disappointment- the baklava for dessert was not anywhere near the best we’ve had. Wasn’t even close. But everything else was wonderful. I had the horiatiki salad and the roast chicken on a bed of orzo both of which were delicious. Hubby started off with the Spread Pikilia and then had the moussaka which he thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend

Excellent theater menu dinners! We each chose from the $35 3 course theater menu and we were not disappointed! My wife enjoyed the calamari (nicely prepared without any breading), lamb chops and salted caramel baklava while I chose the spread pikilia, papoutsakia and sorbets. All were excellent! We also enjoyed a delicious wine (Black Stallion Winery Cab 2016) which I later ordered more of on-line for the cellar at home.

We had dinner reservations here for after the philly pops xmas show. Arrived a bit early for reservations and they seated us immediately. Hummus was ok and would’ve preferred pita instead of bread with app. Our meals were excellent. Sole was perfect and the Langostinos were crazy good. So it’s definitely not a Milos, my favorite Greek meal, but they did a nice job with the fish. The space however is a bit drab and disappointing and I was not impressed by our desserts.

Visited Philadelphia during Center City Restaurant Week -- offered 3 course specials. Our server (Katie) was friendly and attentive. Ordered the Estia chips at her recommendation -- wonderful. The quality of the veges and Feta cheese in the salad was first rate. Both entrees (eggplant and lamb chops) were tasty and well-plated. Yummy desserts. Pretty atmosphere with character. If I ever return to Philly, I would try to return here.

The restaurant specializes in Greek Cusine. Their prices varie but I wouldn’t necessarily call them cheap. The manager came over to our table to ensure our visit was pleasant then to our surprise sent over some OUZO to finish off the meal. The ambiance is great as was the service. Everyone was very pleasant and I enjoyed the time spent.

Stopped here last night and had a great dinner. The sleeper item is the zucchini chips. We also had the dips and chops. Excellent service, beautiful decor, great wine selection

Very good food and wonderful ambiance. I had the lamb shanks which was good. I was most impressed with the crab cakes appetizer very well done.

First, the atmosphere of this restaurant is like eating in a rustic Greek country inn, warm and inviting,Greek music in the background .The staff is friendly and fast! The staff is attentive and very efficient without being annoying. My husband and I both ordered from the theater menu, which for $35.00 you get a generous choice of appetizer/salad, entree and dessert. I had the romaine salad, moussaka and baklava. My husband had the Horiatiki salad, shrimp souvlaki and baklava. Everything was delicious and fresh! Even the cocktail I had was outstanding. Highly recommend Estia ,just a short walk from the Ave of the Arts.

If you love Greek/Mediterranean food then you will love this place. I traveled a lot around Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey and this place has the exact same atmosphere of being in one of those countries. Fantastic. Now for the food. We went for the theater menu which is a choice of an appetizer, entree and dessert. We got the calamari and the Octopodi both were great. The calamari was the tenderest I have had in a long time. The grill octopus was beyond great. Tender and flavorful. Next was the entree of the fish of the day and moussaka. Again both were fantastic. We finished with their Salted Carmel Baklava which was beyond words. This place has it all and would make a great valentine's or Anniversary date destination.

Estia is one of my all time favorite restaurants! It is an absolute gem and an icon in Philadelphia. Every meal I have had at Estia has been outstanding. The food is phenomenal. I have had virtually every dish on the menu and have never been disappointed. My all time favorites are: Horiatiki salad, Estia chips, octopus, sardines, saganaki, tuna tartare, dover sole, lavraki, black bass, lamb chops and the roasted chicken. The fresh fish selections are the best anywhere - always perfectly prepared. The lamb chops are not to be missed. The service is the best of the best. The bartenders - Betty, Felicia, Josh and Rory - are really outstanding. They make the experience so enjoyable every time. I love to eat at the bar because of them and I so appreciate everything they do. The managers - Monica, David, Colin - do an incredible job and are very attentive. Also love the selection of top quality Greek wines. I give Estia the highest marks across the board!

Had dinner at Estia after a show at the Academy of Music-literally out the side door of the Academy. We were seated in a little nook with wooden beams and felt like we were in a Greek taverna. The Estia Chips are excellent and their octopus salad is super tender. You can split an Estia salad, share the chips and have the octopus salad as a meal and be very satisfied.

Decided to visit Estia after catching the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center and was not disappointed. The theater menu has a lot of their "greatest hits" and the service was excellent. Even my son was pleased with his meal and he can be a picky eater at times.

An all-time favorite with delicious Greek style food. Unfortunately the experience was mixed. The drink order was served with the wrong ingredients.. The variety of Mediterranean fish is a delight and it is always well prepared. The lamb chops were not quite right, probably overcooked or previously frozen; but the zucchini and eggplant super thin chips and the cheese saganaki are great appetizers. The Dover sole was not up to its usual standards and was served deboned at the waiter's whim and tepid. The salmon was delicious as was the horta and the grilled vegetables. The waiter seemed indifferent and distracted. The place is still too dark and quite noisy but the sorbets were very good.

This is a great place. I can recommend just about everything here. However our favorites are the Estia chips and the grilled octopus. If you go, be sure to get them both.

Service was pretty good throughout, from the hostess, to prompt and friendly attention throughout by the wait staff. Ambiance is great, sort of old world meets tasteful dinning room and and or kitchen vibe depending on where you are seated. We were seated at the far end which I deemed 'couples area,' romantic and cozy. It's elevated and overlooks most of the dinning floor. Good for special occasions, date night, upscale dining, etc. Started of with bottle of Prosecco for while waiting for the shared ARUGULA SALATA, then followed it up with the CHILEAN SEA BASS PLAKI (very good) and the SWORDFISH SOUVLAKI (unfortunately, little on the dry side). All in all the food, pretty tasty; however small portions at $$$ price point. Remember you're not walking through those doors with a frugal mind set, so just enjoy! And you will.

My husband and I came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. I was drawn in by the pre-theatre menu for $35. I ordered the octopus and lamb chops. Both portions were huge. The octopus was the best I’ve had, so tender and tasty. The lamb chops were three large ones to an order served with excellent steak fries. Both dishes were an up charge to the normal $35 pre-theatre menu, but worth it. I had to take two chops and the fries home for dinner the next evening because one chop filled me up. My husband ordered the beet salad, the sardines, and Chilean sea bass from the regular menu. The beet salad came with a very few cubed beets, a scoop of cold mashed potatoes and wilted greens. The salad was way too salty, so much so that it was impossible to eat. He enjoyed the sardine. His sea bass was messy. The tomato base was way too much. His fish was good but not seasoned enough. Our server Liz was terrific. We will come back for the pre-theatre dinner.

The lamb shank over risotto was awesome - great taste and super tender! The fish of the day - a white fish - was seared to perfection while still flaky and juicy. The baklava and almond cake desserts capped off a great meal. Our waiter, a real Greek with great pride in his heritage and food, provided great service and recommendations!

The food was wonderful. I find in old age I can’t really have a substantial hors d’oeuvre and then really do justice to the oeuvre. It was wonderful starting with the extraordinary pomegranate margarita. If Greek mythology could be liquified, it would be that pomegranate ambrosia. Then I had the lamb chops with roasted potatoes rather than fries. The chops were twice as expensive as at Zorba’s, but with three times the meat. Excellent. I had retsina with the chops, and that was fine, possibly because those chops had something lovely and Greek done to them (olive oil?) and didn’t demand red wine. The only reason I don’t give them place top rating was my waitress, who never returned after taking the order. All my subsequent requests went through the busboy, who was always there at the anti-covid outside table I had (actually, the heater wasn’t really on high enough for me either). I expressed my dissatisfaction in the tip, but I regret I was so comfortable and happy with the food that it didn’t occur to me to tip the busboy instead.

This has always been a great food and dinning experience.The atmosphere is beautiful, the staff professional and friendly. They offer “pre fixed” menu as well as “al a cart” Greek food. The pre fixed gives a nice portion and the food itself is artistcally presented. When I really like a place I say “ you can not go wrong eating here. ....Just go!”

On a recent trip trip to Philadelphia, my wife and I reveled in the superb dining experience offered by this restaurant. At the outset, I must confess that we really enjoy mediterranean cuisine, the authentic type that one can reliably count on when visiting southern Spain, Italy, and Greece. This restaurant did not disappoint. The menu is broad and varied, staring with hot and cold appetizers. Try the cold Pikilia, a sampling of three-different spreads on grilled pita. Several salads are featured and our waitress was kind enough to mention that the portions are very large and therefore suitable for sharing. The menu also lists many fish and seafood options: the fish were prepared grilled with simple preparations such as olive oil and herbs. What was truly unique were the selections of whole mediterranean fish, something rarely seen in U.S. restaurants. The ambiance is old world, very European in feel which was another plus for us. Service was uniformly excellent and the restaurant is conveniently located just off Broad Street in the downtown area. All in all, the highpoint of our dining in the city and one that earned a very high rating.

My husband took me for my birthday and we absolutely loved it. It was one of the restaurants I always wanted to go to. Food is expensive but its so worth it. However the desert, The baklava I had was not good , at least not for me I am European and I know good baklava. This wasn't it. next time we go we will try the cheesecake. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will love the Chilean Sea bass in tomato sauce, Halibut and Lamb chops. Yum.

Greek music playing softly in the background of a very mediterranean dining environment creates the right setting for delicious dining and drinking.

I had an enjoyable dining experience at Estia with my sister. My Dover Sole was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Our server was pleasant,knowledgeable, and efficient. I will definitely return to Estia on my next visit to Philadelphia.

Eight of us met here for a reunion get together. The food is awesome! Everyone enjoyed the meal. Service was excellent. Some of us ordered from the theater menu that offers choices for three courses at a fixed price of $35. The calamari appetizer and lamb chops were especially noteworthy. Only complaint was that the main dining room was a bit noisy for easy conversation at a large table. Next time we might prefer reserving a private room downstairs. Would definitely recommend Estia, especially if you enjoy seafood and Greek cuisine.

Estia remains one of the best looking restaurants you will find. The food is wonderful no matter what you order. It feels like they have been steadily trying to cut corners on the servings over the past few years. Our fish lunch was a small, paper-thin serving with a side serving of rice that looked like they used a melon scoop. I do not mind paying for great food, but this is getting ridiculous.

Meal was top notch. The salad was one of the best I have ever had. Would definitely visit again! The server was most helpful. Only downside to the night was that someone took my umbrella that I left at coat check-in.

What a great restaurant. Food was amazing. Menu is interesting and they service was impeccable. We had a good-sized group and they were just great. Would love to return!

When we dine at Estia with a group of four or fewer, we have always quite enjoyed it. However, the past two times that I arranged to bring a larger group we received dismissive arrogant service and mediocre food. I feel foolish because I've raved about this place to friends. They must think I have quite an imagination. I also suspect that chauvanism is at the root of the issue. Very disappointing.

Loved the decor. Had great service. They were out of the greek salad cause the tomatoes weren’t up to their standards. We had the Romaine salad with dill dressing instead. While the Romaine salad was good it wasn't what we had hoped for. But we were impressed that they don't serve the tomatoes if they aren't good enough. I had th bone in filet. It was large, tasty, and filling. My guest had the Halibut which she enjoyed,

Beautiful Mediterranean decor style restaurant centrally located downtown. Large restaurant with a very comfy vibe with an even larger event space downstairs . Sidewalk seating also available during good weather. Would never have thought looking at street level there would be so much space. Our celebration took place downstairs in the event space. It was a wonderful cocktail hour and dinner. The service was excellent. The food was good, but a lot came out lukewarm or on the cold side. Would definitely recommend the space if you have an event, I would just make sure that they have a system in place that the food comes out hot .

We visited Estia after seeing some details on facebook. I had a traditional Greek dish and my partner had stuffed pork belly cooked to a family recipe. I cannot fault the food which was so good, obviously fresh cooked and the service was amazing. The owner was attentive and very knowledgeable about his dishes. Overall 5 out of 5.

Great food and the staff is very attentive. We went here before a show at the Kimmel Center. Easy to get to and they made sure to get us out well before the show started. The food and drinks were wonderful. The staff was very attentive. I will definitely be going here again

The setting and food are extremely good. Had the crabcake on another reviewers recommendation and it lived up to the acclaim. Had the pretheater menu and the spanikopita was good while the Papoutsakia had the best tomato sauce and eggplant Ive ever had. The eggplant skin was crisply charred and the center was out of this world. We were told to have the Salted Carmel Baklava and im now guessing its because the other two choices were worse. It was dry and we couldnt taste the caremel. Mixed drink and Corona and paid 150. I have never had a server in a restsurant like this place my dessert on the table while i was still eating my entree. Nuff said. (i wouldve liked a second glass of water…)

Excellent. Classy upscale Greek restaurant. Brings traditional to another level. The fresh fish was superb.

Stopped in for a cocktail and review their menu . Place was active . Bartender was fantastic and knowledgeable. She made me a delicious gimlet and it was sooo delicious

My wife and I had dinner for the 2nd year in a row at this time of year. The restaurant week menu is simple and very good. I had sea bass and my wife had lamb. Tasty and prepared nicely. Service is excellent. If you are in the area for the orchestra or dance and want a nice place nearby, Estia is the place if you want to spend a moderate to high end amount of money and get good food based on the regular menu. For restaurant week, even better.