Mykonos On The Boulevard

After growing up in Little Neck, I lived in Astoria for eight years after graduating from college. It was while living in that neighborhood that I acquired quite the love for Greek food.

is the closest Greek restaurant within walking distance of my house — so it was with a sense of dread that my wife and I approached it for the first time, worried about what we what we would do if it wasn't to our liking.

Well you can throw that out the window. The place is amazing. The first time we walked in a waiter asked if we had a reservation, which we didn't, but we were seated immediately.

Everything our waiter described sounded delicious. We ended up ordering Taramosalta, Tzatziki and Melitzanosalata as starters — three dips that are the test of Greek restaurants.

For the main course, my wife ordered a grilled fish and a vegetarian side dish, Haniotiko, which is baked layers of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions and tomatoes topped with feta cheese — kind of like a Greek lasagna. It was one of the tastiest things I have ever had.

I ordered pork chops with rice and broccoli. The portions were huge and my wife and I both took half home. 

On another occasion, in which we did make reservations, I ordered one of the specials and my wife ordered from the vegetarian section of the menu. When ordering vegetarian dishes you have the choice of a full portion of one item or a half portion of two different items.

My wife opted for the latter, choosing Haniotiko after enjoying it so much last time while also trying Imam — baked baby eggplants stuffed with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs — for the first time. My wife thinks Greek Islands' vegetarian selection is the best around.

The special I ordered was Greek meatballs served on a bed of rice. This is my favorite dish to eat at Greek Islands, and according to the proprietors, I am not alone. I was told that other people have asked to have it on the permanent menu. The spices in the meat are very Middle Eastern: aromatic and very tasty. And the flavor sticks to the bed of rice underneath so it is a double-dip of tastiness.

If you are lucky, on occasion you may be treated to a complimentary serving of Loukoumades, which is deep fried pastry dough soaked in honey. My wife and I have been served Loukoumades twice, but my parents have not, so I'm not sure what has to be done to get this treat.

Another great thing about the restaurant was the mural on the right wall when you walk in, which looks like a street from Greek island of Mykonos. 

When getting your check you can leave your email address with them and receive notices about upcoming events. I signed up and found out that Greek Islands has live music on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

All in all, this place is great and, I must say, my wife and I are very relieved knowing a restaurant with such tasty dishes is only a five minute walk from home.