Pete's Taverna Captures Tastes, Essence Of Greece — A Culinary Gem On East End Where Guests Feel Like Family

RIVERHEAD, NY — There's a shining gem of an eatery in Riverhead where the flavors and essence of Greece delight.

Pete's Taverna, located at 3225 Sound Avenue, offers fine dining, a taste of tradition, and a touch of elegance — coupled with live music, karaoke, and events hosted at The Barn out back.

Stepping inside, a guest can't help feel the similarities to a taverna in Greece, where friends and family gather for hours not over a hurried meal, but for a rich experience to be savored, as platter after platter of mezze, or small plates meant for sharing, fill tables brimming with delicious tastes and laughter as conversation swirls.

And, while Pete's Taverna, owned by Pete Moutafis, is a place for some of the most delectable fare found in Greece, including mouthwatering shrimp saganaki — ignited tableside to the delight of diners —whole roasted Branzino, succulent Mediterranean style pork chops, Papou's original recipe pastitsio and Yia Yia's moussaka, a tempting NY strip au poivre, Theo's homemade spanakopita, and so, so much more — it's also a spot for live music and events at The Barn, and a place to host special gatherings.

The space is inviting, with images of Greece and its sunswept islands dotting the walls, a lovingly nurtured Greek olive tree, and tables near a fireplace and beside an inviting bar — selections include wines imported from Greece.

In the warmer months, outdoor tables invite guests to sit and soak up the ambiance of a magical corner of culinary bliss.

Moutafis has created a place where guests can come for fine dining or private events — but also, a spot where couples, friends and groups can just stop in for a drink, some mezze, and a night filled with new friends in a cozy spot.

Pete's Taverna recently debuted a new $20 Greek Sampler Platter — featuring the eatery's award-winning Greek-style chicken wings, marinated in lemon, EVOO, honey, oregano, and garlic served with grilled pita alongside scrumptious tzatziki. The platter also includes Greek lemon potatoes and grape leaves; it's the perfect choice to share over a drink — ask to try the Santorini, a mixture of imported Greek ouzo and Metaxa, presented in a color as delightfully blue as the Aegean on a summer day.

Pete's Taverna also offers an all-new Happy Hour menu from Thursday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the bar only, with drink and food specials; half-off appetizers include all spreads, grilled or fried calamari, baked clams, mussels, Greek wings, the mezze platter, Greek fries — a delight with feta and an indescribably delicious Latholemono, or lemon, sauce —and Greek style buffalo wings.

And, for those who remember the Lobster Roll Northside, which formerly occupied the space, Executive Chef Peter Toole is still onboard — taught the art of Greek culinary excellence by Moutafis' father with love and care — and the classic, mouthwatering lobster roll is yes, still on the menu.

Other classic American offerings include burgers and fries and French onion soup, as well as an array of fresh salads.

Also in the weeks ahead, Pete's Taverna will participate in Restaurant Week, with special lunch and dinner menus, as well as offer a romantic Valentine's Day menu to create unforgettable magic.

Pete's Taverna is a treasure on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Whether guests are seeking fine dining, a romantic date night, or just a simple cocktail with appetizers so rich and delicious they seem straight out of a spot on Santorini, Pete's Taverna offers a welcoming space for laughter, conversation and memories waiting to be made.

Walking in, a guest is welcomed like a lifetime friend. Moutafis himself can be seen chatting with guests, serving tables, embracing all who enter with care.

"It's a family," he said.

Winter hours are from Thursday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. through 9 p.m. Pete's Taverna is open daily during Restaurant Week, January 25 through Feb. 1. To view the full menu, plus the full live music lineup and array of special events, click here.