Estia Restaurant
1405 Locust Street
(215) 735-7700
While Greek Lady may have a monopoly on Hellenic cuisine for Penn students, Center City's Estia is perfect if you're in the mood to dress up and splurge at one of Philly's finest restaurants.
The olive tree décor, hypnotizing Greek music, ceilings made of stone and wood and an appreciative crowd give this eatery a sense of tradition and history. Although the menu can be intimidating at first with items like Xristopsaro (Saint Pierre fish) or Galactobourico (a filo dough and custard pastry), the staff is extremely friendly and more than happy to give you recommendations.
If you come to Estia, make sure to indulge in their wide selection of fresh fish delivered daily. Many varieties come straight from the motherland (Greece, that is). Before taking your order, a waiter will walk you over to a counter full of fish chilled in ice. The staff is very knowledgeable and can describe each fish's particular taste and texture to match exactly what you're craving.
Appetizers at Estia are meals in themselves. A platter of "Estia Chips"- fried zucchini and eggplant stacked in a jenga-esque tower - is a great twist on typical french fries. Coupled with yogurt tzatziki sauce, this appetizer is a sure hit. On the other hand, while the calamari was high quality, the batter was lackluster and deficient in crispiness.
For your entrée, charcoal grilled whole fish is an excellent option. Deboned, filleted and served at your table, the fish is cooked to perfection. Made with simple ingredients - lemon juice and olive oil - and topped with capers and parsley, the flaky filet is bursting with subtle flavors.
Friday and Saturday nights, Estia even puts on a show of live Greek music to complement the authentic cuisine. Although this Grecian establishment is a pricey treat (dinners cost about $40 per person), its location on bustling Broad Street amidst the city's theater district makes it perfect for a night on the town.
