We travelled from London to NYC and decided to go to Skinos for my birthday dinner. Skinos is a lovely restaurant with beautiful decor. The staff are very polite and very attentive. The cocktails were nice and the food we enjoyed. The only comment I have is the plain fries, they were not nice. Overall nice visit
Overview
Walking into Skinos feels like stepping off a busy downtown block and straight into a relaxed Mediterranean dining room where time slows down just enough to enjoy what’s on the table. Tucked away at 123 Washington St, New York, NY 10006, United States, this restaurant has quietly built a reputation among locals who appreciate thoughtful cooking, warm service, and a menu that leans into tradition without feeling dated.
I’ve eaten here more than a few times, usually after work with colleagues who know their food, and the experience has been consistently solid. The space strikes a balance between polished and comfortable, which makes it easy to settle in whether you’re grabbing a quick dinner or lingering over multiple courses. Conversations flow easily here, partly because the room isn’t overly loud and partly because the staff knows how to pace a meal.
The menu focuses on Greek and Mediterranean flavors, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple preparation. You’ll see olive oil used generously, seasonal vegetables treated with respect, and proteins cooked to highlight their natural character. This approach lines up with what nutrition researchers at institutions like Harvard have noted for years: Mediterranean-style diets are linked to heart health and longevity thanks to their reliance on healthy fats, seafood, and plant-forward dishes. You can taste that philosophy here without it ever feeling preachy or restrictive.
One example that stuck with me was a grilled octopus dish that arrived perfectly tender, something that’s notoriously hard to get right. The kitchen uses a slow-cook-then-grill method, a classic technique in Greek cooking, which breaks down the fibers before finishing the octopus over high heat. The result is smoky, soft, and deeply flavorful. Dishes like this show a clear understanding of technique, not just recipes pulled from a book.
Reviews from regulars often mention consistency, and that matters more than flash. In a neighborhood where many restaurants cater to tourists, this place feels grounded. The kitchen doesn’t chase trends, and the servers are happy to explain dishes or suggest pairings without upselling. On one visit, our server walked us through the wine list, pointing out Greek varietals that don’t get much attention in the U.S., like Assyrtiko, and explaining how their acidity works with seafood-heavy menus. That kind of knowledge builds trust fast.
Location-wise, being so close to the Financial District makes it an easy choice for business lunches or post-office dinners. At the same time, it doesn’t feel like a corporate dining room. Couples, small groups, and solo diners all seem equally comfortable here. The restaurant layout supports that flexibility, with tables spaced enough for privacy but close enough to keep the room lively.
It’s worth noting that while the menu isn’t massive, it’s clearly curated. If you’re looking for endless options, this might feel limited. On the flip side, that focus means the kitchen can maintain quality across the board. Every plate I’ve tried has felt intentional, from starters to dessert.
From a trust standpoint, transparency is another plus. Ingredients are clearly described, dietary needs are handled without fuss, and nothing feels hidden behind vague language. That honesty, combined with years of steady reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, explains why this restaurant continues to draw repeat guests rather than relying on hype alone.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Assistive hearing loop ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1463 reviews
From the moment we arrived at Skinos, the experience was incredible. Even outside, the staff were attentive, helping with parking and making sure guests felt taken care of before even stepping inside. Once we walked in, we were immediately greeted by a friendly and welcoming receptionist, and the beauty of the space stood out right away. The décor is vibrant, flowery, and very clean, creating a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. The service was outstanding. The staff were kind, generous, and constantly checking in to make sure we were happy. At one point, a portion of my order was incorrect, and instead of making it feel like an inconvenience, they quickly and professionally corrected it. That level of attentiveness really impressed me and showed how much they care about their guests. The vibe of Skinos is perfect for both dining and celebrating. There’s a live DJ with great music, plenty of space, and an energy that makes it feel special. While celebrating my daughter’s 18th birthday, I noticed others also enjoying birthday celebrations, which made the whole environment even more fun and festive. Between the amazing service, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere, Skinos exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a great night out, I highly recommend this restaurant. I will definitely be coming back!
SKINOS: Where Dinner Turns Into a Party We came to SKINOS for my girlfriend’s birthday , and it was such a fun and memorable night! The vibe was amazing there was a live DJ and a entertaining belly dancing show that starts around 9:30 PM, which really brought the energy up . The food was delicious (the chicken skewer was my personal favorite ), and the cocktails were both creative and tasty . Our waiter, George, was incredibly attentive and hospitable , making sure we were well taken care of throughout the evening. They even surprised my girlfriend with a really fun birthday dessert reveal , which made the celebration feel extra special . I definitely recommend this spot for a lively Friday or Saturday night out with great food, drinks, and entertainment!
The ambiance was very trendy and photogenic. The food was excellent. The service could have been better, maybe they were understaffed as to why we walked into a staff meeting during the end of brunch beginning of dinner. I feel those type of staff gatherings shouldn't be the 1st thing you see when you come in and then there wasn't a host there to assist us. A man literally walking in off the street to his shift assisted us. The ppl in staff meeting just stared at us and a bartender yelled from the bar if we have reservations which was off putting. We continued upstairs to the dining area which was gorgeous and made up for the entrance. Our server was nice but clearly serving everyone upstairs because we were ready to order and had to wait a considerable time to be serviced. We ordered drinks, by the time the waiter returned to inquire if we would like another, we were almost done with our meal. So we declined and asked for our check and left. I will try again in the fall to see if this is a regular occurrence. Luckily the food was good.
So I just went to this restaurant and honestly the food was sooo good. Everything came out fresh, seasoned right, and it just tasted really good. I was actually surprised how good it was. Our waiter George was really nice too. He checked on us, made sure we had everything, and wasn’t doing too much. The service was smooth and everything came out pretty quick. Overall I had a really good experience. I would definitely go back again. Good food, good vibe, and George looked out.
The atmosphere is a respite from the city to the Mediterranean. Service was prompt, courteous, and warm. The portions are large. Marko our server was knowledgeable and accommodating. I'd recommend this place for brunch and their lunch. The aesthetics is top notch!!! Thanks, Skinos. See you again soon!
My husband and I came for an anniversary dinner and we were NOT disappointed with the total experience. Our waitress, Theoni, was awesome and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be back to Skinos.