Estiapre-theaterEstia continues to be the restaurant of choice for a pre-theater/orchestra/ballet dinner. The price is very reasonable for their three-course special, the choices are excellent, the portions just right for pre-theater and the waitstaff understands that timing is key. There is a welcoming warmth and old-style charm in the large high ceilinged space.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely greek restaurant at locationCalamari(both grilled & fried) were delicious along with great fish & wonderful roasted foot vegetables.
Will definitely come again!6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat evening!Estia is one of our favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. The food is always consistent! The entire staff is terrific.
Great energy!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had tickets to a concertWe had tickets to a concert at the Academy and only had an hour so chose options from the "theatre" menu. The food was wonderful, reasonably priced (3 courses for $30) and we were able to enjoy our meal and get to the show without being rushed. Atmosphere makes you feel like you are dining on the Mediterranean. This is our second visit to the restaurant and would definitely go again.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful EstiaWe were greeted by an excellent waiter, who made recommendations which proved to be wonderful.
We have been to some of their sister locations in NY and had a truly enjoyable evening at the Philly restaurant.
Outstanding evening!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experienceThis was the 2nd time at Estia, It is my new favorite restaurant, The service was wonderful, and the food was delicious. Can't wait to go back6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Surprise!A well-structured good value prix fixe menu organized to enable you to eat well and walk in a few minutes to the theater was such a pleasant surprise. Service was quick, attentive but not fussy and the food was excellent. We're so pleased to have found a good quality Greek restaurant at all and one just off the Ave of the Arts is a real plus.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe bestLovely experience Friendly staff, who looked like they enjoyed their job. Fantastic food and service6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAuthentic Greek food!The place is a little pricy but definitely worth it!
The lamb chops are very well made.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Ambiance & FoodThe ambiance of Estia immediately sets the perfect tone for a leisurely dinner - and you'll want to spend plenty of time over each course. The food is excellent, with fresh ingredients and amazing blends of flavor. I was thrilled that we were not rushed during our dinner, as it let us enjoy every element. Thankfully we were smart enough to leave room for dessert. The baklava was made in such a delicately light way that it melted in your mouth rather than stuck to your teeth like others we've had. The sorbet choices that evening were marvelous too (lemon, kiwi, and blood orange trio), and I could taste the freshness all the way through. ABSOLUTELY coming back!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ambianceFood was delicious, ambiance was great. The service was not bad, but no one ever came back to check if we wanted more to drink or needed anything else.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWhole Bronzino is specialVery friendly staff. Food is exceptional especially their whole fish cooked in olive oil and capers... I had a Bronzino fish. Their appetizers especially the octopus was very good.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEstia is topsEstia is always exceptional. Their fish dishes are reminiscent of fresh fish served while in Greece.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience EstiaThis past Friday night, we had another fabulous dining experience at Estia. The waiter was extremely attentive, and he was quite knowledgeable about all of the menu questions we had, as well as suggestions for pairing wine with the different dishes. We had the arugula salad, beet salad and calamari. The beet salad was very tasty and the calamari was the best I ever had. For the main course, we had the sword fish & the wild salmon. Both were fantastic! The cost was reasonable. We are looking forward to our next visit.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was very good. TheThe food was very good. The service was excellent. The presentation and ambience were great. Some tables not as good as others, but there was no problem moving to a better located table. Loved the Dover Sole taste and presentation.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAs good as Greek can getOne of if not the best resturant in Philadelphia. Food is fresh and well prepared. Service is attentive but not overbearing. Best ( most tender) grilled octopus ever. Estia us definitely in my circle of regular stops5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMPre-Concert Anniversary DinnerMenu was creative and well executed not to mention beautifully presented. While one might expect a dining room of this size to be noisy, seating is designed to offer quiet spots that work best for small parties. My husband actually asked if I had requested a table in a quiet area, which I had not. Estia focuses on seafood and did not disappoint in serving us a perfect Dover sole and appropriately rare tonnos. Our waitress asked if we needed to be out in time for a performance and made sure that happened with time to spare and without making us feel rushed. Overall, this was a prefect beginning to a lovely evening of celebration.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMTheater Going FavoritePerfectly situated across from the Academy of Music this is a wonderful spot for lunch, dinner or drinks before or after a show or concert anywhere up and down Broad Street. The Greek style meals are delicious. The fish is wonderfully fresh and can be prepared many ways. We had the theater menu which has a set price and a variety of choices. The courteous staff can assure you speedier service if you have a curtain to make or a more sedate pace if a romantic evening is in order
This is one of most favorite spots in town. Come and enjoy it.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat placeThe food is really special, we had the lamb chops--large, but tender, well marinated but still having a recognizable lamb flavor. The atmosphere is semi formal, but there were large family groups as well as couples, business types as well as tourists. I would go back again and probably again!5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurant near Kimmel CenterThis place is always great - great food, great service5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExquisitely Prepared Greek Seafood!Estia is a work of culinary artistry. A beautiful restaurant interior houses an abundance of fresh seafood and Greek culinary delights. Your Waiter accompanies you as you literally pick your seafood from a beautiful display. The Greek dishes are simple, with fresh ingredients, very complex flavors, and are all well executed. The Beet Salad was divine. This visit, my wife and I shared a delicious combination of a Barbouni (Mediterranean fish pan fried in EVOO w/ capers & lemon), Karavides (sweet, tender grilled Langostino), and an African Prawn (grilled, delicate, succulent), all perfectly prepared. The desserts are impressive too. Service was attentive & friendly. Estia is highly recommended dining in the Philadelphia arts district!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom NYC for dinnerA superb dining experience. Terrific Greek seafood, especially well prepared, with helpful and attentive service. Tried the calamari stuffed wih three goat and sheep cheeses, crab cake and wild Pacific salmon. Worth the trip from NYC.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my girlfriend thereI took my girlfriend there for the first time this past weekend and it was more than amazing. We sat at a charming two-top at one of the upper-level sections, which gave us a very personal feel even though we were in a filled restuarant . It was very romantic. We were in love with the architecture, the food, the wine, the environment, and each other. One of the best, if not the best restaurant I've ever been to. Worth every penny!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a joy!We have enjoyed Estia many times. Love the atmosphere; people enjoy themselves, like a warm family party.
Food and service excellent. Has a theater menu; very helpful to get you out on time for evening performances.
Go ahead, have the Saganaki and the Lamb Chops!!!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe perfect place to go beforeThe perfect place to go before the theater. We were running late but the server made sure we got everything we wanted and to the show on time.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMI've lived in this neighborhoodI've lived in this neighborhood for about a year and a half and always passed this restaurant. Finally last Saturday, I made a reservation for my mom and me. The ambience was great. They had live Greek music and the staff was helpful with helping us choose a wine. My only minor complaint was that it took a while for us to be seated even with a reservation.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMPhilly Fine DiningI took my fiancé to Estia for a romantic dinner, and it did not disappoint. They have a wide selection of Greek dishes, with a focus on seafood, and even have some 'quick' order options for diners who plan on heading off to the Kimmel Center for a show after dinner. The atmosphere was lovely, the service was exquisite, and the food was delicious. Like with many fine dining restaurants I've been to, I feel like I could get similarly delicious food for a bit cheaper elsewhere, but insofar as you are willing to pay a little more for the experience, I highly recommend Estia.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed a delicious 2-courseEnjoyed a delicious 2-course lunch for $17. Several selections were offered for each course. For the first course chose the spanakopita, a traditional Greek spinach pie with melted leeks, scallions, spinach, dill, parsley, and feta cheese baked in phyllo. The second course chosen was the moussaka, a traditional Greek casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, sliced
eggplant, potatoes and topped with a Kefalograviera béchamel. Both dishes were nicely prepared and very tasty. Delicious Greek bread served with a dip preceded the meal. Efficient service was provided by Brenna and her assistants.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile I've dined a Estia quiteWhile I've dined a Estia quite a few times before, we were placed at a table next to a large party of men who were so loud we could barely hear ourselves talk. As a business woman, this made the visit less enjoyable. The food was awesome and service okay. I will return but will watch where I'm seated.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother great mealKids love it, we stop in every time we are in town for a show. Fresh fish. Lamb chops are great too.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day and Anniversary DinnerCan't say enough about this restaurant. Excellent in all respects. Highly recommended!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMRepeat Diner, Consistent ExperienceI am a return diner. This time I enjoyed an early dinner on Mother's Day with my wife, kids, and in-laws. Consistent with other visits, the food was outstanding! We all enjoyed seafood selections. The hostess and wait staff were very friendly, service oriented, and prompt. Great model for restaurants.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThird Time's A CharmerIt was a wonderful Mother's Day service. It's the third time we were there. Food is always fresh, even for a vegan.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT FISH AND A WHOLE LOT MORENo one cooks seafood like Estia. Emphasis is on fresh and simply prepared. We have been there many times. The service is as good or better than any restaurant in town. The $30 pre-theater special is a great deal--three courses, generous portions, diverse choices, and is even available later in the evening. Whole fish entrees are expensive and priced by the pound, but the quality and freshness is consistent.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Pre-theaterHad dinner here the other night before the Philly Pops. Traffic made us late, but they held our table for us. Had the $30 prix fixe, and it's really a good value. Had lamb shank - outstanding! Our friendly and knowledgeable waiter paced the meal very well, and we arrived well in time for the concert.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of my favoritesI LOVE Estia . . . the food is fresh and delicious. Our server was charming and the ambiance is a perfect fit. Do not go to Philly without visiting Estia.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!I was introduced to Estia by a Greek friend of mine a few years ago, and now make it a point to dine here whenever I am in Philly (I live in Virginia). The food is wonderful, lots of seafood options. Very fresh and cooked to please. Wine list is solid but not extensive, focus is definitely on authentic food with some modern updates. I highly recommend Estia for small parties as well as larger ones. 5 stars!!!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMMediterranean delightSince Mediterranean diets are all the rage, Estia is the place to go. The diet conscious can choose from the extensive fresh fish selections. Personally, the lamb is to die for. An added treat is the grilled pita served with hummus.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was so fresh and deliciousThis Greek restaurant surpassed our expectations. The only negative was a waiter who didn't smile until we asked him to (he explained he had sinus issues). But the food was incredible!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and service at EstiaThe food and service at Estia are very good and the $30 pre-theatre, 3-course menu is hard to beat. Consistently very good and convenient to everything in Center City.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMEstia has an extensive menu-Estia has an extensive menu- and both the tuna and the soft shell crab we had were excellent. A little more light would help.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing service with delicious foodOur waiter was amazing. I love this restaurant and have been there often but this time especially enjoyed served. Felt like we were in Greece5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious GreekWe love Greek food so it's not so hard to please, however it is always great to find fresh seafood prepared simply and perfectly.
We will recommend Estia.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways ReliableYou know the food and service will be good. Great for pre-theater.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMEstia is always a wonderful experieWe have eaten at Estia 3 or 4 times, before Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. Service is excellent as well as the food. There is a lovely decor. The conversation levels do get a bit loud when the restaurant is full. We ate up on the balcony this visit and it really helped keep the noise level down. They so have sidewalk tables, although that would never be our preference.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was wonderful...TheThe food was wonderful...The service excellent....4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good lunch valueGreat atmosphere and an exceptional value for lunch. The $30, 3 course menu was outstanding. Both the octopus and calamari were delicious and perfectly cooked. The lamb shank was very good as was the whole fish. No complaints, we will return soon.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, cozy booths,outstanding!I love the cozy feel of the individual booths. I would definitely return to this place. The food was great and the service outstanding.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is the best Greek foodThis is the best Greek food in the city. My wife and I have dined here many, many times over the years, and the "Greek" ambiance has always been excellent. Tonight was no exception..from the live Greek music, to the best selection of Greek island wines, to the pick your own authentic Greek fish, this place never disappoints. Sometimes a bit noisy and pricey, but absolutely worth the experience...4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMmy favorite restaurant inmy favorite restaurant in philly. was there for 5 days, and took customers to dinner 3 of the 4 nights. the food is always fantastic, and the service is as well. the fish is always fresh, and the preparation is fantastic. try the lamb chops.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AM