Affordable Midtown Lunch Can Be Challenging

I have always enjoyed Avra, a classic greek restaurant located near Grand Central Station.

Dining there makes you feel as if you are in Greece.

Recently, Avra, a part of the Tao Group, went upscale on the upper east side.

Located in the now defunct Rouge Tomate, Avra is a lovely, sprawling 300-seat restaurant that is probably the best lunchtime deal in midtown.

Lunch can be a very expensive proposition when you are looking to have a midtown meeting or hook up with a friend after shopping Fifth Avenue or toney Madison.

The latest version is situated across from Barneys New York on 60th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

We selected a window seat (there is outside dining) on a beautiful September afternoon.

The lunchtime special is priced at $29 for three-courses. The portions are quite generous.

As soon as you have ordered, the server brings over a platter with dip, olives and radish along with crispy wafers.

We started out with a fresh and delectable chilled Greek Salad comprised of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and feta cheese.

We also ordered a fabulous Tuna Tartar with soy-ginger dressing, avocado and  crispy shallots.

Other appetizer offerings include Spanakopita, Keftedes, Grilled Calamari, Fish Souvlaki, Spreads (assortment of tzatziki, tarama, fava and htipiti with grilled pita), Grilled Octopus and Crabcake (both $9 supplement).

For my main, I ordered an amazing whole Lavraki, Grilled Branzino that was deboned, flaky, tender, mild and fabulous.

My companion ordered Arctic Char, a moderately lean and firm fish with, steamed wild mountain greens.

Additional options are Grilled Chicken Breast with Greek Frites, Swordfish Brochette, Mediterranean Salad with Israeli couscous, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, olives, garbanzo beans and feta, Grilled Lamb Chops, Lobster Pasta and Grilled Filet Mignon with lemon potatoes and asparagus are also available for an additional charge.

We finished off the meal with a strong, freshly brewed cup of Greek coffee. You always want more as half the cup contains thick grounds.

The service lagged a bit, but the decor and food were excellent.