Zenon Taverna

3410 31st Ave
Stelios Papageorgiou graduated as the top chef of his class from the Hotel and Catering Institute of Cyprus in 1977. After gaining experience in the Cypriot cuisine, he decided to move to the "land of opportunity" with his young wife Dora. ... more
Stelios Papageorgiou graduated as the top chef of his class from the Hotel and Catering Institute of Cyprus in 1977. After gaining experience in the Cypriot cuisine, he decided to move to the "land of opportunity" with his young wife Dora. Since taking control of Zenon in 1988, Stelios has only used imported Cypriot herbs, spices, and wines in all his recipes to emulate the genuine taste of the Greek and Cypriot cuisines. Along with the help of his wife and their three daughters - Constantina, Elena, and Angela, Stelios has maintained a family-run restaurant which demonstrates unique Cypriot ambiance that is rarely found elsewhere in the U.S. The word about the Stelios' delicious food and restaurant was out; newspapers, magazines, and food critics raved about the freshness of the food and the style of the new restaurant. Zenon became famous within the community for its sheftalia, souvlaki, and halloumi, as well as its homemade lunza and loukaniko (homemade sausages). Its "mezedes" became well known to people from the neighborhood and it started to draw in others from bordering states - where else were you offered 16 appetizers for 17.95 a person? The fresh daily... more

Stelios Papageorgiou graduated as the top chef of his class from the Hotel and Catering Institute of Cyprus in 1977. After gaining experience in the Cypriot cuisine, he decided to move to the "land of opportunity" with his young wife Dora. Since taking control of Zenon in 1988, Stelios has only used imported Cypriot herbs, spices, and wines in all his recipes to emulate the genuine taste of the Greek and Cypriot cuisines. Along with the help of his wife and their three daughters - Constantina, Elena, and Angela, Stelios has maintained a family-run restaurant which demonstrates unique Cypriot ambiance that is rarely found elsewhere in the U.S. The word about the Stelios' delicious food and restaurant was out; newspapers, magazines, and food critics raved about the freshness of the food and the style of the new restaurant. Zenon became famous within the community for its sheftalia, souvlaki, and halloumi, as well as its homemade lunza and loukaniko (homemade sausages). Its "mezedes" became well known to people from the neighborhood and it started to draw in others from bordering states - where else were you offered 16 appetizers for 17.95 a person? The fresh daily specials such as succulent Rabbit Stew, tender Kleftiko (Spring Lamb), and delicious Pastichio (Greek Lasagna), also attracted many admirers to the Taverna.

For those who could not travel to Zenon Taverna, Stelios had another solution; "We will come to you," he said in his heavy Cypriot accent. The free delivery service was started and customers were calling for daily lunch and dinner at their homes and work. Around the same time, Stelios also created the catering service so that people around the Tri-State could enjoy the unique Mediterranean cuisine at the location of their choice. Customers were given diverse options ranging from Shrimp Scampi to traditional Souvla on a spit, the way their parents and grandparents used to make it. Stelios also made the second floor Banquet room available for parties. This room is beautifully decorated with antiques that trigger discussions amongst all its visitors, and it offers the privacy and comfort desired for many special occasions.

For the past 19 years, Stelios and his family have continued to offer these services to their patrons. They welcome newcomers every day and love to introduce their culture and tradition to all who join them at Zenon. On every day of the week, Dora prepares the daily specials in the morning, while Stelios, Constantina, Elena, and/or Angela serve and greet customers in the evenings. On some days of the week, the entire family is collectively working in the restaurant!


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Astoria Description

Zenon Taverna is located in the Astoria neighborhood of Manhattan. Astoria is the western-most neighborhood in Queens, running from the East River west to Northern Boulevard and 49th Street, and from Ditmars Boulevard south to Queens Plaza. It is just north of Long Island City, of which Astoria once was and is sometimes still considered to be a part, and is bounded on the north by Steinway and by Woodside on the east. Nestled in one of the most suburban boroughs, Astoria peeks across the East River at Manhattan from its squat houses and commercial buildings. Largely residential, the neighborhood has gone through the usual waves of immigrants over the course of the centuries; first, the Germans, then the Italians and Jews, a massive and significant influx of Greeks, and most recently, Middle Eastern, African, and Eastern Europeans have made Astoria their new home. For a neighborhood that takes its name from John Jacob Astor—once the richest man in America—it remains remarkably middle-class, with a strong sense of community and ethnic heritage, making it a very tight-knit neighborhood. There are, of course, many great ethnic restaurants of all stripes in Astoria, from favorites like Uncle George's Greek Tavern, Il Bambino, and the Bohemian Beer Hall & Garden to Malagueta, Mojave, and The Queens Kickshaw. For drinking, there's the Quays Pub, cocktails at Sweet Afton, and The Barn. For attractions, there's the wonder Noguchi Garden Museum, showcasing the amazing work of the famed sculptor, even more artistic action at Socrates Sculpture Park, and the Museum Of The Moving Image.

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Info

3410 31st Ave
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 956-0133
Website

Editorial Rating

Category

Greek

Price

$$$$$

Ambience

Casual

Payment

All Major

This Week's Hours

Sun-Thu: 11:00am-11:00pm
Sat-Sun: 11:00am-12:00am

Nearby Subway

  • to Broadway
  • to 30th Ave -- 0.3

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