AVRA estiatorio The Upscale Greek Eatery in New York opens 2nd Restaurant at Historic Madison Ave. Location

Avra Estiatorio, the upscale Greek seafood eatery located at 141 East 48th Street in Midtown, NY, opened a second location on the Upper East Side on September 9th, in the space that once housed the famous Copacabana nightclub (1940 – 1992) and Rouge Tomate, the Michelin-starred restaurant. Avra Madison, the new 17,000-square-foot restaurant with 207 seats, is co-owned by Nick Tsoulos, Nick Pashalis, Marc Packer, and TAO Group, and will offer diners traditional Greek cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Located adjacent to Central Park and directly across the street from Barney’s New York, the bi-level restaurant will be designed to create an atmosphere similar to that of an open-air villa in Greece, with fresh lemon trees, imported limestone, and stone washed walls.

Stelios Tsappas, manager at the original Avra has now transferred to the new one

“The idea is to make every day like summer in Greece,” says Stelios Tsappas, manager at the original Avra who has now transferred to the new one. “It’s at a landmark location, a state -of-the-art restaurant with a warm and cozy atmosphere that brings Greek cuisine to the highest level. I’m thrilled and proud to be part of this and I’m grateful to the owners for the opportunity to once more contribute to the City’s dining experience by offering Greek food at its best!”

The menu at Avra Madison will feature a mix of Mediterranean dishes and authentic Greek fare including Lithrini, imported white snapper; barbounia, pan fried imported red mullet; Avra Octapodi, charcoal grilled octopus; and kolokithi, crispy zucchini and eggplant chips served with homemade tzatziki sauce; among many others.

Designing the second location is the award-winning, architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group. Set to restore and revitalize the landmark location, Avra Madison will be developed into a modern interpretation of a classic Mediterranean restaurant. Using a palette of white oak, Dolomiti white marble, oil-rubbed bronze, custom artwork and light fixtures, and beautiful greenery, Rockwell Group will create a chic, naturally-lit escape from the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be surrounded by beautiful greenery transitioning them from the Upper East Side into a serene urban oasis. Beautiful trees in the center of the room will stretch up to the newly excavated skylight. An elaborate, market-style seafood presentation, a nod to the popular display at Avra Estiatorio, will be located at the back of the restaurant, adorned with baskets of vibrant, fresh produce. During the warm weather, large bay windows at the entrance of the eatery will open to the 22- seat sidewalk café.

As guests descend to the lower level, they will be greeted by a large, shallow reflecting pool in the center of the dining room. Adding to the calming atmosphere, Ingo Maurer Flotation pendants will cascade from reclaimed white-painted log ceilings. This level will offer two semi-private dining rooms, one of which provides a unique experience within a glass-enclosed wine cellar.

The restaurant, open daily, is expected to be the neighborhood go-to for Monday through Friday Power Lunch, will serve dinner nightly, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Avra Madison is located at 14 East 60th Street and their phone number for additional info and reservations is (212) 937-0100.