NEW YORK – Periyali, the iconic Greek restaurant, located at 35 West 20th Street in Manhattan, is closing its doors for the final time on October 25 after nearly 40 years of serving traditional Greek cuisine. The announcement, made via email on October 1, was titled “Goodbye and Thank You” and was addressed: “Dear Friends of Periyali.”

“After so many wonderful years of sharing Greek cuisine with the New York community, we are sad to announce that Periyali will permanently close its doors on October 25th,” the announcement said. “It has been a true honor to serve you, our loyal patrons, and create countless memories together over the years.”

“As we prepare for our final month, we invite you to join us once more to enjoy your favorite dishes and celebrate the moments we’ve shared. Whether you’re a longtime guest or a recent visitor, we would love to see you before we say goodbye. Thank you for being a part of our Periyali family,” the announcement concluded.

A message was also posted on the Periyali website, noting that “this decision was not made lightly, and it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye.”

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have dined with us, celebrated special moments, and supported us throughout the years,” the message continued. “Your loyalty and friendship have meant the world to us… Thank you for being a part of our story. We will cherish the memories we’ve created with you. With heartfelt appreciation, The Periyali Team.”

As noted on the restaurant’s website: “Following the success of their authentic Tuscan restaurant, Il Cantinori (est. 1983), and traditional French Bistro, La Gauloise (est. 1978), Nicola Kotsoni and Steve Tzolis opened Periyali (est. 1987) after faithful restaurant regulars expressed a desire for classic Greek cuisine.”

“The name ‘Periyali,’ a romantic Greek word for seashore, references the origins of the cuisine which draws inspiration from the Greek Islands, specifically Patmos, home of Periyali’s first chefs, Irene and Victor Gouras. Their delicious homestyle recipes, still served today, were an extension of ‘Patmian House’ — their seasonal restaurant on the island,” according to the website. “The first to introduce traditional Greek cuisine to Manhattan, Periyali also put Greek wine on the map – playing host to a tasting for the New York Times in 1988, the first of its kind in the city. Nearly 40 years later, Periyali is one of New York City’s most storied Greek restaurants welcoming new generations of diners. In 2023, the restaurant underwent a thoughtful renovation and expansion, adding dedicated private dining space for intimate special occasions.”

Periyali is open through October 25 for lunch Monday-Friday, 12 noon-3 PM, and for dinner Sunday-Thursday, 5-10:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 5-11 PM.

More information is available by phone: 212-463-7890 and online: https://www.periyali.com.