One of the things I appreciate about living on Long Island is the abundance of food choices and upscale dining options. There’s nothing quite like dining out on a summer evening and visiting a restaurant with a beautiful ambiance and delectable food. And that’s exactly what I did recently when I went to Noema on Gerard Street in the heart of Huntington Village.
Noema, which translates to “meaning” in Ancient Greek, has been on my must-try list for a while. I had previously stopped by for drinks and appetizers on their patio with a friend and vowed to return for a full dining experience. If you’re seeking an authentic Greek restaurant, Noema exceeds expectations. This well-curated restaurant has it all and lives up to its name. From the captivating decor that transports you from Huntington to Greece, to the unique artwork that greets you on each floor of the three-level restaurant, and the exceptional Mediterranean menu offering a chef-inspired twist on classic Greek cuisine, there’s a deep sense of purpose behind this establishment.
Prior to being seated, I took a stroll around the restaurant to take it all in. Each space I entered had its own distinct vibe. The main dining room boasted a beautiful coastal feel with high-textured ceilings and natural light. The next level, where we ate, featured a bar and tiled floor that led to an outdoor patio area. Adjacent to our table was a cozy corner with painted flowers on the wall. As my friend and I settled in and perused the drink menu, we decided on a Mythos beer (for my friend Nia, who is Greek and just returned from her family trip to Greece) and the “Greek to Me” Negroni (for me, the Negroni drinker). And let’s just say the Votanikon Greek Gin used in the Negroni has earned its well-deserved space in my liquor cabinet now! With drink names like “Santorini Sunset” and “Medusa’s Kiss,” this is the place to get a good cocktail.
While we sipped on our cocktails and perused the menu to decide on our dinner choices, I couldn’t help but feel like I was transported to my long-awaited vacation in Greece. We decided to split the calamari as an appetizer because if you know me, you know the Italian in me loves nothing more than a good calamari dish. Nia ordered the grilled tuna as her entree, and I ordered the scallops (because I am never one to pass up scallops on a menu), along with a side of lemon potatoes.
When our food arrived, it was evident that Executive Chef Nicholas Poulmentis, a celebrated culinary artist and Food Network Chopped Champion, thought of everything when crafting the menu for Noema. Every detail from the Mediterranean-inspired blue and white plates to the presentation of my dish, enhanced the dining experience. The scallops were perfectly cooked (and nice and clean inside) and rested on a bed of squid ink pasta in a saffron sauce that tasted like nothing I have ever had before (move over my beloved Cacio e Pepe, there’s a new dish in town). After tasting my meal, I couldn’t resist trying a bite of Nia’s tuna (and then had to prevent myself from eating all of her food, too). The side of lemon potatoes complemented both of our entrees perfectly. Since I wanted to save room for dessert, I took the remaining squid ink pasta home as leftovers.
The break between dinner and dessert served as a good time to explore the restaurant further. On the first floor, en route to the restrooms, was this intricate wall art adorned with hanging flowers from the ceiling and a lit sign that spelled Noema.
Before I could get too excited about that, I ventured down a backlit hallway to the bathroom, which gave off an enjoyable club-like vibe. Illuminated on the wall was a sign that read, “Talk Noema to Me.” I loved the mix of serene elements with a little bit of fun and funk thrown in!
For dessert, Nia opted for the classic homemade Baklava, while I chose the chocolate soufflé cake, which was the most decadent and delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. Did I mention that everything was made fresh to order? Although there was a short wait for our desserts to arrive, it was absolutely worth it.
Before leaving, I had to explore the third level, which is utilized for private events. And, guess what? It too was gorgeous, with more painted walls, striking artwork, and even a fireplace. However, my favorite part might have been the view from the third floor and the hanging wicker light sculptures.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, little in Huntington Village compares to Noema. This thoughtfully designed space offers the ultimate in ambiance and provides an unparalleled taste of Greece. All the decor elements blend seamlessly in the space, creating a sanctuary from the everyday hustle and bustle of life on Long Island. When I asked my friend about her favorite part of the dining experience, she said, “Great food and a great atmosphere,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly echo. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly kind and accommodating, making our visit all the more enjoyable.
As someone who dines out frequently, I value two things in a restaurant: an intentional space and a well-crafted menu that sets it apart. With that in mind, Noema is in a class of its own. The scallop dish was unforgettable, and my Negroni with a Greek twist was also something special. What’s truly notable about Noema is how the entire experience brought their vision to life. Leaving the restaurant, I felt like I had taken a piece of their inspiration with me. This kind of experience is priceless.
Check out my Reel for more exclusive content from my time at Noema!
Thank you, Noema, for sponsoring this content. All views and opinions are my own.
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