Morning Star Café
949 Second Avenue (50/51)
New York, N.Y. 10022
Tel: 212-588-1050
Fax: 212-355-6069

There are good reasons why family-owned Morning Star Café has been a favored destination for almost twenty years. This classic Greek (and thoroughly New York- American) diner attracts a crowd of residents, nearby workers, tourists, and late-night and early-morning diners who count on freshly prepared and delicious food, generous portions, friendly service and a huge menu to choose from at any hour when hunger strikes.

The family Vavilis is a classic New York immigrant success story. Steven Vavilis came here from Greece when he was 17, with no English and no restaurant skills. Joining relatives already in the restaurant business, Steve learned the trade. In 1998, he and his brother Michael opened Morning Star Café, naming it after their sister Ploumou whom Steve had always called his “Morning Star.” Steve Vavilis passed away in 2015, and his son George is now at the helm, upholding the tradition of good food and good service launched by his father and uncle.

If you’re not yet a Morning Star regular, I recommend becoming one. In the morning, choose from time-honored breakfast dishes. At mid-day, lunch features six fresh soups, classic burgers, sandwiches, salads, French fries and home fries that deliver satisfaction, as do the full dinners of fish, steak, roast chicken, pasta and Greek specialties. At Sunday brunch you can select from a list of 40 omelets, or design your own. If you like a drink with your meal, Morning Star also offers a selection of beer and wine. Personally, I like the desserts. I recently enjoyed the happily not-too-sweet apple pie with a cinnamon-scented crumb topping. And you don’t need to look at the clock; you can have whatever you want, at any hour – eat in, take-out, or order for delivery.

Morning Star Café has been featured in Time Out New York, and on the websites Yelp and Facebook, where happy customers have posted many positive reviews.