Nisi Estiatorio

With many Bergen County families expecting to stay close to home this summer, mybergen.com has decided to spotlight several Bergen area restaurants that offer a brief but memorable escape from the summer routine, not to mention the heat!

We couldn't think of a better place to start this weekly feature than the highly acclaimed Nisi Estiatorio in Englewood, New Jersey.

Nisi means island in Greek.This excellent restaurant provides the atmosphere and authentic menu that just might transport you, if only for a little while, to the beauty and serenity of the Greek isles.

A waterfall serves as a backdrop, along with a fresh seafood display in the main dining room. A glass-enclosed wine cellar houses more than 130 well-chosen labels, about 40% of which are Greek wines. Nisi is the perfect setting for a relaxing summer meal with friends.

Nisi offers an authentic Greek menu. Whole fish is a specialty and is expertly grilled, filleted or left whole according to customer wishes, and is served lightly dressed in a delicate sauce. For a light summer meal, whole fish and other Greek specialties can be shared or enjoyed individually, as beginnings, middle courses and mains. This really is a perfect summer dining option for lunch or dinner.

It is the goal of restaurateurs Peter and Othon Mourkakos to provide a place where one can remember what food really tastes like: fresh, vibrant, clean, and mostly, from the sea.It is the opinion of The New York Times and NJ Monthly that the Mourkakos brothers have got it right. Nisi was selected as a New York Times "Best Overall Restaurant" in 2009. NJ Monthly recently chose Nisi as one of "New Jersey's Top 25 Restaurants".

Nisi is open daily.

Lunch: Monday through Saturday, noon to 4:00 pm

Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 10:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 to 11:30 pm; Sunday, noon to 8 pm

Reservations recommended.

Nisi Estiatorio                                                                                                                           90 Grand Avenue                                                                                                           Englewood, New Jersey                                                                                                         (201) 567-4700                                                                                                            www.nisirestaurant.com