Athenian bar & grill

Was craving Mediterranean food and had the pleasure of stumbling upon this jewel. This is no street corner every day Mediterranean restaurant this is authentic Greek food. Some of the best food I’ve had in a long time! The waitress was telling me that all of the food is imported from Greece and you can definitely tell. Everything was amazing! Will definitely be back. What a hidden jem in the French Quarter. 💎

A very classic looking place with great staff and average food. Loved the decor of the place, but the food was way more expensive and probably not as value for money. We loved the variety of hummus and dips but the pita bread has enough headroom for improvement.

The food is so authentic! It was absolutely delicious! The bartender was great and the ouzo lemonade was a big hit. A little too tart for me but my husband loved it! The atmosphere was quaint and great for people watching in the street. We just happened to stumble in and so glad we did!

The food here is seriously legit Greek! We tried the sampler boards, the grape leaves, and the beans everything was top-notch and delicious. But, I woke up the next morning with the worst headache. I’ve had in a year and that only happens when I eat food that has MSG in it . And this was so bad there had to have been a ton of it, just a warning if you are sensitive to that. No one else in my group experienced any problems.

Update - that's just ridiculous. My Service Animal weighs 40 pounds and stays under a table. You were clearly not interested in taking us in, so don't lie about this now. And on top of that - it's still against the law. After a full day in New Orleans with him you are the only one who denied access and I just was not in the mood to have the discussion. So I will let people know they should not go to your restaurant, especially when they have a service dog. Original - Denied entry with my service dog what is against the law . Can't recommend it while we couldn't even try it. No I don't wanna sit outside. Disabled people do not go there they hate you.

Very tasty place, food reflecting true greek food. Sorry no pictures, est it too fast. Got the traditional greek salad, baklava cheescake, margarita and Pimms cup.

I eat a lot of Greek food at home so I was excited to try this highly-rated option while visiting New Orleans for the first time. I was happy to see that some of my favorite Greek dishes that can be harder to find at restaurants were on the menu: fakes, gigantes, and taramasalata. I also ordered the dolmades. Cost was average ~$10-15 for each of these dishes as they are all on the appetizer/small plates menu. While the food was tasty, I immediately noticed that the gigantes and dolmades were both from particular canned food brands that I have eaten before (Palirria and Zanae). They had been slightly "upgraded" by adding fresh carrots to the canned gigantes and tzatziki on the side of the canned dolmades. While I do enjoy eating these brands in my home when I don't feel like cooking, I was not happy to be served canned food in a restaurant especially at this price. The fakes was ok, the tarama was weaker flavor than I like but that may be local preference as not everyone appreciates the strong fish flavor. Overall I do not recommend to eat here due to the usage of canned food.

Went for lunch and ordered lunch special, to me the size of the wrap was comparatively smaller to the price. A can of Coke was $5. So order wisely. Food was good.

This review is limited in some respects because I only ordered takeout BUT I got there super early to pick it up and I have to say I LOVE the interior of this Bar and Grill! The spaces are really clean and refreshing. The staff are ultra friendly and made me feel at home while I waited on them to make the final touches on my meal. I ordered the chicken kabob to go. I wasn't expecting much but, let me tell you, it was SO GOOD! The meal was bursting with delicious flavors and the chicken was succulent and perfect. I now have to come back and actually enjoy a meal there in person and check out their cocktail menu!! See you soon, Athenian!

This was the highlight of my day ! We wanted to try something different that was lighter than the usual fare around here. The waitress/ Hostess answered all our questions. Service was excellent . For Apps my son got the Loukaniko , (Greek sausage) I got the stuffed grape leaves and spinach pie. Drinks We all got Ouzo drinks . My advice if you don't like licorice or Star anise. Get something else. No matter the flavor the licorice overpowers. It's their drink like Soju is to Korea but they have it plain and maybe with a little water-no flavors. It's a strong licorice flavor let me tell you. Entrees-Mavromatika ( which is labeled a black bean salad ) which in reality is a bowl of black beans with a tiny bit of vegetables! Served Cold . It needed some acidity to me so I added some vinegar(on table) My hubbie got the Grilled stuffed Calamari (whole grilled calamari stuffed with peppers, feta cheese onion w/asparagus on the side) $50 dollars My son got the Skepasi plate (chicken greek sandwich ) It was huge!! Portion sizes were huge. I asked if the sizes were Americanized and she said no. The Spinach pie size is the normal size there and they eat it for breakfast or as a snack. It was yummy! My son had to put the rest of his sandwich in a take out box. Everything is imported so every ingredient is Authentic. This restaurant is very new not even a year old yet. Everything we tried was delicious except the drink to me BUT I dont like licorice. Nothing more than my personal taste. Nothing major. Would I come back definitely!! Might come b to tomorrw:) If you are tired of heavy food or the same food give this place a try.,I guarantee its lighter than most of the food you eat in NOLA.

Wonderful place! The food is great and service was spot on. We were just walking by and decided to take a chance and I'm glad we did.

Super cute and friendly Greek restaurant. The food is amazing here would recommend giving this place a try. The Chicken was seasoned so well

We happened to walk by and were hungry so we decided to stop in. It was Friday afternoon and there was no wait at all they sat us right away. The place looks to be higher end but we were still comfortable in our casual clothing. I had never tried Ouzo before so I bought a shot for the table. It was not my thing but others liked it. My husband loved his Ouzo Lemonade. I had the Cool Madam and it's one of the most tasty cocktails I've ever had. We weren't hungry enough for plates so we each Pita Bread wraps which were plenty. Mine was the Authentic Kebob and it was full of flavor. I would like to go back and try other dishes and have that cocktail again.

This was a WONDERFUL little find and I can't recommend it enough. We went here for drink after a disappointing dinner elsewhere. The drinks were truly crafted attention and all my friends that ordered food were so pleased with their meals. The staff were so kind and attentive Definitely a bit pricier but I thought it was worth it. It's a newer location but be sure to check it out! I already wish I could go back!

Simply great Greek dishes and drinks at a reasonable price. Service was also outstanding.

This exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, which is rich with delicious flavors, substantial portions, and a wide selection of deliciousness. Sometimes you have to have a problem, so that a restaurant may shine. We found this place on an extended three day weekend, and found it far enough off the beaten path to provide a bit of a change, yet as with all of NOLA within walking distance. The ambiance, design esthetic, and open kitchen (immaculately kept) were so welcoming we had to walk-in and look at the menu. A wide variety from fish to lamb, beef to chicken, great veg to delicious soups clearly gave something for everyone. The price range was appropriate to the venue, and agreeable for elevated dining. You will see in the photos, out children loved the kabobs, and crispy fries. My wife and I greatly enjoyed our dishes which were full of flavor, with slight spices. Sometimes you have to have a problem, so that a restaurant may shine. We came moments before closing, and the lamb shank was a bit dry, and the manager came forth and replaced the meal with professionalism and a smile. We both enjoyed the AUTHENTIC KEBAB PLATE (3pcs) a combination of beef and lamb, sharing the SPANAKORIZO which was an outstanding side dish to share.

Dan had awesome service and the food was off the chain !!! We had the Gyros, pork belly and chicken.

Great Location on Corner. Great Service. Great Food. Patio Seating Available. Spacious Place. Good Ambiance.Even the Restrooms were top notch.

Amazing service and cute restaurant. Good fresh food. Vegan menu and great dessert options!

We were a group of 11 for dinner. Our waitress was incredibly sweet, very helpful. All the food was delicious. We had the traditional Greek salad, ntolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), and spread sampler to start. I had the pork skepasti...so so good. Was really excited they had mastika too. I hadn't had any since I was actually in Greece. Don't be concerned about the $15/pp deposit. They are really kind and bring the tablet over to return it to your card with you there. 110% would come back. This was a GREAT place for a nice yet casual group dinner.

Sometimes you want to mix things up a little, even when you're in a place like NOLA where food is amazing! We found ourselves at the Athenian mostly by accident, but were happy we made it there. The food was tasty and flavorful, and the staff were nice. Unlike most places in NOLA, they didn't have any designated kids items, but we ordered a bunch of stuff to share and the kids did great (pita bread, kebab meat, etc). The pita + feta dip was a fantastic starter. My one note was that our salmon item was just... way too fishy tasting. Despite being a family of salmon lovers, none of us were willing to take a second bite and we left it uneaten. So I wouldn't get that again. I did feel like the prices were a little higher than I'd expect, but also this is a major touristy area, so... that's how things roll!

I eat a lot of greek food at home so I was excited to try this highly-rated option while visiting New Orleans for the first time. I was happy to see that some of my favorite Greek dishes that can be harder to find at restaurants were on the menu: fakes, gigantes, and taramasalata. I also ordered the dolmades. Cost was average ~$10-15 for each of these dishes as they are all on the appetizer/small plates menu. While the food was tasty, I immediately noticed that the gigantes and dolmades were both from particular brands that I have eaten before (Palirria and Zanae). They had been slightly "upgraded" by adding fresh carrots to the canned gigantes and tzatziki on the side of the canned dolmades. While I do enjoy eating these brands in my home when I don't feel like cooking, I was not happy to be served canned food in a restaurant especially at this price. The fakes was ok, the tarama was weaker flavor than I like but that may be local preference as not everyone appreciates the strong fish flavor. Overall I do not recommend to eat here due to the usage of canned food.

Looking for something different after 4 days of amazing local food, we stumbled with this great restaurant. Authentic Greek cuisine, wonderful atmosphere and great service by the staff. Marco, our server was wonderful so we went back before flying back to Miami! Be sure to try it!

Wow! Really good food, want fresh food and to get away from all the same stuff come here.

Enjoyed a perfectly delicious meal last evening in the company of three good friends. I'm not sure what I appreciated more...the incredible food or the amazing service that Rad provided. He could not have been more professional, helpful or delightful. Every single one of his recommendations...from appetizers to beverages to entrees...was spot on! Thanks for kicking off my 4-day stay in New Orleans in lip-smacking style!

I love that this place is here because they are serving a lot of traditional Greek dips I couldn't find anywhere in NOLA like taramosolata. I did find the dips to be a little watery for my taste but they could just be getting used to it as they're new. The service is great and location is perfect for a lunch break.

This place is a gem in the French Quarter. Food was spectacular, fresh and high quality. Our bartender BORIS was amazing. So sweet and his cocktails were awesome. He also took great care of my girlfriend who is gluten free. The ambiance was relaxed and elevated at the same time. Trust me when I say that this place is well worth the visit, it's consistent and welcoming. Take it from a local who lives down the street and works in the hospitality industry

Um. Only a couple of tables where a family could sit for a good meal together. Prices are not what is posted on their website. Bumped up $5. No difference between a plate and a yeero- never have seen gyro spelled that way but whatever. The plate did not have a veggie - probably do better with lettuce on your gyro and $15 cheaper. We were there 12/25. We were informed after we were seated that our table of 4 would have an 18% upcharge for the kitchen and bar THAT DID NOT INCLUDE TABLE SERVICE. Was that bs? Dunno. The waiters should be tipping the bar and kitchen anyway. We respect the fact that the kitchen and bar should be tipped for working a holiday but just make it 25% for everyone and share it across the board. The food? Meh. The drinks? Meh too. Service was top notch. Will we go back? Too many better choices.

Wow, what a great surprise and hidden secret in the French quarter. If you like Greek food, this is the place to go when you are in New Orleans. Food was fantastic and the service was great too....

Best Greek food in New Orleans! It is so pretty. Everyone was so nice, except for Jacob. He was condescending, rude and thought it was all funny. Will think about returning, because horrible service is not worth the food.

Staff was excellent, food was on point. Greek salad was fresh and feta imported. The sausage appetizer was incredible, the fried calamari was too chewy. The gigantes (beans) were fantastic. The pork belly gyro was worth it!

Great authentic greek cuisine. Bold flavors! The gyro was very well seasoned and held rrue to the flavora i remember when i was in greece. The ingrediemts they used in the dishes were high quality and it showed.

Excellent food and service. Chicken gyro plate, feta mousse and Greek salad all delicious. Also had the tiropita. Very good and less greasy than others I have had.

Fantastic food and friendly service. Great wine recommendation from Sanela. (They have Greek beer and wine-ask as it isn't listed on the menu). Lovely new find on Decatur.

The food was average and so was the service. You can do so much better. This restaurant needs an injection of passion and love.

Stopped in with a group of 8. We were warmly welcomed and promptly seated. We ordered a several appetizers from the menu to share...the tzatziki, feta mousse, and melitsnosalata. All came with pita bread. We also order the spanakopita and saganaki. Everything was delicious. The service was excellent, the restaurant very clean, and the staff incredibly friendly. Will definitely return.

Wow!!! So delicious... in a town with so many great restaurants, this is an absolutely delightful new addition. We (4 of us) came here midday and had Saganaki and Spanakopita appetizers...Both fabulous. Then shared their pork chop special and the authentic kebab plate. I cannot begin to describe how good everything was. Topped it off with the Portokopita and Sokolatopita desserts and Greek coffees. Do yourself a favor while in New Orleans, have a fabulous meal here. The service was beyond exceptional, and it is a beautiful restaurant very open and inviting. Cannot give it a greater recommendation.

Cocktails reasonably priced and delicious Food was served quickly and absolutely amazing! Staff were friendly and helpful

We had a greek wine that was excellent. The seafood board was delish as was the greek beans. Recommend for fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes

Really great food and service! I would say this is a must!!! Amazing fresh food! The pork belly was well seasoned and tender there was a lot of meat to share. The spanakopita was so tasty and not wet at all. The baklava was not to be missed so save room for it.

As good as or better than Greece. The food, service and ambiance of this place was great. A nice change from the great NO creole experience.

This was the best experience overall that I've ever had at a Greek Restaurant! The Baklava was so flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth good with homemade ice cream. It was like Baklava on steroids! The pork belly quesadillas with Gouda was a quesadilla experience on another level!! This is my new favorite restaurant!

The food, service, and environment are amazing! The food is authentic Greek. My husband loved the pork skewers and there were lots of wonderful vegetarian options from me.

The food was sooooo good ... loved the service and the staff was also friendly. The fries were also really good.

Such an amazing place!!! So friendly and great drinks! Might be the cleanest bar in town! 10 stars would be appropriate

The food was outstanding! Fresh, hot and delicious. The service was excellent as well. Stands out and is such a fun option in NOLA. Highly recommend!

I heard there was a new Greek place in town so we went to check it out. I don't usually frequent French Quarter restaurants but this place did not disappoint. I've also been to Greece multiple times but I always find that New Orleans can take European foods and bring the taste to the next level. That was the case with Athenian. Amazing food, palatable sharables and delicious cocktails. Definitely adding it to a list of places I'll frequent.

Hands down a MUST visit for authentic and absolutely delicious Greek food- and great drinks with a great staff and decor. I find myself having lunch here 3 days a week.

The food here is the most authentic Greek food I have ever had in the US! We had a Greek salad which was so refreshing after having had fried foods. Our shrimp saganaki was delicious with several large shrimp. The greeting was friendly and welcoming as well as our waiter was very attentive. Highly recommend the Athenian.

The pork belly yeerow was incredible, flavor and nicely cooked. The ambiance was a little quiet and slow but maybe it was the time of day? Friendly staff, so so spanakopita, delicious dolmas. All in all, an impromptu lunch stop that satisfied my group!

Gourmet-quality food! Would recommend for any vegetarians and vegans. They have tons of great options. The spinach pie is perfect. And the dessert platter is not to be missed!

Great place! Very authentic and delicious! We had lunch there and thoroughly enjoyed! We will definitely be going back again! Want to try dinner and other menu items.

Amazing service and food. You will not go wrong with the spread sampler. Also there's vegan options!

On a recent trip to see the Eagles play the Saints (Go Birds!) we walked down Decatur and stumbled across this fantastic restaurant. Being married to a Greek we often try to find authentic food in every city we visit. This was no exception. We did the shrimp saganaki which was delicious paired with Mythos beer. While waiting for our entree which we shared, we looked for the telltale sign of a true Greek place- Metaxa (Greek brandy). We opted for the 12 star and were not disappointed. Our entree was a chicken gyro plate which was made in sort of a panini style but the taste and portions were on point. We loved it and left full. The staff was friendly and helpful. The seating was comfortable and dining room open so that you can people watch. All in all we highly recommend. We suggest flying a Greek flag outside because unless you're paying attention you might walk right by and miss such a delectable place. We can't wait to come back soon!

Amazing spot for lunch! Great Greek ambiance, amazing service. Just got a few things like fries, dips, salads, etc. for the table to share and everything was a hit!

EDIT: We merely asked if our friend could have their singular meal covered after being covered in oil and vinegar and cut with broken glass. Seems fairly reasonable to me. THINK TWICE BEFORE EATING HERE. The food may be good, but the service here is terrible. When they were moving a table to accommodate our party, the holder of salt, pepper, oil and vinegar fell and smashed on the ground. One person in my party was cut by the glass and had oil and vinegar spilled all over them. The staff was not accommodating whatsoever, and was downright rude during the entire process. We had to REQUEST basic things like a bandaid for the cut, and there was no effort made to make amends. We had to ask them if we could get any of our food comped (we had ordered two appetizers), and they instead tried to offer us a free bottle of alcohol (which, by the way was tester-sized that comes free with their purchase order). This came after we already said none of us were drinking, and we additionally had someone under-21 at our table (they never checked our IDs). After a debated process, they offered to comp one of our appetizers. Also, one of the waiters had the bright idea to make fun of the situation, telling the person in our party "no more drinks for you." Overall, the lack of remorse and little-to-no effort to make up for a fairly egregious mistake led to us leaving after our appetizers. The staff at this restaurant is not thoughtful whatsoever, standoffish, and overall rude and uptight. I can confidently say I will never be dining here again, and I advise the same for anyone else.

Boris the bartender was very kind and friendly. Great spot to get a break from the Cajun/seafood. Highly recommend, excellent quality.