What a hidden gem in downtown San Diego. You won’t regret visiting! Food was amazing, service was wonderful, and they were very accommodating to our two kids. They do not have a kid menu but the staff offered options not on the menu for our kids. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the baby octopus and kabobs. We went for a holiday dinner with family visiting from out of town. We would love to go again!
Overview
If you're in the mood for authentic Mediterranean flavors in San Diego, look no further than Athens Market Taverna. Located at 109 W F St, this cozy, welcoming restaurant offers a blend of traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist. The warm ambiance and the aroma of fresh ingredients greet you as soon as you step through the door, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends, a romantic dinner, or even a special celebration.
The menu at Athens Market Taverna is a true celebration of Greek cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes that transport you straight to the heart of Greece. From the rich and flavorful lamb dishes to the tangy tzatziki and fresh Greek salads, every bite is a delightful experience. One standout is their famous souvlaki-succulent, marinated meat grilled to perfection and served with pita, grilled vegetables, and a side of their signature sauce. The menu also includes options for vegetarians, with dishes like the spanakopita (spinach pie) and hummus platter being fan favorites.
A visit to Athens Market Taverna wouldn't be complete without sampling some of their freshly made Greek desserts. The baklava, rich with layers of flaky pastry, honey, and walnuts, is the perfect way to end any meal. For those who prefer something lighter, the Greek yogurt with honey and fruit offers a refreshing finish to your dining experience.
Not only does Athens Market Taverna excel in its menu offerings, but the service is also exceptional. The staff is friendly, attentive, and passionate about the food they serve. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll feel like part of the family by the time you leave. Their extensive wine list includes selections from Greece and other Mediterranean regions, allowing you to pair your meal with the perfect drink.
The restaurant’s location in downtown San Diego means it’s conveniently accessible for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're in the area for business, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a day out, Athens Market Taverna provides a comfortable and relaxed environment for any occasion. It’s no wonder that this spot has become a staple for those craving an authentic taste of Greece.
Athens Market Taverna doesn’t just serve great food; it also brings people together. The welcoming environment, paired with authentic Greek hospitality, creates a dining experience that’s both memorable and satisfying. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or planning a special evening, this restaurant always delivers on quality and flavor.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 281 reviews
I came to San Diego for my birthday and wanted to eat at a Greek restaurant. The food was absolutely amazing. It tasted like my home cooked meals growing up. The waitress was so kind. Thank you for the delicious food and service!!
Recommended by a coworker and WOW were they right. Quiet (probably because I was there on a Monday) family run restaurant with really friendly service and probably the best Greek food I’ve ever had. My server recommended the sample platter and it was a perfect way to try their best dishes. I came on a solo work trip to SD but I’ll be bringing my family back with me next month, I’ll insist we eat here!
Really lovely people with excellent service. The entire staff was welcoming and friendly to my kids. The food was good, but we'd return for the people.
The service was phenomenal; the staff was attentive, friendly, and made the experience feel personal. The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavor and cooked perfectly. The atmosphere was another highlight; calm and on the quieter side, making it a great place to actually hold a conversation and enjoy your meal without noise or distraction. Highly recommend Athens Market for anyone looking for great food, great service, and a relaxed dining experience.
This is one of those special places where old friends gather, regulars are known by their first-name and everyone feels the warm and personal service owner Mary and her team dispense. We came upon this gem by the courthouse and immediately felt like part of the family. It only got better when the food arrived. Half-lemon chicken was off-the bone tender perfectly complemented by traditional Greek rice and green beans. The moussaka would make anyone's top 5 list, even your grandmothers. We can't wait to go back
Such a wonderful hidden gem in downtown. The service was great and the lovely owner even stopped by our table to check on us. There was a large party in there and it was a little loud (which didn’t bother us) and the waiter offered to seat us somewhere quieter if needed, which I appreciated. Most definitely get the three dip combo to start. Easily the best hummus I’ve ever had and also really enjoyed the satziki and the melizanasalata. I had a Greek salad and added chicken souvlaki and my friend had a Caesar salad with salmon. We both raved about the proteins on our salads being perfectly flavored and cooked. I’m looking forward to going back and trying the many other delicious sounding dishes on the menu.
Great food! Beautifully tender octopus, delicate moussaka, nicely flavored pork souvlaki, and exceptional dolmanthes. We showed up on a live music night with no reservation. Nevertheless the friendly staff found us a table. The owner came by to make sure we were ok. So much hospitality! And did I mention the delicious food?