Finally Greek food in the vicinity! The new Athenian Garden Greek restaurant in Park Place at Heathrow in Lake Mary just opened its doors today – and of course we had to try it out! Since I am a huge fan of Greek cuisine I was literally counting the days until the opening, and as it turns out: it was worth the wait!
I really enjoyed my lunch, a combo of 2 entrees consisting of Pastitsio, which I normally refer to as “Greek lasagna” (layers of Greek semolina macaroni and meat sauce, topped with bechamel sauce) and Dolmadakia, marinated grape leaves stuffed with beef and rice along with a generous serving of rice pilaf and green beans in a delicious tomato sauce.
Jose’s two entrees consisted of lamb (juicy and delicious!) and Mousaka, layers of baked potatoes, eggplant, and meat sauce, topped with bechamel sauce.
We both thought the food tasted very fresh and exquisite – and Jose vows that the lamb was one of the best he ever had – coming from a Colombian, I think that means something 😉
Unfortunately we were too full to try at least one of the very promising sounding (and looking) desserts: Baklava, Greek rice pudding, Baklava cheesecake or Greek yogurt with honey for example. But there will certainly be a next time (how convenient that Athenian Garden is basically only 5 steps from our work place!) and hopefully then I will remember to leave some space to indulge in sweets as well.
Prices are very reasonable, especially for the area. A 2 entree lunch combo is $13 and there are plenty of entrees below that amount.
The service by the way was very friendly and the atmosphere, even though not very Greek, was relaxing, soothing and definitely upscale – a great environment for a quiet lunch conversation or an elegant dinner. On weekends, we were told, the atmosphere becomes definitely more Greek with live music and belly dancers during dinner hours.
After talking a bit to the owner Albert, originally from Greece, we learned that this is his third restaurant location in Orlando. His other two restaurants are located in Casselberry and East Orlando and are known by the name Cypriana, Orlando Magazine Top Restaurants and Florida Foodie award recipient. Since the early 1990s Albert’s family based restaurant business has been providing the Orlando area with Greek food.
So if you are in the mood for Greek cuisine, swing by Athenian Garden for dinner or lunch, I think you might enjoy it as well, let me know!
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Athenian Garden is located at Park Place at Heathrow at the former location of Silvestros restaurant (which closed earlier this year), right next to Friendly Confines Sports Bar (formerly Caddie’s Pub).
Nice review. Looks yummy. Now we have to get to the bottom of what's going on with World of Beer!
Thanks! Yes, I know, I actually contacted them already but they never called back. Guess I have to be a bit more persistent! It's been a while since they announced it and I know a lot of people are waiting for it to finally open (or at least start remodeling). I'll swing by tomorrow and see what's going on and I'll call them again too. Cheers 🙂
Ate at Athenian Garden tonight and enjoyed the live belly dancing. We will definitely go back!
best greek food ive tasted!! coming from a true greek. this is where u want to eat!!!!!!!!!
When I happened upon this restaurant I was floored, as I have missed the Athenian Garden Restaurant in St. Petersburg that closed on 4th Street. I could not seem to find a place that made hummus like I was use to until NOW!
The hummus is GREAT! I tried the Gyro but thought the meat was either cut too thick or not crispy enough for me, but still good. The atmosphere and design is the same as the one that closed in St. Pete, so it felt like old home week. 🙂 Recommend this to anyone who likes Greek cuisine.
I stopped by Athenian Garden on Thursday, July 15 around 6:00. I ordered the Chicken Souvlaki sandwich and it was delicious The kebabs on the sandwich were tender and tasty and the taziki sauce was packed with flavor. My daughter ate half my sandwich.
Now the bad news…
After I told my sister about my meal she went the next evening, Friday, and ordered the same sandwich. Her chicken was not cut into kebabs, but instead strips that were charred, dry and with very little seasoning. The taziki sauce was still good. We figured it must be a different chef. A negative to not have consistency..no matter who is cooking. She also paid $3 something for a side of green beans and when she got home to eat, discovered that it was like 2 TB worth of beans…a far cry from the $3 something she paid. On Saturday evening, my parents went to eat (after my rave reviews from Thursday's meal). The pork kebabs were so tough, so my dad sent them back. Lamb was then ordered. It came to the table covered with fat. My father went to talk with the owner and he insisted that lamb is fatty. Whenever have you had fatty lamb? We have all been to Boshphorus, Greek Flame Taverna, The Greek Village and various Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs and have never been served fatty lamb. Instead of apologizing to my father, the customer, the restaurant owner felt the need to defend what he served. Doesn't say much for his business. Needless to say…none of us will be returning. And, we've passed the word along to our friends.