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 đŸ˜‰

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).