Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Athens Market – San Diego
Athens Market - San Diego
Photo from Athens Market
Athens Market at a glance
San Diego Marina
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#86 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Greek Restaurant out of 7 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
541
Reviews
89.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Excellent service
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Aging decor
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant, a charming Greek Restaurant in San Diego’s Marina neighborhood, invites you to discover a truly authentic Mediterranean experience. Known for its great wine list, Athens Market Taverna offers a delightful escape where you can savor traditional flavors.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, this spot provides a cozy yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Athens Market
Athens Market consistently delivers a positive dining experience, often praised for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Greek flavors that transport guests. Many appreciate the attentive service, making for a pleasant visit.
While the overall experience is largely positive, some guests have noted minor points such as occasional parking difficulty or a sense of dated decoration. Despite these small observations, the restaurant generally maintains a high standard of hospitality.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
541
Reviews
89.5%
Satisfaction
45
negative
12
neutral
484
positive
Athens Market earns a strong overall score of 8.6, reflecting a good to excellent dining experience, with customer satisfaction standing at a commendable 89.5%. This positive sentiment is supported by 484 positive remarks compared to just 45 negative ones out of 541 total opinions.
Looking closer, Service (9) is consistently excellent, and the Food (8.6) is highly regarded for its authentic taste. Value (8.3) also scores well, indicating reasonable pricing, while the Ambience (7.9) is generally good, contributing to the pleasant dining environment.
What people like
- Authentic Greek flavors
- Attentive, friendly service
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Parking challenges
- Dated decor
- Inconsistent food preparation
For those seeking a reliable Greek dining experience with genuine flavors and attentive hospitality, Athens Market presents a compelling option. With a strong recommendation score of 8.8, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit.
While minor considerations like parking or decor might arise, the consistent quality of the cuisine and the dedicated service make Athens Market a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Athens Market
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With a strong 8.6 score and an impressive 89.1% customer satisfaction, its clear that diners are consistently delighted. Out of 294 opinions, a whopping 262 rave about the delicious, authentic Greek cuisine, especially praising the tender octopus and classic moussaka.
However, its not entirely without its minor critiques. While only 26 opinions were negative, some mentioned concerns about not authentic flavors, soggy dishes, or even canned green beans, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in food quality.
Food
294
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
262
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Greek cuisine
- Delicious, tender octopus
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Canned green beans
- Inconsistent food quality
- Not authentic flavors
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a wonderful trip back in time to my family’s trip to Greece. Everything was so delicious and authentic. The hospitality far exceeded my expectations, with Mary being the best!
- Greek foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Greek food and the really wonderful service. We always make it a point to come here when we are in San Diego!
- lentil soupThe food is delicious. I highly recommend the traditional appetizers like tiropita, spanakopita, horiatiki, and lentil soup.
- moussakaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious, featuring beautifully tender octopus, delicate moussaka, nicely flavored pork souvlaki, and exceptional dolmantes. We visited on a night with live music and, despite not having a reservation, the friendly staff quickly found us a table.
- baby octopusMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best baby octopus I've ever tasted, paired with fine wine and a delicious greek salad. It truly felt like a taste of Greece, west of Athens.
- Saganakicame for the Saganaki and it did not disappoint
- baklavatastes of baklava and soft dried fruit cookies
- chicken souvlakiThe hummus was easily the best I've ever had, and I also really enjoyed the tzatziki and melitzanosalata. My Greek salad with added chicken souvlaki and my friend's Caesar salad with salmon were both fantastic; we raved about how the proteins on our salads were perfectly flavored and cooked. I'm looking forward to going back and trying the many other delicious-sounding dishes on the menu.
- dinnerThe dinner was perfect
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodsoggy and salty and overcook and mushy our food was
- string beansString beans resembled something of a can
- Greek foodI also cook a ton. But this some of the worst, fakest "Greek" food I've had. Everything except the moussaka (which was acceptable, 3/5) was terribly prepared and flavored, some were even warmed with microwaves.
- authentic flavorsnot authentic flavors
- balsamic dressingBalsamic dressing had at least 15 fruit flies inside
- calamariWe go every other month or so to get a taste of home. I wish they had calamari on their menu, but it still does not disappoint. The baby octopus is to die for, and the staff is incredibly friendly and fast.
- dessertsDidn’t care for one of the desserts we tried.
- dinnerDinner below average
- dressingThe different dressing was basically olive oil again
- food preparationBut this some of the worst, fakest "Greek" food I've had. Everything except the moussaka (which was acceptable, 3/5) was terribly prepared and flavored, some were even warmed with microwaves. Ambiance was minimal and lacking in culture.
If youre craving authentic Greek cuisine with consistently delicious options like their acclaimed octopus and moussaka, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few diners noted occasional inconsistencies, particularly with side dishes, but overall, its a strong recommendation for a satisfying meal.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 93.6%, its clear that guests are consistently delighted. Out of 157 remarks, a whopping 147 were positive, frequently praising the "friendly staff, " "attentive" servers, and the wonderful "owner" who embodies true "hospitality.
" Many describe the service as incredible, fantastic, and exceptional, making you feel right at home. However, no place is perfect, and a few of the 9 negative comments pointed to minor hiccups. Some guests mentioned it took a while to get the "servers attention, or experienced staff who were perceived as rude or interrupting conversations.
" These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue, given the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
157
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional owner interaction
- Warm, personal service
What people don't like
- Occasional slow attention
- Perceived rude staff
- Conversation interruptions
Often praised
- serviceI particularly love the Avgolemono chicken soup and the lamb shank dinner. The prices are reasonable, the service is good, and there's plenty of room, so I've never needed a reservation due to their big space. They are closed on Sundays.
- staffMy experience at Athens Market was phenomenal. The service was outstanding; the staff was attentive, friendly, and made the experience feel personal. The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavor and cooked perfectly.
- ownerI discovered a truly wonderful hidden gem in downtown. The service was great, and the lovely owner even stopped by our table to check on us. While there was a large party, making it a little loud (which didn't bother me), the waiter kindly offered to seat us somewhere quieter if needed, which I appreciated.
- peoplethe people serving it were equally wonderful
- serverOur server was great, so thank you server. I'm Greek and I've eaten Greek food countless times both in Greece as well as many other countries, so I know not to judge Greek food in England or US like the food in Greece.
- ServiceService was spot on
- RosalieRosalie and Edwardo were fantastic with explanations
- friendly staffThe food was authentic Greek cuisine. The service was good, with friendly staff, and the atmosphere was great.
- hospitalitythe hospitality far exceeded my expectations
- service staffThe service staff was extremely friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe waiter brought our wine and food checked on us at the end of the dinner
- interrupting conversationsconversations of diners with a gesture on the shoulder to serve wine
- lady at the doorthe lady at the door was extremely rude and judgy
- no one is thereor no one is there
- open more oftenjust sad that they’re not open more often.
- server's attentionTook awhile to get the server's attention
- staffstaff and the hostess did talk and sit and chat with other patrons
- water with no iceHad to ask 3 times for water with no ice
If excellent, personal service is high on your list, you're in for a treat here. The staff and owner go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, making this a definite go-to for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here truly shines! With a good score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a good 82.3%, its clear guests love the vibe. Many of the 65 positive remarks, out of 79 total, highlight the atmosphere, calling it a hidden gem with live music and a quiet setting perfect for conversation and relaxation.
However, its not without a few quirks, as 10 negative comments point out. Some found parking difficult, while others mentioned the decoration feeling a bit dated or issues with air conditioning. A few noted loud music or TV could sometimes detract from the experience.
Ambience
79
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, welcoming atmosphere
- Relaxed, quiet setting
- Live music adds charm
What people don't like
- Parking can be difficult
- Decor feels dated
- Loud music/TV sometimes
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive for over 15 years. The atmosphere is always welcoming, and the food is always fresh and delicious. The service is attentive, and I have always left satisfied.
- restaurantput her heart into the restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- hidden gemwonderful hidden gem in downtown
- Greek bandfound a greek band playing and guests dancing to enhance the pleasure
- ambienceElegant and hip for a Greek Restaurant.
- awesome dining experiencean awesome dining experience
- big spacethey have a big space
- buildingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the building and the great atmosphere. The food was authentic and delicious.
- casual mealPerfect for both a casual meal
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking can be somewhat difficult to find
- AmbianceEverything except the moussaka (which was acceptable, 3/5) was terribly prepared and flavored, some were even warmed with microwaves. Ambiance was minimal and lacking in culture. Sorry to say.
- air conditioningno air conditioning
- business longevityIt appears they are either closed or no one is there. I don't think they will be in business much longer.
- closedThey are either closed
- decorationDecoration is getting a little dated.
- loud TVwithout blaring loud music with loud TV
- loud musicwithout blaring loud music with loud TV
If you're seeking an authentic, welcoming spot with a relaxed vibe, especially on a night with live music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a decor that leans more classic than contemporary.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.3, indicating good value, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, guests are clearly thrilled. Out of 11 total opinions, a whopping 10 rave about the "reasonable prices, " "happy hour, " and even a special "$20 menu.
"Its rare to see such unanimous praise, but when it comes to value, there are zero negative comments among the 11 total opinions. This means guests consistently find the pricing to be spot-on, ensuring a great experience without breaking the bank.
Value
11
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great happy hour
- Excellent value
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- pricingReasonable pricing
- reasonable pricesOur server, Sarah, was great, and the owner, Mary, stopped by to thank us for coming. We felt like regulars, which we now will be, given the great food, service, and very reasonable prices for the quality of the experience. You have to try the saganaki.
- valueappetizers we had were excellent in taste as well as value
- $20 menuhave an awesome menu for $20
- happy hourthey have a happy hour
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this is it! With consistently praised "reasonable prices" and excellent overall "value, " you can dine happily knowing youre getting a great deal. Definitely worth trying if budget-friendly quality is your priority.
How are the prices at Athens Market?
You’re looking at roughly 44 $ per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Greek Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, we see a good mix of experiences, with many guests spending between 21 $ and 50 $, but also a notable number opting for a more premium Greek feast.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Greek restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both a casual meal and a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Athens Market
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Food!
What a hidden gem in downtown San Diego! You won’t regret visiting. The food was amazing, and the service was wonderful.
They were very accommodating to our two kids, offering options not on the menu. 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 and would love to go again!
- food10
- service10
- baby octopus9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Phenomenal Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at Athens Market was phenomenal. The service was outstanding; 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. I highly recommend Athens Market for anyone looking for great food, great service, and a relaxed dining experience.
- service10
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Greek Food in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious. My Greek friend even confirmed that it's the most authentic Greek food in San Diego.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also great, rated 5/5. We had no wait time, which was a pleasant surprise. The restaurant is suitable for all group sizes, and the noise level was moderate.
While parking can be somewhat difficult to find, it's paid street parking. The price per person is between $20–30, and it's highly recommended for vegetarians as several menu items do not have meat or have an option to exclude it.
- food10
- authentic Greek food10
- service10
- parking3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Wonderful People, Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was defined by the people. The staff were really lovely and provided excellent service. They were welcoming and friendly to my kids.
While the food was good, it was the people that would make me return.
- people10
- staff10
- food7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Food and Exceptional Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was outstanding, and Maria, the owner, provided incredibly kind service. She even gave my 5-year-old daughter a little kitchen tour and a gift at the end, which made our visit extra special.
I highly recommend this place!
- food10
- service10
- owner10
What Athens Market offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Athens Market offer?
At Athens Market, you can enjoy a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere, perfect for various occasions. You have the choice of outdoor seating, dine-in, or takeout. Dining options include lunch, dinner, and dessert, all served with table service.
Are there specific dietary options or special offerings available at Athens Market?
Yes, Athens Market caters to diverse preferences with healthy options and vegetarian options on the menu. You can also enjoy small plates, a great wine list, cocktails, beer, and hard liquor, alongside happy hour drinks and food.
How does Athens Market perform overall?
Athens Market achieves a strong overall score of 8.6, with customer satisfaction at 89.5%. Its Service (9) is excellent, Food (8.6) is highly regarded, Value (8.3) is good, and Ambience (7.9) is generally positive.
What do diners appreciate most about Athens Market?
Many diners consistently praise the authentic Greek flavors, particularly dishes like moussaka and baby octopus, alongside the attentive and friendly staff. The welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any common concerns mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted challenges with parking availability and occasionally find the decor a bit dated. There are also isolated comments regarding inconsistent food preparation, though these are less frequent.