Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » The Parthenon – San Francisco
The Parthenon - San Francisco
Photo from The Parthenon
The Parthenon at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#452 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Greek Restaurant out of 10 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
433
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Cozy ambience
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Noisy atmosphere
The restaurant The Parthenon invites you to a delightful Greek culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. As a charming Greek restaurant, it offers a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
You’ll discover a great wine list to complement your meal, alongside healthy options, small plates, and refreshing cocktails. It’s an ideal spot for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting The Parthenon
The Parthenon offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the quality of the food and the welcoming vibe. You’ll often find the staff to be attentive and helpful, contributing to a comfortable visit.
While the generous portions are appreciated, some diners have noted that the prices can feel a bit high for what’s offered. Despite this, the overall atmosphere and culinary execution tend to leave a positive impression.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
433
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
54
negative
16
neutral
363
positive
The Parthenon generally earns high marks, with a solid Restaurant Score of 8.2 and strong Customer Satisfaction at 83.8%. This positive sentiment is reflected across 363 positive remarks compared to 54 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable reception.
Diners consistently praise the Food (8.5) and the inviting Ambience (8.4), which stand out as particular strengths. The Service (8) also performs well, though the Value (5.4) receives a more mixed response, suggesting it’s an area where some guests feel there’s room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, welcoming ambience
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional noisy atmosphere
If you’re seeking a place with genuinely good food and a pleasant atmosphere, The Parthenon is certainly worth considering. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, it clearly hits the mark for many diners looking for a reliable meal out.
While you might encounter some minor service delays or find the pricing a bit steep, the overall experience, particularly the quality of the cuisine, often outweighs these concerns. It’s a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Parthenon
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.5 and a strong customer satisfaction of 86.9%. Diners frequently rave about the fresh flavors, authenticity, and homemade and fresh quality of the dishes. Many appreciate the portion size and the wine selection, with 199 positive remarks highlighting everything from appetizers to main courses.
However, not every bite is perfect. Out of 229 total comments, 20 point to some areas for improvement. Some found the lamb to be gristley or overcooked lamb chops, while others felt portions could be small for the price.
There were also mentions of mediocre food that wasnt particularly memorable, ' suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
229
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
20
negative
10
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, authentic flavors
- Delicious, varied dishes
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Disappointing portion value
- Unmemorable dishes
Often praised
- foodOur server Zamira was super helpful and gave great suggestions; definitely try the zucchini cake if you’re into unique flavors! The food was fresh, flavorful, and the portions were generous without being over the top. You can really taste the quality in every bite.
- Greek foodOur server, Julia, was very attentive, contributing to the very pleasant vibe – not too loud, not too quiet. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great Greek food and Greek white wine.
- baklavaFor my main course, I enjoyed steak skewers, while my friend had the seafood pasta. We finished with heavenly Greek coffee and indulged in chocolate truffles and baklava for dessert. It was a 10 out of 10 experience!
- lamb chopsThe lamb chops were cooked to perfection
- portionsOur server Zamira was super helpful and gave great suggestions; definitely try the zucchini cake if you’re into unique flavors! The food was fresh, flavorful, and the portions were generous without being over the top. You can really taste the quality in every bite.
- Lamb SouvlakiLamb Souvlaki and Solomos. Everything tasted great.
- MantiManti were delicous
- authentic Greek foodauthentic Greek food deliciously prepared
- avgolemonoWe ordered several dishes: saganaki, avgolemono, chicken souvlaki, salmon, and a side of garlic fries. Everything was so delicious. The cream on the salmon was so tasty, and the chicken was juicy.
- calamaritried fried zucchini cakes calamari
Frequently criticized
- foodfood took 40 mins to come
- Greek foodMy experience at this restaurant was not what I expected from Greek food. I was charged over price for mushrooms and feta cheese for my hamburgers.
- Lamb SouvlakiMy Lamb Souvlaki was very gristley
- MoussakaMoussaka tasted like lasagna.
- burgerit was mystery meat
- classic Greek experienceWe had a selection of starters that all tasted great. If you're hoping for the classic Greek experience with Gyros, Souvlaki, and Ouzo, this is not the place for you.
- food poisoningWhen my uncle called to speak to the manager, he was promised a callback that never came. We are extremely disappointed that they would not own up to the food poisoning. I strongly advise: Do NOT go there.
- hamburgersmushrooms and feta cheese for hamburgers
- lambsalty, low quality lamb
- lamb chopsLamb chops were overcooked
If you're craving authentic Greek flavors and generally generous portions, this restaurant is often a great choice. Just be aware that a few diners have experienced inconsistent quality or smaller portions for the price, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
It looks like the service here generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at 80.5%, guests frequently rave about the attentive service, friendly staff, and warm service. Many specifically praise servers like Julia, Kenan, and Zamira, highlighting their helpfulness and professionalism across 91 positive remarks.
However, not every experience is perfect. Out of 113 total comments, 21 mentioned issues like waiting time, pushy behavior, or feeling rushed. Some guests reported sluggish service or inattentive waitresses, suggesting that while generally good, there can be moments where the team might be stretched thin.
Service
113
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Welcoming servers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Feeling rushed
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe ambiance is very cozy, and everything is clean and tidy. Alina welcomed us friendly and courteously and accompanied us very charmingly. We had a selection of starters that all tasted great.
- staffThe menu offered a diverse selection, featuring plenty of fresh seafood, vegetables, and traditional Mediterranean dishes. The service was excellent; the staff were polite, attentive, and quick to respond to any requests, making it clear they care about every guest. Considering the quality of both the food and the service, the prices were quite reasonable, offering outstanding value for money.
- ownerthe owner was working the bar and he was very attentive and funny
- serverEverything we ate was beyond delicious, just amazing. Zoey, our server, pictured on the right, she was wonderful.
- waiter Kenanserved by Kenan, a truly nice and positive waiter
- server ZamiraThe vibe is super cozy and welcoming, and the staff made the whole experience even better. Our server Zamira was super helpful and gave great suggestions; definitely try the zucchini cake if you’re into unique flavors! The food was fresh, flavorful, and the portions were generous without being over the top.
- waiterOur waiter checked with management and they were able to serve us
- AlbaAlba was my server and was very hospitable!
- AlinaAlina welcomed us friendly and courteously
- Server LauraOur Server Laura was extremely helpful
Frequently criticized
- servicethey just walked away without acknowledging my comment
- reservationmade a reservation and when I got there it seemed like they had no idea
- serverOur server (a woman with dark hair) hovered around our table
- waiting timewaited nearly 50 minutes between appetizers and mains
- waitressesvery unpleasant made possible by inattentive and careless waitresses
- available tablesNo available tables even though reserved well ahead of time.
- feeling rushedfelt rushed from the moment we sat down
- managertold that they would call him back: newsflash: they never did
- orderTook 20 min to get an order
- platestried to take our plates quickly
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that during peak times, there might be a bit of a wait or a feeling of being rushed, but overall, the positive experiences far outweigh the occasional hiccups.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a strong score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.8%! Guests frequently rave about the cozy vibe, awesome vibes, and warm lighting, often highlighting the live music that gets people dancing. With 66 positive remarks out of 76 total, it’s clear the atmosphere, described as having a Mediterranean charm, is a major draw, creating an incredible night for many.
However, a few guests, accounting for 6 negative comments, found the music to be too loud, making it noisy and difficult to converse. Some also mentioned less ideal seating arrangements, particularly near the kitchen, where they could hear noisy dishes being washed. While these instances are few, they point to occasional disruptions in an otherwise pleasant setting.
Ambience
76
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Lively live music
- Mediterranean charm
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Noisy kitchen seating
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was also beautifully presented, with everything from the appetizers to the main course being spot on. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, and the staff truly make you feel welcome. I'd love to come back again and again!
- ambienceloved the ambience of the restaurant
- vibeI stopped by The Parthenon for lunch and was seriously impressed! The vibe is super cozy and welcoming, and the staff made the whole experience even better. Our server Zamira was super helpful and gave great suggestions; definitely try the zucchini cake if you’re into unique flavors!
- live musicWhile I'd love to keep this gem to myself, I genuinely hope they succeed, so I encourage you to come and eat here! They also offer weekly live music, though the schedule isn't fixed yet due to musician availability.
- musicthe music is perfectly balanced
- ambianceThe ambiance is very cozy
- spotIt’s the perfect spot for both a casual hangout and a special night out
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Mediterranean charma real Mediterranean charm
- awesome vibesWe finished off with baklava topped with vanilla ice cream, and it was divine 🍯🍨. Incredible food and awesome vibes—definitely going back soon! 🙌🇬🇷
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereBoisterous and noisy with people shouting over the loud music.
- musicmusic was so loud so we could barely hear each other
- noisyit was a bit noisy
- noisy disheslistened to the noisy dishes being washed whole time
- seatingOnly let down was the seating next to the kitchen
- tableour kid could perfectly fit alone
If youre looking for a lively spot with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and often great live music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, especially if youre sensitive to loud music or get seated near the kitchen. Overall, it promises a fun and memorable experience.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found things to appreciate! With 7 positive remarks out of 15 total, guests frequently highlighted that the prices were quite reasonable, offering great value for money. Several even praised the generous portion sizes for the cost, making for a satisfying and affordable meal.
However, the value proposition isn't universally loved, with an equal 7 negative comments. Some customers felt the food was quite expensive, describing certain items as ridiculously small for the prices charged, leading to a feeling of paying premium prices. This contributes to an average score of 5.4 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 46.7%.
Value
15
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good portion sizes
- Great value
What people don't like
- Expensive food
- Small portions
- Overpriced extras
Often praised
- pricesYou can really taste the quality in every bite. Plus, prices were very reasonable for the area. Can’t wait to come back and try more dishes.
- priceThe food was amazing, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Everything from the taste to the price was perfect. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy a truly flavorful meal and great experience!
- portion sizesBoth were good portion sizes for the cost
- value for moneythe value for money is outstanding
Frequently criticized
- priceexpecting it to be nice due to the price etc..
- expensivealso expensive
- foodFood was also very expensive
- mushrooms and feta cheeseMy experience at this restaurant was not what I expected from Greek food. I was charged over price for mushrooms and feta cheese for my hamburgers. The food quality was disappointing, and the price for the extras felt unfair.
- premium pricespaying premium prices for food and service
- pricesridiculously small for the prices
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While some guests rave about reasonable prices and good portions, others found the cost quite high for what they received. If you're looking for a guaranteed budget-friendly meal, you might want to check the menu carefully, as experiences vary.
How are the prices at The Parthenon?
On average, you’ll spend around 47 per person – from 71 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Greek Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good concentration of prices around the 21 – 50 $ mark, suggesting a popular mid-range experience, but there are also plenty of options for those looking for a more premium meal.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Greek restaurant in San Francisco, offering a good balance for a diverse range of diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Parthenon
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Greek Food & Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The food was so tasty and reasonably priced. The appetizers were so filling that we didn’t even need to order main dishes.
Our server, Julia, was very attentive, contributing to the very pleasant vibe – not too loud, not too quiet. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great Greek food and Greek white wine.
- food9
- appetisers8
- server Julia9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Tasty Greek Food, Small Salad Portion
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delicious flavors and some value concerns. I found the shrimp to be delicious, and the hummus and pita were very good. The Greek salad was also tasty, but I was disappointed by its small portion size for the $17 price, and I wouldn't order it again.
The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was nice and clean. I would recommend this restaurant if you're downtown.
- shrimp9
- hummus and pita9
- Greek salad8
- salad portion3
- price3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Greek Night with Delicious Spanakopita!
On a Saturday night, my experience was elevated by traditional Greek live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere where people were dancing. I've been dreaming about the spanakopita ever since. The service was really great, with everyone being super friendly.
I highly recommend this place!
- traditional Greek live music10
- spanakopita10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Amazing Food and Service!
I would seriously move to San Francisco just to eat at this restaurant. Everything we ate was beyond delicious, just amazing. Zoey, our server, pictured on the right, she was wonderful.
- food10
- server10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Energetic Dinner with Amazing Food!
My experience at this restaurant was so much fun! The food was amazing. The vibe was exactly what we wanted for an energetic group dinner, complete with music, confetti, and dancing.
And did I mention the food again? ! I highly recommend this place!
- food10
- vibe10
- music9
What The Parthenon offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Parthenon in Union Square?
At The Parthenon, you’ll find a cozy and casual Greek restaurant atmosphere perfect for enjoying lunch or dinner. You can explore a diverse menu featuring healthy options, small plates, and delicious desserts. Don’t miss their great wine list, along with beer, coffee, and cocktails.
What convenient service options and accessibility features does The Parthenon offer?
The Parthenon provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. For your convenience, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Reservations are also accepted.
How does The Parthenon generally perform?
The Parthenon holds a strong **Restaurant Score** of **8.2** and **Customer Satisfaction** at **83.8%**. Its **Food** (8.5), **Ambience** (8.4), and **Service** (8) are highly rated, though **Value** (5.4) receives a more average assessment.
What do customers enjoy most about The Parthenon?
Customers frequently praise the fresh, flavorful food, including dishes like lamb chops and baklava, and appreciate the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
Are there any common concerns at The Parthenon?
Some diners have noted issues with inconsistent service speed, occasional noise, and a perception that prices can be a bit high for certain items.