Review Athens On 86th - Indianapolis

Absolutely love it here for authentic Greek food! Sat outside which was perfect and felt just like in European style. The food tastes like it was homemade! I am gluten free but my husband is not and we are both able to find plenty of options here. I had half a chicken plater which amazing! I also recommend the Greek coffee. Service is outstanding! Family owned. Will be back again!

My favorite restaurant in Indy!! The service is always wonderful and the food is always delicious. The last two years in a row this is where I bring friends for my birthday dinner and everyone loves it!

Decent place for gyros or lamb burgers. They have decent potato wedges. Indoor/Outdoor seating. Recently I had lamb chops and they were $59 +Tax. Lunch gyros are around $13-$16 on average without any sides.

The first time coming yesterday was an absolutely delightful experience. Delicious food, wonderful customer service and such a pleasant atmosphere. Tried the cold appetizer combo and the stuffed cabbage entree which was divine. Everything was so good we came back today to try the hot appetizer platter and their lentil soup. Once again excellent service and can't wait to try it all. 10/10 do recommend!

Visit 3/2/23 lunch time My recent visit to Athens, a Greek restaurant on 86th street, was an absolutely wonderful experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the typical setting for a Greek restaurant, complete with clean Roman Empire pillars and grapes, which really set the tone for the meal. Our waitress was prompt in greeting us and seating us, which immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease. The entire restaurant, including the bathrooms, was also impressively clean and well-maintained, which added to our positive impression. For appetizers, I ordered the spanakopita and baklava for dessert. The spanakopita was baked and grilled to perfection, resulting in a light and flaky taste that I absolutely loved. The baklava was warmed, which really made the flavors pop and added an extra touch of deliciousness to the dessert. It was definitely a highlight of my meal. We also ordered the lamb gyro with fries, which did not disappoint. The lamb was tender and had great flavor, which was a testament to the restaurant's expertise in preparing the dish. While many believe that canola oil is a healthier option for frying food, I believe there are some concerns about its safety and potential health risks during production. However, it's worth noting that despite these concerns, the flavor that canola oil brings to the fries is still delicious and does not sacrifice taste. Overall, Athens is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a delicious and tasteful Greek dining experience. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the dedication to high-quality ingredients and preparation is evident in every dish. I highly recommend giving Athens a try. **they do not make the phyllo dough for the any meals or desserts using it.**

Some of the best Greek food we’ve ever had. The Gyro was perfect and we got the taste of Athens sampler. Great way to try a little of everything. It was all amazing and the waitstaff was excellent. We will definitely be back if we are in the area again.

I’m so glad I found this place! What a hidden gem! Fine dining atmosphere, attentive servers, and friendly staff. Food was phenomenal - best Greek I have had in a long time. Gyro meat cooked to perfect. Truly fresh fries. Taziki sauce excellent. Pita was perfect. Flaming cheese was perfect. I will definitely be back! Thanks for a great experience!

What a wonderful experience. From beginning to end, we loved it. The lemon rice soup, flaming cheese, seafood skewer (a special), and rice pudding were each flavorful, light, but also comforting. We can’t wait to come back.

First time here!! We were one of the first few people in for lunch today..Was immediately greeted by the owner who was beautiful and extremely friendly she even came out and opened the door and welcomed us in, Erica took care of us and because we were one of the only tables filled she talked to us a bit which was also so welcoming and made us feel comfortable! She helped me navigate the menu because I was torn between a couple of things! I got the chicken kebob lunch which came with a side salad and toast the salad was very good maybe a little over dressed but I’d just ask for the dressing on the side next time..all the vegetables were very fresh tasting and crunchy! The toast was very basic maybe season it with green spices and garlic that would be a really nice touch! The kabob was great flavor all the way through chicken was a little dry, and the onions still had the skins on it..the rice was very basic and I didn’t care for it I took only one bite…HOWEVER! The Greek potatoes Oh My God! Those were AMAZING! And I’m not a big potato fan..I’d come back for those alone! Now that we covered the food.. The ambience of the restaurant was AMAZING you really feel like you are transported to Greece! So so beautiful I had to get a picture!

Loved everything about it, portions nice size, we were quite full after our meal. The bread was fresh and tasted homemade. I will definitely be going back.

Service was excellent. Food was not to bad. I ordered Moussaka. It had a good flavor but everything just blended together. In a bite you couldn't really tell if you got eggplant, a potato or the beef. He ordered the dinner special (Gyro). It was a little pricey but portions size where good with our entrees. I ordered a piece of Baklava to go. It was brought to the table in a to go box that could fit at least a sandwich and a half in it. I thought OK, it must be a nice size portion as it cost $4. We get home and when I pulled it out later I was a tad shocked (should have checked it at the restaurant). It was rather small. I know baklava is sweet and you don't need much but for $4 I expected more than 4 bites of dessert. Other than the price/size it was delicious.

I have been craving a real Gyro....(not the imitation ones you get at fast food places)...so my husband and I headed to Indy to try "Athens". (We live in Muncie, which is about an hour away from Indy) OMG!!! The Gyro I got was AMAZING!!! It was EXACTLY what I was craving!! Turns out our waitress was the owners sister and she told us a lot about the restaurant and its traditions. About 1/2 way through our meal the owner, Tina, came by asking how our meal was and we soon became fast friends!!! (She even bought us our dessert!!!) We will SO be going back!!!!

Athens is our favorite restaurant. The food is wonderful and the service excellent. Vlasis makes the best Cosmo. The best part is the family. Tina, Vlasis, Lily, Payton, GJ, Georgia, Oliver, Shelley are so warm and caring.

Athens on 86th is the best Greek food in the world. Excellent staff and wonderful atmosphere. Tina is a wonderful owner.

Best meal we've had out in along time. Excellent service, intimate atmosphere. The good was fresh, hot and perfect. I had the tilapia over rice pilaf with tomatoes, mushroom, with a sauce. Steve had the Gyro Pilates. He said it was very good. The Calamari was magnificent. Highly recommend

Always love this place!! Had a lovely dinner this evening thanks to Mom and Norm, our server was awesome, and we got the belly dancer to come outside to our table. Excellent food. Sad to hear about the horrible woman who felt the need to give such a bad review. Yay Athens!!

So I have been here a few times. The prices are high, and the portions are small. The first two times, the food was good. Last time, not so much. The staff are friendly and attentive. The rice pudding is served hot, if requested and is excellent. Many folks who's opinions I trust and respect really like this place.

We have been coming here for years. Our favorite date place. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. We love supporting a locally owned and authentic cuisine restaurant. Owner is delightful.

Love this restaurant! The service is great, the food is great, and the owners are amazing. Tina's tilapia is the best in town!!

Great food, great family running the place and a must eat it lace when you are in the area!!!

I live in Kentucky so this is a 3+ hour drive for me. But when your in Indy this is a must stop. The first time I ate at Athens on 86th Street I ask the waiter what was good. He told me it was all good. That answer was right. I have had most of the menu and have not been disappointed. This is my favorite Greek restaurant. Great food and service.

I have to eat their salmon salad at least once a week! They know how to grill right! Love the service and the food is great - next best thing to buying a plane ticket to Greece!

Excellent in every way! The service the food the ambiance This is my brother in laws favorite restaurant Great for big groups and big family Authentic Greek food that is delicious Freak daily specials�����

Went on a Thursday evening with 4 other friends. We all ordered different foods and everyone loved their dish. We had a delightful time and I will definitely be back.

Great atmosphere! Relaxed. Food was fresh and delicious. This should be a place you give a shot. Two people for lunch under $40 with appetizers. Thanks for the food. Meredith you rock!

WOW <br/>ITS FABULOUS! FREASH Clean tasting will be back!!<br/>Staff Excellent!!<br/>Great assortment of adult beverages!!!<br/>Will be back this is permanently booked marked!!

Food was amazing. Service was outstanding. It was a nice atmosphere but not really an intimate setting if you're out on a date night. Will definitely visit again.

Thank goodness we braved the wintry conditions for dinner!<br/><br/>The brick & mortar - Nice atmosphere. Well decorated with engaging artwork and architectural details. Though it's in a strip mall, this place is classy, but not pretentious.<br/><br/>The food - Saganaki (flaming cheese served with pita) - Get this! It's enough for 2-4 to share, depending on appetite. Lamb Chops (ordered rare) - Cooked to perfection with wonderful herb goodness. Grouper Special - Light, but "meaty" fish over a very nice bed of fresh greens. Goat Special (First time for the chef) - Absolutely delicious flavor in the meat. It's goat, so it was a little tough, but worth fighting through a little connective tissue. Highly recommended - If it's on offer, give it a shot. Green Beans - sadly, overcooked and pretty uninteresting. Potatoes - Delicious with nice seasoning and a little sear on the outside for some crispiness. The flourless chocolate cake - Oh, Lord... this was like eating warm fudge!<br/><br/>The service - Our waiter was attentive, professional, and had personality. I watched this man literally work in almost every part of the operation throughout the evening. When we asked about gluten-free options, he immediately spoke with the chef and came back with several suggestions and follow-on questions. If this is the standard of service at Athens, other restaurants should follow their lead!<br/><br/>The bottom line - If you're in the mood for some delicious Greek food, it's worth whatever drive time you have to give these folks a try. The chef sources quality ingredients and genuinely cares about her food and guests. Can't wait to visit Athens on 86th again.

5 STARS PLUS. My wife and I would always mention that we needed to try this restaurant while going into Le-Peep for breakfast. We had our chance for lunch today. WOW! the service and the food was absolutely fantastic. I had the Athena's specialty salad and my wife had the Mediterranean sandwich. Finished this off with the Baklava. We can't wait to try them for dinner. The ambiance was just neat and the place was spotless with white tablecloths. Well worth your time.

AMAZING!!!!. 5 Star!!!! Amazing food, fabulous atmosphere. I have lived in Greece and this is the most authentic Greek Restaurant I have ever visited in the world!!! (I travel a lot). It was like being in Greece for an hour with a kind customer focused traditional Greek family!! Wooopppaahh!!! My friends will love this place, can't wait to enjoy an evening there with them.

Best Pastichio. This place has the best pastichio in the city. Wife and I started with the flaming cheese. It's the same here as any Greek restaurant, but I just love to start a meal with a little fire. Service and décor was fine.

Really enjoyed the meal. Restaurant is well lit and staff was over the top friendl. I had the humus which was nothing less than delicious and that was followed by a gyro plate with the roated potatoes. The lamb was tender and moist and the salad was fresh. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner!

Geeks at the Greek. The wife and I took a group of 8 out this evening for our first visit to Athens on 86th. The place appeared pleasant and was busy. The waitresses appeared young and un-experienced as it took several requests to all our drink orders as they reached across us several times that evening. <br/><br/>I was disappointed to find out that they had run out of eggplant for my favorite Greek dish, Mousaka. I opted with someone else in the party for the filet of beef kabobs, cooked to medium, as we found it over cooked, flavorless, and chewy. Another person ordered the Kota Psiti, describing the chicken as very dry. On the other hand, the salads were very good as was the bread, despite it showing up after the salads. The potatoes, rice, and green beans were good although the portions were quite small. We later heard the waitresses discussing that they were running out of these items as well.<br/><br/>I’m sorry, but I would not recommend Athens on 86th to others. The staff was kind and the restaurant appeared clean, however, the quality of food and dishes available, not to mention portions, are seriously not worth the money we paid. I would recommend Santorini’s in Fountain Square, as the food is much better and the portions complete if not hearty.

FIVE STARSDelicious, affordable, perfect portion sizes, and great service!. We went at lunchtime and were greeted at the door. The staff was very friendly, especially the young woman who served us. When we were told the item my dining companion initially ordered would take 30 minutes to make, we were given a complimentary dessert. He ordered an alternative dish, and the food arrived swiftly. The gyros, Greek salad, bread, souvlaki (Greek kabobs), and complimentary baklava sundae were all SCRUMPTIOUS!!! We found the portion sizes to be just perfect... and just suffice it to say we are BIG eaters. Yay <br/>Athens on 86th! We

Best Tzatziki ever. Went here for an early dinner on 6/11. Ordered the Gyro Piato because it sounded good. The greek salad that started the meal was very fresh - lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions and feta. The gyro meat was very moist, tender and excellent flavor. I chose the rice over potatoes and green beens were the veggie of the day. Again both were excellent. While this might sound strange . . . the tzatziki was the best I have ever eatten. The waiter told me that they make it themselves and it definately tastes fresh with chunks of cucumber.<br/><br/>I will definately be back again. The service was very attentive and my waiter kept my water glass full without having to ask for refills.

As good as my YiaYia's. Being a second generation Greek American, I can still remember my YiaYia's cooking (my grandmother). The food is delicious beyond words. As authentic as if my YiaYia was in the kitchen. Too bad we live in Nashville (where there are zero Greek restaurants) and cannot come here unless we are visiting family in Indianapolis. But you can bet the next time we are there this will be the first stop we make! Want to open up another location in Nashville?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Authentic Greek Done Right. We were looking for a Greek restaurant and the one we tried first had actually closed. Not to be deterred we went here. And I'm glad we did. The Greek food is by far some of the most authentic I've had in a restaurant. Many lamb and seafood dishes. I ended up copping out and getting the gyro piato. But I did so because gyros just sounded REALLY good. The others got different salads and lamb shank. The shank was good. Very moist and tender falling off of the bone with good spices. The salads were all great too. Nice mild vinaigrette with feta and so forth. Not only were all of the meals excellent but the sides as well. They have excellent bread and for sides you can have salad, rice, or potatoes. I opted for potatoes. They were a great sweeter Idaho potato that was cooked in butter in spices. Quite delicious. And lastly for dessert we had the baklava sundae. While good they did skimp on the actual baklava part which was a tad disappointing. All of this was capped off with live music (I believe this is Fridays only). The music was good and not too intrusive. All and all a great dining experience at one of Indy's best Greek restaurants.

Food good, but portions small. Dined with 4 other friends, and although the food was good, it was not the ample servings I've had in the past at Greek restaruants. Greek salad was dinky, gyros meat was a little well done, and not much of it, even the green bean portion was small! C-mon folks, you can do better than this!

The atmosphere is superb at Athens on 86 and it is not only a favorite of most of my friends but also highly recommended by some Greek friends of mine. Don't forget to try the Saganaki (flaming cheese)

I could not pass up the opportunity to try pine tar resin wine. The staff looked sceptical, they even poured me a little taste to see if I really wanted it. I took a sip, and my mind and palate was blown!

The spanikopita and tyropita, though different, didn’t show too much difference in flavor. Tyropita is finger food, a piece of phyllo that has feta cheese and herbs wrapped in it. The phyllo was crisp, but once again, it was cold so the flavors were muted. Spanikopita is the same thing, just with spinach. The spinach tasted dirty, overwhelming any other flavors that could of been. And lastly, the mousaka. The saving grace of this platter was the layers of eggplant and thinly sliced potatoes baked in the ‘same’ bechamel sauce that was served with the pastichio. But clearly, this wasn’t the same sauce as it was warm and oozing between the layers. Out of everything on the platter, this had to be the only item that was made fresh that day. I ate that in its entirety while the other items left more to be needed.

Our service was extremely friendly, and the restaurant had a nice business of what appeared to be a fair amount of regulars. I know I say this all the time, but if it were in my neighborhood, I might be inclined to visit every so often. I would certainly stick to appetizers though.