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Athens Market Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
11640 Carmel Mountain RdSan Diego, CA 92128
(858) 675-2225
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Athens Market Cafe
Review Highlights
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"But i loved the green beans in tomato sauce as a side and..." In 4 reviews -
"The gyros tasted really fresh, but still well seasoned." In 5 reviews -
"...was perfectly dressed and it had feta sprinkled on top." In 5 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Rob P.
4/22/2012 7 photos
I'm great at being Greek. I stay true to my lineage by being able to grow a Leonidas-esque beard in thirteen nanoseconds. I can catch fish by simply looking at a shoreline. And people are always trying to bail me out of tough economical situations. Because of the aforementioned details, I can tell you wily Yelpers that Athens Market is the real deal.
They have most of the traditional dishes that your batty old yiayia would shovel into your face as a child. The Spanakopita's filo is crispy and soft, mild and yet rich. The dolmathes are ladled with a savory lemon sauce and packed with seasoned meat. And when is the last time you got excited over lentil soup? That combination of words elicits about as much joy as "credit card debt" or "Mike Epps." But no, the lentil soup is your favorite soup's favorite soup. Don't forget the rich, milky, crumbly plate of Feta and soft kalamata olives.
If you go here, don't order the gyros. Try something else, you picky nancy. You'll be happy. -
Review from K M.
Poway, CA
12/7/2011
I'm really glad I tried this place again because my other experiences have negated my terrible first impression about this place. I went here with a group for lunch and I understand that it was a very busy time but it took us more than 15 minutes to get our orders, food and check. The food was good but the wait time made me question coming back.
I've tried this place a couple of more times for lunch but more often for dinner and my overall experience has been great. The wait time can still get a bit long from time to time but it's definitely way better than it was before.
Now, we usually stop by here when we're craving their avgolemono soup and gyros. Their hummus is also good. I've tried a salad but I don't like it very much. I like a lot of leafy greens in my salad and although salads here come with lots of other veggies like red onions and cucumbers, most of it looked like the veggies came from those packaged salad mixes. -
Review from Paul D.
Truckee, CA
3/23/2012
We both had the gyro with salad.
I suspect they don't have a genuine gyro (vertical spit broiler) in the kitchen since the lamb/beef slices seemd to have been machine sliced (deli style) and grilled on an ordinary teppan grill.
Ample size gyro but we would have preferred 100% lamb and off the gyro spit.
Salad was plain head lettuce with an almost flavorless dressing.
Service was excellent and cheerful. -
Review from Sahar F.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2012
I've been here before since I live very nearby but I decided to order online through eat24 and I received my food after 90 mins and the food was so cold , our gyro wasn't.a real gyro meat it was like a turkey bacon slice . Our Greek salads were so damped and saugy it was not a good dinner at all I have to give a horrible review :( I've had better Greek food from santorini in SCRIPPs ranch I recommend them 100%% never again goin to Athens !
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Review from Clay M.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2012
Cold soup, grilled Gyro meat was greasy, and canned green beans were the perfect compliment to the slow poor table mis-service. Go anywhere else.
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Review from Steph H.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great food, nice wine selection. I love the gyros salad, the spinikopita is awesome. My son loves the gyros plate & my husband loves everything.
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Review from Llyd B.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
Went there for lunch with my wife.......both of us had gyros and they were delicious, though can't really compare to our experience when we lived in Europe where the gyros were huge!!!! But really great flavored Greek food especially the baklava!!!will go back in the future!!!!
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Review from Alicia H.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2011
Totally good! We were very impressed.
We weren't expecting much from this Greek Cafe in an RB shopping center, but we really enjoyed the food!!
The lentil soup was delicious. Not too heavy, not overly spiced.
The gyros tasted really fresh, but still well seasoned.
The lamb shank fell apart - yum!
And the moussaka was great too! The top was nice and creamy and well balanced with the meat and vege layers.
The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is that we had to look at the strip mall during such a delicious meal. And the wait staff was slow, but their leisurely pace fit how nice the meal was. -
Review from Mia P.
12/2/2010 2 photos
Was in the shopping center and went in on a whim. Boy am I glad I did! Quite possible the best Greek food I have ever had!
The owner of the place was there to help with my order and he was very nice. I wanted feta on my fries, most places are chintzy on how much they give out, not only did he make sure I had a good amount on my fries but he put an extra cup full of feta in the bag for me! Feed me lots of cheese and you've captured my heart. haha.
The place was nice and clean with beautiful murals on the walls.
Looking forward to going back and trying dinner. -
Review from Esther M.
6/15/2009
I really wanted to not like but LOVE this place.
And my first experience was pretty great. The pita bread is pretty amazing and the first time the service was chill and had a good pace.
I always get gyros and the cilantro mint salad and I love it.
But this past time service was pretty bad. She told us to have a seat anywhere we liked and then after ten minutes I had to go up and ask for the menu.
We were the only people in the restaurant and we waited about 20 minutes for our food to come out. I was disappointed and I felt that our waitress was just absolutely out of it. She told us to have a seat anywhere we liked and then after ten minutes I had to go up and ask for the menu.
If you're in the area and starving then definitely try it, but I personally wouldnt go out of my way to eat here.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Allison J.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2010
Considering the surrounding Greek places, this place is great! Their website http://www.athensmarke... allows you to even order online! I ordered online yesterday at 2:30 with a set time of 2:55 to pick up. Came in a little past 2:55 and it was ready to go. Didn't dine in, but the place looks comfy and has plenty of seating. As far as the food goes, well worth the price. Both meals we ordered were about $10:
- 2 skewers of chicken souvlaki, rice, choice of soup or salad, a side of green beans in tomato broth and pita
- large (maybe 2 decks of cards length) moussakarice, choice of soup or salad, a side of green beans in tomato broth and pita
The avgolemno soup was ok... had it better at other places.. But i loved the green beans in tomato sauce as a side and there's plenty of food which lasted me 2 meals.. The moussaka was great. I never had it before, so I can't compare it to anywhere else, but each layer (ground beef, eggplant, and top crust layer) had nice flavors and balanced each one out. The hubby thought his meal was ok - He prefers Viktor's in RB, but I care to disagree.
Ample parking and you can even get a coupon on http://www.restaurant.com (good for dinner only) -
Review from Calvin D.
Irvine, CA
9/22/2008
Not bad... i've had better gyros... but the portions were pretty big, and the steak burger I had was pretty huge... huge burgers are a plus in my book any day!
It's unfortunate that they failed with the hummus, it looked and tasted so plain! But the pita bread was good! but i guess you cant go wrong with pita bread ahaha.
The prices were ok... about $7-10, which is a bit pricey for lunch... but its carmel mountain, so what do u expect lol -
Review from krista L.
Encinitas, CA
2/14/2008
Ate here today. I was looking for something yummy to eat for lunch today since I usually eat salads and go to the gym on my lunch break. Today because I'm sick and it's V-day I was going to treat myself to a nice lunch. I had to go to Barnes and Noble in that plaza, so I looked at the directory and saw this place. I love Greek food and I had been craving a gyro so I thought it would be perfect.
Not so perfect!
It's inexpensive, that's for sure, but I don't usually seek out the cheap stuff. I don't mind paying if it's worth it.
I got the Jr. Gyro, it was served quickly which was a plus because I had spent my lunch hour running around in the rain.
So when the Gyro was served I examined it and found that it was the crappy lamb that could pass as frozen and then thrown on the fry grill. First big mistake with me. Then it didn't even have lettuce in it. It was just the meat with some tomato slop that looked like salsa. The taziki came on the side and it was just ok, not too much flavor to it. I asked for a side of salad, I probably should've gotten fries. The salad had probably been sitting around all morning b/c the lettuce was soggy and so were the tomatoes.
Needless to say, I was very disappointed with my lunch. There were lots of people in the place too, which is baffling to me. -
Review from Susan G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Salads still not as fresh as they used to be. Brownish lettuce. Tomatoes not fresh.
1 Previous Review:
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5/15/2011
Normally wonderful. Sunday 15 May, salads with brown lettuce.
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Review from Robert B.
La Mesa, CA
I work in RB and I had forgotten all about this place. We haven't come here in about a year. How stupid of us! We started with the hummus and pita and it blew me away. Great soft fresh pita with very good hummus. Then I ordered the greek combo plate which had Dolmades, Mousaka, Pastitso? green beans and rice. It also came with a green salad for abouit $10. The salad was perfectly dressed and it had feta sprinkled on top. I finished every bite before she pried the plate from my hand when our entrees arrived. The entree was a sight to behold to large cuts of what looked like lasagna, some green beans and rice. The rice is good the fat little greek rice and the green beans were of course tasty. The first real taste of Greece that i got though was the Dolmades. I am not a fan in general. I try them everytime I go to Greek spots because everyone always loves them. I am so glad I stuck to that rule. These were the best damn Dolmades ever. The grape leaves were tasty but it was because they were filled with what tasted like small albondigas! Genius! They were fantastic little meat balls with rice stuffed into the leaves. Without a doubt the best Dolmades ever. On to the the Mousaka, it was delicious and the Pastitso was on another level. The ground beef is flavored perfectly and the bechemel sauce is so creamy and delicous in both dishes. The big difference with the pastitso is it has penne inside which is a great complement.
Overall a terrific experience. The service was wonderful and the food amazing. I actually couldn't finish all my combo plate because of the hummus and pita in the beginning. I'm taking the best left overs ever to my wife. She'll be very happy.
For the vegetarians out there my buddy got the vegetarian combo and it was equally regarded. -
Review from Alissa F.
San Diego, CA
7/5/2010
I assume this is one of the most authentic Greek Places in the area! My mom and I frequent here when were craving Greek.
I'm a salad girl.... A good meal to me is a hearty and healthy salad.
I always get the Greek salad here with the baked chicken, (the grilled chicken is always over cooked) and the dressing on the side. There are big chunks of tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, pepperoncinis and lots of feta on top. I usually have to take almost half of the salad home cause its so big...although there is never any chicken left.
Everything is very flavorful.... my one gripe: the dressing is basically oil and I prefer not to dip vegetables into pure oil! (My mom says I'm too picky..but seriously) The tsatsiki is delicious so I usually dip in there too.
My mom usually gets a gyro combo and she gets a BIG heaping gyro sandwich, fries, and I think a salad too? She can never finish all of it.
Reasonable price. Friendly young ladies who work there. I recommend. -
Review from Scott P.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011 1 photo
amazing food, awesome service. Didn't even complain that we showed up 20 minutes before closing.
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Review from Diane F.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2009
I have been here a few times and I am always happy with the food. The Avgolemono soup is excellent. I like the gyros wrap, it has good flavor and it is not too greasy. Last time I was there my friend ordered the chicken kabob. They were excellent and I will get them next time I go.
The service does tend to be a little slow, but good. They keep the drink refills coming and serve the food hot. I have found that if I mention I am in a hurry they will make the effort to move a little faster.
I went to a party that was catered by Athens Market Cafe and the food arrived hot and tasty.
The owner, Nick, is friendly and helpful always working hard to make his customers happy. -
Review from C J.
San Diego, CA
7/13/2011
I arrived to find out my order had not even been put in. Then they got it wrong. So finally after another fifteen minutes and about fifteen bucks later i received the soggiest pastiest falafel ive ever had. Disgusting. For about sixteen bucks you can get about four thin sliced cheap frozen strips of gyro meat which i had the misfortune of having on another occasion. Id prefer the trek to cafe Athena or appollonia for prices and food they serve.
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Review from Yoon P.
Updated - 12/17/2009 1 Check-in Here
Their price is much cheaper for pita wraps ($6.50). The portion size is big and service is prompt. Falafel sandwiches were pretty decent. For entrees, just don't get the green beans if you can opt out.
Listed in: Rancho Bernardo / Carmel…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/15/2009
I like Greek food but I felt that this place microwaves some of their side dishes, and their falafel… Read more »
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Review from April L.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2011
I really love Greek food, but not at this place, I'm sorry to say. My office has ordered take out from here at least five times and each time at least one dish and usually the majority have way too much salt. I figure the cook is either a heavy smoker or has worn out taste buds for some reason OR doesn't taste the food. The owner is really friendly, but I figure he doesn't taste the food either.
It's really too bad because they have an extensive menu and too many items have arrived tasting mostly of salt - taramasalata, both types of moussaka, the chicken on the warm chicken salad, the hummus (sometimes good, sometimes salty), the green beans on the side, the plain rice, you name it. The other issue is overcooked/dry gyros, falafel, etc. My favorites so far are the spanakopita and the gyros salad. Despite the fact the gyros is overcooked usually, the salad itself is usually pretty good. -
Review from Leigh T.
San Diego, CA
7/9/2011
Great local Greek place, tzatziki is delicious, try the grilled pita bread - yum - and love the chicken souvlaki. Warm chicken salad is also delish. Been a fan since 2005 when I moved to San Diego, moved back in 2011 and have already been there twice!
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Review from Michele M.
San Diego, CA
7/11/2009
My husband and I tried this place for the first time last night. He ordered a gyro pita for $8.25 and I ordered the chicken gyro pita for $8.75. Both pitas came with a salad on the plate no fries. I asked for no feta cheese on my salad and so I got lettuce...nothing else. I asked for more dressing hoping to add some flavor but the dressing was tasteless. The gyro meat on the pita was a little sparse but the pita bread was good (the high point). The chicken gyro meat was on the dry side. I know that I'm going to probably offend the owners of this restaurant but I think I'll stick to that Greek chain that shall remain nameless.
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Review from Julia N.
San Diego, CA
1/8/2010
Good spot for lunch or a quick dinner or take-out. The food is very tasty, with a homemade flair about it. Service is less than mediocre, but I guess I don't care much when I come here. It's more of a cafe / local eatery than a restaurant.
I can't recommend it for going out - it's just a place to get food and satisfy your hunger. :) -
Review from Sean B.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2009
Me and a friend decided one day that we wanted to try Greek food. We had looked up Greek food and discovered this family owned restaurant. We entered and were greeted nicely. I ordered a Meatball and feta pita wrap, and my friend ordered a gyro. When our food came, we were surprised and delighted by the huge portions. I took a bite and the meatballs were very hot and juicy and the feta was perfect. The pita bread was soft and delicious also. The only problem i had were the Tomatoes on our salad, they were a bit dry. Other than that we found it very delicious. We decided to try out their desserts also. I had their custard with phyllo on top, it was satisfying nothing special though.
But overall, we came out happy. -
Review from Dawn B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
3/11/2009
I have been a fan of the place for years. Two words...lentil soup. It's the best I have ever had here. The pitas are always hot and fresh and I have always been pleased with what I order. I really like the Pistachio, the béchamel is nice and light with a hint of nutmeg...I think. :) The only thing I did not care for was the baba ghanoush, it was a little too smoky.
