Lyra Restaurant Athens — Restaurant in Athens

Service (2 stars):

We had a reservation for a big group. We got seated inside instead of the lovely outdoor. Our waiter changed twice. No hospitality, nothing extra, just taking the orders and serving the food. Some of us got wrong meals and the waiters didn’t know who ordered what. The service was rushed and it felt like our group were there just to be milked. When we didn’t leave a tip because the experience was poor, the waiter looked at us weird like they’d be taking the tip for granted (I’m not a fan of giving tips when not deserved)

Food (4- stars):

Nicely plated food. Overall great quality and good variety of choices. Could use more salt but might just be a preference. Some of us ordered a shrimp pasta which was bland and had only 4 pieces of shrimp. They laughed at it. Finally we get to the…

Pricing (Overpriced):

We need to acknowledge the central location but apart from that for example the house wine was 9,5€ 0,5l which is typically 3-5€ elsewhere. The food was 50% more expensive, but the taste wasn’t that superior to an average tavern.

Ambience:

The place itself was lovely. +5 stars for it. Sadly we didn’t get to sit outside.

Conclusion:

In my opinion this restaurant tries to mimic an authentic greek restaurant too good and ends up feeling like a tourist trap. Maybe if we had better service my experience was different. It really boils down to small details.

Disclaimer:

I’m usually more harsh reviewer than others. Usually I either love my visit or wouldn’t go there again and in this case...

The food is not worth the attitude of the server, who was pushing us to buy more items (food, water). For example, he gave us the stinkeye when we ordered tap water and when he realized we were going to eat mostly appetizers (nb: we had lots of appetizers and salad). Later in the evening I had started choking and had already finished the one glass of tap water (other places in Greece give you a jug) so didn't have water to help me as I choked. I tried to ask for water and he insisted that I pay for a large bottle of water that he had in his hand and even though I asked him not to open it (while I choked) he started gesturing as if he'd open it with total disregard for my request not to open it. I gestured to stop and he stopped but it was very disappointing to see how he even tried to leverage my choking to forcibly sell us water. When we went to pay the bill, he had added as an item a bottle of water (which we didn't order nor consume) and had automatically added his own tip in the calculations. While the food was ok (nothing extremely memorable) and the setting was cozy, he definitely ruined the vibe by being so pushy and disrespectful. Overall, not a good experience and not representative of Greek hospitality. A tourist trap that can tarnish one's experience in Athens. I recommend avoiding and finding...

Was a lovely experience, food was good atmosphere great as always, Bit to hurry for cleaning after dinner even the plate mate had to be removed though we where still seating no intention of leaving felt we had to go ..... Disappointed - condiments lacking on the tables salt pepper which had to be shared with others tables odd indeed.

• Back to this restaurant due to persuasion from my wife that this time it could be better. Far from it. The worst we have had on our last night here. Table booked well in advance for 10 pax ordered starter and mains. Half of the starter was served we had to call and ask twice for the remaining to be brought again just one served. Waited about 1hr for the mains after multiple calls few plates where served cold not warm 🥵 upon more insistence the rest of mains arrived almost 11:00 pm not up to expectations potatoes wedges reheated..... After additional complain we where offered some cancellations from items on the bill + dessert on the house but at this point all we needed was leave the restaurant which we did after paying the dishes we actually ate.

Really disappointed with the food which has spoiled the evening some consolation was the live band playing which made the atmosphere brilliant.

I will not visit again...