La Piñata Latino Food & Cocktails — Restaurant in Municipality of Peristeri

I visited this place (the restaurant in Gazi) with my spouse on Christmas evening, after having made a reservation by mail, which was confirmed without any additional information. Only upon arrival we found out that due to the occasion there was a fixed menu and that the chicharron and the Salchipapas we were looking forward too so much were unavailable. The choice for starters was between arepa and tamales, which proved to be the most tasty things we would eat that evening. Since my wife was an on antibiotics, we kindly asked for an non-alcoholic drink, in stead of choosing between the Margarita, sangria or beer which were included in the fixed menu. The friendly waiter went over to one of his superiors (a young lady with a Christmas decoration in her hair) who, to my surprise shook her head aggressively and shouted "no".. in stead of offering us the opportunity to pay for an extra soft drink or come up with any other possible solution the waiter told us that we only could choose between the drinks included in the menu. However, when I explained that my wife was taking antibiotics and that for that reason she is not allowed to drink alcohol, she was given the glass of water we asked for, so that at least she could take her medication. In the meantime, the female staff of the restaurant showed a total lack of hospitality or "festive mood", either sitting at the bar with an uninterested face, either walking around agitated.. I almost felt like a prisoner in a ward, in stead of a guest partaking in a supposedly festive dinner. The main course (a couple of lukewarm slices of -probably ready bought- "smoked turkey", accompanied by tasty -but also lukewarm- mashed potatoes, two pieces of straightforward corn -supposedly with butter- and a rather uninspired salad with nuts) was served on a paper plate and had to be enjoyed with plastic cutlery. I know that normally this is the style of the restaurant, but I really believe it takes away all festivity of a Christmas dinner. We decided to leave without having our desert, which did not lead to any additional questions or interest of the staff. It was almost as if they were happy to see us leave, so that they could devote all their attention to their South-American acquaintances, friends and esteemed guests to which they showed the welcoming warmth and interest which totally lacked from the way they interacted with us. I would love to return one day to try the things we could not order because of the set menu, but my Colombian wife made clear she will never set foot in this restaurant again. Which basically brings me to my last -and most serious- point of critique: being inclusive and "transgender friendly" is not something that one can prove just by putting it in their profile.. it is something that you have to show in practice. And your staff absolutely...

Right, here goes nothing: I don't know why people keep grading restaurants and the first thing they think to mention is the "atmosphere", but we don't go to restaurants to eat the light fixtures and the seats. When it came to sitting, we weren't feeling safe due to NO fault of the people who own it. The street is dangerous, and if you sit outside, you'll have to tolerate obnoxious drivers revving and drifting by your table. This is the only reason "atmosphere" got 4 stars instead of 5. To the basics, which are food, and service: I'm very very sorry there are only five stars to give. I'm very well aware saying this might destroy our new favourite eatery, but I really think places with original ethnic food should always be crammed as an indication it's worth waiting to find an empty table. Note to the food service experienced: What you see is what you get: an open (for everyone to see) squeaky clean kitchen and food preparation area, is a better warranty for customers than food inspection certificates. The service girls and boys are extremely helpful, friendly and professional.

Personal quirks: First time I didn't have to translate the (English) menu to my spouse. I don't quite get how you find out about ethnic food online but fail to understand a menu in English. The menu in English was appreciated. ...Unlike the wooden cutlery. (I'm bringing adult knives...

Είμαι πελάτης από το πρώτο μαγαζί la pinata λίγο πιο κάτω στην Πελασγίας. Είναι από τα αγαπημένα μου εστιατόρια έθνικ κουζίνας! Έχω κάνει αμέτρητες παραγγελίες, έχω μοιραστεί με φίλους και οικογένεια - πραγματικά αγαπώ πολύ το la pinata. Οι μερίδες τεράστιες, η ποιότητα και το μαγείρεμα του κρέατος θεϊκό, οι τιμές λογικές για την κουζίνα και την ποσότητα (δεν θα έλεγα φτηνές αλλά βγάζουν νόημα) τεράστια ποικιλία (μέχρι και vegetarian πιάτα) και φανταστικές επιλογές ποτών. Στο μαγαζί όταν επισκέπτομαι, μαρεσει το ντεκόρ, ο χώρος, έχει πολλά τραπεζακια- μεγάλη διαφορά από το πρώτο μαγαζί. Νιώθεις πως ο άνθρωπος που το έχει πραγματικά θέλει να φέρει την κουλτούρα του και να την μοιραστεί με τους πελάτες. Μαρεσει και που είναι πάντα παρών στο μαγαζί! Εύχομαι μερικές φορές όταν πηγαίνω η μουσική να ήταν λίγο πιο σιγά αλλά είναι πολύ εύκολο να διορθωθεί αυτό. Εύχομαι πραγματικά να μην αλλάξετε ποτέ την ποιότητα σας- ιδιετερα των κρεατικών με την τεχνική σιγομαγειρεματος- και το ρύζι σας. Ειδικά το Cubano Sandwich έχει μακράν το καλύτερο κρέας που έχω φάει σε σάντουιτς. Αγαπώ πολύ τα πιατα-δωρακια που δίνετε στα άτομα που κάθονται στο μαγαζί! Έτσι έχω βρει πολλά πιάτα έτσι που τώρα περνώ συνεχώς. Σχεδόν δύο χρόνια που είμαι πελάτης δεν έχω καμία εμπειρία λιγότερη από τέλεια στο μαγαζί και εύχομαι να μείνει έτσι. Το συστήνω...