Athena Greek and Lebanese Food — Restaurant in Lafayette

Ash was our server and became our friend during our brief visit. We had been to the Tabasco factory and Jungle Garden tour the entire day and were HUNGRY. Wanted something substantial to eat. When we travel we avoid chain restaurants and prefer locally owned establishments because the food is just measurably better. This was the best example of that philosophy. First there was great fresh bread with cheese 😋😋😋 and it arrived with the complimentary lentil soup. OMG that soup!!!!😋. Then there was the delicious salad with the house dressing. Keep in mind we were starving so it was hard not to plow through the cheesy bread, the soup and salad AND save room for our entree. Our entrees arrived and NOM NOM NOM they were AMAZING. I got the chicken shawarma with rice and hummus…I remember finishing everything on my plate and then REALLY wanting a nap. My girlfriend got the beef kofta and I was a little jealous because it looked and smelled equally delicious. Remember how I said Ash was our friend? She was so friendly and answered all of our questions. She took her time with us and checked on us at exactly the right times and just the right amount of times too. She was also the perfect baklava salesperson because even though I was stuffed, she made it really sound appetizing…I bought...

If you haven't been here, GO!

We decided to have a mother/ daughter date and watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 and figured why not have Greek for lunch afterwards. BEST DECISION EVER.

They greeted us with a cup of lentil soup that was so flavorful yet simple it was a perfect teaser for the meal. The meat stuffed grape leaves with tzatziki and hummus were amazing we got a mix of white and wheat pita and both were warm and soft. Next the brought small salads drizzled with olive oil and topped with a tomato and a pepper. Mom ate Chicken Shwarma and I had the Athena Combo for 1. The chicken and lamb were cooked to perfection. Beautifully plated with rice and a portion of hummus. My combo also included a side of a falafel,grape leaf and tzatziki. The portions are very generous and we have plenty left over for lunch tomorrow 🥰🥰 We finished our meal with a piece of both Baclava available and they were delicious as well.

Bonus, they also have a little shop full of Mediterranean snacks, seasonings, tea/ coffee sets, perfumes and more. It was wonderful to walk around a little after we ate.

We will definitely be back with friends and family!!!

Ps the empty plate to the left is where the grape...

The best thing I had was the complimentary lentil soup. The fried eggplant was ok but I didn't like the Grecian dip served with it as it wasn't complimentary to the eggplant or vice versa.

The lamb kabob was overcooked and hard, even after the 2nd time they prepared it for me. Apparently, they can only do well done there as I couldn't get rare.

The side salad would have been good if the oil and vinegar dressing had some salt in it. There was oregano, feta a half slice of tomato and a tiny pepperoncini and no flavor, absolutely bland.

I couldn't wait to try the baklava, both almond and walnut. Both were a disappointment; not fresh and tough.

BUT! The pita bread was fresh and sill soft and edible after I tried it at home. I don't know why I brought bad food home, I should have left it there for them...