Athenian Greek Taverna — Restaurant in Town of Smithtown

Wanted to try this place ever since we moved from the city. People we talk to, write ups I’ve read, we wanted to see if it was that good. It was a very nice, cozy place have high tables and regular, if you make a reservation online if you don’t specify the type of table they give you is high if they can. We had a special appetizer off the menu that was very large and delicious. A larger then normal round slices of lemon/red sauce potatoes with grilled eggplant, onions and peppers, with a second plate of a thick slice of feta with sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of spicy oil. That we devoured with pita bread and by then we were stuffed (and I’m a big,tall man). By the time our main dinner arrived we were stuffed. My wife had the stuffed pepper and tomato’s with lemon potatoes and some pita bread. I had the chicken souvlaki platter that had lemon potatoes, pieces of chicken with pita bread. Portions were not small but we could not eat much at all and took it all home. The lemon potatoes are shaped in larger chunks of potato then used too (not a fan) I like it in the normal wedge sliced potato you usually get. Chicken was a little well done on most pieces but still flavorful. The stuffed pepper and tomato was delicious, you got one pepper and one tomato both large, flavorful, seasoned just right. There was no dessert, as we didn’t eat much of the main courses because of the large delicious appetizer. One thing that stuck out was our waitress she wasn’t the friendliest of people, quick, straight to the point and unfriendly. As you finish your sentence she is already walking away. We heard other waitresses and waiters being polite and engaging, maybe she was having a bad day or maybe it was because we took awhile to order our main meals because the selection was so large. But in our defense we told her from the beginning we are not in a rush. BTW my wife just had water (she isn’t a drinker or very rarely) I had a pint of Athenian Pale draft it was delicious but expensive at $9.95, total with the tax in cash was $88 and change. Appetizer was $15.95, our main dishes both were $28 something can’t remember but it was a low number. All things considered we still want to go back and try other selections. It was a Friday, we were there early, reservation was at 5:45 we left at 7:15. At 7 pm by the outside dining which is in front of the place they had music and a singer which you heard inside as well thru...

The service was 5 star. The location and the look is 5 star. The signage around the restaurant gives you lots of table conversation and laughs reading it outloud. You do get a lot of food. Warm pita and hummus to start that's provided is good, salty but good. That's all I can say that is positive.

I've been meaning to go to this restaurant for quite some time and finally had the chance. The orzo appetizer which is complementary tasted like Spaghetti o's (if you know, you know) We ordered the Greek meatball Appetizer and it was falling apart and extremely greasy. It didn't have parsley or mint like it's supposed to. The lemon soup was thick like pudding and only had rice. There was no chicken or vegetables in there. My guest ordered a chicken platter... it was labeled as slouvaki but was more like chicken donner which was not even on the menu. It was OVER SALTED. the lemon potatoes were so dark I thought at first glance they were sweet potatoes. They were in a side cup and extremely oily. That I was actually shocked at the amount.

I ordered the chicken stuffed with some kind of cheese and spinach but omg it was covered with the previously mentioned soup as a sauce. I also had the potatoes.

Why we wrapped the food to go was actually a mystery bc neither was going to eat it at home. It basically was to not make the waitress feel bad bc she deserves better for her service.

I'm convinced that the place succeeded since 2019 bc people that are going there don't know any better. Compare to Greektown in Rockville Center or Gyro Palace in Merrick. Worth the ride.

Owners putting shame on...

I’ll change my review when they change their ways… I’ve never left a bad review in my life, but this experience hasn’t left me and I am still cringing thinking about it. To the owner - panagia… whose idea was it to cut your tzatziki with ranch dressing? Nonetheless, who came up with the pricing of $20+ just for a gyro. Whoever gave this restaurant more than 1 star either is a friend/family member and or isn’t familiar with authentic Greek/Mediterranean cuisine… or good food at all. Also, the Homegoods style quote plaques plastered all over the walls needs to go. You can’t crown your restaurant a “taverna” if it looks like a housewife’s she-shed. If you have a budget to revamp your menu and interior design, please reach out to me. I have 15+ years in the restaurant and hospitality industry and I can help you - you guys need it.

PS: If you’re going to give credit to Giagia (grandma in Greek), stick to traditional recipes. Any Giagia would be absolutely pissed if they ate here.

Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

__ Response to owner:

If your budget opens up, the first thing we should tackle is the food. The signs can be taken down and easily revamped with authentic decor that feels like giagia’s house - no need for a big budget.

This was brought to social media, and I’d love to have a sit down with John and/or Alex. The feedback I received was immense (..and you also got free marketing because of it since people want to try your tzatziki now). It’s understood that pride is a big factor here and if there is unwillingness to do better with positive change, I...