Athens Market Taverna

Embrace warm hospitality and authentic Greek cuisine at Athens Market Taverna, a San Diego institution. Restaurateur Mary Pappas has welcomed patrons for more than 40 years at the downtown San Diego venue. She lives and breathes “filotimo,” the Greek term for a love of honor and humanity learned from her parents in Levidi, a charming village in Greece. At Athena, “filotimo” greets patrons as they arrive and continues to delight as they celebrate life with great food, local wines and traditional ouzo.

In the Greek tradition where good food and good company are savored and dining is a shared and entertaining event, meals here can linger on for hours as owners, cooks and fellow diners all get to know each other. The fresh, home-cooked and healthy Mediterranean menu (where nothing is fried) boasts a variety of fresh salads, pastas, fish, chicken and steak, all prepared and served with generations of pride that comes from sharing a good meal with friends – old and new.

This beautiful but comfortable restaurant, located in what was once the main floor of the Senator Hotel, with its elegant Victorian lobby, crystal chandelier and mahogany staircase, is the perfect venue for any event. Outdoor seating is available or choose from three uniquely decorated private rooms to host an intimate wedding, elegant plated dinner or mingling mixer with appetizers. The John Pappas room in particular (seats up to 85) was designed in memory of the patriarch of the family, with architectural elements enhancing the brilliant white light that is so unique to Greece, as blue accents recreate the interplay of the cerulean skies and indigo seas of the country’s landscape. Everything about the private events, from the staff and menu to the room’s design, says “Welcome, stay as long as you like, relax and enjoy.”

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; dinner from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Mon. to Sat. Happy Hour runs from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Mon. –  Fri.  and the restaurant is closed on Sundays (except for private parties) with catering also available.  athensmarkettaverna.com

Visit this intimate and relaxed restaurant at centrally located at 1st and F streets in San Diego. Call (619) 234-1955 or visit athensmarkettaverna.com.