I enjoyed the food and service. The atmosphere was not impressive. Tables were too close to each other. No exclusive parking.Dietary restrictions: GF options are available.Kid-friendliness: No high chair offers for kids.
Just great and so happy we found this gem in Athens. There are not a lot of 'nice' places to eat in the downtown area, but this was a very pleasant surprise. We had a few drinks, ate the whole left side of the menu, and had all three of the dessert options from that night and loved all of it. Seating at the bar was nice, and the service was quick, friendly, and informative. If we're ever back in the area, I'll certainly go back here.
Fairy Houser
Professional and courteous
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Airline Chicken Breast, Flatbread with Hummus
Bof Choi
I'll get to the point here: apps were way too heavy and greasy (namely the lamb pizzette and lamb hummus). Insane to call the potatoes "Patatas Bravas" when it's just homefries in a sweet tomato (like tomato jam) and a poutine-like gravy. Not that good, but especially disappointing if you want actual bravas sauce with your potatoes.Entrees were a mixed bag. Hanger steak was awesome. Duck breast was a little too gamey and the sides it was served with were not complimentary... I should have already known blue cheese would taste bad with duck lolDidn't try my parents' fish entrees but my mom did not like hers while my dad loved his (but he never critiques anything, so take that with a grain of salt)Might have a bit of an Atlanta bias but the prices are no different from the city and notably more meh in quality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Shivi Patel
really great place for gluten free. i got the gluten free flatbread and hummus appetizer, chicken burger, and chocolate hazelnut gelato. really nice how they have a non-alcoholic drink menu, personally i try to stay away from non-alcoholic things as a general rule of thumb but good for those who like that sort of thing. i did think the chicken burger was a bit too salty but that was probably because the salt on the flatbread and the salt in the mustard was too much. overall great spot to splurge
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Melanie P.
Went for dinner on New Year's Eve- knew we had arrived later in the evening so decided to order some appetizers as the meal for the sake of time and convenience and also as a courtesy to the wait staff. That being said- our waiter provided the worst service (we sat outside on a cold night and the heating lamps did minimal to keep us warm (not sure why they provide that option and are underprepared to accommodate for that). The food was mid, it may have had potential but the starters left a lot to be desired especially for the price. I am not opposed to paying more for high quality food but again, this was not worth it. THE WORST PART was when I was reviewing my bank statement a week later and saw that I was charged an extra $30 than what my bill had been. I left no tip for the how horrible the service was (we were cold outside, had to ask for the one refill we rcv'd, had to ask for the check four times while waiting in the cold and the waiter was no where to be found (not always a big deal but it's a slap in the face when the waiter was friends with the party of six next to us and giving exceptional white glove service plus free food and drinks to them while completely neglecting our table). Came to find out that the waiter/restaurant took the liberty to give themselves a $30 tip. Completely unacceptable. I was able to get this issue resolved but I encourage anyone who comes to this restaurant to check your bank accounts. I happened to look at my statement for something else and only noticed this because of how unsatisfied I was with the experience, I CANT IMAGINE HOW OFTEN THEY DO THIS AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DO NOT NOTICE. BEWARE.
R J
This is one of Athens' few "fine dining" spots in a town mostly oriented to the funky student vibe. Unique dishes changed frequently, often Mediterranean influenced. Friendly attractive staff. Would appreciate more vegetarian (not necessarily vegan) options.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Plate
Sammy Williams
The atmosphere was upscale and really nice. the food was decently priced and really good. My only complaint was the drink portions. there were pretty small drinks but were delicious and Hannah was a great server.
Bill Grubb
The National is truly one of the great Athens restaurants — innovative cuisine, great service, and hip atmosphere. Get yourself a reservation or get there (really) early and sit at the bar.
Always stop here when I travel to Athens for work. Always a lovely experience and the cocktails are amazing. John our server today was especially pleasant and attentive. Until next time the National.
Mark P.
I come to The National whenever my travels take me to Athens. Always great people around entire house! I sit at bar when I travel alone. This week, my cocktail was excellent, Mushroom soup is terrific and Duck superb. Always
Neluta G.
Great vegan and vegetarian dishes, a fine dining place in Athens that will not empty your pocket but it will leave satisfied. Good wine selection, friendly staff and must try in Athens.
Edward G.
Had lunch of shrimp and grits. Tasted a little strange so I stopped eating after a few spoonfuls. 5 hrs later had the classic symptoms of food poisoning.
Sylvia T.
Never disappointed, food and drinks are spot-on. The chef is amazing, the staff accommodating, great atmosphere-great place for date night.
I enjoyed the food and service. The atmosphere was not impressive. Tables were too close to each other. No exclusive parking.Dietary restrictions: GF options are available.Kid-friendliness: No high chair offers for kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Who knew vegetables could be so spectacular!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Plate, Patatas Bravas, Summer Salad
Just great and so happy we found this gem in Athens. There are not a lot of 'nice' places to eat in the downtown area, but this was a very pleasant surprise. We had a few drinks, ate the whole left side of the menu, and had all three of the dessert options from that night and loved all of it. Seating at the bar was nice, and the service was quick, friendly, and informative. If we're ever back in the area, I'll certainly go back here.
Professional and courteous
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Airline Chicken Breast, Flatbread with Hummus
I'll get to the point here: apps were way too heavy and greasy (namely the lamb pizzette and lamb hummus). Insane to call the potatoes "Patatas Bravas" when it's just homefries in a sweet tomato (like tomato jam) and a poutine-like gravy. Not that good, but especially disappointing if you want actual bravas sauce with your potatoes.Entrees were a mixed bag. Hanger steak was awesome. Duck breast was a little too gamey and the sides it was served with were not complimentary... I should have already known blue cheese would taste bad with duck lolDidn't try my parents' fish entrees but my mom did not like hers while my dad loved his (but he never critiques anything, so take that with a grain of salt)Might have a bit of an Atlanta bias but the prices are no different from the city and notably more meh in quality.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
really great place for gluten free. i got the gluten free flatbread and hummus appetizer, chicken burger, and chocolate hazelnut gelato. really nice how they have a non-alcoholic drink menu, personally i try to stay away from non-alcoholic things as a general rule of thumb but good for those who like that sort of thing. i did think the chicken burger was a bit too salty but that was probably because the salt on the flatbread and the salt in the mustard was too much. overall great spot to splurge
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Went for dinner on New Year's Eve- knew we had arrived later in the evening so decided to order some appetizers as the meal for the sake of time and convenience and also as a courtesy to the wait staff. That being said- our waiter provided the worst service (we sat outside on a cold night and the heating lamps did minimal to keep us warm (not sure why they provide that option and are underprepared to accommodate for that). The food was mid, it may have had potential but the starters left a lot to be desired especially for the price. I am not opposed to paying more for high quality food but again, this was not worth it. THE WORST PART was when I was reviewing my bank statement a week later and saw that I was charged an extra $30 than what my bill had been. I left no tip for the how horrible the service was (we were cold outside, had to ask for the one refill we rcv'd, had to ask for the check four times while waiting in the cold and the waiter was no where to be found (not always a big deal but it's a slap in the face when the waiter was friends with the party of six next to us and giving exceptional white glove service plus free food and drinks to them while completely neglecting our table). Came to find out that the waiter/restaurant took the liberty to give themselves a $30 tip. Completely unacceptable. I was able to get this issue resolved but I encourage anyone who comes to this restaurant to check your bank accounts. I happened to look at my statement for something else and only noticed this because of how unsatisfied I was with the experience, I CANT IMAGINE HOW OFTEN THEY DO THIS AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DO NOT NOTICE. BEWARE.
This is one of Athens' few "fine dining" spots in a town mostly oriented to the funky student vibe. Unique dishes changed frequently, often Mediterranean influenced. Friendly attractive staff. Would appreciate more vegetarian (not necessarily vegan) options.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Plate
The atmosphere was upscale and really nice. the food was decently priced and really good. My only complaint was the drink portions. there were pretty small drinks but were delicious and Hannah was a great server.
The National is truly one of the great Athens restaurants — innovative cuisine, great service, and hip atmosphere. Get yourself a reservation or get there (really) early and sit at the bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Always stop here when I travel to Athens for work. Always a lovely experience and the cocktails are amazing. John our server today was especially pleasant and attentive. Until next time the National.
I come to The National whenever my travels take me to Athens. Always great people around entire house! I sit at bar when I travel alone. This week, my cocktail was excellent, Mushroom soup is terrific and Duck superb. Always
Great vegan and vegetarian dishes, a fine dining place in Athens that will not empty your pocket but it will leave satisfied. Good wine selection, friendly staff and must try in Athens.
Had lunch of shrimp and grits. Tasted a little strange so I stopped eating after a few spoonfuls. 5 hrs later had the classic symptoms of food poisoning.
Never disappointed, food and drinks are spot-on. The chef is amazing, the staff accommodating, great atmosphere-great place for date night.