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    The National

    4.3 (253 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    The National Photos

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    THE NATIONAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The National

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    Very reasonable for the meal served
    Ray F.

    Dinner while in town with a friend recently while passing through. This little eatery is busy and popular. Reservations are highly recommended even on a week night, ours were at 7:00. We were greeted walking in right at our time by the hostess, and seated in the same few minutes. The interior is open with high ceilings, and full window front. White tables cloths with traditional blue and white interior colors. Great service is the only word I can think of, our server was on point. Just made our whole meal time there flow smoothly and the time went by quickly. This is a slow leisurely dining experience. We started with a couple appetizers, the olives and the stuffed Medjool dates, both were solid choices to get going and a glass of sherry. Next we had to try the hummus with pita, again an excellent choice, fresh full flavored and the crispy flatbread pita was so delicious with the hummus. I opted for the pan seared Salmon and it was also a great choice, cooked to prefection served over a mash and topped with marinated greens. The salmon was fork tender and so succulent it was simply delicious. My friend had the fried Chicken Schnitzel and said is was also amazing. We ended our meal with the Portugese Custard tarts, a pair of tarts served with fresh cream, a light flavor filled dessert thats perfect to share with another. Excellent food on all levels from start to finish. The National is an excellent choice for dining in Athens, highly recommended and reservations are a must. 4.5 Stars rounded up for the great service 01049

    Grilled Beef Hanger Steak
    Uros D.

    Really fortunate to have found this little gem - great ambiance , exceptional service (coming from someone who is picky about service) and amazing food. To make my evening even better, they brought me out an early birthday dessert and that really felt good. Honestly can't wait to go backs kudos and well done !!!

    Customized salad
    Leah K.

    I dined here for lunch with my mom on Friday, and overall, we had a great experience despite a few hiccups with timing. The restaurant was fairly busy, with half the tables occupied when we were seated, and by the time we finished, they were all full. The menu is very limited, with just five entree options, which might not be for everyone, but I appreciate the focus on quality over quantity. I'd had the power bowl on my last visit, which changes seasonally and features 4-5 different items in a bowl. It was incredible then, but this time, the power bowl didn't appeal to me as it contained several high FODMAP foods that I knew would upset my stomach. The online menu had featured a winter salad with trout that sounded delicious, but when I arrived, I noticed it wasn't on the menu anymore, which was a bit of a letdown. Given my dairy allergy, I was feeling a bit limited by the remaining menu options, so I was a little bummed about the salad's absence. However, the waitress must've sensed my frustration and immediately checked with the kitchen to see what they could customize for me. The flexibility was truly a highlight--she told me I could build my own power bowl or salad, or they could recreate the winter salad without the trout. I went with the latter, and they delivered a fantastic salad with pomegranate seeds, roasted butternut squash, sweet potato, pecans, and fried capers, all dressed in a delicious homemade turmeric lemon dressing and topped with two perfectly cooked jammy eggs. I was so pleased with how accommodating the kitchen was--it really made my day! My mom ordered the French onion soup with a side salad. It came with half a loaf of fresh bread, which she loved, but the soup itself was a bit too brothy for her taste and didn't have the typical abundance of onions or the cheese broil on top. She said it was just okay. One downside was that our food took 50 minutes to arrive after we ordered, and we didn't get checked in on by the waitress during that time. That was a bit frustrating, but because the kitchen staff was so accommodating and the food was so good, I still feel they deserve a strong rating. Overall, great food and excellent customer service! I'll definitely be back, but hopefully, the timing improves next time.

    Steak Grilled Beef Hanger Steak
    Greta Z.

    I received lots of suggestions for things to do on my first trip to Athens, and I'm so happy I took the advice from a friend who said that The National is her favorite restaurant in Georgia! I see why. The atmosphere is lovely and breezy. The menu is just the right size - something for everyone but also focused and expertly crafted. The service was impeccable - helpful, not intrusive. We skipped the drinks based on the minute size of the pisco sour on the table next to us. The steak dishes were beautifully composed and paired with unpredictable sides that I found enchantingly unpredictable and tasty. The highlight of the meal was the pita and hummus. I had the gluten-free pita, and it was divine! Cravable! Don't miss this place as a near-perfect dinner for a special occasion or nice date night...especially if you are gluten free!

    Grilled Airline Chicken Breast
    Maya B.

    This has been my go to nice dinner restaurant in Athens for years. Always impeccable service and friendly staff. I also have to get an appetizer, main, and dessert every time because I love it so much! My favorite dish is probably their hummus and I also get the seasonal gelato flavor! Definitely worth checking out!

    Hummus with Flatbread
    Alexis C.

    Vibe: 7.5/10 Service: 10/10 Value: 8/10 Flatbread with hummus: 8.5/10 Smashburger (beef): 8.5/10 Shrimp nicoise: 8.5/10 Blueberry cobbler/pie: 9/10 Overall: 8.5/10 (4.28/5)

    Lamb and Beef Smash Burger
    Claire H.

    I loved everything about this restaurant. It has a nice vibe where you can dress casual but feels fancy inside. The food is also made with local ingredients and are Mediterranean inspired. The portions aren't bad either, especially for lunch. The only thing I will say is that the taste may not be for everyone. The pasta was good in my opinion as well as the burger, but was told the burger was different than other places. So if you're adventurous, I'd recommend you try this place out! Here's a bonus: they have gluten-free options!!!! Plus amazing service!!

    Appetizers all vegetarian very good
    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.

    Lamb pizzette
    Connie W.

    Loved this spot! Service is mid to say the least, but quick and polite. The lamb pizzette was really flavorful and came out SO fast - would recommend! The steak is cooked really well and the leek on the side makes such a good pairing. The sauce was more or less flavorless but very rich. Overall the dish was very good but VERY salty. Really enjoyed the blackberry basque cake with pistachio gelato - im impressed with the actually pistachio flavor rather than artificial pistachio. Definitely my favorite of the night. Outdoor seating is comfortable and decently clean. Would come here again to dine indoors!

    Grilled Beef Hanger Steak
    Jessie V.

    Small but cute and quaint restaurant gem! Loved the table cloth designs. We got bread and the cheese plate. Really great opportunity to sample local cheeses you might not usable try. My boyfriend and I both got the steak, and it was cooked well and tender with a nice sauce. Service was friendly overall, no complaints there. Also loved the Italian style spritz drink we got!

    Great cocktail!
    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

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    Erin W.

    We are so proud to be a very gluten-free friendly restaurant!

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was unbelievable!!! King, crab legs and steak stayed on my mind for weeks after we ate there

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    We love to be your Athens hub! Cheers until next time.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best restaurant in town, wonderful atmosphere, friendly wait staff, amazing culinary experience!

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    3 years ago

    Never disappointed, food and drinks are spot-on. The chef is amazing, the staff accommodating, great atmosphere-great place for date night.

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    Ask the Community - The National

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    Came to this restaurant conveniently placed right off the beltline on Wednesday afternoon to catch…read moreup with my girlfriends. It's always a good time when we meet up with my friends cause the conversation and fellowship is always so sweet, however this time I'd say it was somewhat interrupted. The live music/saxophonist is nice however, it's overbearing. There's a soundtrack playing in the background in addition to the saxophonist and honestly it's just too much. There was always someone yelling over another and we had to continuously ask someone to repeat themselves. They do half off bottles of wine on Wednesdays and that might've been the one thing I enjoyed. As for the food, it was also subpar. I ordered the CRISPY PIMENTON CHICKEN which was essentially a fried chicken with hot honey sauce and that was enjoyable. The caprese salad was good but my tomato's were a bit mushy. I also enjoyed a few of the potatoes brava as well but they weren't anything spectacular. My friends said the steak tasted burnt and needed less charring. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cute as there is indoor and outdoor seating but honestly, I'm not that eager to go back.

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    Buena Vida Tapas Bar - Chicken

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    In Decatur from Texas for a work conference. Ibera Pig accommodated our party of 15 on a Wednesday…read morenight. Sat outside, nice ambience and the weather was lovely. They have happy hour from 5-6, discount charcuterie and red, white wine and sangria. We tried the charcuterie, peppers with goat cheese, bacon wrapped dates (yummy), gambas al ajillo, papayas bravas and pescado. Everything was tasty and definitely shareable as tapas should be! The group agreed the dates and patatas were our favorites. The vodka martini with blue cheese olive was delicious but there is an up-charge for the olives and premium liquor.

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