Mary Pappas’ Athens Market Taverna

Mary Pappas’ Athens Market Taverna Restaurant Review:

Serving Greek food for more than 40 years in the historic Senator Building west of Horton Plaza, Athens Market continues to draw downtown professionals. Third-generation restaurateur and proprietor Mary Pappas makes even first-timers feel like regulars. Share the Three Dip Combo and savor warm pita with tzatziki, hummus/tahini or melizanasalata, an eggplant dip. Other good choices include crisp salads with authentic feta, stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, pastitsio and spanakopita made with the best phyllo in town. The flaming Greek cheese appetizer is a fun starter and charbroiled baby octopus sings with flavor, sautéed in olive oil, herbs and garlic. We like the arni kapama, tender lamb shank with Greek-style pasta cooked with garlic, onion and mizithra cheese. Pair chewy baklava and a glass of Dionysos dessert wine. Belly up to the white marble bar, as this place embraces the spirit of a Greek taverna.