Taverna Plaka Reviews
by Deanna S.
What a surprise! I didn't think the loud music and belly dancers came out until after 10 pm! Because of the "snow" there were only a few customers, and our group of 7. That didn't hold the restaurant back from starting the show at 9pm, though. Of course, if you're not into entertainment while eating, this place isn't for you. But I think it's a good judge of character if you can get out of the stuffy shirt and get "festive" for once. The food was good. The Braised Rabbit was tasty, but stringy. Is that how the texture of rabbit usually is? The flaming goat cheese was good, and of course it was lit up tableside to add to the entertainment. All the other dishes we tried were good, too. Nothing spectacular, but pretty good. I agree with the previous reviews about the cocktail napkins being flown in the air. I don't get it. Is it supposed to replace confetti? All I could think of was, "are they going to recycle them?" It's a good place to take visiting family or friends who've never had Greek food, or seen belly dancers.
by Huck C.
About a week ago, our party of 4 decided to try out a Greek restaurant down the street (Cheshire) and one of us wanted to try this place. Well, it was a nice night, around 8PM and we wanted to dine al fresco. Once we were seated, that was when the horrible service began to happen. We were pretty hungry and ready to order appitizers and the entree, along with the bottle of wine, but to no avail were the servers. We waited approximately 15 minutes until our second server came to us, who was nice enough to offer free dessert. I liked the idea of mashing up your own chickpeas for hummus and the apps were actually tasty except for the spanikopita, which was more bland than anything I've ever had in my life. The appitizer that was the star of the meal was the braised rabbit. I don't know exactly the taste of rabbit, but it was cooked to perfection. I ordered the lamb kebob and it was okay, but for $14 bones, you'd think it'd be better. A friend ordered the braised lambshank and it was not that great. The meat seemed way more gamey than my lamb kebob. Also, there was a belly dancer that was touring around the tables, but yikes!, I thought belly dancers really didn't have so much belly! All in all, it was an experience that I'll most likely pass on the next time for the quality of service and cost of food.
by Mark F.
Ok....so this is going to be one of my only negative reviews. Hey, its bound to happen sometime. The food here is mediocre. I honestly could find good greek food anywhere else in Atlanta. The service was beyond horrible. We had to ask for everything we needed. I think they get too caught up in entertaining that they lose in the service arena. We were treated unfairly and the staff were completely rude...even considering we spent a nice sum of money. They even charged our party an extra 2% tip fee for cake service! Are you kidding me, they stuck three candles in it and didnt even cut it...Wow! BlahblahblahGo ahead, give it a try, but remember, I told you... = )
by Amy S.
This is one of the worst restaurants in Atlanta. The music is very loud, the service is lousy, and the food is subpar. We went on a Friday night and split 4 mezzes between the two of us. The eggplant dip was the worst I've ever had. The garlic overpowered the flavor. The flaming cheese was dry and not gooey at all. The grilled octopus was tough as leather and despite the $8 price tag the portion size was much too small. The spanakopita was flavorful but not fresh. We received no free hummus and bread, and never got refills on our soda or water. The house red wine tasted like it was watered down with grape juice. 4 mezzes and $35 later we were completely dissatisfied with our experience. Luckily Taqueria del Sol was close by, so we ended up just going to get tacos after our terrible, unfilling meal. Go to Taverna Plaka if you want loud music and belly dancers. Don't go for the food or the service.
by Katie W.
I have only been here once (once was enough) and I didn't really enjoy it. I like Greek food a lot but I don't understand the hype about this place. It is really overrated. I guess it's the atmosphere and entertainment but when we were there, apparently the normal belly dancers were late or something, and the owners and servers just started dancing instead. It was odd. The food was just OK - nothing special. What was most annoying was that I was there with a party of 7 or 8 people and we all had some different ideas about what we wanted to order and would have been completely fine ordering our own things and sharing with each other if someone was interested and, if not, fine. But the servers were so pushy about getting us to order these family-style platters which had a lot of stuff we didn't want and were more expensive. The pushiness was really a put off and then when we got the food, it was just OK and the things we wanted to eat were not even on there. If we tried to add anything extra or make any changes (you know, to get the food we actually wanted to eat), we got so much resistance or were told that the changes would make it a more deluxe platter and would send the already overpriced food into the next price level. When we left, I was still hungry because there was not that much on the platters I wanted and the few good things that were on there had to be divided among 8 of us so I really did not get much food. Yet, I paid A LOT for this experience. It all seemed very dodgy to me.
by Dianna K.
This place is sooo much fun!! I got the spanikopita when I went for a friends birthday which was yummy my friend got to dance on the table for her birthday and do a shot of orzo in front of every one. After that was dancing! Very greek! Very funny and worth every penny! I shall return!!
by Rebekha J.
I love that you can crush your own chickpeas! The food is a bit heavy on the wallet but 100% worth it. Also, make sure you head over on the weekend so you can dance with the waiters at the end of your meal. Oh...also take a bunch of one dollar bills to slide in the belly dancers bra. Lambs meat, hummus and boobs shaking in your face. Hot stuff!
by max e.
1. Ok Music choice by the DJ2. Unsafe parking lot3. Overpriced, low quality foods and drinks4. Dirty floors, specially in the dance room.
by Dave A.
Festive, fun, belly dancing, servers prancing, yelling ooopppaa, with flutterring napkins, parties and groups, they dance and move with invisible hoops, good calamari, juicy lamb, flavorful? yes m'am. fresh hummus crushed at the table, a greek experience, authentic, and fresh, flaming cheese plates, double dates, kabobs of beef, to sink your teeth, into a tasty delight, taverna plaka, for the taste, and the sight.
by Jarrod C.
Overpriced food for starters...although the lamb chops were pretty good. I understand they are going for that authentic greek experience, but having ugly chicks dance around my entree doesn't do it for me. Maybe I'm a square but I got annoyed that they blared that music non-stop, I got a headache. Did I mention we had reservations and didn't get seated until an hour after that?If you want a show while you eat go to friggin Chuck E Cheese....this place ain't worth it.
by Jacqueline C.
I went here for a friend's birthday and I must say that it did not live up to the hype. I thought the prices were a bit high and the food was not that good. The wait staff was slow and got very confused when we asked them to split the tab. All in all, I will most likely not go back. I would much rather eat at Hong Kong Harbor next door.
by Rebecca O.
Ready for a good time? Head over to Taverna Plaka on a Friday or Saturday night, but be sure to have made a reservation beforehand.The food is pretty stellar, considering the restaurant is about to turn into a Mediterranean discotheque around 11 p.m. That's when the lights dim and the music is cranked up. If they haven't already, the belly dancers come around to dance on your table. And then it's your turn. Get up there and swing that napkin around in the air!Bottom line: Take your most fun friends, eat dinner, dance on the tables. Oh, and take shots of ouzo. And if you don't like ouzo (which I don't), I highly recommend the house red wine. Two bottles later and you'll be up on that table if you weren't already.
by Lori F.
Authentic Greek food, great staff, fun environment. Get a bunch of appetizers (try the fried smelts!) and share one of the platters.Don't be bashful around the bellydancers, either. An Ouzo Lemonee drink will loosen you up!
by Kim S.
Taverna Plaka is one of my favorite places to go especially to party, but not too expensive, and the atmospere fun and unique! I had my 30th birthday there and I made a good impression on my guest. They have the best Greek food and I hear the Lamb chops were to die for. I love to watch the belly dancers. Last time I had to much fun and join them on the table.lol........There is a line dance that everyone does all around the restaurant, so everyone can do something! The waiters are great and fun. I highly recomend this restaurant to anyone looking for an all around good time. October 11th, I will be celebrating my birthday again there. So watch out it's going to be a blast!
by Brittany S.
Went here for my friend's birthday and had a GREAT time! Dancing on top of the tables, Shaking with the belly dancers, Dancing with weird guys, gotta love it all! I had the gyro. It wasn't the most palatable, but I attribute that to the fact that I had never had a gyro from a real Greek restaurant prior to Taverna Plaka. I'm sure it is an acquired taste. Next to the main dining room, there is a smaller room with a DJ (at least on Saturday nights). We went in there and danced on top of more tables. Great times! highly recommend!
by Drew W.
Make a reservation for a Friday or Saturday night, sit back, and enjoy the show. The staff will be dancing, singing, and some of them will be keeping pace with you drink for drink. It's food, music, dancing, and the occasional close encounter with a belly dancer.As the cumulative effects of the shots of ouzo pile up, Taverna Plaka transitions from a restaurant to more of a nightclub. The DJ switches from Greek traditional tunes to Mediterranean house music, to stereotypical club music.If you want a quick meal or the most authentic Greek food out there, Taverna Plaka might not be for you. Prepare to stay for several hours and hang out if you go on a weekend. It's a fun atmosphere for a group that likes to hang out and party. Order the saganaki, they'll light it on fire at your table and extinguish it with lemon juice.
by Stephanie S.
Taverna Plaka is a Greek Restaurant lacking in energy and excitement.It has a limited menu of mostly lamb and fish meze (appetizers) and entrees with some sort of olive garnish and freshly crushed chickpea hummus. The drink menu is about 4 times the size of the food menu featuring (my favorite) Greek wines along with cocktails and such.Belly Dancers join the fun later and are some of the more attractive ones in the city (I've seen several belly dancers perform at other places and although these aren't the most talented, they are better looking by far).The waiters do dance in circles and throw napkins (maybe a dozen) but they do a horrible job getting the guests to join in. I've been to some Greek restaurants where they get you to stand on tables and break plates, and I got the impression that this place only wishes it could have that kind of atmosphere and reputation. I was bored here on a Saturday night and was with some of my best friends.BIG NOTE: they can not split up checks and can only accept 1 credit card per table. Our waitress pointed out the atm in the corner where we could get cash However, we chose to walk a quarter mile in the middle of our meal to the Wachovia down the street to avoid the 3 dollar atm fee (call us cheap, but our meal was already approaching 20 dollars plus a 2 dollar valet tip). The best part of the night was the lamb shanks my two friends devoured and the Greek wine I ordered (Creta, Sitia from Villana Ihrpsathiri - well balanced, pineapple, peach, apple white wine).
by Aanal P.
Excellent Greek Cuisine! Everything we ordered was so good and flavorful. The hummus came out as whole chick-peas with olive oil, salt and pepper, and garlic. So you had a choice of either having the whole chick-peas or using your handy pastel (provided by Taverna) to grind the chick-peas. The kabobs were flavorful and juicy. The flaming cheese (need I explain) was good, and my favorite was the roasted pepper spread. This was my first full Greek Cuisine and it was delish! Now onto the wonderful entertainment of belly dancers. If only I could move like that! And if you tip she will invite you to dance with her. I loved the upbeat music and the enterainnment, which I believe encouraged me to take a shot of Ozo (spelling?). Yah! Ummmm..........it was too potent and liquorice. But to each his own....Taverna does provide hookas but only on weekends and after 11 p.m. The bartender (who was total eye candy) told us that on Saturdays that place is busy and loads of fun. I had a great time and loved the food and the entertainment.
by Kristen H.
My boyfriend took me here for our first date. The food is good, but not anything to write home about. However, I think the presentation and show makes up for it. They serve flaming cheese. C'mon, they set the cheese on fire and put it out with lemon juice! How can you not like that? Also, the bellydancing is intermittent and enjoyable. They just sort of dance by your table and if you want them to dance longer for your table, just tip them. One time I was eating at this restaurant and the whole table next to us were literally dancing on the table (with the encouragement of the bellydancers). They also throw napkins all around when the bellydancers come out, so it's fun. Sidenote: the napkins are slippery and I for real almost fell when I was walking to the bathroom once. Be careful. It's a great place to enjoy greek food and have a good time. p.s. it's more fun if you drink
by David Z.
I went during the week for dinner with my family, so it wasn't all that crowded. The service was a little slow, but the food was pretty good. The appetizers (spanakopita and grape leaves) were OK, but nothing special. They didn't seem to be freshly prepared. I ordered the moussaka, which was a very generous portion and quite rich. I give it an 8/10. The appetizer kebab is definitely the best deal.
by Sarah S.
Taverna Plaka has a raucous crowd (dancing on tables, anyone?), hot belly dancers and a good selection of delicious Greek wines. Had a blast here prior to a NOT SO FUN stint at a club on Cheshire Bridge. Wish I had stayed here and learned to belly dance!The atmosphere almost made up for the mediocre nibbles. I had the crab cake (shredded crab--blech) and a Greek salad ( had to carefully avoid millions of red onion slices, lest I kill someone with my breath later). The hummus? Blah and I'm not big on making my own food when my man is paying "make it for us" prices. My girlfriends had a shrimp dish and lamb kabobs--verdict: v.v. greasy and ok, respectively. My boyfriend refused to eat anything, which said a lot about the place...
by Kit F.
What a bunch of malarchy!!! Are the drink napkins suppose to replace plates? What a waste of paper...don't they know there's TP starved kids in Russia?If the Saganaki was as cheesy as the bartenders and staff....it wouldn't be half bad. Isn't it suppose to be flaming but what do you expect from a block of Philly cream cheez? The Braised Rabbit was as tender as a stick of Slim Jim.Lamb Meatballs...uh, i don't think the lamb's meat was used.Mini Beef/Lamb Kabobs, did they use Mini Me's special mini-marinade? Spanakopita was the only edible thing...was it Greek? Who knows...it coulda been a crab rangoon from HK Harbour for all we know.Grilled Octopus marinated in herbs and red wine vinegar..from aisle 3 at Piggly Wiggly.The meat entrees ain't any meat Baton Bob would eat, man. Oprah wouldn't even eat this stuff...OPA!
by Chris R.
I am sorry, but I just cannot TAKE this place. For entertaining the relatives from South Georgia, who have never been out of the country, it's their first and last trip to Greece. I am dying to check out the nightclub for people watching, but when is the last time I went to a 'club' - not in this century. One thing - the food is actually pretty good and when I need a fix I will call ahead for takeout and arrive precisely when the food is done to minimize my stay inside.
by missy g.
Fun environment, but you should be crazy about Greek food, I'm not so much, so it pains me to pay a lot of money for a meal that's really heavy, and not my favorite.
by Alison B.
I have heard a lot of great reviews for this place, so I was excited to check it out last weekend. We went for a friend's birthday and accomodated all 25 of us.The service was OK, but took quite a while to get drinks and apps out for us. We had quite a large party, so I can understand a bit of a wait but this was more than a bit.My friend and I split a lot of the small plates, so we could try multiple things. They bring hummus and pita to the table. It was the best of everything we had. I could have eaten that all night. The grape leaves were a close second and I also really enjoyed the lemon potatos.The food is good, but the atmosphere is what will bring me back.
by Diana L.
Pita bread. Spanikopita. Moussaka. Lamb and chicken kabobs. Food was decent. I was very full. I asked for paper napkins and the server brought a huge stack. He flung napkins around. We asked why, as the napkins floated sadly down to the deck. "For good luck."I will probably not go again.
by Mike G.
I really enjoy a good Gyro, and Taverna Plaka has a really good one! The environment is fun and engaging, the food is exceptional and the portions are large (when you dine in). My only complaint is when I call in for take-out, the portions are only a fraction of what they are when you dine-in, although the price is the same. Dining in gets 5 stars, take-out gets 2.5 stars, so I'm giving them 4 on this one.
by Kasey N.
I thought this place was great! I have been twice and both times the food and staff have been terrific! The lamb gyros are unmatched and if you are lucky enough to go on a belly dancing night, the attitude is fun in the restaurant and entertaining to say the least. Napkins fly and celebratory shouts of "Opa" engulf the place! It's a fun restaurant and I plan to return.
by Maggie L.
I really didn't know what to make of this place. I came out for a friend's birthday and was rather bemused by the whole concept. Food wise, it's like Cafe Instanbul... except it's lower quality and higher priced. The atmosphere wasn't as cool, either. I had some cheese covered potato appetizer that was pretty good, but my entree was quite bland. Not that I really had time to eat it before the belly dancer jumped up on the table and stomped enough stuff around to make me lose my appetite. Call me a prude, but I can't eat while someone's feet are within inches of my dinner.After the belly dancer had her thrill of dancing to poor quality arabic-sounding music, throwing countless napkins everywhere, and almost falling off the table, it seemed time for the younger crowd to imitate her by dancing on the tables.I think this is about the time we decided it was time to go, as underage table dancers aren't our first choice for entertainment.
by Bobbin W.
I hit up Taverna Plaka with a large group for a girlfriend's bachelorette party. Upon our arrival around 9 p.m., we were greeted by a boisterous dance train of tipsy thirty- and forty-somethings. A woman almost immediately took me by the hand, welcoming me to join the rowdy line that snaked around the restaurant's teeming tables. While we waited for our table, I sipped a cocktail from the bar--the Mia Tia, swirling with flavors of vodka, orange juice, pineapple and, somehow, coconut. About 15 minutes later, we filled up a long, wooden table, ordering a huge assortment of appetizers. The fried cheese, squeezed with a bit of lemon, was sinfully delish--a huge slab of artery clogging delight. I'm not sure if the bread and hummus automatically came with our meal or not, but I found Taverna Plaka's hummus-crushing concept interesting. The whole chickpeas, mixed with spices and olive oil, were provided to us in bowls, requiring us, the diners, to mash it into a fresh, smooth, hummus paste. YUM. As an entree, I ordered the Gyro Souvlaki--shaved roast lamb on a pita, with tomato slices, red onion and a yogurt sauce on the plate to accent the dish as I pleased. While I shoved the gyro into my face, the bachelorette was summoned to dance on a small dresser in front of our table, so it was interesting to watch her shake her booty, dressed in a jingling belly dancer's belt. After we finished our meal, the area was cleared for more table-top dancing. The girl at the table beside us was celebrating her 25th Birthday, although in her 1980s-inspired dress, she looked more like 40. However, I'm not pointing this out to insult her fashion choices--I thought it was cool that she flailed on the table alone, not caring who was watching, nonchalant about her white girl dance style or lack of wardrobe sense. The service was all right. The waitress didn't bring drinks to my friends and I who ordered "just" a Diet Coke or water. I had to ask three times for a water. However, when I requested a passion fruit martini, the waitress immediately brought the sugar-rimmed glass out. The girls and I also smoked an apple-flavored hookah--my first experience with such a device. As you can see, we planned to go all out, since our friend is getting married; however, we were shocked that the bill came to only $20 apiece--and there were at least a dozen girls in our group, who ordered several appetizers, an entree, cocktails and a hookah round. I was pleased that the evening didn't destroy my budget. Fun times at Taverna Plaka. I'm not itching to go back, but I'm glad to have experienced a little Greek nightlife.
by Jenn S.
My experience here was not a great one, as we didn't actually stay. However, my brother sister-in-law (who I was visiting) said this place is great.We had made a reservation elsewhere on a Saturday night, but for various reasons, were unable to make it. So we drove around for a while trying to find a suitable replacement that would work for a 22-month-old.Very excited about Taverna Plaka - a fun Greek place with belly dancing and amazing food according to my brother - we drove to the restaurant and after being told it was "no problem" to sit us, we valet parked (I love that the majority of Atlanta restaurants have COMPLIMENTARY valet - so nice!).Well, the host brought us into the WAY back of the restaurant, past many empty tables and deposited us by ourselves, in front of a giant-screen TV. We were not having this. The fun of this restaurant is apparently the front room, where all the action happens.We asked about being up front, or even further away from the TV and closer to some of the other patrons and they said no. So we ended up leaving. I'm sure this place is fun great, but we were bothered by the where they placed us despite tons of empty tables.
by adrian w.
I have been to Taverna Plaka 2 times now and both times I had a pretty good experience. The best part to me was the food. The gyros are not the best for the price but they are mighty tasty. Definitely a good date place, possibly a first or second date.I found it to be a difficult parking lot to exit, maybe that was just me.I wouldn't hesitate to go back again.
by Deanna J.
Wow, so I've been here on a few occasions during the weekend when it turns into a madhouse with napkins floating down on your head every few minutes, but just went on a weeknight and it was (crickets). Quiet. So quiet in fact, that we were the only people there. I guess everyone saves up Plaka for a weekend night. But, it fit the occasion (meeting up with some people post birthday movie at the Tara for a dinner, as the 'puking cocktails' birthday party had already happened for them the previous weekend). The staff was extremely gracious (or extremely bored), so they definitely gave the night a bit of birthday flavor, with extra garnish, cake, napkin throwing, and song. I had the lamb chops, which were a solid 'good.' Probably not something I'm going to crave to get from there again but definitely decent. The best is the hummus (well. . . chickpeas you crush into hummus) they bring out to you - super tasty.So there you go - my non-crazy Plaka experience!
by Anisha H.
I went here when friends were visiting, I wanted a fun chill place to hang out and have fun with friends....no doubt it is fun but the crowd seems to be much much older!!! I think we were the youngest people there...lolOkk soo the place....they have belly dances...dancing at different intervals, which is cool to watch, and they keep screaming whooppaa (I think thats how we spell it) and throw paper napkins all over the place...till the point the floor is filled with them :)The food is alright, this place is not a place u go for the food but just for the entertainment...
by Nicholas R.
Had a chance to enjoy Taverna this past sunday. I was already in high spirits from pre drinks at woofs so much that i didnt want to leave. This place wasnt a bad one to end up at. LOL as my friends will no doubt remind me I loved the Ouzo which of course I did. We joined in on the Chefs special which brought out a bunch of different types of food. Everything was ok to good at times. I thought we would get more for the amount paid but nothing came out that I didnt like I would just like to see more of it I guess. It was entertaining for sure and I will go again. Maybe a little less drunk :-).
by Todd P.
Some things are just loud. Not only volume loud, but visually loud, culturally loud. Taverna Plaka is such a place. From the booming Greek music, so loud you can barely speak at your table, to the decor, the belly dancers flinging napkins dancing about, birthday-celebrating people standing on chairs as wait staff yells "Opa!" while cupcake candles are blown out. Just plain LOUD. But, in a fun sort of way I guess.Despite the Disneyworld/touristy feel of this place, the food is actually decent. I ate here with Albert B. and Lisa L. and we decided to have the Chef's Menu, a fixed-price course for 4 people or less which delivers oodles of food:*Do-it-yourself hummus served with baguette slices (You have to mash up the chickpeas and other ingredients in a wooden bowl with a pestle. I would prefer they just do it for me. Too damn much work!)*Tomato, cucumber and feta salad*Flaming cheese (damn tasty)*Pita slices with three spreads: Cucumber tzatziki, roasted red pepper (my favorite) and an eggplant spread*Spanakopita*Rice pilaf*Piles of meat including beef, lamb and chicken kabobs as well as gyro meat*BaklavaAll that for $25 a person. Not bad! I also had a couple of cucumber martinis which were refreshing. Oh, and a shot of Ouzo. Zing!!All in all, it was a decent evening, despite being so loud.
by Samir P.
Good entertainment and something differnet than the norm. Lots of fun to go hang out with a group of friends. The food is just ok. I've had much better greek food.
by Courtney R.
I'm very surprised to see Taverna Plaka receiving only 3 stars. A few months ago some of our senior executives were in town and I was included in the invite for dinner. Free food - you know I'm all over that! Greek free food even better! The space is on par and typical for a Greek restaurant. The waitstaff were nice and spent the time explaining the different options to us. I started off with a pomegranate martini and it was excellent. The food selection also was surprisingly good. Some of my favorites included: lamb kabobs, calamari, feta and olives, hummus, and really I could just go on and on. I thought, until going to Taverna Plaka that nothing could compare to Mezza (my favorite Greek restaurant in Atlanta) but Taverna Plaka definitely is in the running. My only complaint - I wish they were open for lunch.
by Michelle A.
I've been here twice now and love the food and the atmosphere! It's definitely a fun place to take a group to dinner. There's a belly dancer, mash your own (free) hummus, and if you ordered the flaming cheese, a lot of napkin throwing and "OPA!" It's such a great time!Between my friends and I, we've probably ordered just about everything on the menu and nothing has really fallen short. The quality is good, the portions are nice, and the prices are decent. Everyone's favorite part, though, are the bell dancers! They engage the different patrons and help create a unique experience.If you haven't done so yet, check it out! :)
by Michelle A.Courtney R.Samir P.
I've been here twice now and love the food and the atmosphere! It's definitely a fun place to take a group to dinner. There's a belly dancer, mash your own (free) hummus, and if you ordered the flaming cheese, a lot of napkin throwing and "OPA!" It's such a great time!Between my friends and I, we've probably ordered just about everything on the menu and nothing has really fallen short. The quality is good, the portions are nice, and the prices are decent. Everyone's favorite part, though, are the bell dancers! They engage the different patrons and help create a unique experience.If you haven't done so yet, check it out! :)I'm very surprised to see Taverna Plaka receiving only 3 stars. A few months ago some of our senior executives were in town and I was included in the invite for dinner. Free food - you know I'm all over that! Greek free food even better! The space is on par and typical for a Greek restaurant. The waitstaff were nice and spent the time explaining the different options to us. I started off with a pomegranate martini and it was excellent. The food selection also was surprisingly good. Some of my favorites included: lamb kabobs, calamari, feta and olives, hummus, and really I could just go on and on. I thought, until going to Taverna Plaka that nothing could compare to Mezza (my favorite Greek restaurant in Atlanta) but Taverna Plaka definitely is in the running. My only complaint - I wish they were open for lunch.Good entertainment and something differnet than the norm. Lots of fun to go hang out with a group of friends. The food is just ok. I've had much better greek food.
by Michelle A.Courtney R.Samir P.Todd P.Nicholas R.
I've been here twice now and love the food and the atmosphere! It's definitely a fun place to take a group to dinner. There's a belly dancer, mash your own (free) hummus, and if you ordered the flaming cheese, a lot of napkin throwing and "OPA!" It's such a great time!Between my friends and I, we've probably ordered just about everything on the menu and nothing has really fallen short. The quality is good, the portions are nice, and the prices are decent. Everyone's favorite part, though, are the bell dancers! They engage the different patrons and help create a unique experience.If you haven't done so yet, check it out! :)I'm very surprised to see Taverna Plaka receiving only 3 stars. A few months ago some of our senior executives were in town and I was included in the invite for dinner. Free food - you know I'm all over that! Greek free food even better! The space is on par and typical for a Greek restaurant. The waitstaff were nice and spent the time explaining the different options to us. I started off with a pomegranate martini and it was excellent. The food selection also was surprisingly good. Some of my favorites included: lamb kabobs, calamari, feta and olives, hummus, and really I could just go on and on. I thought, until going to Taverna Plaka that nothing could compare to Mezza (my favorite Greek restaurant in Atlanta) but Taverna Plaka definitely is in the running. My only complaint - I wish they were open for lunch.Good entertainment and something differnet than the norm. Lots of fun to go hang out with a group of friends. The food is just ok. I've had much better greek food.Some things are just loud. Not only volume loud, but visually loud, culturally loud. Taverna Plaka is such a place. From the booming Greek music, so loud you can barely speak at your table, to the decor, the belly dancers flinging napkins dancing about, birthday-celebrating people standing on chairs as wait staff yells "Opa!" while cupcake candles are blown out. Just plain LOUD. But, in a fun sort of way I guess.Despite the Disneyworld/touristy feel of this place, the food is actually decent. I ate here with Albert B. and Lisa L. and we decided to have the Chef's Menu, a fixed-price course for 4 people or less which delivers oodles of food:*Do-it-yourself hummus served with baguette slices (You have to mash up the chickpeas and other ingredients in a wooden bowl with a pestle. I would prefer they just do it for me. Too damn much work!)*Tomato, cucumber and feta salad*Flaming cheese (damn tasty)*Pita slices with three spreads: Cucumber tzatziki, roasted red pepper (my favorite) and an eggplant spread*Spanakopita*Rice pilaf*Piles of meat including beef, lamb and chicken kabobs as well as gyro meat*BaklavaAll that for $25 a person. Not bad! I also had a couple of cucumber martinis which were refreshing. Oh, and a shot of Ouzo. Zing!!All in all, it was a decent evening, despite being so loud.Had a chance to enjoy Taverna this past sunday. I was already in high spirits from pre drinks at woofs so much that i didnt want to leave. This place wasnt a bad one to end up at. LOL as my friends will no doubt remind me I loved the Ouzo which of course I did. We joined in on the Chefs special which brought out a bunch of different types of food. Everything was ok to good at times. I thought we would get more for the amount paid but nothing came out that I didnt like I would just like to see more of it I guess. It was entertaining for sure and I will go again. Maybe a little less drunk :-).