Overview

Athenian Greek Cuisine, nestled at 8255 Georgia St in Merrillville, Indiana, offers a genuine taste of Greece with a focus on traditional dishes and hearty portions. This family-run Greek restaurant invites diners to explore authentic flavors in a warm, inviting atmosphere that suits both intimate dinners and larger groups. The location is accessible and well-suited for those seeking an immersive Mediterranean dining experience outside the usual city bustle.

The menu is a celebration of classic Greek fare—highlighted by standout dishes such as lamb chops, gyros pita, and the ever-popular Greek salad. Guests consistently praise the lamb for its tenderness and seasoning, often paired with the restaurant’s signature Greek potatoes and rice pilaf, reflecting the care put into each plate. The Athenian platter comes highly recommended, offering a generous sampling of favorites including spanakopita and savory gyro meat, ideal for sharing or savoring over multiple meals.

Athenian’s kitchen also presents unique appetizers like dolmades—grape leaves stuffed with rice and beef—and grilled octopus, which is noted for its perfect tenderness and seasoned balance. For those trying Greek cuisine for the first time, this restaurant is a worthy introduction, with menu offerings that excite the palate yet remain approachable. The variety extends to desserts, where options such as baklava and chocolate mousse provide a sweet finish to a satisfying meal.

The dining experience is characterized by attentive hospitality. Hosts display warmth and patience, especially for larger parties, reinforcing a family-oriented vibe that complements the food. While some have noticed variability in service at times, the overall atmosphere remains friendly and accommodating. Guests have also found value in the adjacent Greek store, highlighting an opportunity to extend the experience through authentic products like olive oil and traditional sweets.

Athenian Greek Cuisine stands out as a destination for both Greek food enthusiasts and those curious to explore Mediterranean flavors. Its focus on authenticity, substantial portions, and a welcoming environment makes it an excellent choice for celebrations, casual gatherings, or a culinary journey into Greece’s rich cuisine. This spot in Merrillville is not simply a meal, but an experience steeped in heritage and heartfelt hospitality.


Amenities & Services

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Wine

What Customers Say

Denice Korean
Feb 16,2026
4/5
The host was very friendly and thanked us for coming. We were a party of 9. They were very patient with us as we waited for everyone to get here. I ordered the Athenian stuffed chicken breast with a potato, rice pilaf and spinach. My hubby ordered the Athenian platter so we could try the variety they had to offer on one plate. I HIGHLY recommend this platter and it is big enough for two! The portions are big, as I only ate half of my food. I will definitely be returning . I especially enjoyed the spanakopita and the gyro meat (tender and not greasy) from the platter. We also had the dolmades for an appetizer. It is rice with beef stuffed in grape leaves, topped with a lemon based sauce. It was ok. I added a pic of my friend's chocolate mousse just to show one of the many desserts they have to offer. I was too full. If you have a large party like we did, I would reserve ahead, but they did accommodate us. Seems like it is family ran. The wait service was mediocre, but I'm thinking this person was inexperienced. Still jad a great time!!!
Christina Kanatas
Feb 16,2026
5/5
Can’t rave enough about this place! If you want real Authentic Greek food. This is it! I ordered the lamb with the Greek Potatoes and rice. It melted off the bone. We had Grilled Octopus for an appetizer and it was super tender and seasoned to perfection. The Greek salad was very fresh as well as the bread. And of course I had to try their baklava. Delicious along with a Greek Kafe! Also checked out their little Greek store in the back and left with some more sweets and even Olive Oil. Will definitely go back!
Bananas for you
Feb 16,2026
4/5
Went for girls night out. It was a unfamiliar taste but very good! Our waiter was very informative and we tried lots. Didnt really like the lemon soup. The lamb kabobs were delish. Tried a layered lasagna with zucchini and potatoes and Italian sausage. It was pretty good and the drinks were good as well. This was a experience for a different taste and they dont skimp on portions! I say try this cuisine.
Beverly Colar-Credelle
Feb 16,2026
5/5
My husband and I tried a new Greek restaurant, in Merrillville Indiana, tonight called Athenian Greek Cuisine. This restaurant serves truly authentic Greek food. I enjoyed the Greek Chicken, which was served with green beans, rice and Greek potato. My husband had a different meal, but we both enjoyed splitting the Greek Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms and Saganaki (not pictured). The service was awesome! UPDATED .. On April 6, 2022 I visited Athenian Greek Cuisine restaurant again. I decided to try a different dish. This time I ordered the Charbroiled Lamb Chops. It came with their staple of green beans, rice and Greek potato. I also ordered the saganaki and Greek salad again and a cup of lemon rice soup. As before, everything was absolutely delicious and the service was awesome.
Yesenia Rybarski
Feb 16,2026
5/5
We have been here several times since it opened and it’s consistent every time. The food and service are top notch! Everything is delicious! On the weekends, they have BBQ lamb, don’t miss out on it!
Starr Sheehan
Feb 16,2026
5/5
Saganaki was tasty and bread was spot on. The Original Gyro was pretty good too. The gyro meat wasn't greasy which was very nice. The plate was completely full which I appreciated and easing to the eye. Who likes to order food and the plate is hardly full? I loved that they gave lots of tzatziki sauce so I didn't have to ask for more.
carmela “Carmela and The Beast”
Feb 16,2026
5/5
This place was really good, we usually go to Greek island in Chicago but this place is closer. The lamb was tender and juciy. My favorite of course was the rice and potatoes, something about Greek rice is good. The Greek yogurt was so delicious and was thick like cream. Our server was very nice .
Scott Quinn
Feb 16,2026
5/5
Athenian Greek Cuisine is truly one of northern Indiana’s best kept secrets! Within ten minutes of being here, I enjoyed prompt seating, a refreshing drink, saganaki (that’s flaming cheese), and I have been invited to a Greek party with live music next Friday night. I ordered the pastitsio, and every bite was heavenly! That Bechamel sauce takes this culinary delight to a whole new level! You will want to save room for dessert! There’s a few to choose from! I can safely say their baklava is the best I’ve ever had. You should know I drove two hours just to eat here. Trust me. It’s well worth the drive!

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