Arsenis - Zisimopoulou 19

My visit to Arsenis Taverna was in December 2018 but still the experience remains fresh. Surprisingly, I was turned away by another restaurant for some unknown reasons (i.e., the waitress invited me and suddenly the owner said there's a tour group BUT there was hardly anyone so I'm guessing it's my skin colour or the fact that I'm not able to pay? kinda hilarious that the waitress had no idea about the so-called tour group? LOL) so not my loss. If it wasn't for that unpleasant experience, I wouldn't have dined at Arsenis. It was a Sunday night and there was a large group of Japanese diners. The waitress (could be a family member) greeted me at the entrance and I asked her if any reservation was needed for one as I didn't make any. I asked if there's any private event going on as I didn't want to be a bother to them. She said, 'not a problem'. It's a Japanese tour group and she was willing to accommodate me. Very cheerful lady. Anyway, I finally had my dinner. Ordered eggplant salad with garlic bread, pastitsio and ouzo. I was pleasantly surprised when the dessert - pannacotta with honey - was served on the house! It was personally served by the owner, Mr Arsenis, a fine old gentleman. Very warm, friendly, hospitable and has a good sense of humour. He also welcomed me and asked me where I was from and how I found the food. What can I say? The food was delicious. The price was very affordable considering the food portions being generous and with rich ingredients. Oh, I must also say that Arsenis has a 'feel-good and a family feel' to it. Nice location. Clean restaurant. Spacious. Awesome ambience. I'm glad I had that unpleasant experience at the other restaurant so I could try out the dishes at Arsenis and no disappointments at all. I did tell Mr Arsenis that I will write a very good review and so here it is! Better late than never. When I come back to Athens again, I will definitely visit Arsenis! Thank you for accommodating me that night.

Delicious food A family owned and run restaurant Excellent food quality and service It is close to the marina and prices were reasonable. It was Saturday lunch and there was local live music with vocals, which had made it entertaining. Nice atmosphere for families and business alike. We were welcomed by a well drew gentleman with a warm smile, who has opened the door for us. They do have a patio. We had arrived by the cab, so didn’t have to find the parking on this bust street.

Excellent portion from the restaurant. The chicken we had was a bit bland. But the moussaka was excellent. So huge. And the starters were also very good. Friendly staff to boot.

Probably the best Baklava in Athens, fresh sea food and family owned restaurant. We loved it. ?

Coldest draft beer yet in Greece , best baklava so far in Athens. Delicious eggplant dip, souvlaki & Pastitsio, lovely staff & neighborhood restaurant, affordable, long menu many choices

This restaurant was recommended by one the local people and we were not disappointed. The owner greeted us at the door and came to our table several times to check on us. The starters served gave us a nice variety of Greek specialties and the silver snapper was served whole and deboned at the table. It was fresh and delicious. One of our group had a birthday so we were served a healthy portion of baclava with vanilla gelato. The perfect end to a lovely meal. It was reasonably priced too! I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

This place is prime in its hospitality. The recommendations by the host were simply great. He paired the food with a local wine and made the whole evening simply great. The started for the flaming cheese and the zucchini balls were amazing. Its walking distance from Marriott so if you are around there while in Athens a must visit place.

Family run taverna with good quality authentic Greek food and no fuss. It's very much taverna style with a relaxed family atmosphere. We liked the fact that the recommendations were based on quality rather than price. Recommend for a decently priced Greek meal close to the Marriott.