Feb. 28, 2024
By Giovanni Mule
Staff Writer
All you have to do is walk past the storefront of Athenian Fresh Grill to know the food is good. Wonderful smells of fresh grilled food and spices fill the air outside this Greek eatery, which has been a staple in North Arlington since September 2011.
When you walk into Athenian Fresh Grill, you’ll be immediately impressed by its modern aesthetic, which is neat and well-organized, as well as its knowledgeable and polite employees. Whether you are looking to grab some food for the road or sit down and enjoy a meal, Athenian Fresh Grill will exceed your expectations.
During my first visit, I treated myself to the Yiayia Platter ($17.95), which includes chicken shish with rice, Gigantes beans, lemon potatoes and tzatziki. I liked the tzatziki sauce, which is served on the side, as I could dip my chicken and potatoes in the sauce. It left a cool and sweet taste that cleansed my tastebuds. The chicken is also sweet because of its delicious marinade.
Whether you are looking to grab some food for the road or sit down and enjoy a meal, Athenian Fresh Grill will exceed your expectations.
My friend ordered a Zesto spicy chicken wrap ($10.95), and he was not disappointed. It includes lettuce, onions, parsley, hot pepper, Zesto red sauce and a spicy feta spread. His favorite part about the dish was its spiciness, which was flavorful but not overpowering, and the crunch of the warm wrap. He also said the lettuce’s crunchiness added a pleasant texture to the meal.
The next time I went to Athenian I got myself the Quick Street Platter ($10.95), which includes a choice of grain and meat. It comes with cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. This platter is affordably priced, and even though it is marketed as a smaller platter, it is still very filling. I selected steak for the meat and rice for the grain, both of which were delicious.
I can’t wait to go back to Athenian Fresh Grill to try more of its marvelous food. With an unpretentious vibe and authentic dishes, this will be my go-to spot when I’m in the mood for Greek cuisine.
