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ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in the Tenderloin
Best Greek in the Tenderloin
Best Mediterranean in the Tenderloin
Master Critic Review
The Parthenon
8.4
Downtown Greek-Turkish menu—manti, souvlaki, and crisp meze—served in a polished Union Square dining room. Efficient pacing makes it a smart choice for business lunches and pre-theater dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Chicken souvlaki, Manti (Turkish dumplings)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Greek favorites alongside Turkish staples like manti downtown.
Who should go: Office crews and pre-theater diners
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening before rush
What to order: Lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, manti
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal for quick, solo pre-show meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is the Union Square garages within a 3–5 minute walk. No onsite valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs, blouses, and neat jeans are fine, but many diners lean dressy due to theatergoers and business lunch crowds.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable at lunch; evenings can get lively but still manageable for dates or small groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak pre-theater hours
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes; reservations recommended for groups
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options like spanakopita, meze spreads, and salads
Vegan options: Limited but available—grilled veggies, hummus, and select meze can be adapted
Gluten-free options: Yes—several mains and meze are naturally gluten-free; ask staff for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished dining room and warm service create an inviting atmosphere that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are easier at weekday lunches or late dinners. For weekends and pre-theater, reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome and high chairs are available, but the menu and ambiance are geared more toward adults and business diners.
Best For
Better for: Balanced Greek–Turkish offerings in a central downtown location, ideal for mixing meze with mains before a show or during a business lunch.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual, budget eats or a purely kid-focused spot—other Mediterranean counters in the area may suit better.
Hours
Monday11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm
Thursday11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 10pm