The National
232 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA, 30601
The National Menu
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Dessert
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House Sodas & Refreshers
Healthy Meal suggestions for The National
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Dessert
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House Sodas & Refreshers
Visit below restaurant in Athens for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Athens for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
232 W Hancock Ave
Athens, GA, 30601 - Phone (706) 549-3450
- Website https://www.thenationalrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Good for Working : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Alison Q.
Perfect way to spend my last night in Athens. Nice tapas selection. No complaints on my hanger steak! Pro tip - grab at pint at Creature Comforts across the street before dinner.
(4)Miranda C.
Here is food to die for Everything exceeded our expectations The cucumber gazpacho was utterly divine The salade nicoise a triumph
(5)Jon N.
First off I want to praise the wait staff and the hostess desk. I came with a large group and at the last minute they re-arranged their restaurant for a different time and a different seating. We ended up at a coveted round table instead of the rectangular, and they *snap* made it happen. The food, first off, is excellent. The vegetable platter is huge (always a plus to see vegetarians and others with similar inclinations treated well). The interior is great, calming, and even though it's a small space feels quite comfortable. Full linen and glassware...really, no shortcuts taken. I appreciate that. I would say, however, that the portion sizes are relatively small for the price. I ate pieces of a few different appetizers (so thus ate more than one appetizer myself) and could easily have eaten two of my entrees. I don't want to make this sound like a negative because the food truly is great. Just don't come here when you're hungry. This is a great place to go when you want to eat slowly, savor your food, and share your experience with others. If you want a nice restaurant to fill up after a long day, just be prepared to order a lot of food.
(4)Megan R.
This was a great place to eat and the service was excellent. My brother who lives in Athens had been raving about it for awhile, so when my husband and I visited for the weekend, we had to go! The restaurant has a very cool look, but not stuffy or too fancy. We were a little early for our reservation, but the hostess offered us a spot to hang out in the bar while we waited for a free table. We ordered drinks and home fries with aioli and tomato sauce as an appetizer, which were very tasty. They ended up being able to seat us at a regular table a little early and didn't act like it was a big deal. I had the shrimp and polenta, which is similar to shrimp and grits. It was very yummy, and generously portioned. Their menu changes on a daily/weekly basis, but my brother has been there several times and says he's enjoyed every dish he's had. I like that most of their food is locally sourced and prepared in-house.
(4)Matt T.
Delicious...a little tip of the hat to California whether they know it or not (p.s. born and raised in CA on the central coast)....trip tip is a central coast delicacy that is served here, alknf with some good Santa baraba wines. Definitely a must try if in Athens!
(5)Cassie B.
My boyfriend and I stopped here during the twilight festival. It was pretty crowded, but we were able to get a seat in the bar area. The atmosphere was pretty laid-back, I really liked the lighting and the colors in the bar area, deep blues with twilight lighting. I ordered the hummus with the gluten-free flatbread, and I believe it was the spring salad but I'm not positive of the name. My boyfriend ordered the turkey burger. Our food was very good, nothing to complain about. My salad had goat cheese and favs beans with pesto on top, a very nice combination. The flatbread was warmed for my hummus which was very smooth, garnished with paprika on top. My boyfriend enjoyed his turkey burger, and he actually ate it with all of the toppings that it came, with something he never does! He did say it was a little too fancy for his tastes with all the toppings, but the fact that he actually ate it like that says something. I definitely want to come back and try the vegetable entrée. That's next on my list for the national
(4)Gary R.
I liked this place but its not one I would rave about and count the days to my next visit. Considering its pedigree, I was frankly expecting more. But don't get me wrong, it's quite good! Unassuming inside - guess a former tire retread factory has that effect - its not overly large but comfortable and unpretentious. Our server was good, although I can see room for improvement in service in general. The menu isn't large but it is certainly adequate and reflects the fresh ingredients that you'd expect in a restaurant of this caliber. I would have preferred a better beer selection although the wine list was fairly extensive and fairly priced. We started with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and stuffed Medjool dates - both or which were outstanding. I don't know how you get brussel sprouts to taste that good without cooking them with bacon but these rank right up there as top 2 I've ever had. Wow. I could turn vegetarian just on those alone! And the dates? Are you kidding me? Something as pedestrian as dates that taste like that? There's magic somewhere in that kitchen! My fish special of the day was a fresh King Clap - a firm white fish that was cooked extremely well. Portion size was about what I expected and it definitely was fresh. It was under seasoned to my taste and despite looking beautiful on the plate wasn't as flavorful as I'd hoped. It was lacking something but I can't put my finger on it. I would NOT order it again. My wife's hangar steak was cooked medium rare and was, to my judgment, a little tough. I love hangar steak and when it's done well, it is amazing. This fell slightly short of that. Good, but not great. To their credit, the menu is priced very well and considering the quality of food you get you might even consider it cheap. I'd come back but I'd order a different entree. But count me in for the sprouts and the dates!!
(4)Grant S.
Eating dinner at the national was good. We enjoyed his other restaurant a little more. 5 and 10. Appetizers were patatas bravas . Fries with tomato sauce and cream. Local lettuces were great with feta cheese. Crispy squid. Could of just said calamari. Average. Pizzette was a flatbread pizza with chorizo. Was good. Brussels sprouts were warm and lots of flavor. Better than last night. Bibo Pilsner beer from Athens all around. Dinner was lamb shoulder special. Trout from North Carolina and pork tenderloin. Trout was the best. Lamb had lots of gristle. Pork was fair, but good
(4)Steve K.
I've had food here a number of times. The food pretty much always tastes good, though the portions can be a bit meh for the price. One dessert--chocolate goat cheese cheesecake--was extremely good. Another one, a chocolate brownie, was sadly not good at all--I didn't even finish it. They're still a good restaurant, but if I'm spending a bunch of money, there's a few other places I'd rather go.
(3)Justus L.
Service, food, drink, setting. It's the best.
(5)tania C.
Loved the crab soup, lumps of crab with a hint of curry? I loved the shrimp and grits, shrimp like butter, tender and succulent. Ham sandwich was the bomb! Bread was perfect, soft and not chewy or hard----the salad was perfectly dressed butter lettuce with thin slices of radish and sprinkled with pommegranate seeds. Loved the small puff pastry dessert with whipped cream---just right for a little sweet treat without over indulging in a large dessert.
(4)Mac R.
We're avid fans of Top Chef and Top Chef Masters so of course we made reservations at one of Hugh Acheson's restaurants while we visited Athens, GA. If we'd been there a bit longer, we'd have gone to 5 & 10, too. We almost missed it from the outside because it's in an old factory and looks very unassuming from the exterior. We drove up the street twice before we saw it. It's also very low key inside with a comfortable down home type feel topped by sparkly chandeliers. There were enough choices on the bottled beer list to satisfy us so that was an easy choice. Their wine list looked interesting and not super pricey. Entree prices are also very reasonable. We ordered the crispy brussels sprouts with herb crema and the stuffed medjool dates with celery, manchego cheese & smoked paprika tapas to start. Oh my goodness, these were amazing! I've searched continuously for that brussels recipe online ever since I ate these. I don't know how they get them so crispy and flavorful but I want to know in the worst way! These brussels sprouts are perfection on a plate and completely vegetarian, which is even more amazing. Those crispy crunchy pieces only added to the flavor. The stuffed dates were truly the perfect bite that they always talk about on Top Chef. They nailed it with these! Those 2 dishes were 5 star all the way. Our entrees, although really delicious, weren't quite the caliber of the openers. I ordered the Grilled Hanger Steak medium rare with romesco sauce, arugula, braised green vidalia onions & radishes. The steak was flavorful, as was the sauce it was sitting on. The other items on the plate didn't enhance it in any way and the radishes were lacking in flavor and didn't really provide a crunch that was needed. I definitely needed my steak knife and there wasn't that melt in your mouth quality I was sort of expecting from my steak. My husband ordered the fish special which was a Costa Rican king clap. It tasted super fresh and was perfectly cooked. It's a fish neither of us were familiar with before but really liked. He also felt the accompaniments on the plate could be improved upon to make the dish better. We would certainly return to The National and yes, we'd definitely order those brussels and dates again!
(4)Rachael I.
What a charming little place. If you want a little luxury or a really nice place to take your date in Athens, look no further. Super romantic with pretty candlelight, you come for the ambiance and stay for the food. I recommend the Brussels sprouts appetizer. And no, I don't like Brussels sprouts. But these are amazing. Crispy, savory, creamy, delicious. Very filling so you should share. The stuffed dates appetizer was also good, but I'd prefer melted cheese or creamier cheese. The date was halved with a slice of cheese and some celery inside. Good flavor combination but a bit too chewy for me. Also super filling. We had to share an entree (called a large plate here) because we were so stuffed from the two apps. Split the angus steak and vegetables. Cooked perfectly. Super yum! Definitely give The National a try. It's in Hugh Acheson's (of ESS, 5&10) capable hands, and it doesn't disappoint!
(4)E V.
Dates - were delicious. simple. yummy. Brussel Sprouts - were the best I have ever had Georgia Chicken - yum Tart - was just okay (the only part of the meal that wasn't phenomenal Brownie - was "melt in your mouth" fabulous Gelato - we got cherry and had it with the brownie. superb.
(4)Andrew W.
One of My favorite spots in Athens! Every time my parents come to town this is the only spot they will go. It's never a bad choice
(5)Elaine L.
First of all, I would like to say I love the light and freshness of the food here. Would recommend this place of dinner but not so much lunch. At least for me, I feel that lunch was not worth the price paid here. I went there for a quick dinner on a date and we ordered: Mushroom bisque - vegetarian but oh-so-good! It was creamy and the flavor of the mushroom stood out. A must try. I felt that it needed a bit more salt but my date didn't think so (but hey, that's why they provide salt on the side, everyone's different). A definite recommend! Vegetable plate - ummmmm....I don't know what the hype about this is. Vegetable, good but it was mediocre. It felt like everything was kind of piled on. Definitely need to work on the presentation of the dish. It was just not that appetizing. I really like the squash salad on the dish but the other things had a lot of vinegar. It was ok. I think if presentation is better (maybe on a bigger plate and spread out a little?), it might had been better. The felafel on top was really not that good, the sauce was...was that Siracha? I really don't know, but I don't think I will get this dish again. Maybe the next season? For now, I don't like it and I love vegetables. So it's saying a lot. Lamb Special - I got to say, hands down I think The National have the best cooked meats I've eaten anywhere. Seasoned well and plate is balanced. I love the mint Verde on top, it really added to the flavor. A dish that's really in season, presented well and absolutely delicious. (Last time I got the hanger steak from here, definitely a must try!). Portuguese Custard Cream Tart (forgot the exact name) - I wasn't so excited about this. Kind of remind me of a Chinese egg tart? It was ok, wasn't jumping up and down for this. Overall, delicious with some ups and downs. Recommend this restaurant for a light meal!
(4)Lyle L.
I will start by saying the service was not very good, and the wine list was a little disappointing to me, then again I'm not a big international wine drinker, so to each his own. Even with those 2 complications the national still gets the highly coveted 5 Star because of one reason: The Food, oh yes..... The Food is phenomenal!! I started the meal with the cheese plate and stuffed dates. I don't even like dates but that all changes when I eat at the national. I always order the stuffed dates, they quite possibly could change your life. The cheese plate, although I can not remember all 3 cheeses, was delish. It's a big deal to me when I order my entree, inform the server I am splitting it, and the entree does not come to the table split on 2 separate plates.... Thank goodness that was not the case here. I split the vegetable plate with my wife, it came to the table split and was absolutely amazing. The dessert was nothing short of delectable. Warm gooey chocolate brownie, topped with a scoop of sweet and salty pistachio gelato. The only thing that would have made it better was another scoop of gelato.
(5)texas w.
THIS PLACE! Fine dinning in the downtown footprint, yet unpretentious and approachable. The ever changing, seasonal menu is sheer perfection. Everything is done correctly and the staff know what they are doing. Go to The National. Tell 'em Big Texas sent you.
(5)Meredith R.
Yet another wonderful Hugh Acheson restaurant, and a super place to go for lunch! This is what we ordered, all of which we'd recommend: **Stuffed dates, a signature dish of The National, is a blend of flavors and textures: sweet dates, manchego cheese, celery ... a tasty combination. ** Chicken salad -- a generous portion, served with a yogurt herb dressing, arugala, radishes, walnuts, and grapes. I found the chicken a tad bland, but a sprinkling of salt flakes brought out the flavor. ** My daughter had the black forest ham sandwich -- a winning lunch -- served on toasted ciabattini with swiss cheese, arugala and a grainy fennel mustard. The sandwich came with a salad (I think it was bibb lettuce) and Zapp's chips. ** My husband tried the special: lamb sausage and stew -- very spicy! -- neutralized with couscous and chunks of sweet potato. (Not a drop was left on his plate.) Our server Aaron was efficient and accommodating. I wasn't sure about the wine, other than knowing I wanted a bottle akin to chardonnay. Aaron conferred with the bartender and brought out whites for us to sample. We ended up with Tariquet Cotes de Gascogne, which worked nicely with our food. Lunch is casual, and walk-ins are welcome. To ensure a table at dinner, you might make a reservation. The National clearly has a dedicated following with its interesting and well-executed menu. 5/15 Update: Yeah, this place is good. Maybe 4.5 stars. Everything we got was the bomb: stuffed dates, monkfish, pork, even the little pizette. Infused with flavor, cooked to perfection -- even though my daughter graduated, I'll come to Athens for the food!
(4)Mark H.
I had two delicious dinners here, based on the advice of foodie friends, when I was visiting Athens. There are many reviews of the food here, so suffice it to say that I had a perfectly-cooked skirt steak one night, a very succulent chicken breast the next, and some of the best brussels spouts I've ever had. (How did you prepare them, National??) An interesting wine list, even by the glass, and my friends really loved their cocktails. We got to meet the chef and express our admiration, and he couldn't have been nicer, or more appreciative. Highly recommended, no matter where you come from or what kinds of restaurants you're used to.
(5)Debbie W.
Went here for my 23 birthday with 2 best friends. The service is great, food are delicious, and excellent restaurant design~ love it!
(5)Laurence P.
Went there for dinner tonight, while on business travel, with a few coworkers... Food was very good, healthy, and correctly portioned... The menu is somewhat limited, and it's maybe a little pricey, but all in all, we were very impressed with the place! The dress code shows as dressy, but really, most everyone in there was what I would classify as business casual... Service was excellent! A good place to look for when in Athens!
(4)Jean F.
Went there for deserts with party of 5. I had the perfect Portuguese cinnamon tarts ( a little like a chou a la creme). I didn't know that they made great pastry in Portugal. Everybody was happy even the real foodies among us.
(5)Kelsey F.
So impressed. My dinner at The National late on a Friday night truly couldn't have been more wonderful. The company, service and incredible bites all melded together for a great experience. Four of my most favorite people met up around 9. While the bar area was starting to get crowded, we didn't need a reservation to get a table immediately. The dimly lit, cozy space reminds me of the back room of some secret perfect house that has been opened up for kitchen service. We all had to spend some serious time studying the menu. We wanted to try basically everything they had to offer. All the ingredients are paired together in interesting and enticing ways. I finally picked the butternut squash pizzette topped with balsamic, arugula and creamy goat cheese. I also had to get a side of the crispy Brussels sprouts with herb crema. They were perfectly roasted and I've probably never eaten a more delicious vegetable. My friends raved about the pan seared scallops, little gems salad, impressive vegetable plate, lamb pizzette and anchovy crustinis. Apparently at lunch the "power lunch" is the way to go. While The National has about 5 entrees on the menu, I would recommend ordering sides, firsts and appetizers. Their food is so tasty that you get to sample more when you order smaller plates. We were one of the last tables of the night so there were a few things the kitchen had run out of for the day, but our waitress was happy to let us substitute other ingredients in. The menu changes often based on seasonal and local options. The wine list is just as impressive as the food menu. Both bottles and glasses of wine are reasonably priced. The National is one of my new favorite Athens establishments and I can't believe I waited so long to eat here. Truly as good as it gets!
(5)Mary R.
When I first moved to Athens, I constantly heard that the National was the best restaurant in town. My husband and I waited for a special occasion to go (It's pricey!) and I think overall we were both disappointed. We both agreed that the food was good. However, I paid over $30 for my meal and left hungry. He did too. The tables are also really close together and too close for comfort. Instead of an intimate dinner for the 2 of us, I felt like we were eating dinner with 4 strangers. The service was good and we didn't wait too long for our meal.
(3)Dulmelis D.
Great time! Took my husband here for lunch. Everything was delicious. Must come here again soon.
(5)Nicole S.
This is one of my favorite places in Athens. The bartenders are friendly and will help you find something that you like. There are a lot of wines off-menu, so don't be afraid to ask for something if you don't see it listed! I have only sat at the bar here, but I've heard great things about the food. A friend of mine will bring in fish that he's caught and the chef will cook it for him however he likes. This is a must-visit!
(5)Princess O.
I had the best Mahi Mahi that I've ever had. The tapas, the dessert, everything was wonderful! Also the ambience was very nice. What a great restaurant.
(5)Jennie C.
Excellent food & quality service. It's not a cheap date but you should treat yourself if money allows.
(5)Ashley M.
Drinks are Amazing!! Best bar staff I have ever seen!! Everyone at the bar was friendly and helpful about drinks and wine choices. We were seated at a great table, server was awesome - love her! (Her name is Allison) Tapas and appetizers were amazing from the olives to the home fries, but the sautéed shrimp and the okra with chick peas were amazing!! Girls ordered the strip steak and it was very good. We ordered the monk fish special and they were out, the replacement was a sautéed red fish, honestly the redfish was not very good, I have had better at several places, I wanted it to be so good from the reviews and it wasn't. I can go three stars bc of the service and the bar and the appetizers, the rest was bad... Maybe it was bc they ran out of the special, I will definitely try it again. Cool vibe and very trendy, just work on the redfish :) deserts came out. Two had no flavor, the carrot cake tasted like nutmeg, the plum tart was decent. I will take Randy DeCoudres and Friends in Valdosta over this every day!!
(3)Beth F.
Mmm, so good. We've been here twice and loved it both times. The options are always unique and fun to try. And the environment is perfect. Great place for a date night - highly recommend.
(5)Donald L.
Another Hugh Acheson restaurant. We stopped in for lunch during our weekend trip to Athens and all places Hugh. As expected, everything was great. We had an out of this world cheese plate with pecans and honey we also had the power lunch plate and beef tips. Loved the power lunch plate and just liked the tips. Besides the food I noticed a few other interesting things while sitting on the patio in front of the restaurant. First, there was a constant stream of local suppliers pulling up and dropping off fresh tomatoes and another seemed to be dropping off freshly caught fish in a cooler. It was nice to see and made us feel good about not only enjoying fresh food but knowing that we were helping them contribute to their local sources. Second, the view from the patio isn't that great ;) Loved the restaurant and will be back.
(4)Norman W.
We just ate at this restaurant for the first time. There were four of us. Their wine list is extensive and reasonable. We enjoyed the tapas selections of cheese and stuffed dates, which were nicely done and great for sharing. I may try doing the dates at home with the Monchego cheese. Each of us had something different: spicy shrimp, softshell crab, cod, catfish, and steak. All were delicious. The brownie and macaroon desserts were very good, too. Our servers were attentive, helpful, and friendly. Though the restaurant was full, it never seemed to get too noisy while we were talking and was relaxed the whole time. If you're looking for a special lunch or dinner, I recommend this restaurant.
(5)Rusty E.
Simply my favorite restaurant in the world. I send people there everyday.
(5)Tony C.
I went to The National with a couple of friends, who have been regulars at the bar. The cocktail list is outstanding and the bartenders were friendly and conversation with them was fun. We started with the stuffed dates, sweet and savory. We shared the soft shell crab, Pizzetta and the roasted Chicken Breast. Everyone left satisfied and I look forward to returning.
(4)Kristy M.
My boyfriend proposed to me on Friday night in front of the arch at UGA. Afterwards, he took me to dinner at the National. What a wonderful follow up!! I have eaten here many times, and the hummus is particularly addictive. But, the National recently changed their menu, pairing primary courses with side dishes to create a more a la carte style menu. My fiance and I had the patatas bravas and the cheese plate (two staple tapas), and they were perfect. The potatoes were crispy and perfectly seasoned. The cheeses were wonderful, especially with the delicious quince, apples, and almonds provided as pairing options. We had the hangar steak as well as the pork chop. I have had the hangar steak many times, and it is still amazing. But, oh the pork chop. It was moist, sweet yet savory when paired with both prosciutto ham and candied raisins. We ordered the purple haze carrots as well as the yukon gold mash. Both sides were equally as impressive as the entrees themselves. We finished the meal lightly with the custard tarts, and they were a perfect topper to the meal. We received a complimentary glass of bubbly in honor of our engagement, and the waitress offered us a fantastic Spanish wine that paired perfectly with our two meals. She didn't aim for the most expensive sellers, but instead pointed out all of the options that fit our meal, a wonderful trait to have in a restaurant and its waitstaff. Only downside? We ordered two cocktails, and while they were delicious, they were also incredibly strong. I had the cocktails previously and they were wonderful, but this time they were just a bit overpowering, like they had somehow just missed the perfect balance in a cocktail. Nonetheless, I wouldn't hesitate to try it all again. These guys know their stuff, and they never dissapoint.
(5)Who W.
We scored both a great dinner and a wonderful lunch here. Lunch is a good deal too, about $30 for two nets you a meal that is way more than 1.5x as good as what you get at 5 Guys, which is pretty good for a chain in my view. Some unique dishes, and some traditional dishes (burgers) done really well. Dinner was good, but I'd say that lunch is the real deal.
(5)Wayne W.
Great food in a quirky little restaurant. We split the Halibut starter with drinks, then shared the sheepshead and pork chop plates, finishing up with almond cake for dessert. The food was excellent due to the fresh ingredients and great pairing of flavors. I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but the lack of draft beer choices (only 1) and the tiny portions for the price hurt it overall. We'd still return to enjoy it again. Try the sautéed snow peas...its hard to believe anything green can taste that good!
(4)AJ D.
Not much to look at on the outside, but super nice nice on the inside. We had the pizzette to start, very tasty! My girlfriend had the Hawaiian fish (can't recall the exact type), which was the best thing we ordered. I had the hanger steak, which was cooked a perfect medium rare. I liked the fish more than steak, but was still happy with my selection. Drinks were great, the garden coup is amazing.
(4)Dusty R.
We've come to eat at the National more and more for date night. They make a great martini (excellent olives) and a great manhattan (brandied cherries). You can taste a few wines in order to select the one you like best. They modify salads and the vegetable plate to make them VEGAN which is key for us. There's always something surprising on the vegetable plate!
(5)Kelly D M.
My favorite restaurant in Athens - I go whenever I can justify it (and sometimes when I really can't), and even when I can't go, I'm always dying to know what kind of pure radiating edible love that chef Peter Dale & co are cooking up. The National is a rare place where opportunistic townies such as myself can spend the $20 bill they found in their old denim jacket on a superb featured cocktail that packs the punch of at least 2 standard cocktails and a model-sized but unfailingly worth-it appetizer (and if you make hungry puppy eyes you might get some bread, designer sea salt and olive-oil-of-the-moment on the house), all while wearing said musty denim. We can do so at the bar in the company of one of the stellar bartenders or, if we so choose, among the more sumptuous diners in their "just attended a fundraiser with everybody who's anybody" attire, downing bottle after bottle of Rioja as their five course meal progresses and not even appearing a little bit drunk. Even though the National is on the pricier end of the Athens resto ambit, it is appreciated by all walks of life, be they philanthropists or periodically starving artists, business persons or just regular ol' foodies, which we all kinda are these days, let's face it. Do yourself a favor and splurge here once and a while - even on their "off" days they're better than anywhere else in town (which says a lot - we have a lot of good damn food). Everything you bite into will have you asking "HOW?!?" as you practically see the light. Everything you drink will feel like the first time. Do not skip dessert (Portuguese Custards are PERFECTION if you're full but need a sweet li'l somethin'), coffee or tea. I could say more but, you know. Words.
(5)Barbara S.
Had a good first experience at the National. I had made a reservation for four and the party kept growing until there were I think 12, and they were very accommodating. The bartender was a little aloof but the cocktails were delicious. I was excited about the stuffed dates and they were tasty, though not quite the mouth party I was hoping for... actually, I'd say that about everything I tried. I had a special appetizer that turned out to be a single scallop for $12... in hindsight, the menu did say "$12 each," but still. Though that's not typical of the pricing here -- it's generally more reasonable. The service was a little clumsy -- e.g., at least three people ordered the hanger steak but with or without various ingredients, and it was a bit of an ordeal to figure out which plate went to whom. We had people with food allergies and they were quite accommodating, and they were nice enough to give us separate checks as well. All in all, it wasn't quite the polished experience I was expecting given its pedigree, but it was a nice dinner.
(4)Jodi C.
The National is my favorite place for lunch! Everything is amazing! The bartenders quickly become your best friends and everyone there makes sure you're taken care of.
(5)Colin D.
Usually, I like to visit a restaurant multiple times before reviewing, but since I don't know when I'll make it back to Athens and I really enjoyed the National, I'm breaking my rule. I visited the Friday after Christmas about noon with my parents. Somewhat naively, we supposed that the holiday week might make reservations unnecessary, and while we managed to get in, the speed at which the restaurant filled-up indicated that on our next visit we might do well to call ahead. Treating ourselves for the holiday, we really went for it and ordered drinks, appetizers, our main course and dessert. Consequently, I'll address each separately and comment on the ambiance and service. Definitely a highlight of the visit would be the cocktails. While my dad had a few beers on tap, I ordered the "Manhattan Project," an updated take on the classic with the tagline: "it's that important," and the "Choke Artist." Between the two, my personal preference leans towards the Manhattan Project, and I might go so far as to say it's my favorite cocktail I've ever had. The tea-infused rye whiskey definitely stood out to me as my favorite aspect of the beverage. The "Choke Artist" was a bitters-heavy beverage that impressed me with its complexity of flavor, but know you're in for some serious bitter flavor with this drink. Interesting--but not my favorite. My mother tried the "Mississippi Mule," and while I only tried a sip, I definitely found it tasty. For appetizers, we ordered the olives and hummus. We all thoroughly enjoyed the hummus and flatbread. The flatbread seemed almost reminiscent of tortillas rather than traditional pita. We also liked for the olives. For the main course, I ordered the shrimp and grits--an excellent choice that was the unanimous favorite of the three. There's not much to say about this dish other than emphasizing its deliciousness. The richness of the broth and the careful presentation both stand out as excellent qualities. My father ordered the special that day: pork with sweet potatoes and collards. The pork came out somewhat too tough, but the sweet potato and collard base provided an excellent base. My mother ordered the lamb. She enjoyed them, but overall, we found them to not be particularly spectacular. For dessert, we ordered the a portuguese custard tart and a chocolate/peppermint tart. I only tried a bite of each, but we found them to be a solid end to a great meal. As far as service and ambiance, we found both the host and server friendly. I loved the feel of the dining room and the cheesecloth tablecloths. The smallness of the dining room also lent a feeling of intimacy to the experience. Also, despite being nearly full when we left, I did not find the restaurant to be too loud. Overall, I would definitely recommend the National.
(4)Tripp E.
Service was great, food was great for party of 6. I had salmon nicoise (sp?) and it couldn't have been better. Hummus appetizers were very good but needed more pita which they brought. Portuguese custard was fantastic as well. Others ordered chicken salad and I believe the turkey burger and everyone loved theirs. I gave it a 4 star because it was a little expensive for lunch ( I was paying $12 average) and the menu was limited. Highly recommend though!
(4)Jen F.
I make it a point to visit this place every time I'm back in Athens. I'm never disappointed! Vegans, if you want a somewhat upscale dining option, this is definitely your place! The veggie plate is a standard menu item, with 4-5 dishes (not all vegan, but they will adapt the dishes to your needs, which is great!). The items change seasonally too, so it's not the same old same old. They usually have a vegan soup (the butternut squash with cashew-cilantro pesto was one of the best soups I've ever had) and a few vegan or veganizable small plates. Love their take on hummus, which is smooth and creamy and topped with pine nuts and sumac. And served with pillowy, delicious flat bread. They also have several wines by the glass, microbrew beers, and a seasonal specialty drink menu. Would love for them to offer some vegan lunch options... and maybe a vegan dessert option, even though I'm usually too full to even think about dessert. It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
(5)Ben N.
Having grown up in Athens in the '70s and '80s, I gotta say that it almost seems ludicrous that my hometown now has its own "celebrity chef." Back in the day, "fine dining" in Athens consisted of the Peddler Steak House, Steak and Ale, and Red Lobster. I am not frigging kidding. As both Biggie Smalls and Junior Kimbrough said, things done changed. I don't know what Hugh Acheson's role, if any, is at the National, besides being a "partner." (The guy seems to have his hands in everything now, and, with all such characters, you have to wonder if he will spread himself too thin.) But based on one lunch experience, I'd say the National is in good hands with Chef Dale, regardless of Acheson's level of involvement. So I've only been for lunch, and that's often not enough to draw a bead on what a restaurant is all about, but the general quality of the food and the attention to detail--even at lunchtime--seem to warrant at least four stars. The general Italian/Spanish orientation of the National leads to a heavy vegetable and seafood concentration and small-plates options. At lunchtime, there are a number of sandwiches, salads, and soups. The "Power Lunch," which others at the table got, is a kind of high-end veggie/salad plate that looked terrific. I ordered a "BLT" ("BHT"?) special, which was with a pan-fried haddock; the sandwich was delicious and fresh and came with a nice little side salad. Decor in the small-ish dining room qualifies as a bit of stripped-down shabby chic and is nice enough. Only complaint about the meal was that the service was a little on the inattentive side, but was otherwise competent and friendly. During a future visit I'll definitely have to get back for dinner, the menu for which indicates that the kitchen challenges itself a bit more than it does at lunch.
(4)David M.
We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday trip to Athens to see the state level science fair. For appetizers we had the stuffed dates and the goat cheese; for entrees the super bowl and the chicken salad, and for dessert we split the almond cake. We ate outside (until the rain came.) The food was excellent - fresh ingredients, wonderful flavors with spot-on pairing of flavors and textures. Entree portion sizes were generous. The warm almond cake with lemon curd and berry sorbet was to die for. The service was more attentive and friendly than you will find anywhere in Atlanta. The price was very fair for what we received. Overall highly recommended. We are already planning a return trip to Athens to visit the Botannical Gardens and re-visit The National.
(5)Robby N.
The first time I went to this place I had a really bad meal. The roasted red pepper soup was not thought out well: the additional of creme fraiche completely diffused the subtle heat in the peppers. The pizzette was completely unseasoned and mind-boggling to eat in terms of how. The olives were just that. However, on my second visit, it was much more pleasant. Particularly, the power lunch was executed very well, and the dessert, while not really the work of complex pastry chef expectations (given the reputation of the restaurant) was nicely done for what it was. Their cocktails are also nice. I have never been to this place for dinner, and I don't know if I would price-wise for the quality, but it seems when you get a good dish for lunch, it's a rather stellar meal and value.
(4)Janice R.
Not sure why there are any ratings lower than a 5 for this gem, unless it's being compared to the best in Paris or Vegas. Certainly at the top for Athens. I've been numerous times but prefer the dinner/movie specials they have on Monday and Tuesday in conjunction with Cine next door. You won't be disappointed by chef Peter Dale and The National!
(5)Theo S.
One of the best places to eat in north Georgia include anything that Atlanta has to offer. Five Stars...
(5)Joann C.
Always amazing!! Spanish chorizo, peaches, honey pizette and bread with local Georgia olive oil. If you haven't been, you should and try a movie at Cine next door. I'm Running with the Dawgs tomorrow...
(5)Chet M.
Had dinner at The National in a party of eight. Service was good and everyone enjoyed their food. The fried brussel sprouts from the starters was excellent. The Hanger steak, pork loin and chicken dishes were all very good. The wine by the glass list was small but the choices were good. I highly recommend this place,
(5)Thomas B.
Baba ghanoush with balsamic vinegar and pomegranate? YES! Lagunitas IPA? YES! Great energy and vibe. Terrific staff, eager to please. This place is a gem--glad Yelpers helped me find it.
(5)Charlotte M.
My husband and I went to The National with another couple to celebrate my birthday. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. So delicious and sophisticated. Awesome atmosphere. Thanks National for a lovely evening!
(5)Lynette B.
This was the best meal that I had during my vacation to Atlanta & Athens from the SF Bay Area. The stuffed dates were savory, salty and sweet. The shrimp and grits were SO delicious and my husband said they were the best he has ever had (and he has eaten a lot of shrimp and grits!) I had the candied lemon pie and it was a perfect finale to the meal. My mother in law had the coconut cream pudding, which was light and delicious as well. I highly recommend the National in Athens.
(5)Adina S.
I went to The National for a date, and it was wonderful. I had the Cornish game hen. It was perfectly portioned, the flavors melded together and were unusual. I felt like it was something I wouldn't get anywhere else. I also liked that most items on the menu weren't slathered in grease. The service was attentive. Would eat here again!
(4)Jonathon V.
The National is a very nice place to go for lunch. I had the shrimp and polenta, which was incredibly good. The polenta was nice and creamy, the shrimp was perfectly cooked, and it was all topped with arugula. The dessert was incredibly good as well. The only gripe I have is that it is incredibly expensive, even for lunch, and the serving sizes are not very big.
(4)Hannah Beth R.
You can tell each dish (and drink) gets a lot of attention here. Warm atmosphere, friendly, intelligent servers. It's hard to pick one restaurant in a town like Athens, but if I could only eat at one here, or had to choose just one to recommend, it'd be The National.
(5)Annie L.
Pretty typical of your overpriced restaurant. The portions aren't extremely large for the price you pay. I ordered the romaine salad for a starter...pretty crisp and delicious. For the entree I ordered the hanger steak. It was okay...but nothing that stood out to me. I can't quite recall what my friend ordered but our bill ended up being a little over $85 with a bottle of wine. That's without tip. Two entrees, a salad, and a bottle of wine for $85? I think I may have found the priciest restaurant yet in Athens. 3 stars for a cute atmosphere and awesome service.
(3)Julian T.
WOWWIE! I just had the most amazing lunch. I am traveling thru and stopped at this place based on previous rating and reviews. I totally agree with all the other Yelpers and give this place an A+++. I had the power lunch...a yummy meld of quinoa, baby carrots, kumquats, snap peas, spinach and goat cheese in a light and tasty vinaigrette....absolutely sublime! I don't rememeber the last time I enjoyed a meal this much. This chef has it going on.
(5)Mack M.
Will def be back. Hummus was middle;middle. I got the pork chops which were great and full of flavor. Wife got the vegetable plate. She liked it as well.
(4)Emily W.
The National is one of my favorite restaurants in Athens. It's a great spot for a delicious lunch at a reasonable price or a good place for a nicer dinner. You can treat it like a tapas bar and order several appetizers (I recommend the stuffed dates and patatas bravas), or the entrees are always wonderful as well. The desserts are always incredible, especially the small tarts (which are only a few dollars a piece). And don't even get me started on the delicious wines and cocktails. The service is always wonderful, too. The staff is just as excited about the great food as you are.
(5)Regan M.
Excellent restaurant and a great alternative to Five & Ten and Last Resort. I highly suggest starting the evening with "The National" cocktail - bourbon, grapefruit, ginger beer concoction and delicious at that. We started with the hummus (per everyone's recommendation and it didn't disappoint)! The Potatoes Bravos were delicious too. For the main course, I recommend the Hanger Steak and Pork Shoulder. We will definitely be back!
(5)Andrew S.
I've eaten at The National several times over the last few years, and it is consistently one of the top restaurants in Athens. The food is simply a joy to eat. Simple, clean, wonderful flavors. They always have a great cheese list, and their cocktails are fantastic. My favorite meals at The National have been a roast cornish game hen, and a braised pork dish I had a few trips ago. I'm not even a big pork fan, but this dish was divine. Perfectly cooked, with a savory and well articulated sauce that fit the dish perfectly. A trip to The National is always a treat. They often have a mid-week deal that is a prix-fix menu and a movie at Cine. It's a great deal, and a great mid-week surprise date.
(5)Richelle F.
I was taken to The National by locals and they knew their stuff! From the boquerones to the pizette, the stuffed dates and potatas bravas. Those were just the appetizers and we loved them! Their drinks are different and fun, don't miss out! The entrées were ordered family style and we shared the food, the quails were tiny, cooked to perfection, and we enjoyed every morsel, then the striped sea bass plate, the vegetable plate(OMG, so good!) and a meat plate too. The best part was that all the accompaniments were delicious. What I love about The National is that the food is prepared to best show the qualities of each product in the simplest of ways, bringing different flavours together in such ways that they marry and each plate comes together and creates a party in your mouth! Anyhow, a definite must!
(5)David Z.
Wow. I never made it to Five and Ten when I was a student in Athens, but after eating at The National I feel the need to try it. I went on a Saturday night, and the only available seating for the next hour was at the bar (there were five or more empty dining room tables, but perhaps they were missing a server). Although many of the small dishes looked good, I decided on three: the medjool dates, boquerones, and a pizzette with ground lamb. All of these dishes were fantastic. I've never had dates so tender and creamy, and I still can't figure out how they achieved a texture so smooth. The boquerones were delicate and tangy--a very nice balance. The pizzette was also quite good, and the most conventional of the three. It was my first dinner in Athens since I graduated a year and a half ago, and it will probably be my next dinner there as well.
(5)Lydia L.
When The National was opening up right next to Cine, the hype made it the go-to restaurant for the season. I've been for a couple lunches and a dinner, and each time I was hoping that the food would suddenly wow me. Sadly, it just can't compete with Five and Ten. The decor can be described with one word: simple. Open air, cute tablecloths, extremely relaxed. Ideal townie-Athens feel. Did I mention they have wine on tap? Anyway, the food is terribly expensive for the food quality and portion that you receive. It's certainly not bad food. But, I wish it could have been great. Service is on. People are friendly. If you have money to spare and might be catching a flick next door at Cine, why not try it out?
(3)Tyler B.
The food and service are amazing. The menu is small, simple, and well-executed. Whoever designs the menu doesn't over-clutter dishes with ingredients, which means that every dish must be well-balanced and each flavor stand out. The appetizers are especially interesting, and I like both the dates and the anchovies. I readily endorse The National for a casually upscale dining experience.
(5)Gene G.
One of Athens top place for elegant dining. The atmosphere is great except for the seating there is a little odd. Some of the tables are squished together so privacy and romance might be lacking with some people here, was not the case with myself. The food was great! My significant other had a flounder dish that was superb while I had a steak dish, both were great. It is a little pricey at an average cost of 20$ a plate for dinner, but it should be what you expect for the level of food. The owners of Five and Ten own this restaurants also. I would dress business casual at the least here. Here is a great date idea: On Monday and Tuesdays The National has a dinner and a movie special which includes a tapa, entre, drink and a movie ticket to the movie theater next door for 25$. The movie theater next door is really neat and actually has a full serviced bar with great prices! There I had a Guinness float (mmm mmm). At the movie theater they have two pictures showing that usually are of superb quality (we saw atonement, great flick). This theater is kind of a secret in Athens and sure to impress any date.
(5)Roman A.
Had an excellent lunch with the family. The food was fresh and delicious, and the staff very friendly. I had the shrimp and white grits, and the light flavorful sause covering it was amazing. The kids (ages 1 and 3) split a flatbread pizza, which tasted great and came out on a wood block. My wife had a mixed platter with fresh veggies, orzo, garbanzo beans, and fruit. It was incredibly delicious. The only downside to the place was that the plates were on the smaller side.
(4)Jack H.
If you like over-priced faux haute cuisine, with pretentious service in a sterile dining room that is conveniently located next door to a mission with hand outs for street people, then this place is for you. As for me, no thanks.
(1)Julie R.
My husband and I went here the other week in one our rare dinners on the town. It was ok. Everything was cooked well and was nice, but it wasn't quite the quality we were expecting. Frankly, it didn't wow us. The plates were nice and sides blended well, but did not pop. The portions were smaller than I was expecting (compared to other restaurants I've been to in the same price/quality tier). We came away sated, but not satisfied. I loved the oilcloth on the tables. The atmosphere was very nice and the staff were excellent. However, the lighting was far, far too dim. We're in our mid-twenties; this isn't old people complaining about not being able to see the menus. There is romantic low lighting and then there is dark. After I had finished half my meal, I discovered there was a salsa/relish on some of the meat. I couldn't see it well (and who remembers the menu description?), so I had assumed it was part of a different side. We did not visit the bar, but I would be interested in going back just for drinks. The wine I had was delightful and nicely priced.
(3)Jason E.
Anything you get here is going to be great. The location is what seems to be an old garage, but is now a very upscale, trendy, hippy space. The bar is as good as Highwire (Mercury Lounge) serving interesting drinks. The wait staff is always well informed of the menu. The food is always very creative, and prepared with local ingredients. I am sad that I recently moved away from Athens since it will be a while before I can eat here again. Definitely a favorite.
(5)Bobbin W.
My sister and I enjoyed a memorable dinner at the National. We sat outside, beginning our experience with Pimm's Cups and an appetizer: the medjool dates, stuffed with celery and Manchego cheese, sprinkled with paprika. The five little dates were surprisingly rich and filling. We both ordered the same entree: cod wrapped in serrano ham and then baked, surrounded by tomatoes, artichokes, chickpeas and kale. Very light and delicious. I'm not a fan of serrano ham, though, and released my cod from its porky grip, so I could completely enjoy the flaky fish. Dessert comprised the lemon creme blueberry caramel: basically a flan-like caramel substance spread with blueberries, with a lemon creme on the side. Another light treat. I just thought the server (although nice) was rather inattentive, leaving our dirty appetizer and bread plates stacked in the corner of the table for a good half-hour. But still, I think the National deserves its fantastic reputation, after experiencing it first-hand.
(4)Scott A.
The hummus was very different from most places but was most excellent as well as the rest of our food. I wish the had a greater variety of what I might consider more traditional greek food. I might consider it more of an American menu than greek.
(4)Anna J.
One of my favorite places to eat in Athens. Interesting wine list, good food and very accommodating towards vegetarians. My dad was visiting me in Athens a couple of years ago and of all the restaurants I took him to, the National and 5&10 are the only ones he remembers.
(5)dusty c.
I had a wonderful dinner with friends at The National while visiting from out of state. Our group shared several appetizers, all were excellent but everyone raved (for days after) about the dates stuffed with manchego. So simple yet such a complex and rich taste.Everything on the menu looked great, and the prices were very fair. Although I'm a confirmed carnivore, I still love vegan and vegetarian dishes. The veggie plate on the menu here is truly inspired and satisfying. I'm still craving more of the awesome red peas and rice I had, and the fried cauliflower was a surprising treat. My only complaint is that it can get kind of noisy when crowded, and seating is just a little cramped. One companion insists that it's too dark, but that is a plus in my book... I'd say "intimate lighting." Overall, I highly recommend this place!
(4)Melodie T.
My absolute favorite place to eat in Athens. Hands-down! Wine, cocktails and beers: they've got plenty of great choices. Food: I have honestly never had anything at this place that I did not like. For lunch I love to get the PowerLunch which always has a great mix of vegetarian proteins. For dinner I have been known to order 4 or more items from the Firsts section but the Seconds are always amazing too. When I actually have room for dessert I've never been let down. The best thing on the menu (in the warmer months) is the cucumber gazpacho. I grab bowls of that stuff to-go when I can't stick around! I thought I'd mention this: Some find the small space and close proximity to other diners as a problem On a busy night you can definitely get lost in the conversation of your neighboring diners and it's quite noisy but it really doesn't bother me. Outdoor seating is limited but lovely.
(5)Jessica P.
The National is definitely one of the best restaurants in town. I go for lunch pretty often, as the lunch prices are pretty standard while dinner prices are more upscale. I've never had anything bad here before. If you can't decide what to get, trust that everything on the menu is going to be good. Peter Dale is an amazing chef. I I love the pizzettes. Highly recommended for lunch or for a nice evening out.
(5)Sarah S.
I have a hard time carrying on a conversation when I eat at the National. All I want to say is "*Expletive,* this is so good!" If you are a foodie, or if you just love to eat good food, give this place a try. The atmosphere is dressy-ish at dinner, but the environment is not ostentatious at all. This restaurant is about the sincere enjoyment of great food and drink. The servers are happy to answer questions about what the ingredients are and where they came from.
(5)Janet G.
Just wanted to tell you all about the cool dinner-and-a-movie deal they have at The National. As Lydia and others mentioned, it's right next to Athens Cine (our art house theatre). For one rate, you get a prix fix dinner and a movie ticket! I think (but don't quote me on this) that it's $25. Probably your best bet if you're not sure you want to spend a lot. I think the deal's only good Mondays and Tuesdays.
(3)Kelly B.
If you want a nice meal in Athens, go to 5&10. Better quality, better service, and more interesting menu options all around. The National is pretty mediocre food at foodie prices. Not worth it. I'd say Last Resort (an ostensibly "less" foodie restaurant) is probably better for the price.
(2)William H.
I've been here for lunch a couple of times and each time it's been enjoyable and a good experience overall but nothing really exceptional. I don't associate the atmosphere with fine dining and the decor seems inappropriately shabby chic. My most recent time there was for lunch a few days ago and I was looking for something special. When we were first seated it was at a table jammed against a room divider with a nice view of the mop closet, not much more than a foot away from another couple. Our neighbors left shortly after we arrived and the mostly empty dining room felt much more open. Received a free ginger ale when the first glass had something floating in it and started with a goat cheese appetizer. The cheese was creamy and flavorful and topped with an earthy and sweet herb honey to counter the sharpness. My entree, the power lunch, was a pastiche of well thought out sides whose ingredients are known for their nutrients. I particularly enjoyed a smokey mustard based sweet potato salad with arugula and caramelized onions. The black quinoa was something I'd never had but it fell short, relatively bland with a rough, uninteresting texture. The dish overall was very tasty and built off of an interesting idea. After the meal we had an espresso that came out hot with a thick crema and a freshly baked fruit tart. It had a flaky crust and a sweet but light custard filling but it was hard to share.
(3)Lauren H.
Finally went here for my birthday and it was wonderful. I loved the sweet yet upscale interior and our waitress was great. When I wasn't sure which wine I would like to try she brought two samples out. The food was very good. It's not what I would call indulgent in terms of richness, but light and complex meals with the best ingredients possible. For an appetizer, my fiance ordered the patatas bravas which were so so good and we both ordered the trout special. For dessert we shared the red velvet cake which was more than enough for two and also very good.
(5)Shyam S.
I had been thinking about visiting this place after seeing a review in Creative Loafing a year or two ago and it did not disappoint. For one, the veggie plate may be the best I have ever seen and absolutely worth the $18 tag. I had a couple of small dishes, one with the juiciest and loveliest olives in an amazing citrus marinade and one with small anchovie sandwiches. Great food, great experience, really cute servers. Take your crush/spouse here or your parents - it's that good.
(4)Mary H.
One of the best restaurants I have eaten in a long time. Had Salmon for lunch and it was delicious. I went with a group of 4 and we all loved our meal. A great place for lunch or dinner
(5)Juan M.
Cool space. Went for a business lunch and it was hot as hell outside. Coming in, it was explained to me (and I got it) that it used to be a tire store (The National Tire Company or something like that). That whole re-using thing going on; tres cool. So, the food. Very stereotypically woman like, but it was good. I can see lots of ladies having a "luncheon" here and sitting with crossed ankles, but that's okay. I got the hummus with pita triangles; I really enjoyed them as I typically am with GF folks and get corn chips instead. The hummus had lemon juice sprinkled on it which gave it a taste I typically don't enjoy (I am a quarter Lebanese and my humus usually has garlic or tahini - not lemon) so it was a nice change. The pita appeared to be drizzled with olive oil and sea salt - very nice. For my entree, I got the peach/watercress/jamón serrano/some-kind-of-cheese-that-I'm-forgetting dish with a slab of some bruschetta like bread but bigger.. I'm not a water cress fan, but the dish was excellent. Fresh, tasty, and just right for the heat. It'd be great for the wait staff to lighten up, but they were technically very proficient.
(4)Jefferson S.
I was in Athens last week doing an event next door at CINE for my job. I had some free time before the event started and decided to stop in here for a bite to eat. Boy, was I surprised. Never being to Athens before, I was not expecting to find such a great restaurant! I am a big fan of sitting outside in the nice months and the patio was perfect for this. Service was great and very well informed on the menu. I sat on the patio and enjoyed a lemon drop martini and took in all the sites and the friendly people that spoke as they walked by... I ordered the Grilled Pork tenderloin, sweet potato-couscous,roasted local turnips, date mostarda, bacon migas and a sherry jus. The presentation of the food was amazing! Not to mention very good. I suggest taking a trip to Athens, taking in some sites, doing some antique shopping and end the day off with a lunch or dinner here... A perfect getaway.....
(4)Bob N.
Third time was not the charm for the Portuguese custard tart. No lemon zest, no flavor, soggy texture. Turkey burger was flavorful though a bit dry. Peach and chorizo pizza was quite nice.
(3)Sarah M.
I'll be the first to admit that, as a cook I am biased however, The National was my favorite restaurant long before I began working there and I consider it an honor and a privilege to both eat and cook here. Everyone knows that the National is a great place for special occasions (especially if someone else is paying) and that it is a great place to try something a little more adventurous (beef cheeks anyone?) but what many people don't know is how accommodating the National can be. Unlike many nicer restaurants in which substitutions, special requests, etc are not accepted we go above and beyond to make sure all our guests have their specific dining needs taken care of. We offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menu items and are often able to alter other dishes to fit our diner's dietary needs. Watching your sodium? Just ask your server to specify "no added salt" and we'll keep it to a minimum while still keeping your dish tasty. Of course we believe that the dishes we are creating are the best they can be as we recommend them on the menu but we understand that guests may have special needs or desires and we try to accommodate theses as much as possible. If you are a regular, we may whip up your favorite dish, even if its not on the menu that night! Seasonal, local, fresh, lush, eclectic, delicious and accommodating!
(5)Kelly R.
I had such a great time here. To start off, they were featuring an outstanding appetizer that was lamb bacon with vinaigrette, toasted dates, and caper berries. How creative! I normally don't eat lamb nor bacon, but this was such a treat. I enjoyed their cocktail selection, and had an excellent trout for dinner. I enjoyed everything down to their olive oil. It was refreshing to find a restaurant that was so innovative, and classy without being stuffy.
(5)Umesh C.
The food was okay but the price I paid for food extremely high. I was not even satisfied with my hunger and I had to pay huge money. I could have had two dinners full some of the best restaurants in Athens with a price of one in National. Not really spacious as well.
(2)Timber W.
I was a little disappointed when I tried The National. My sister and I had almond and manchego stuffed dates for an appetizer, which were wonderful. However, the server then left the empty plate on the table for the remainder of our meal. For our entrees, we both had the cod special. I love cod, but the serrano ham within which it was wrapped was too thick and overpowering for the fish. Also, the medley of chickpeas, artichokes, and tomatoes didn't quite suit my palate. Had the service been better, I would be more complimentary of the overall experience. I may try it again some day with more careful choice of my entree.
(3)J D.
Having had lunch here many times and really enjoying the food and atmosphere, we were very excited to finally have the opportunity to dine here for the Dinner and a Movie special. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations which are based upon our collective 33 years of fine dining restaurant industry experience. The apps were ok. When the entrees came out however, they were overcooked and bland. While we picked at them and tried to make the most of it, it was obvious we weren't thrilled with our meal. The not attentive waitstaff apparently did not notice our disappointment or did not care and never came over to check on how things were. If they had, we would have let them know the cod was overcooked and rubbery. When the plates were cleared and 2 of the entrees were only half eaten, this would have been another opportunity to check on us. Still, there was silence. Desserts were pretty good but nothing amazing. Hopefully one can't mess up creme brulee and a brownie with ice cream. The check was then paid and when it was returned to sign, it was dropped silently with nary a thank you or good night. Another person did come by and say thanks as we were leaving but we had already declared the meal "lame" and left feeling let down after all the hype of dinner at The National. Luckily, the movie (The Guard) was hilarious.
(2)Ullrich M.
The dorata was panfried to perfection, the veggie plate ezxceptional. The helpings don't look big but are entirely satisfying.
(5)Phin S.
Great place. Really fun, different food that is a pleasure to eat. Good service, a great time in general. Very expensive (for a college student), I go only on special occasions, but if you are looking for a nice place for a fancy schmancy dinner, this is the place to go.
(4)Bob P.
Outstanding food and service. We had a great lunch at The National. This is the sister restaurant to Hugh Acheson's Five & Ten.
(4)Stephen M.
This place is really good. Owned by the same chef as five and ten. They kitchen can make you up vegan dishes even if none are on the menu for that day.
(5)Amber H.
We made reservations on a monday night... (not needed) service was on point. working in a spanish restaurant I was familiar with the menu. I was with my 5 other people (only one of them is laid back) I took charge. everything was great. wine list was simple and large. lots of glass pours! being on a food vacation from NYC on down the coast this is one of the only restaurants that actually asked if we were enjoying everything! just the question alone makes me happy! we are in your house. take care of us. all in all I was extremely happy. clean. cool. comfortable. music could have been playing. thanks National
(4)Rachael L.
Ok, I must start this off by noting that this is the one and only restaurant I have been to in the US that understands that dining can be an evening-long experience. My friends and I spent maybe 3 or 4 hours at this restaurant, ordering round after round of food and splitting it, wine and more wine and beer and conversation. It was a wonderful evening, in part due to the company, but also in part the quality of the food, the atmosphere, and the service. I would definitely go back to the National if I lived in Athens. Its not just about the food or the atmosphere, though both are great...its about the entire experience of sharing a meal with friends. And the folks at the national seem to get that.
(5)Tonia D.
Finally had a chance to go to The National and it was for lunch with a small group (5 people in our party). The current lunch menu isn't very deep, but the variety offered is impressive. The table started with hummus and the goat cheese with lavender honey. I must say that I fully expect to have dreams about the later until we meet again. I opted for the bowl of greens & tomato soup, which featured potatoes, ham, and onions. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but whatever it was, I wasn't prepared for the deliciousness that I received. Together with my pomegrante limeade fizz, it was the perfect, refreshing summertime lunch. It was very filling, but not overly so. Everyone in our party was quite pleased with their selection, which included the cucumber gazpacho, summer pizzette, turkey burger, and ham and cheese sandwich. I can't wait to go again and try some of the other fabulous dishes!
(5)Jason L.
Enjoyed a really fantastic meal at the National. HIGHLY recommend this place if you find yourself in Athens, GA.
(4)Taylor R.
A meal worthy of a special night. The wait staff was great and the atmosphere modern. The noise level was high but it encourages you to lean in and be close to your party. The Kaleidescope coctail was perhaps the most delightful drink I've had in years...bright and potent. Appetizers and the entrees were decadent and perfectly balanced. Offerings for every palate and very reasonable prices for the quality. Could not recomment The National more highly for a great evening out.
(5)Luj W.
This place is simply fabulous. Our entire experience was so wonderful, from the time we called for reservations until the end of our meal.
(5)james b.
Great food, superb service. Can be crowded and would recommend reservations.
(5)Rachel N.
Whether you're looking to woo clients or a girl, The National will do the trick. Hands down the nicest restaurant I've eaten at in Athens, and I've been to most of them. The entrees are unique, well thought out, and skillfully prepared. The menu has an excellent and varied selection of "snackies," tapas, first courses, second course entrees, and desserts. The wine list is on par with the menu and one of the most impressive I've seen in Athens. The staff knowledgeable and attentive. The food is expensive for Athens (still only averaging $20 am entree) but well worth it for service received.
(5)Georgia B.
This is our favorite restaurant in Athens. We live in the area and enjoy many of the great restaurants here, but this is the best. Had dinner last night with family and had a wonderful meal. The menu constantly changes and we have never been disappointed. The service is wonderful: attentive, pleasant and never makes us feel rushed. We enjoyed some delicious wines by the glass, appetizers of stuffed peppers and hummus plate, seafood stew, special fish of the evening, duck and pork loin. Finished with a variety of great desserts. Everybody left full and happy.
(5)Gin B.
Wanted to check out the food of a James Beard winner (why is he in Athens???). I'm a bit of a food snob so I really had my doubts that Athens could be home to a "fancy" dining experience. Went for lunch as it was the only time I had. If soups really make a chef, than Acheson deserves his accolades. We tried both (only $3!) that were on the menu and was shocked by how amazing they were. The sandwich was decent. I meant to order the ham and cheese but accidentally ordered the vegetable. Deserts were simple and delicious. I have to say the sangria was something awful and made me glad I did not order the hummus as an appetizer. The waitress recommended both claiming them to be divine but I knew no hummus could beat Lebanese Taverna's. Apparently no sangria can beat Jaleo's. I'll try again for the simple fact that the price is amazing. I know this is Athens and I'm always amazed out how inexpensive food is there. Relative to my mainstay DC restaurants this place is a steal!
(4)