Review of the Parthenon Greek Restaurant in Tarpon Springs, Florida

Although I've lived in Tampa for seven years, I have never ventured to the heart of Tarpon Springs, which I've been told is one of the best ways to spend a lazy weekend day. After this past Sunday, I'm very glad I did.

Two of my girlfriends and I went out to Howard Park, a wonderful beach near Tarpon Springs. We worked up quite an appetite from splashing around and tanning, so we headed into town, walking down the streets and soaking in the lovely Greek culture. As we passed the many colorful stores and smelled the Greek cuisine, we happened upon the Parthenon - what we thought was just another one of the many Greek restaurants Tarpon Springs had to offer. Despite this, we decided to go in.

When we got inside, we were greeted by a gentleman who joked with us and made us feel very at ease. He showed us to our table and we admired the simple artwork that made the restaurant very quaint and pleasing to be in. We sat, looked the menu, and marveled at the variety of foods they offered. We sat directly across from the dessert case, so we also admired their wide array of sweet treats -- especially their baklava. It took some time for our waitress to come to our table, and she was very obviously authentic Greek. She was very hospitable and took our drink orders, but after that the service was a bit slow. My friends and I took quite a while to decide on what we wanted -- everything sounded so good!

When our waitress came back, I ordered the gyro platter, and my two friends each ordered a Greek salad and chicken fingers, respectively. It seemed to take an exceptionally long time for us to get our food was we watched everyone around us be served with heaping plates of Greek cuisine. The wait was well worth it, however, when our waitress brought out our food. Stacked on my plate was a pile of lamb and beef with delicious pita bread, rice pilaf, green beans, potatoes, a yogurt dipping sauce, and a fresh cut piece of watermelon. All of that for under $12! We were all extremely pleased with the food that was brought to us.

Everything we had was flavorful and fresh, and presented on extremely cute painted plates. Our waitress continued to check up on us throughout the meal, always very cordial and accommodating to us when we needed our check split three ways, etc. Though the service was a little slow, the quality of it surely picked up for the lack of progress.

Combined, our dinners came out to under $30, somewhat of a feat for many restaurants around Tampa and Tarpon Springs. The restaurant was clean, the staff very hospitable, and the food absolutely to die for. If you're in the mood for rich Greek food full of flavor for a good value in Tarpon Springs, the Parthenon is definitely the place to go. My friend, who is a Greek food enthusiast, said it was better than even the more-popular Greek restaurant, The Acropolis, in Tampa, and that is saying a lot. If you have a lazy Sunday to spend soaking in Greek culture and amazing food, be sure to stop by this quaint restaurant in Tarpon Springs! I know I will definitely be going back.