The National in Downtown Athens: A Must-Try Mediterranean Restaurant

Tucked away in downtown Athens, The National invites guests on a culinary journey through Europe- focusing on Mediterranean cuisine and a Southern twist. This cozy, fine-dining gem has been a local staple since 2007, drawing everyone from regulars and University of Georgia game-day visitors to college students dining with their families. With a welcoming staff, relaxed ambiance, and a menu that always keeps you guessing, it’s no wonder so many keep coming back for more.

The National’s menu changes every four to five weeks, offering guests the opportunity to try something new while keeping the menu fresh. Whether it’s their food or cocktails, they love to play with classics and reinvent them. Still, select dishes and drinks remain on the menu and have been there since day one. The rotating options and focus on seasonality make this restaurant a must-try spot. They work closely with local farmers, ensuring their dishes incorporate vegetables at their peak- making a noticeable difference. Unsurprisingly, their power lunch and vegetable plate at dinner are ranked among their top dishes and are favorites of General Manager and Owner Erin Wilson. 

Interior (left) and Power lunch (right). Photos By: Erin Wilson

Anything guests order is guaranteed to be spectacular. However, the following are some dinner standouts. Their dinner delivers the trifecta: a delicious starter, a hearty main course, and a decadent dessert. 

Patatas Bravas (left), Grilled Pork Chop (middle), and Apple Basque Cake (right). Photos By: Mariana Mejia

A must-try tapa is their Patatas Bravas. Directly translated from Spanish, it means “angry potatoes,” but you will only be upset if you don’t order them. These once-boiled, twice-fried potatoes have the perfect texture with their creamy interior and crunchy exterior. They’re then topped with a tomato-based sauce and an in-house aioli that ties the dish together. The balance of texture and taste warms your palate for the other amazing upcoming flavors. 

When it comes to entrées, the Grilled Pork Chop is a popular dish for good reason. It’s perfectly tender, easy to cut into, and extremely flavorful. Topped with a pepita-hazelnut-golden raisin crunch and accompanied by crispy sweet potatoes with black cardamom honey, broccolini, and red onion, the dish creates a harmonious balance of flavors in your mouth. 

But the dessert is what really seals the deal. The National’s Basque cake will leave you dreaming about it days after you’ve eaten it (because I know I still am). This cake feels homey and refined, with an extraordinary consistency and flavor. The apple butter fruit flavor melds perfectly with the rest of the cake, and it’s paired with vanilla gelato, whipped cream, and two slices of apples. Amazing. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness- not overwhelming, just right. The current version is an Apple Basque Cake, but they change the fruit to reflect the season. 

The National is the kind of place that everyone should indulge in when they’re in Athens. The flavor and freshness of the food take it to another level. It’s remarkable in every regard. You have to try the phenomenal, out-of-this-world food. Book your reservation now- you won’t want to miss this must-try restaurant.