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  2. Cafe Athena Menu with Prices 2026 (United States)

Cafe Athena Menu with Prices 2026 (United States)

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$10.12 Average Item Price

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You are viewing prices confirmed by PriceListo at the following Cafe Athena location:
1846 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA, 92109, US 1(858) 274-1140

On the Cafe Athena menu, the most expensive item is Shawarma, which costs $22.25. The cheapest item on the menu is Side of Tzatziki, Skordalia or Tahini, which costs $1.40. The average price of all items on the menu is currently $10.12.

View the Cafe Athena menu prices list below for the most accurate and up-to-date menu prices. We aggregate data from 2 Cafe Athena locations in our database to create the most accurate list of Cafe Athena prices. Don't rely on outdated price data. We update our database frequently to ensure that the prices are as accurate as possible.

Cafe Athena is a long-standing restaurant in Pacific Beach, San Diego, specializing in authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Founded by Tony Farah in 1990 as a cozy 20-seat taverna, the family-run establishment has grown into a modern restaurant with a full bar, now managed with his son, Joe. Popular menu items include the Gyros Plate, the flaming Saganaki cheese appetizer, and Moussaka. Dinner entrees range in price from $20 for the Spinach Pastitsio to $33 for the Moroccan Sea Bass.

Cafe Athena restaurant provides a lively and modern atmosphere while honoring its traditional roots, a quality that has earned it numerous awards from Zagat and San Diego Magazine. A key feature is the daily Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering discounted small plates and drinks. Cafe Athena also has a Birthday Club, which sends members an email with a special surprise on their birthday that is redeemable for up to 30 days. 

Cafe Athena accommodates various dietary needs with a selection of marked vegan dishes, such as Hummos and the Imam Bayildi entree, and many gluten-free options like the Kebab Plates. The restaurant offers dine-in service, takeout, and delivery through its website and third-party platforms. Customer reviews consistently praise the authentic and high-quality Greek food, the beautiful ambiance, and the warm service. The outdoor seating area at Cafe Athena is pet-friendly.

Cafe Athena Menu

What is Cafe Athena Most Famous For?

Cafe Athena is most famous for its authentic Greek and Mediterranean food, serving the Pacific Beach community in San Diego since 1990. The restaurant, founded by Tony Farah and now run with his son Joe, is known for its homemade dishes, warm hospitality, and a commitment to Mediterranean tradition. What distinguishes Cafe Athena is its evolution from a cozy 20-seat taverna to a modern restaurant with a full bar, while maintaining its roots in quality and flavor. The establishment has received numerous awards over the years, including being named the best Greek restaurant by Zagat, San Diego Magazine, and the San Diego Union-Tribune.


What are the Most Popular Signature Items on the Cafe Athena Menu?

Several standout dishes are featured on the Cafe Athena menu, including the Gyros Plate, the Chicken Kebab Plate, and the theatrical flaming cheese appetizer, Saganaki. Below is a list of other favored selections at Cafe Athena.

  • Gyros Plate: Rotisserie-broiled slices of seasoned beef and lamb are served with ratatouille, rice pilaf, warm pita, tomato, onion, and tzatziki.
  • Chicken Kebab Plate: Skewers of marinated chicken breast are char-broiled with mushroom, onion, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and served with ratatouille, rice pilaf, and tzatziki.
  • Saganaki: Vlahotiri, a Greek sheep cheese, is sautéed in olive oil, flamed tableside with brandy, and served with pita bread.
  • Moussaka: A baked casserole of seasoned ground leg of lamb is layered with eggplant and zucchini, then topped with a béchamel sauce, swiss, and vlahotiri cheese.
  • Bourekia: Rolls of crispy filo pastry are filled with seasoned ground leg of lamb and caramelized onion, then sprinkled with powdered sugar.
  • Feta Bruschetta: Valbresso sheep cheese, tomatoes, basil, mint, and garlic are baked on sourdough with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.


What Drinks and Beverages Can You Have at Cafe Athena?

The beverage program at Cafe Athena centers on a full bar offering handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a selection of craft beers. The cocktail menu features creative drinks named after Greek mythological figures, while the wine list includes both Greek imports and Californian favorites. 

  • Specialty Cocktails: The menu includes signature drinks like the Athena, made with Tito's vodka and St-Germain, Poseidon’s Margarita with El Jimador tequila, and Nyx's Espresso Martini with Grey Goose vodka.
  • Wine: A curated wine list features Greek wines like Amethystos Rouge and Kourtaki Retsina, alongside Californian selections from wineries such as Daou, Caymus, and Rombauer.
  • Beer: The bar serves draft beers from local breweries like AleSmith and Ballast Point, as well as bottled beers including the Greek lager Mythos.
  • Spirits & Liqueurs: A selection of Greek spirits is available, including Ouzo Barbayanni and Kleos Mastiha liqueur.
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages: The menu includes soft drinks, lemonade, freshly brewed iced tea, coffee, and juices.


What is the Cheapest Meal on the Cafe Athena Menu?

The cheapest individual entrees on the Cafe Athena dinner menu are the Spinach Pastitsio and the Imam Bayildi, priced at $20. The Spinach Pastitsio is a baked casserole of penne pasta, spinach, and pesto topped with a béchamel sauce. The Imam Bayildi is an Italian eggplant stuffed with raisins, walnuts, tomatoes, and herbs, baked in a tomato sauce.

What is the Most Expensive Meal on the Cafe Athena Menu?

The most expensive individual meal on the Cafe Athena menu is the Moroccan Sea Bass, which costs $33. This entree features a stone-oven baked filet of sea bass served with lemon-herb grilled vegetables, chermoula sauce, and rice pilaf.

What are the Healthiest Meals on the Cafe Athena Menu?

Cafe Athena offers nutritious meal choices like the Chicken Kebab Plate, the Cretan Salmon, and the Horiatiki salad. The Chicken Kebab Plate features skewers of lean, char-broiled chicken breast and vegetables. The Cretan Salmon is a stone-oven baked filet of Atlantic salmon seasoned with lemon-pepper and dill. The Horiatiki is a traditional villager salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, feta, and olives in a vinaigrette dressing.

How Often Does Cafe Athena Offer Special Offers?

Cafe Athena offers a daily Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for dine-in guests. The Happy Hour menu features discounted small plates, such as Hummus for $4.50 and a Gyros side for $8. It also includes drink specials, with select cocktails priced at $10, draft beers for $7, and wine by the glass for $8.

Does Cafe Athena Have a Loyalty Program?

Yes, Cafe Athena has a Birthday Club. Members who sign up receive an email with a special surprise on their birthday, which can be redeemed up to 30 days after. The club also sends out other "un-birthday" surprises throughout the year and may send a thank-you surprise for joining.

Does Cafe Athena Offer Family Meal Bundles?

Specific family meal bundles are not listed on the regular menu at Cafe Athena. The restaurant’s off-premise catering menu provides Prix Fixe Buffet options for groups of 10 or more, serving as a suitable alternative.

Does Cafe Athena Offer Vegan Options?

Yes, Cafe Athena offers a number of vegan dishes, including Hummos, Baba Ghannouj, and Yalanji. The Hummos is a classic spread of chickpeas and sesame sauce, while the Baba Ghannouj is made from char-broiled eggplant. Yalanji are grape leaves filled with rice, tomato, mint, and pomegranate molasses, served chilled. The Imam Bayildi entree, a stuffed Italian eggplant, is also a vegan choice.

Does Cafe Athena Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Cafe Athena provides many gluten-free menu items, such as the Kebab Plates, Keftedes, and Moroccan Sea Bass. The Kebab Plates feature char-broiled skewers of beef or chicken with vegetables. Keftedes are baked beef meatballs in a tomato-herb sauce. The Moroccan Sea Bass is a stone-oven baked filet. Many spreads and salads are also gluten-free. The kitchen is a shared space, so individuals with high sensitivity should mention their dietary needs to the staff.

Is Cafe Athena Pet-Friendly?

Yes, Cafe Athena is pet-friendly. At its location at 1876 Grand Ave in San Diego, pets are welcome to join guests at the outdoor dining tables, and the staff will provide a water bowl.

Can You Order Ala Carte in Cafe Athena?

Yes, the entire menu at Cafe Athena is available for à la carte ordering, with prices ranging from $9 for appetizers like Hummos to over $30 for specialty entrees like the Moroccan Sea Bass.

What Other Services Does Cafe Athena Offer?

Cafe Athena provides several services including dine-in, takeout, and a full bar with a daily happy hour. The restaurant also offers extensive catering services, a Birthday Club for special offers, and sells gift cards in denominations of $25, $50, $100, and $200.

Does Cafe Athena Offer Catering Services?

Yes, Cafe Athena offers comprehensive catering services for events like office luncheons and weddings. The menu includes four Prix Fixe Buffet options, such as the "Alpha" menu at $20.95 per person for a minimum of 10 people. An extensive A La Carte menu allows for customized orders with items available by the pound, dozen, or pan. For example, Hummus is available for $12.50 per pound, Dolmades are $15.50 per dozen, and a half pan of Moussaka costs $69. Event staff, including servers and bartenders, are available at an hourly rate, and a 50% deposit is required for large events.

Can You Rent Cafe Athena for Private Occasions?

Yes, Cafe Athena accommodates private parties and group dining for ten or more guests. Arrangements can be made by contacting a restaurant manager to discuss customizing a menu and receive a quote for the in-house dining experience.

Does Cafe Athena Do House Delivery?

Yes, Cafe Athena does house delivery directly through its website and through multiple third-party platforms, including Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Toast.

How are the Reviews for Customer Experience at Cafe Athena?

Online reviews for Cafe Athena describe it as a delightful hidden gem tucked away in a strip mall. Customers consistently praise the delicious, authentic, and flavorful food, with entrees like the chicken kabob plate and papoutsakia receiving high marks. The ambiance is noted as being lovely, modern, and upscale, making it a great spot for a date night. The staff, including servers like Laura, are frequently described as kind, attentive, and providing rock star service. The restaurant is also commended for its cleanliness, generous portion sizes, and incredible happy hour.

Who are the Top Competitors of Cafe Athena?

Key competitors for Cafe Athena consist of national restaurant chains that provide a themed casual dining experience. A list of these competitors follows.

  • BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Known for its extensive menu, signature Pizookie dessert, and in-house craft beers, BJ's competes for a broad casual dining audience.
  • California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): California Pizza Kitchen offers a modern take on global flavors with a menu of innovative pizzas, pastas, salads, and bowls.
  • Yard House: With a massive selection of draft beers and a very large menu of American fusion dishes, Yard House is a major competitor for group and evening diners.
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