A lot of people come to Athens and think the extent of “fine dining” begins and ends at the Ohio University Inn. While Cutler’s Restaurant is a good place to dine, it isn’t all that there is in terms of “white tablecloth” establishments. If you are coming to Athens and want to experience fine dining, let me introduce you to some of our favorites. Of course, you need to know that fine dining is a relative concept. In a college town, fine dining often means the place you’ll have the parents take you and your friends when they are in for a visit. Or a special date night restaurant when you are trying to impress a special someone.
Zoë Fine Dining is located on West State Street at the intersection where State Street splits East/West and College Street. Some alumni may recognize this area as the former Greyhound Bus Station and Magic Video block. Zoë is a New American establishment that puts its own twist on classic and international dishes. For those with special dietary restrictions, Zoë is great about special accommodations including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other requests. The menu relies on local and fresh ingredients and changes at least seasonally if not more frequently. Some of our favorites include the grilled artichoke for an appetizer, chopped salad, and Flatiron steak or Chicken Paprikash for entrées when available. The full bar mixes excellent cocktails and the wine list is both decently priced and stocked with well known choices. Desserts have always been good when we save room; we especially used to like the chocolate soufflé when offered, but it hasn’t been on the menu for a while. (Is this a plea for it to make a comeback?) Parking here can be a bit tricky since it’s all street parking.
Restaurant Salaam is one of our favorite restaurants. It’s warm and inviting with colorful tablecloths, floors covered in Turkish rugs, and enough lighting to read the menu and still not feel like you’re under a spotlight. You will find Salaam on West Washington Street about half a block up from the Courthouse and next to Donkey Coffee. The menu is heavily influenced by Mediterranean flavors with flavorful weekly specials. Warm bread is served with a plate of olive oil and harissa. Salaam has a number of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners. Some of our favorites are the Shish Tawook, chicken marinated in yogurt/lemon/garlic and served with rice; Lamb Kabob, chunks of lamb marinated and grilled to perfection served with rice and grilled vegetables; and you can never go wrong with a traditional Gyro. You will likely be enticed to order a slice of Limoncello cake or flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. Street parking is available or take advantage of the City of Athens parking garage down one block.
Cirò Italian Kitchen and Bar is the Italian restaurant Athens has been searching for since Sylvia’s closed. [Sylvia’s was a BELOVED Athens dining establishment This is a great place to have dinner on a special date, when the parents are in town, or just because you are craving a taste of Italy. We usually like to start with the classic spinach dip. Entrée favorite for us include the Penne & Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and Chicken Parmesan. A full bar is available with seating. In addition to the dining room, Cirò also has outdoor seating seasonally. Parking is available in a lot next to the restaurant or on the street.
But Cirò isn’t the only good Italian restaurant in Athens. Tavolino is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves made from scratch meals on Friday and Saturday nights with a curated four-course menu. The interior is intimate and can only hold a small number of diners. Reservations are essential. The dining experience is like being at a close friends house for a dinner party. Emily, the chef-owner, makes sure that everyone is taken care of. A fun element is that this is a BYO restaurant – so bring your own bottle(s) of wine and enjoy the meal.
Purple Chopstix has been part of the Athens dining scene for over 30 years. But I’m still surprised at how many people have never been here to eat or even know about it. Perhaps all the local Athenians just want to keep it to themselves. However, I’d encourage you to check it out. The eclectic menu includes everything from nachos to crepes to curries and pastas. And it’s good. Situated just a few doors down from the OU Inn on Richland Avenue, Purple Chopstix has a colorfully decorated indoor dining space and several tranquil dining spots on outdoor decks overlooking a creek. There is no bar service, but you are permitted to BYO.
Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn is a constant in Athens. It has recently undergone a renovation that brightened and opened the space up. Some of our favorites include the chopped salad, Athens Block Chicken, and Shrimp-n-Grits. You can also dine in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern and make selections from the Tavern menu which includes lighter fare including sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads as well as the full dinner menu.
Now if you feel a little adventurous and willing to drive a few miles outside of Athens, we can recommend Rhapsody Music & Dining in Nelsonville. Located on Nelsonville’s historic Public Square, Rhapsody is an outpost of nearby Hocking College’s culinary arts program. Offering an eclectic menu with choices ranging from fried calamari appetizer to entrees such as stuffed portobello mushroom (vegetarian), blackened salmon, pastas, steak frites, and even burgers. Rhapsody also offers full bar service along with live music on select nights.
In the words of Julia Child, which I just binge watched on HBOMax, Bon Appétit! If you’re looking for casual dining, read our post on Where to Grab A Quick Lunch. Or if you’re looking for a spot for after dinner, check out Let’s Shuffle: A Complete Guide to Uptown Bars.
