Yamas Greek Kitchen and Bar Reviews

It was a really bad experience and most of all the service was horrible. I really want to like this place because it’s in the neighborhood, but they are clearly in over their heads. Hope they can figure it out.

This place is outstanding. It was quite busy and I made a reservation, but it was for outside and it was still boiling hot so my family was a little cranky about sitting outdoors. The hostess offered us an end of the "community" or "family" table which sits in the center of the indoor seating. We happily accepted. It was wonderful to sit in the center of everything. We had calamari, cheese saganaki, mussels, the scallop special and chicken souvlaki. We also had a wonderful dessert that was a custard coated in puff pastry, honey, cinnamon and sugar. Everything we ate was delicious. The atmosphere was bright, cool and energetic. The staff was attentive and helpful. We cannot wait to visit again. Highly highly highly recommend!

Recently opened Greek restaurant close to Mopac in Central Austin. Welcoming greeting and delightfully friendly staff from start to finish. Truly great menu, legit Greek food, and lots of variety on a menu with lots of starters and entrees. Sat inside. Lots of people at the bar and at tables. But, did not feel too crowded, had an energetic vibe. Outside dining looked inviting (on a cooler day). My wife and I had the zucchini pancakes. Perfectly cooked (fried), creamy inside). Taste treat, and left us wanting more. Really — and I am usually ambivalent regarding zucchini. Tuna tartare, with avocado, gets an A+ for the presentation snd flavor. Grilled octopus, charred slightly and tender, was accompanied by a really smooth, light, but refreshingly yummy lemony sauce. Whole grilled branzino was a fresh-tasting, slightly garlicky, dish. Yes please. Baklava for desert was sweet (but not too sweet), flaky deliciousness. Roxie (see photo) an owner, engaged us in conversation, and was charming in an authentically friendly, eager to please way. Thanks for taking the time to visit with us Roxie! This was a really really really good dining experience — and, restaurant staff are well-trained, seemed to be focused on giving the guests a pleasurable and memorable Greek meal in a fun, we must be in a Greek/Mediterranean locale sort of way, that my wife and I want to return to … soon. Best Greek dining experience we’ve had in Austin. Nicely done!

Bad: Cramped, loud music, "Egg Eyes on Potatoes" tasted horrible, overpriced. Good: Some of my friends liked their dishes, the girls liked the "aesthetic" of the building, the waiter was friendly and polite.

The best Greek food we have ever had and the amazing service that we experienced was so good that we could give the 10stars if we could . A must visit while in Austin.

Just had dinner at a brand new restaurant in central Austin. It was amazing. The atmosphere makes you feel like you have stepped onto a Greek island. Service is warm and friendly, like you’re part of their family. But the best part was the food. We had zucchini pancakes, grilled calamari on a beautiful bed of pickled vegetables, whole branzino and a rice and spinach side, along with a wonderful Greek dry white wine, excellent suggestion by our waiter. The menu is extensive, you’ll be certain to find something you love. Fun cocktail list, raw bar, off the beaten path location, yet within 15 minutes from downtown Austin or the Domain if you’re staying up there to catch an Austin FC game. Definitely add this to your list of must check out restaurants!

My wife ate here with some friends a few nights ago, and thought the chicken soup was fantastic. She was right! Did takeout, that she picked up for dinner. Full of chicken, with a nice, slightly lemon flavor, a real treat! Clearly hearty enough with enough protein to be a meal.

The BEST Greek restaurant in Texas! A must not miss when in Austin. The atmosphere and decor are breathtaking and take you right to Greece. The food selection offers something for everyone. Every dish we tasted and there were a lot, was off the chart delicious! Be sure to make a reservation because every table was full until the minute they closed. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a terrific magician. Yamas!

Absolutely my favorite restaurant in Texas. Magical atmosphere, the best service, wonderful food and great cocktails. We came fro an early 6PM dinner and left at 10:30PM! The perfect evening!!!!

STUNNING interior but I hate to say that I think Yamas is a little overhyped (and that's coming from someone who LOVES trying new Austin restaurants). It's aesthetically pleasing and the food was pretty good but definitely overpriced for what it is and the service leaves some to be desired. PROS: - Fantastic ambiance... you feel like you're in Santorini - Hostesses were very pleasant and welcoming... we arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time and got seated immediately - Server did a great job explaining the menu and making recommendations - Good portion sizes - Plenty of staff available to run food and clear tables quickly CONS: - Pricey... food quality was good but each dish still seemed a little overpriced - I had an empty water glass on multiple occasions... every other table had a water carafe except ours (we eventually asked for one to be brought after waiting about 10 minutes to get our servers attention to get water refilled) - There were almost TOO many staff members around... there were times when they were clearing plates as soon as you took the last bite and it seemed a little too quick of a turnaround (plus the fact that they never noticed we were out of water or offered to bring any) - The magic show (yes, you read that correctly)... I am still really confused by this. Magic is cool and all, but it just doesn't fit at this kind of restaurant (especially if you're going to charge higher-end prices and want to be upscale). We asked our server about it and she told us it's only on weekends and the guy who performs the magic is "family"... I really hope they make this little act "disappear" because it felt extremely cheesy and really cheapened the feel of the place. Spanakopita (8/10) - These were really tasty! The phyllo was super flaky and the tzatziki that came with it was DELICIOUS! The best we've had since being in Greece! But, at $16 for 2 pieces... it was a little expensive so I probably wouldn't get it again. Moussaka (8/10) - I LOVE moussaka and get it whenever a Greek restaurant offers it because it isn't something I typically make at home. This was a great portion size and was presented beautifully with the garnish on top. It was sweeter than a typical moussaka but I really enjoyed it and would order it again. Seafood Youvetsi (7/10) - This was my husband's dish so I only had a bite but he said it didn't "wow" him. He wanted more of the lobster bisque flavor but it was only poured lightly on top so the dish was mostly orzo with tomato sauce and some seafood sprinkled in. Again, overpriced for what it is and probably wouldn't get it again. Lemon potatoes (6/10) - We ordered lemon potatoes but our server must have heard "fried potatoes" because we were brought french fries initially... our server swapped them out for the lemon potatoes. They were fine, but nothing special... basically boiled potato wedges with some lemon flavor. I don't think I'd get these again. If I could give half stars, I'd probably give Yamas 3.5/5 stars mostly due to price, subpar service, and adequate food. What really saves it is the beautiful decor... overall, I'm happy we tried it but I don't think we'll rush to come back.

I purchased a $100 Restaurant.com gift certificate to Yamas, but when I arrived they refused to honor it. Both the waiter and the manager told me this has been a problem for other customers, yet they continue to let people show up with them. Instead of taking responsibility or resolving it, I was told it was my problem. Disappointing enough experience that I won't be returning.

Fabulous food! Greek food outside of Greece is both rare in authenticity and quality, Yamas fulfills both in admirable fashion. Our party of four found all course delicious. The baklava could be improved, but I was please to hear that a pastry chef was on his way from Greek. Austin in in for a treat as there are many oher Greek dessert delicacies that are not overly sweet. It well deserved to be in the Austin American Statesman's Top 20 List of 2023 Restaurants!