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Have a meal at Yamas for a trip to Greece without leaving Austin

New Allandale restaurant Yamas invites you to experience its ‘filoxenia’ hospitality, the Greek tradition of making a stranger into a friend.

An overhead view of blue dishes filled with a marouli salad, grilled octopus, and Greek meatballs.

We enjoyed a taste of the Greek meatballs, grilled octopus, a marouli salad.

Photo by ATXtoday

Did you know “yamas” is the Greek word for “cheers?” If you didn’t, you do now.

Located in Allandale at 5308 Balcones Dr., Yamas Greek Kitchen and Bar is built on a few core staples of Hellenic hospitality: “kefi,” which loosely translates to “good vibes,” and “yamas,” a toast to good health.

Husband-and-wife owners Chris and Roxie Nikolakos want the coastal spot to invoke “filoxenia,” the Greek concept of making a stranger a friend.

The restaurant officially opened Saturday, June 10. Here’s what we recommend:

  • A Medusa margarita, which is fruity and a little spicy
  • The marouli salad, with dill and feta crumbles
  • Some spring roll moussaka, which is served with a feta bechamel
  • The keftedakia, or meatballs in a cumin tomato sauce
  • The grilled octopus, which is served with black lentils

Don’t forget to say “yamas,” while you’re there.

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