Mario's - Columbus

Without a doubt, this is the best homemade Greek food in all of Columbus and perhaps even the entire country! My husband and I stumbled upon this gem by chance and decided to give it a try, not expecting it to be this amazing. The restaurant had a small sign and was located up a flight of stairs, while all the other main eateries were on the ground level of the main street. However, we were absolutely blown away! It was one of the most delicious meals we've had at any restaurant since moving here over thirteen years ago. The owner handles all the cooking herself, using fresh ingredients and her own tried-and-true recipes. She is a delightful and friendly host, making us feel like we were enjoying a meal prepared by our own mother. If I could give it ten stars, I absolutely would because her cooking was that exceptional! If you find yourself in Columbus, Georgia, this is a must-visit place to eat!

My first experience at this restaurant was disappointing; the waitress nearly pressured us into ordering more expensive entrees. During my second visit, the service was very slow, and it took quite a while for our food to arrive. Finally, on my third visit, I called ahead to confirm their hours, but they were closed when I arrived. It’s frustrating because this is the only Arab restaurant in Columbus, and I really enjoy the food. I believe that people from this region are typically very hospitable. While I would rate the food quality as an A-, the service has been lacking, so I cannot recommend this place.

Our meal was fantastic. We arrived at 1:50 PM, and they immediately seated us and offered outstanding service. The lamb shank was tender and seasoned perfectly, complementing the yellow rice beautifully. I ordered a combination of shish kebab, chicken kebab, and keta, and it was incredible as well! The spanakopita was delicious too!