“Yamas” - the Greek toast exclamation and now the name of one of Austin’s Best Restaurants, both celebrating life, health, and camaraderie. Travel to the Mediterranean coast at this family owned and operated Greek grotto right here in North Austin. This local family fills every aspect of the dining experience with love, authenticity, and passion. Promoting connection between old friends and creating new family is their forte and part of this restaurant's mission. You’ll find here an abundance of good food and even better memories. Check out this Santorini style sanctuary and perhaps find something much more than a meal.

You’ll find the members of the Nikolakas krew running this gorgeous Greek haven, including the owners and their kids. Everyone on this staff is passionate and everything they do is centered around gathering people together for unforgettable moments. Eating here presents you with a piece of the Nikolakas homestead and a chance to savor food from across the seas.

First welcoming guests is that classic Cycladic architecture style with a touch of Austin. Familiar bright white walls highlighting the striking loulaki blue and fascinating fuchsia bougainvilleas. This traditional trio of color is paired with modern neon signs and a magnificent collection of art. You can’t miss Medusa, “The Mamma Mia Garden”, or the massive octopus mural. Eat in the beautifully bright dining hall or in flawlessly filtered sunlight on the patio under an old oak tree. They’ve created an environment filled with conversation, connection, and care.

The time and energy the entire staff dedicates is reflected in the fantastic food. Feasts here are served family style so come ready to pass plates and share with your folks. The couple at the table next to us recommended their Fried Feta with crispy Phyllo Dough wrapped around the soft melty cheese and drizzled with honey. They said they often eat this as a sweet ‘n’ savory desert and it is a perfect example of the balanced mix of texture and flavor that is found with Greek food. Yamas specializes in seafood and their fried calamari, mussels, and grilled octopus are all astounding. Don’t skip on their simple salads! These recipes are tried and true, refreshing, and guaranteed to please every part of the palate. This is a restaurant where you can try traditional and timeless dishes, some you may never have had the pleasure to order.

We highly recommend stopping in for lunch at Yamas. The daytime menu offers a three course prix fixe for only $38 and it features many fam favorites. Proper Mediterranean meals call for stuffed cabbage and grape leaves so make sure to order Dolmades or Dolmadakias. Our server recommended the Stifado, a heaping mound of mashed potatoes drenched with a bold and saucy beef stew. Wrap up the spread with a delightful desert and dive into decadent custards, fillings, toppings, and that crunchy Phyllo dough. Their menu is packed with hearty and heartful plates that will have your whole group relishing each bite and reaching across the table for more.

Rock the ship at “The Boat” - the name they’ve dubbed their buoyant bar, stocked with wonderful Greek wine and clever cocktails to boot. Hunt down the Artemis Spritz for a crushable cucumber lime take on a French 75. Many of their cocktails will allow you to sample and sip on Greek spirits like Ouzo and Skinos Mastiha. We asked our server what was in the Yamas Shots and got a mystifying answer along the lines of “nobody knows but it's good”... and they were right!

Yamas has something for everyone and everything for someone. So get yourself to the Greek and make your next toast over a Yamas table.