Atlantic Café & Market

Atlantic Café is one of those places that’s been around forever. Ask just about anyone who’s spent a nugget of time downtown, and they’ve probably heard of this place or been here – and if they’ve been here, they’ll definitely have an opinion of it.
I can probably count the number of times I’ve eaten here on one hand. The first time was awesome, a brisk December night before seeing The Nutcracker. So when it came up as a recommendation for book club last year, I was all for it. Again, the service was fine and the food tasted great. When it came up again as a recommendation this year, I was all in.
We arrived around 7 p.m., grabbed a table, and placed our drink orders. Unfortunately for us, they were out of not one but three wines that are listed on the menu. I gave up trying to find a wine and opted for a Diet Coke instead, which stayed topped off the entire hour we were there, which was the best of the service we received.
I decided to try something new tonight: a shrimp kebab with pita bread, and I’d ordered fries instead of rice. My friends’ meals came out correct, but mine did not. I was given rice instead of fries. The mistake was corrected, but when my platter was brought back out to me, the fries were undercooked. I didn’t want to waste any more time sending food back for a second time, so I left them untouched on my plate. The server didn’t seem to notice or care; he was too busy carrying on a conversation with a lady over at the bar and playing on a laptop. I noticed the fries brought out to another table were properly cooked.
As far as the kebab goes, it was just okay. The green peppers and the shrimp seemed to have no other seasoning than oil and maybe some black pepper on them. The roasted veggies were a little bit more seasoned. The pita bread was hard and dry, not at all fresh. The winner on the plate was the small salad, and I was left wishing I’d just ordered a big salad instead. I’m equally glad I didn’t order the falafel; I still have not found a falafel that compares to that at Mazza. Based on my reaction to everything else on my plate, I bet the falafel would disappoint, too.
I can’t say if this place has just gone downhill since the last time we went here, or if this is the standard, and I ordered the one safe thing (lasagna) on the menu the last time. After tonight’s visit, I will not be returning to find out.

I’ve always had good experiences at this place, but my most recent experience really cemented my loyalty. I was looking for a place to have a quiet family dinner. I requested we be seated in their party room for even more quiet and privacy. I can’t say enough about how perfect it ending up being. It’s hard to please everyone in the family, but Atlantic managed to do that. The menu has enough variety to make everyone happy. (I love the cevapi!) And the server, Juan, was accommodating, attentive and patient with all the changes and special requests. Thanks Juan! Thanks Atlantic!

Amazing Greek food. I spent time in Greece and in America this place is identical. Such a gem. Highly recommend!

Where do I start? We wandered into this place purely by accident but would go back in a heartbeat! The service was amazing and the food was some of the best! I was with a party and everyone loved their food and couldn’t stop raving about it. I would highly recommend trying this place out! You won’t be disappointed.

Came there for lunch and ordered falafel croquettes. This apparently posed an issue because there was no such item on the menu: the kitchen did not know how to serve falafels if not pocketed in pita. The sever then agreed to ask the kitchen to make some falafel balls, at the same price of their falafel pita. Later, the dish arrived as four nail-​sized falafel patties together with some greens — exactly the pita filling, on a plate. The kitchen certainly doesn’t know what croquettes mean. Or it’s just so agonizing for them to make something like falafel balls.
Conservations between the server and I:
«Can I have a shrimp and steak kebab plate?»
«Sure.»
As I was about to tell him which side I’d get, he’s left the table and disappeared. I called the server back, referring to the menu that says «Served with side Greek salad, fries OR rice with pita» and asked whether I needed to choose a side.
«Oh! yea yea. Which side would you like?»
«…»
=======
A few minutes later I got the food. There were ketchup and two other types of sauces coming with the food.
«What’s this white sauce for?» Out of curiousity, I asked the server. Frowning at it for two seconds, befuddled, he said:
«Uh… I’m not sure what it is. It could be… But I know what that sauce is! It’s…»
«…»
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In terms of food. The quality is more homemade than delicious, not to mention the fact that the kitchen is not capable of making falafel.
Sigh.

After hearing so much about this place from my friend, I have finally decide to come here to try it out. The first thing it that this place is on Main Street, so parking is a bit ridiculous. We parked like a block away and then walk to the restaurant. When first walking in it was a very small place so if it was packed it would be a bit cramped. Luckily when we went there wasn’t anyone there.
I ordered the Atlantic plate to share with my friend. The atlantic plate comes with three of your choice of kabobs, gyro meat and sausages. It also comes with rice/​fried, salad, and grilled veggie. It is a very huge plate and very enough to share with two people. The meat is very tender and delicious. The only thing I didn’t like was the gyro meat is beef and lamb meat. I don’t like lamb because of their specific taste they had so… yeah I didn’t like that. But everything else was super delicious.
Definitely would come back here again to try their other stuff… hopefully I would not get lamb meat. Haha.
**update**
I came back here recently but this time for lunch time and this place isn’t crowded at all. The service was a bit off for me still, but I did try another dish that is very delicious. I tried their belken platter (I think I butcher the spelling). It came with sausages (favorite thing) and chicken kabobs. The meats were super juicy and tender. Other places that I tried the meat comes out dry and bland.
The rice this time isn’t really lemon rice, it’s more of a veggie herb rice. But it was still very delicious. The portion is definitely enough to fill you up for the rest of the afternoon. Totally recommend this place.

Not sure what the hype is all about? It was ok. Came in for lunch and had a chicken and shrimp kabob skewer with a side salad. The flavors were ok but the chicken had an odd consistency. Some were fine, but a few pieces had that rubbery weird chew like there was previous freezer burn. The shrimp just ok too but odd sized. Some were really tiny and some were average sized. The pita was from a bag (probably Costco). Salad was fine but I had to add oil and vinegar which was on the table. My friend had rice with his order and it was dry and crusty — not fluffy lemon rice you’d expect.
There were 2 other tables at noon and it took forever! Service was indifferent — take order, deliver food, leave alone.
While we were there a guy came in with 2 huge bags of something fried and frozen. Wonder what that was??? Just makes me think a lot is store bought.
Sorry. Wasn’t impressed. Won’t go back. Really wanted to like it. Sigh.

This place is almost empty, even on the busiest weekend leading to Christmas. Which in a way, is a relief because it provides a break from all the OMG-​its-​Christmas-​tomorrow-​and-​I-​have-​a-​gazillion-​things-​left-​to-​buy chaos outside. Seriously people, it’s not like the Government JUST announced Christmas will be this Friday.
Looking at the menu, this place serves Mediterranean food. You know, food from all around the Mediterranean Sea. Or something like that. They have Gyros, Kebabs and Paninis, including some serious Vegetarian options (I must remember to let my Vegetarian co-​worker know).
In the end, I settled for the Atlantic Plate for two, because it has like a lot of meat and for 37 dollars, it looks like a good deal. The grilled kebabs are very good. The lamb is tender and juicy, with just the right amount to fat. The chicken and shrimps are delicious as well. Heck they even look good in the photo! I’m not a fan of sausages but the Cevapi is tasty. Overall, very fulfilling meal.
My friend had the Greek plate, and it looks good. I tried to steal a few bites when he wasn’t looking but turned out it was mission impossible. He gulped down the whole thing in like 5 minutes. I must try that next time I want to escape from the Downtown crowd.
The service is alright, although let’s face it — it’s hard to mess things up when the server only have like two occupied tables to attend to and nobody to text with. Being in Main St, parking is tough, so use your creativity.
In the end, I still don’t know why this place is not as crowded as it should. The food is fantastic, and it’s good value for money. Oh well, add that to life’s greatest mysteries…

Ordered the salmon Mediterranean salad. Portions were generous, lots of toppings, but salad and the atmosphere was unmemorable. $ 17.
Not bad, but not great. I don’t regret it, but I probably would not go back. Company was paying so I was indifferent about the price.

Amazingly delicious food. The full platter is more than enough for 2 people.
Especially love love the hot sauce and the friendly server.

I love their Turkish coffee. Gets me going when the 3pm drag hits me.
Steak Is my favorite here but you can never go wrong with the chicken Kebob lunch special.
Lamb is great here too and not pricey at all.

The food and portions are good, but the ambiance and service are very lacking. My husband served an LDS mission in Croatia, so we met two other couples to enjoy some of that cuisine. They seemed pleased with the authenticity of the cevape, which was good and plentiful. My husband and I ordered the Atlantic Plate for two, which had heaping mounds of grilled vegetables, fries, meat kebabs, and cevape. It was all very good (although the fries were super average). Unfortunately there was one server/​hostess for the entire restaurant, and she was far too bogged down to provide the level of service excepted at a sit down restaurant. I felt badly for her, as it was clear she was doing her best but was very stressed out. Overall it was a decent experience, but it’s not a restaurant I’d return to again.

Excellent cooking nothing over cooked and good value. Although stir fried and grilled just enough olive oil makes the food light for the stomach. We were lucky that the Japanese Restaurant we were planning to go to had too long of a wait. Going back tonight to try the other items on the menu.
Went back tonight. Good restaurants need consistency. Food was excellent again. Too bad we do not live near Salt Lake City.

This restaurant is small but packs a punch. The service was excellent. We had a large group and they placed us in the back where the power was iffy. Apparently the lights went on and off based upon how loud we were… but it was funny to us.
The food was fabulous. No one had a problem with anything. I had the chicken and shrimp kabob… so very tasty. Grilled to excellence. I also had the dolma… very good. I would recommend!

Living on the road makes it hard sometimes to get a good meal. I definitely got it here. Next time I fly in I will return for more tilapia. Great service

Came in for lunch on Saturday and really enjoyed a late lunch. The food was delicious, the servers were very nice and thoughtful to myself and the other customers, and it wasn’t crowded. I ordered the gazpacho and spaghetti with meatballs on the lunch menu– both of which were fantastic!
Food is reasonably priced, atmosphere is great– I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town!

This a nice Greek restaurant in the heart of SLC. It provides a lovely view of downtown and a beautiful front patio facing the street. Getting wine or beer here is easy despite Utah liquor laws that most tourists find obnoxious. The food is inexpensive and delicious. Not the best greek you will eat this year, but nothing to complain about. The place itself is upscale-​looking and the staff is friendly.

Fantastic! Good service, wasn’t crowded, and the food was delicious. I’ve been here three times and will definitely be back.

I come here a few times a month for either their mixed grill platter or čevapi and Greek salad. I spent time in the Balkans and have tried the few restaurants in town that offer Central European cuisine. Atlantic is my personal favorite. Portions are generous, food is simple, fresh, and delicious, and prices are reasonable. Make sure to try their stuffed peppers or sarma (stuffed pickled cabbage rolls) when they have it on special!
Comments about the service are in the context of American standards. Outside the U.S., people like to enjoy their meals. This establishment is about as authentic as it gets. You order, they bring you your food (which may be a little slow as they cook everything fresh) and let you enjoy your meal. No pressure from the waitstaff to turn over tables like chain restaurants. If you need to speed up the process, walk up to the register and pay.
Overall, because of the consistency of the food and authentic atmosphere, as well as the great al fresco dining area, I give Atlantic 4 stars.

Stopped in for lunch while attending a conference at the Grand America, and this place is a solid choice well within walking distance. The menu is Mediterranean themed, and the pricing was on point for food quality and portion sizes. I had the lamb kebab pita with a side Greek salad while my colleague had the Tuscan chicken salad. Both were good, but my lamb did have some fatty parts to it and was more on the chewy side. There was only one waitress working, but she did a great job considering we ate during the lunch rush.

Great food. Super friendly and thoughtful service.
I’ve been camped out here for the past 4 hours… After my run in without a bathroom at the coffee garden.
I got the shrimp pita with the Greek salad. It was delish!
The redheaded server was super sweet and thoughtful.
No wifi though! Glad I could tether to my phone.

We went to Salt Lake City for skiing and were looking for a restaurant that can accommodate our big group (25 people) for dinner. Sanad, the owner of this place not only accommodated us but gave us memorable experience. Great food and very pleasant host and staff. Highly recommended !

The first time we can it was just us no one in the Resturant and today they are starting to get busy. That’s what I like to see. I want to see at a place that everyone wants to eat at. It smells so amazing in here. Waiter is friendly. Tip. Wear a little sweater, kind of chilly. I am looking for consistency in my salad!

I’ve only been here for dinner but everytime I’m shocked that it’s not busier! With the quality of the food, the portions, the good service, and the reasonable prices, this is one of my favorite downtown restaurants.
The whole menu has a european feel. I personally love the lamb kabobs with rice. It comes on a huge platter with a salad, rice, grilled veggies, and one kabob with the meat and onions. This is a filling meal! They have delicious desserts so try to save room.
I like the selection of drinks from the spanish lemonade to the european coffee to the wine and beer selection.
The décor is not fancy and it’s a very casual atmosphere.