The Parthenon Mediterranean Restaurant

(07) 550-7166
211, MingHua 1st Road, TsuoYing, Kaohsiung
Hours:ue - Sun 11 am-10 pm
(Closed on Mondays.)
Visa and Mastercards accepted. 10% service charge.
1-hour free parking if you spend more than NT$500.
www.green-shop.com.tw/parthenon/map.asp

-- By Joshua Barnaby Translated by Annie Liu

Well-established in Kaohsiung's northern district (look out for the blue sign on MingHua Road, left off FuGuo), The Parthenon Mediterranean Restaurant is a unique and meticulously thought-out dining experience that embodies the warmth of its proprietors, John Charlesworth and Carolyn Chen. Continually striving to increase their offerings, patrons are now treated to live belly dancing and upcoming salsa performances on weekends at 7:30 p.m. And if so inclined, you can even have your fortune told, free with the purchase of a potent Greek Coffee (NT$70).

The diligent waitresses are all clothed in beautiful but comfortable European folk costumes. (This clothing is available, with other unique goods, in the Green Shoppe on the second floor). Diners can easily find themselves lost in the decorations, gathered from the owners' travels, or murals by John (an avid artist). Every detail communicates a retreat to a far away paradise with a Mediterranean seaside villa motif, adding to the comfort and atmosphere here.
Their main product, delicious Mediterranean food, is far from forgotten. This writer can vouch for their ability to tantalize one's palate, after sampling the Garlic Prawns (NT$160), Calamari (NT$160) and Parthenon Potatoes (NT$180). The Souvlaki Plate (NT$250) features most of their staple dishes. The owners recommend the Grilled Mustard Lamb Chops served with Mint Lemon Rice and Vegetables (NT$380). Everything is freshly prepared in the restaurant, including the Baklava, which rivals the Shisha parlors of Istanbul that this writer has visited before.

They boast ongoing specials, despite more than affordable regular prices. Look out for their lunchtime specials, or Pita Time (2 p.m.-5 p.m.), which includes a Pita Sandwich Meal (NT$150). They encourage takeout by offering a 20% discount. Embodying the personal touch of the entire experience is the fact that birthday patrons are bestowed with a gift.