Olympik Restaurant & Bakery in Columbia: Greek Food and Fresh Pastries

What Olympik offers and where to find it

Olympik Restaurant & Bakery is a Greek restaurant and bakery in Columbia that serves lunch and dinner daily, with a full menu of Mediterranean dishes and a case of fresh pastries made in-house. The restaurant occupies a casual dining space where you order at the counter and sit in a small dining area, or you can take food to go. The bakery side stocks Greek pastries, breads, and sweets that change based on what came out of the kitchen that day.

The menu centers on grilled meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes typical of Greek cooking—lamb, chicken, fish prepared simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Sandwiches and wraps use pita bread baked on-site. Sides include Greek salads with feta, roasted potatoes, and grilled vegetables. Prices are moderate for the portion size and ingredient quality.

Key Takeaways

• Olympik makes its own pita bread and pastries daily, so the bakery case reflects what was baked that morning.
• The restaurant operates counter-service style, meaning you order and pay before sitting down or taking food away.
• Grilled lamb, chicken, and fish are the backbone of the menu, prepared with olive oil, lemon, and Greek herbs.
• The space is small and casual, suited to a quick lunch or dinner rather than a long sit-down meal.

The bakery and pastries

The bakery case is where Olympik distinguishes itself from other Mediterranean restaurants in the area. Baklava, spanakopita (spinach pie), galaktoboureko (custard pastry), and loukoumades (honey puffs) rotate through the case depending on the day's baking schedule. These are not frozen or shipped in—they come from the kitchen behind the counter. The phyllo dough is layered by hand, and honey is drizzled while the pastries are still warm.

Pita bread is baked fresh throughout the day, which means the sandwiches and wraps taste noticeably different from places using pre-made bread. If you arrive late in the day, some pastry varieties may be sold out, so timing matters if you have your heart set on a specific item. The bakery also sells Greek breads and cookies by the pound.

Lunch and dinner menu highlights

Lamb is a signature protein at Olympik. The lamb chops come grilled with lemon and oregano, and the lamb souvlaki (skewered and grilled) is tender and well-seasoned. Chicken souvlaki and grilled chicken breast are lighter options. Fish changes based on what is available, but grilled branzino and salmon are common.

Vegetable dishes hold their own here. Grilled zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes come charred and dressed simply. The Greek salad uses real feta, not crumbles, and includes Kalamata olives. Roasted potatoes are cooked in olive oil and herbs. Tzatziki, hummus, and Greek yogurt-based dips come with pita for dipping. Moussaka (layered eggplant and meat sauce) appears on some days.

Portion sizes are generous, and most plates come with two or three sides. A single entrée can easily feed two people if you are not very hungry. Prices typically range from $12 to $18 for a full plate.

How to order and what to expect

Walk in and look at the menu board or ask what is available that day. The staff will tell you what proteins and sides are ready. You order at the counter, pay, and either take a seat in the small dining area or take your food to go. There is no table service, and the space is not designed for lingering—tables are close together and the atmosphere is utilitarian rather than romantic.

Takeout is straightforward and fast. Food is packed in containers, and if you order a sandwich or wrap, it is wrapped in paper. The restaurant does not take reservations, and there is no online ordering system, so you have to show up in person or call ahead to ask what is available.

When to visit and parking

Lunch runs from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., though hours vary by day. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Weekday lunch is quieter than dinner, and weekends are busier. If you want the full range of pastries, go earlier in the day when the bakery case is fullest.

Parking is street parking or a small lot adjacent to the building, depending on the location. It is not always abundant during peak hours, so plan accordingly if you are going at lunch or dinner rush.

What makes Olympik different from other Mediterranean spots

Many Mediterranean restaurants in South Carolina source pastries from wholesale suppliers or make them in limited batches. Olympik bakes daily, which means the phyllo is crisp, the honey is still sticky, and the custard inside a galaktoboureko is warm. This matters more than it sounds—a day-old baklava is noticeably different from one made that morning.

The counter-service model also sets it apart. You are not paying for table service or ambiance; you are paying for food made fresh and sold at a fair price. If you want to sit down with cloth napkins and a server, this is not the place. If you want authentic Greek food made in-house at a reasonable cost, it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or call ahead?

Olympik does not have an online ordering system. You can call ahead to ask what is available that day, especially if you want a specific pastry or protein, but you will need to come in person to order and pay.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. The Greek salad, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, and dips like tzatziki and hummus are all vegetarian. Spanakopita (spinach pie) and some other pastries are also meat-free, though you should ask which ones are available on the day you visit.

What time should I go if I want the most pastry choices?

Go early in the day, ideally between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The bakery case is fullest in the morning and early afternoon. By dinner time, popular items are often sold out.

Is the space good for groups?

The dining area is small and tables are close together, so it works for two or three people but can feel cramped for larger groups. Takeout is a better option if you have a party of four or more.

Do they have gluten-free options?

Most of the menu relies on pita bread and phyllo dough, both of which contain gluten. Ask the staff what can be prepared without bread or pastry, but the restaurant is not set up as a gluten-free establishment.