A few words about this post

Greek cuisine has become rather famous over the last few years and was ranked 2nd in the world in the 2022 Taste Atlas Awards voted by many thousands of travelers. You can find extensive catalogues of Greek dishes and recipes on the web, (here's the Taste Atlas one: https://www.tasteatlas.com/100-most-popular-dishes-in-greece ).

However, this post is written exclusively for travelers visiting Athens.  It guides you through the categories of eateries in Greece and gives a few suggestions in each category. These suggestions are eateries usually near the famous landmarks that excel in their category!  We also give you their TripAdvisor links so that you can check reviews and location on the map.

Souvlatzidiko (the main Greek street food)

Souvlaki is the most popular street food in Greece. The traditional version is a wrapped pie with just 3 ingredients, meat in cubes (or slices called gyros or minced meat called kebap), tomato and onions. Despite the simplicity it's one of the most delicious street food recipes you can taste anywhere and is not junk food!  It is also the cheapest food you can have in Greece, that's why they are thousands of them in Athens (many of them, only take away or delivery)!

Nowdays, there are many "variations" of souvlaki, with any kind of meat, vegeterian and even vegan and every souvlatzidiko has its own. The ones we suggest are famous either for preserving the traditional versions in excellent quality or innovating in interesting ways. DO NOT expect a fancy environment, we go there for the taste! The following suggestions are all in the city center.

1. Kostas

Since 1950, it serves the traditional souvlaki with some little variations. One of the most popular souvlatzidiko, the store is run by the third generation of owners and you will locate it from the long queues outside! Located in Pentelis 5 street, very near to Syntagma square.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d1092578-Reviews-O_Kostas-Athens_Attica.html

2. Lefteris o Politis

Another legendary store, it specialises in kebap souvlaki, since the 50's and recently opened a second store to all Athenian's delight!

One store is in Satovriandou 20 street in Omonia square while the other is in Romvis 18 street, in Syntagma Square. Choose any of the two.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d23986411-Reviews-Lefteris_O_Politis-Athens_Attica.html

3. Volvi

One of the traditional souvlaki champions, in Evripidou 24-26 street, it has a great reputation for good reasons!  It is very near the Varvakeios market and you can also have a quick visit there to see an old market with the usual Greek chaotic (and lovely) environment!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d23406457-Reviews-Volvi_Souvlaki-Athens_Attica.html

4. Hoocut

Some young chefs decided to make souvlaki something more than the usual. And they succeded as their innovative approach has many fans. Located in Agias Eirinis 4 Square, near Monastiraki.

TripAdvisor:  https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d13413365-Reviews-Hoocut_true_pitta-Athens_Attica.html

Mezedopoleio (drinking and eating lots of dishes)

Mezedopoleio is a kind of Greek tavernas, where you go to drink alcohol and eat a little bit of many (usually small) dishes. This is great for travelers since they can taste lots of various dishes instead of the usual a la carte where you get just one plate for each person. They are usually open all day, while some also offer live music (especially in weekends).

They usually have large choice of drinks. You should be careful with ouzo, a sweet Greek drink, which you should always mix with (cold) water, otherwise you may get dizzy in no time! In any case do NOT drink and drive!

5. To Kousoulo (Thission area)

This is an excellent choice, a traditional Greek mezedopoleio, in the very touristy Thission area (Amfiktionos 27 street), but prices are reasonable and tastes vary from good to excellent! It offers a wide selection of classic greek dishes and more. Try the porcini mushrooms with cheese, the chicken tigania (don't ask what it is, just try it!), pumpkin balls, kotsi (pork) and marinated anchovies.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d15265678-Reviews-To_Kousoulo-Athens_Attica.html

6. Opos palia (Acropolis area)

Despite the fact that it's close to Acropolis (Veikou 2 street), it's not the usual tourist eatery, it has its own character (like an old greek cafe of the 60's) and prices are reasonable. The portions are generous and has a rather extensive catalogue. Good collection of beers, tsipouro (raki) and ouzo but small in wines. Try...hmmm, what should we suggest? Well, see for yourselves and choose but do not ommit the keftedakia (fried meatballs) its fried potatoes and the grilled haloumi cheese!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d4195130-Reviews-Opos_palia-Athens_Attica.html

7. Sfika (Koukaki area)

Do not expect anything luxurious or an extensive catalogue, however this small place is a good value for money eatery, in the touristy area of Koukaki (Stratigou Kontouli 15 street) with the habit of giving strange names to its dishes (such as "Demonised Wasp" or "Strange Bird"..!). In any case, they will explain what exactly they offer and you will not get...lost in the translation! Try the marinated chicken, the cretan apaki, feta cheese with honey, their (spicy) sausage and meat platter.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d7940425-Reviews-Sfika-Athens_Attica.html

8. To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias (Syntagma area)

This one, very near to Syntagma Square (Lekka 22 street) specialises in sea food. Greek sea food is widely considered very tasty and you can verify it in this simple yet decent mezedopoleio at reasonable prices. Try the top sellers like octopus, thrapsalo (squid), saganaki shrimps (no, it's not japanese) and fried cod with garlic sause. 

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d4437944-Reviews-To_Triantafyllo_tis_Nostimias-Athens_Attica.html

Psitopoleio (Meat Taverna) 

The meat tavernas of Greece are for carnivores only! They always have a selection of salads and appetizers (and sometimes a more diverse variety of dishes) but the main offer is not for vegetarians. They offer many kinds of meat, with lamb and pork being the most popular choices, usually charcoal grilled. That gives them a distinct taste (somewhat bitter, but that can be compensated with lemon). Try the lamb ribs, kontosouvli (spit roasted BBQ pork), the "forbidden" kokoretsi (lamb or goat intestines) biftekia (oversized flattened meatballs) and the "usual suspects" gyros, souvlaki and kebab. So where do we get a get a good portion of cholesterol? See below!

9. Kalyvas (Koukaki area)

A great choice for meat lovers who want great value for money. Almost everything here is tasty and very reasonably priced (that's why it's not easy to find a table). It's located in Koukaki (Dimitrakopoulou 91-93 street). Try the Kebab Roll, Fried Potatoes, Spicy Grilled Cheese, Pork Skewers, Chicken Skewer AND above all the Grilled Vegetables.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d9458162-Reviews-Kalyvas-Athens_Attica.html

10. Meat the Greek (Monastiraki)

This is a small but cosy place, near Monastiraki (Fokionos 2-4 street) with great value for money. They don't have a great selection but whatever they offer is tasty and cheap, whithout compromising quality! Try the Cretan dakos salad, the Mastelo cheese with jam and their meat platter!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d21020961-Reviews-Meat_The_Greek-Athens_Attica.html

11. Meat n' Roses (Syntagma area)

This is also a small gem, very near to Syntagma Square (Amerikis 7 street). Also a small place with great value for money choice in Athens that offers more than the traditional greek meat tastes, including burgers and sandwiches. However, we would advise you to stick to the local dishes, like souvlaki and their meat suggestions and also their potatoes!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d17791406-Reviews-Meat_N_Roses-Athens_Attica.html

Psarotaverna (fish tavern)

We would not exaggerate if we say that Greek sea food is simply delicious! The fish taverns are not that many in Athens center and it's

12. Atlantikos (Psyrri area)

Located in an area that is reborn in Psyrri (Avliton 7 street), very close to Monastiraki,  you will taste some great seafood in reasonable prices.The place is small and may have to wait in the queue, but certainly worth it. Prices are very reasonable. You can try the classic delicacies of locals, such as octopus, calamari, squids and/or small fish like anchovies or sardines as well as seabass or mpakaliaro (cod) with garlic sauce.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d7176555-Reviews-Atlantikos-Athens_Attica.html

13. Symposio Resto Bar (Syntagma area)

When Plato wrote his famous book "Symposio" this eatery did not exist. If it did, we are sure, Plato would be a frequent visitor! This beautiful and cozy place, in Apollonos 22 street, near Syntagma square, provides a high culinary experience at reasonable prices. The place offers more than sea food but you should try beetroot salad with shrimps, seafood linguine and sea bass carpacio. Good wine selection, while prices are average.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d20318078-Reviews-or10-Symposio_Resto_Bar-Athens_Attica.html

14. Pezoulas (Kallithea area)

It's very near the sea just behind the SNCCF (Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation), see no. 2 in our blog post: https://www.athensclassictour.com/things-to-do-in-athens-attractions-and-activities

If you are in the area, don't miss this little and cozy place, there are treasures in there! It is an historical fish tavern as many artists were frequent visitors, since 1951! Prising is reasonable. Try the exquisite smoked eel with fava (eels were considered the best delicacy by ancient Athenians), mussels with vegetables, octopus, crayfish and fresh fish.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g262046-d3709049-Reviews-Pezoulas-Kallithea_Attica.html

Modern Greek cuisine

The new generations of Greek chefs have started over the last 30 years to experiment with the traditional dishes. The results in general are good and many old recipes find a new fresh and interesting interpretation, providing new culinary experiences! Also, these restaurants are a paradise for wine lovers, since they usually provide an extensive list of Greek wines ( Cicero had said: It was worth to conquer Greece, even just for the wine!). Greek wine varieties are hard to find outside the country, due to limited production, so try them.  You will not be dissapointed.

15. Caravin (Thission area)

This is actually a wine bar with a very interesting selection of traditional dishes given with a fresh perspective. It is in Thission area (Akamantos 11 street) with an extensive list of good Greek wines. Prices are a bit more than average but absoloutely worth it! Try the fava with octopus, dolmades, meatballs, or their platters. Ask their help for the wine, they know!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d14411966-Reviews-Caravin_Wine_Wanderlust-Athens_Attica.html

16. Kiouzin (Kolonaki area)

Another interesting example of modern local cuisine, this pretty restaurant is located in Likavitou 16 street, in Kolonaki (near Syntagma). Iinnovative as it embeds many non-Greek elements to traditional Greek recipies with good to great results and reasonable prices. Try the Kataifi cheese balls, the zuchinni balls, the tuna with ouzo, and stuffed mushrooms. Decent wine list.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d12325911-Reviews-Kiouzin-Athens_Attica.html

17. Mani Mani (Acropolis area)

Mani Mani is not the ABBA song, it's a Greek expression that means quickly. Mani region is also the homeland of the two chefs, who were inspired by the cooking of their grandmothers but "modified" it. It was worth it. Considered and awarded as a pioneer restaurant, it is in Falirou 10 street, near Acropolis. We could suggest among others the playful green salad, kagianas (omellete), veal liver and tsouchtes (traditional pasta with smoked pork). Prices are reasonable.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d695929-Reviews-Mani_Mani-Athens_Attica.html

Premium Restaurants

18. Varoulko Seaside Restaurant (Piraeus area)

The owner, chef Lefteris Lazarou is a pioneer of modern Greek cuisine in sea food. His innovations inspired the next generations of young chefs and created a new wave of sea food restaurants with many interesting suggestions. This (Michelin awarded) restaurant is in  Koumoundourou coast 54-56, in Piraeus, the port of Athens.  We will not give you any suggestions, everything there is simply top class (so are prices, but this is inevitably the cost of excellence)!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g9609272-d793594-Reviews-Varoulko_Seaside-Mikrolimano_East_Attica_Region_Attica.html

19. Sense Rooftop Restaurant (Acropolis area)

On the rooftop of "Athens Was" 5 star hotel,located in Dionysiou Areopagitou 5 street, in Acropolis area,  this premium restaurant offers something more than top garstonomy, a superb view of the Acropolis. Their cuisine is a fusion of international and modern Greek. In short, if you want a stunning view dinner (at premium prices), this is certainly a place to consider!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d12484364-Reviews-SENSE_Restaurant-Athens_Attica.html

20. Aleria (Metaxourgeio area)

This multi-awarded restaurant offers fine dining at prices you would not expect from a top class one, eg 6 course menus at 70 to 85 Euros (without wine). In a neglected area that is becoming young people's haven for entertainment, it is in Megalou Alexanadrou 57 street, Metaxourgeio area. In a mansion with patio for the summer you will have a great gastronomical experience that you will recall with nostalgia.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d799575-Reviews-Aleria-Athens_Attica.html

Vegetarian / Vegan restaurants

Even though many of the above eateries offer vegetarian and vegan choices, there are increasingly more that are specialised and therefore provide a much wider selection. So here are some of the best in Athens center.

21. Vegan beat Athens (Monastiraki - Syntagma areas)

In the middle of the Monastiraki to Syntagma distance, in Perikleous 56 street, lies one of the best vegan stores! We say this not just from our own experience but also from the thousands of people who applause this (small) establishment! Do not ommit to try their vegan gyros AND the mushrooms!

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d14142081-Reviews-Vegan_Beat-Athens_Attica.html

22. Peas (Koukaki area)

What we love about this little place, is that they offer some spicy vegan tastes that are simply wow! If you don't like the feeling of fire in your mouth, well there are many more options and all are from good to excellent. Located in Falirou 40 street, in Koukaki area.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d14102246-Reviews-Peas-Athens_Attica.html

Others

23. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (Varvakeios Market and Monastiraki areas)

How many doors to paradise are there? In Athens, they are at least two, but you have to be determined, otherwise they will not open for you!

To explain, the Karamanlidika is one of the traditional cuisines of the Anatolian (=Asia Minor) Greeks and our beloved one! It has two main elements, explosions of hot lava in your mouth and bursts of cholesterol in your body!!! If you like spicy food these are THE places to go!

They are two, one in Sokratous 1 & Evripidou Street, near the Varvakeios Market and the new one in Ermou 119 street, in Monastiraki area. The atmosphere in both is very unique and prices are reasonable.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d17695525-Reviews-Karamanlidika_Tou_Fani_Ermou-Athens_Attica.html

Official website: https://www.karamanlidika.gr/en/

24. Oinomageirio Hepiros (inside Varvakeios Market)

This belongs to a very special kind of Greek restaurants, named Patsatzidika, because the main dish is Patsas soup. Let us warn you. You will either love it or hate it! Patsas is a somewhat gelly soup made of beef or pork pieces like feet and belly! It is supposed to have healing effect on stomach problems, this is why Greeks eat it after heavy drinking. Some medical reports (of small scale, though) confirm its soothing results. Prices are good and, even if you don't like the soup, the experience is yet really authentic! In Filopimenos 4 street, inside the Varvakeios market.

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d7794299-Reviews-Oinomageireio_Epirus-Athens_Attica.html

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