Where to Eat in Athens, Greece: Local Gems and Hidden Treasures
Opa! Ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of Greece? Athens, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a dining scene that's as diverse as its attractions. From traditional tavernas to modern gastropubs, there's a flavor to tantalize every palate. There are over 3,000 dining choices in the Classic City but we will focus on our favorites down below. Let's dive in!
A Taste of Athens: Essential Tips
Embrace the Mezze: Mezze is the Greek equivalent of tapas—small plates perfect for sharing. Order a variety to experience a true taste of the country.
Fresh is Best: Athens is a seafood lover's paradise. Opt for fresh catches like grilled octopus or calamari.
Go Local: Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems. Many locals have their favorite family-run tavernas.
Timing is Everything: Lunch is typically served from 1pm to 4pm, while dinner starts around 8pm.
Tipping Culture: Tipping in Greece is discretionary, but a 10% gratuity is customary for excellent service.
Must-Try Dishes
Moussaka: A comforting casserole of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
Souvlaki: Tender grilled meat skewers, usually served with pita bread, tzatziki, and onions.
Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and often meat or feta cheese.
Spanakopita: A flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese.
Athens Food Scene: Where to Indulge
For Traditional Flavors:
Taverna O Plaka: A classic taverna with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Dionysos Zonar's: Known for its authentic Greek dishes and lively atmosphere.
Modern Greek Cuisine:
CTC: A trendy spot offering innovative takes on classic Greek flavors.
Hytra: This Michelin-starred restaurant boasts a sophisticated menu with seasonal ingredients.
Casual Bites:
Psirri: Explore this vibrant neighborhood for countless casual eateries and street food stalls.
Agora: A modern market hall with a variety of food stalls offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet delicacies.
Our Personal Favorites
One of the biggest perks of being a travel agency is that we get to hear all about our clients' amazing adventures – including their favorite meals! Our team has also personally explored countless European cities, from the bustling streets of Paris to the charming canals of Amsterdam. This means we have a treasure trove of insider knowledge on where to find the most delicious and authentic dishes. While the focus of this blog is on Athens restaurants, please be sure to check out all of our blogs for the best dining recommendations in other cities as well.
Tudor Hall Restaurant - On the 7th Floor of King George, the Tudor Hall Restaurant offers the finest and most elegant Contemporary Cuisine. Tudor Hall restaurant is ready to welcome you in the heart of the city, overlooking the magical historic heritage, and offering dishes with a modern twist. This combination is achieved through passionate Chef de Cuisine, Nikos Livadias, whose name is synonymous with quality. His aim is to create dishes that evoke nostalgia and emotion. A key element of differentiation is the use of fresh seasonal vegetables and raw materials. This is also the reason why the restaurant menu is being regularly updated, so as to line up with the seasonal produce. The extensive Greek and international wine list, curated by the hotel's Head Sommelier, Evangelos Psofidis has received numerous distinctions.
GB Roof Garden Restaurant - The GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar, is located on the 8th floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The generous space that unfolds before our eyes captivates the senses and arouses the desires at first sight. The Acropolis and the Parthenon as well as Lycabettus hill and the Doric Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square, are located just one breath away and can be admired from every corner, giving a touch of unparalleled glamor to the classy GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar. The menu, based on the Mediterranean culinary tradition and the application of modern haute cuisine techniques, is created of premium fresh raw materials and inexhaustible inspiration.
Kuzina - On the top floor of the old mansion lies a hidden surprise: Kuzina’s famous tarazza! Open from April until October, the tarazza invites its guests to live a unique gastronomic experience under the moonlit sky of Athens, while enjoying the breathtaking view to Acropolis and Hephaestus temple. Based on modern Greek cuisine, Aris Tsanaklidis, the renowned chef, creates a unique menu that makes Kuzina stand out for combining traditional cuisine and culinary inventiveness. The cozy, unobtrusive ambiance combined with the unique view and the inspired menu of the restaurant, have contributed to Kuzina’s success and the awarding of various distinctions. Since 2007, Kuzina is suggested by the Michelin guide, by Gogobot guide and is included in BBC’s list of the world’s top 10 restaurants with view.
Athenee Athens - Both a restaurant and a bar are offered by Athénée, combining fine dining facilities with sophisticated cocktails. The restaurant is located in the city center, a few meters away from Syntagma Square and the metro station. Its elegant atmosphere is accompanied by wonderful city views and a wide variety of options for all preferences are available, from traditional Greek dishes to sushi and international cuisine.
Papadakis - Papadakis restaurant in Athens is a culinary gem that delights both locals and tourists. Located in the center of the city, this establishment has been serving exquisite Greek cuisine for decades. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance creates a perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at Papadakis restaurant showcases the best of Greek gastronomy, with a wide variety of traditional dishes. Start your meal with some mezes, such as tzatziki, dolmades, or saganaki, bursting with authentic flavors. For the main course, indulge in mouthwatering dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, or freshly caught seafood delicacies. Each dish is carefully prepared using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. The skilled chefs at Papadakis restaurant masterfully combine traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. Their dedication to preserving Greek culinary heritage shines through in every plate that is served. Pair your meal with a glass of fine Greek wine or try the famous ouzo, a traditional Greek spirit.
Strofi Restaurant - Strofi is one of the most historic restaurants in Athens. It has been setting its tables since 1975 in the shadow of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, serving with knowledge and passion the flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Ask for a seat in the rooftop garden — views of the Acropolis are spectacular. Smart-casual. Reservations recommended.
Grande Dame Athenian Tavern is a must-visit for those seeking a taste of authentic Greek cuisine in a stylish setting. Located in the heart of Athens, this charming restaurant offers a contemporary take on classic dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients. From succulent grilled octopus to flavorful moussaka, the menu is a delightful exploration of Greek gastronomy. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, makes Grande Dame a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience.
The Old Tavern of Psarras is a timeless gem nestled in the heart of Athens' Plaka district. This historic tavern, with roots tracing back to 1898, offers a truly authentic Greek dining experience. Imagine yourself seated on a charming outdoor terrace, surrounded by the ambiance of centuries-old stone walls while savoring delectable traditional dishes. From succulent grilled meats to fresh seafood, the menu is a flavorful journey through Greece's culinary heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in this iconic establishment, where history and gastronomy intertwine to create unforgettable memories.
Klimataria Tavern - This is Athens' oldest eatery with over a century of history. This timeless gem boasts an authentic ambiance and traditional decor that transport you to Greece's past. Every night at 9:30pm, the tavern comes alive with the infectious rhythms of live Greek music, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable evening. While a 3 euro cover charge per person and a 20 euro minimum applies, the experience is worth every penny. Don't miss their delectable stuffed zucchini with rice and ground beef, a classic Greek flavor sensation that will leave you craving more.
Dioskouria - Also located in Plaka, this is an absolute charmer. This super cute spot is a hidden gem amidst the tourist traps of Plaka. Don't be fooled by the crowds; this place is a local favorite. Their tapas-style menu is a delightful surprise, featuring must-tries like crispy fried calamari, tangy marinated anchovies, and a delectable meat and cheese platter. It's the perfect place to savor authentic Greek flavors in a relaxed atmosphere. Just a heads up, there's another Dioskouria near Monastiraki Square, so make sure you're in the charming Plaka neighborhood.
Palia Taverna tou Psara - Another one in the picturesque area of Plaka, just a few meters from the well-known steps of Monsikleus, at the intersection of Erechtheos and Erotokritou Streets, it is located in a beautifully landscaped neoclassical building, the historic restaurant “Palia Taverna tou Psara” (“Old Fisherman’s Tavern”) since 1898. The menu has a wide range of pretty much any classic Greek dish your heart could desire, from hand-cut French fries to tomato keftedes (tomato fritters) to lamb chops to grilled octopus. They also have a vast range of regional wines and even a cocktail list.
Dopios - Dopios is a modern Greek mezze restaurant by famous chef Christoforos Peskias where you can enjoy local cuisine with a twist. It emphasizes local products and small producers from all over Greece. It is housed in an atmospheric pedestrian street in the center of Athens, under the shade of the plane trees of an 11th-century Holy Temple of Agios Theodoros.
Milos - The specialties served at Milos is fresh fish and seafood. The menu includes delectable plates like fried shrimp from Aigina, grilled cuttlefish with capers from Santorini, traditional vegetable pies, and much more. Meals are served in an elegant ambiance, inside or in the refreshing garden. Visitors with gluten intolerance do not need to sacrifice the enjoyment of tasty dishes, as the menu is based mainly on fish and vegetables, with high nutritional value. The restaurant pays great attention to individual preferences and needs and can plan a menu to satisfy personal choices. An exceptional, favorite dish is risotto with squid ink, which is gluten-free and remarkably tasty.
2 Mazi Restaurant - This friendly locale, decorated with minimal elegance also has a wine bar where guests can taste various qualities accompanied by light snacks. The daily menu is always adapted to seasonal produce with great attention to freshness and quality and includes special plates for dieters and health food fans, with organic produce. The menu is renewed monthly to include specialties from all over Greece. The wine list is based exclusively on the best varieties of Greek wine. For those who prefer gluten-free dishes, several plates can be adapted and also the gratinated vegetables with cheese and aromatic salad, the tuna tartare, the salad with legumes, the veal fillet, and the baked fish with aromatic herbs are tasty gluten-free choices.
Sweet Tooth Satisfaction
No Greek adventure is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Try:
Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.
Loukoumades: Delicious doughnut holes drenched in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual eater, Athens promises a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. So, pack your appetite and get ready to savor the flavors of Greece! Contact us today and we will curate a personalized itinerary that satisfies every craving. Let Vacations To Remember be your guide to a culinary adventure you won't soon forget.