restaurants to visit in athens

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The 34 Essential Athens Restaurants

Where to find avocado tzatziki, fried seafood in a cone, mutton burgers, and octopus candied with tsipouro in the Greek capital

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Every year, tourists travel to the Greek capital to hike up the Acropolis, browse countless museums, and seek out tans at nearby beaches. They also come for Greek cuisine, which builds many meals from three key ingredients: olive oil, wheat, and wine. Add in lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, and a philhellene could want nothing more.

But the Athenian food scene goes well beyond olives and bread. The capital has also long served as a gateway for the wider MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Athens has welcomed immigrants from Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria, who combine their foodways with Greek ingredients and customs in fine dining to street food. In recent years, the city’s chefs have developed new genres of gourmet Greek cuisine, with influences from across the eastern Mediterranean and with help from an up-and-coming generation of cooks who cut their teeth in restaurants around the world. Even TV shows like MasterChef Greece have had a noticeable impact, driving interest in new dining options and highlighting industry talent.

Before COVID-19, the food scene in Athens (and all over Greece, really) was thriving. The country has generally managed the pandemic well, especially during the first wave, but COVID dampened that growth. The government moved quickly to shut down cities, including restaurants, and close borders. Some venues pivoted to takeaway; many closed permanently. But in May, after months with their doors closed, restaurants all over Greece reopened, first for outdoor dining, then indoor. The country quickly advertised itself as a safe vacation destination, and the tourism industry made a significant comeback. The capital even attracted some attention among visitors who normally head straight for the islands.

Exciting, classic, and Classical, the best Athens restaurants are here to serve you olives, bread, wine, and so much more.

Prices per person, excluding alcohol $ = Less than 10 euros (less than $12 USD) $$ = 11 - 29 euros ($13 to $34 USD) $$$ = 30 - 49 euros ($35 to $58 USD) $$$$ = More than 50 euros (more than $59 USD)

Note: The inclusion of restaurants offering dine-in service should not be taken as an endorsement for dining inside. Studies indicate a lower exposure risk to COVID-19 outdoors, but the level of risk is contingent on social distancing and other safety guidelines. Check with each restaurant for up-to-date information on dining offerings. For updated information on coronavirus cases in Greece, please visit the National Public Health Organization .

Demetrios Ioannou is an independent reporter and documentary photographer, based between Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey. His work has been featured at The New York Times , NPR , POLITICO Europe , The Daily Beast and BBC Travel among others.

At Hoocut, an A-Team of famous chefs (also behind Cookoovaya, on this list) aims to elevate souvlaki, the iconic Greek street food, with the best possible ingredients. Set inside a neoclassical building of the interwar period, a bakery, a butcher shop, and a grocery store provide the raw materials for the final product, which emerges from the main grill area. Finely chopped pieces of beef or mutton are wrapped in pita, while pork, chicken, and sausage are presented on open pita. And for those who don’t eat meat, Hoocut has a squid option, too. [$]

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Run by a family with roots in Antakya, Turkey, Feyrouz is named for its matriarch and mastermind in the kitchen (who has no relation to the famed Lebanese singer). Inspired by the Balkan food of Istanbul and broader Levantine traditions, the family utilizes local ingredients to make various types of lahmacun, peinirli, lots of soups (mahluta is a favorite with red lentils, fennel, pumpkin, and chicken broth), and many different salads. In 2019, the family opened a dessert spot across the street, where diners can end their meals with Turkish kanafeh. [$]

Lukumades are an easy, popular dessert throughout Greece, but this shop consistently ranks high among customers with sweet tooths. The fried dough balls are made with flour, dry yeast, water, and starch, and the simplest renditions are served with honey and cinnamon. But here you’ll find them with more than a dozen toppings, including all kinds of chocolate, nuts, and ice cream. There are also stuffed versions filled with praline, banana, or lemon cream with wild cherry. [$]

Mirch brings Indian gastronomy to the heart of Athens. While the shop delivers on classics like tandoori chicken sprinkled with lots of herbs and spices, the best seller is the Indian souvlaki: chicken tikka with mixed vegetables layered into a large fresh piece of naan. You can take your wrap to go, but if you stick around you can enjoy a concise list of tandoori dishes, curries, and fried appetizers. [$]

Peas Vegan & Raw Food

Peas is one of a few but growing number of vegan restaurants in Athens, putting an animal-friendly spin on Mediterranean cuisine, according to owners Lila Pouliou and Maria Popa. Everything is made in-house, including vegetable-based protein substitutes like seitan and tempeh. Among the most popular options, check out their take on the famous Greek souvlaki with seitan and mushrooms. For dessert, don’t miss the famous raw tart with avocado, cocoa, and banana. [$$]

Sea bream carpaccio, dusky grouper with okra, and roasted and skewered squid kontosouvli instantly transport Travolta diners to the sea. Owners Anestis Lampropoulos and brothers Spyros and Vangelis Liakos formed exclusive partnerships with three fishing boats, which provide the restaurant with everything from fresh octopus to cod to crayfish. Try the beer brewed in-house with salt water from sea urchins. [$$$ - $$$$]

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Spyros Liakos, Vangelis Liakos, Pericles Koskinas, and Manos Zournatzis are some of the country’s top cooking talents. At Cookoovaya, they create free-flowing, family-style meals under the mantra “remember how you felt, not just what you ate.” Though the seasonal menu changes often, some of their most-beloved dishes are slow-braised beef cheek with smoked eggplant puree, and grilled fish of the day with amaranth, olive oil, and lemon. It’s a good idea to start your meal with one of their pies; the open-topped version with truffle-creamed mushrooms, grilled beef off-cuts, and crispy onion is the most interesting. [$$$]

Falafel Al Sharq

Located right in the center of the city, in an area known for its rich immigrant communities from across the MENA region, Falafel Al Sharq serves hundreds of locals and tourists every day. The cook, Ibrahim Elabd, and his brother Mahmoud originally hail from Egypt. Besides falafel, they serve Egyptian specialties like chicken livers cooked in spices, as well as marinated chicken and lamb kebabs. [$]

Inspired by a similar cafe in Scotland, Myrtillo Cafe is the first food business in Athens fully co-owned and co-operated by people living with disabilities. Among the dishes made with mostly organic ingredients, you can find homemade pies, such as the famous Sfakian cheese pie and the verdant fennel pie, along with sandwiches, baguettes, and bruschettas. The desserts are also delicious, with options including various cakes and sweet fruit pies. [$]

Geros tou Moria

For over 90 years, this traditional tavern has sat in the same spot beneath the Acropolis, among the colorful little alleys of the historic Plaka district. Named for Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the greatest heroes of Greek independence, the restaurant serves classics like moussaka, meatballs, tzatziki, and all kinds of roasted and grilled meats. While the food is good, the ambiance is even better. A couple of hours spent among the locals, singing and dancing to live Greek folk music, could make any outsider forget they’re just in Athens for a visit. [$$]

Since opening in 2017, Zisis has made the case for seafood as street food. Based on its immediate popularity among snackers on the go, the restaurant was preaching to the choir. Zisis serves fried sardines, anchovies, shrimp, and squid in paper cones, which you can take to go or eat at the restaurant with a glass of tsipouro or ouzo (anise is a perfect match with seafood). [$]

This tiny fusion restaurant not far from Syntagma Square has made a name for itself among the city’s food lovers. Chef Sotiris Kontizas combines his own Greek and Japanese roots to create comfort food without geographic limitations, like gyoza with beef cheeks, bean noodles with octopus and Kalamata olives, and ceviche fricassee with guelly jack. [$$]

East and West meet at Anadolu Mutfağı, where Kurdish chef and owner Selim Selguk makes Turkish dishes with Greek ingredients. Selguk arrived in Athens in 2003 as a political refugee from Turkey. Not long after, he set up his own restaurant to make what he knows best, Anatolian dishes like lamb kebabs, hünkar beğendi (smoked, spiced, pureed eggplant), perde pilavı (pilaf-stuffed dough), and baklava with pistachios. [$$]

Nancy's Sweet Home

Serbetospito, aka Nancy’s Sweet Home, is chocolate heaven on earth, though the epic catalog of sweets includes options for all sweet tooths, including vanilla and fruit-flavored treats. Owners Nancy Katsikari and Serafim Alexandris turn out traditional options like ekmek politico (semolina-based cake with syrup and kaimaki, the chewy local ice cream), as well as seasonal desserts that range from strawberry pie to Christmasy melomakarona cookies. Just take a look at the deli case and chat with the staff to find the ideal option. [$]

Chef Panos Ioannidis worked for years in restaurants in Italy before returning to Athens to create Ovio. The smell of fresh pizza from the wood-fired oven welcomes you to the cozy space, a casual setting for the restaurant’s fine dining. Along with pizza under various toppings, the restaurant serves mains like pasta and risotto, as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes. [$$$]

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Tastes of damascus.

The namesake tastes of Damascus are not only delicious; they also support asylum-seekers and refugees living in Athens. Started as a project by NGO Za’atar — which focuses on providing resources and local connections to women, unaccompanied minors, LGBTQ refugees, and prisoners — the Syrian and Middle Eastern restaurant is slowly attracting more diners with its falafel, tabbouleh, and Beyrouti hummus with parsley. One recent favorite is mouhalabe, Syrian milk pudding with coconut, orange blossom water, pistachio, and rose. [$]

Located behind the Kallimarmaro stadium, where the modern Olympics started in 1896, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant sits at the top of fine dining in Athens. Chef Angelos Lantos (the first Greek chef to achieve two stars) is an expert ambassador of French haute cuisine. Among the signature dishes, try the langoustine with lemon, Petrossian Daurenki caviar, grapefruit, gentian, and celery. Or go for the crab with turnip, acacia honey, tarragon, and passion fruit. [$$$$]

Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy

Feedέλ blends Greek gourmet cuisine with traditional dishes, like in their tzatziki made with avocado, which adds a layer of fatty luxury to the classic dip. You might also find rooster spring rolls, or pork tenderloin with aubergine salad, white beets, and onion pickles. The cozy restaurant, owned by chef Leonidas Koutsopoulos, immediately became the talk of the town when it opened in 2016. The small backyard remains the perfect place to spend a summer night with friends and a few exquisite cocktails. [$$$]

Not far from buzzing Syntagma Square, Etnico takes diners on gastronomic journeys to Mexico, the Middle East, and South Asia. The global menu includes tacos and fajitas, falafel, tandoori chicken, and samosas, as well as dessert options and drinks to fulfill even more wanderlust. Don’t miss the margaritas (especially on warm summer nights) and the heady sangria. [$]

Greeks are known for their love of seafood, but there’s no fresher place to get it than chef Vasilis Akrivos’s restaurant set behind the central fish market. Dining at Aiolou68 (conveniently also the address of the restaurant) feels like eating by the sea on a Greek island. Along with well-spiced dishes like shrimp or lobster spaghetti, fish soup, and bouillabaisse, the restaurant serves fresh seafood prepared simply, best eaten with just a squeeze of lemon. [$$$]

Hill Athens

With one of the most beautiful views in the city, looking out on the Acropolis, Hill Athens serves modern Greek cuisine from brunch to late dinner in the historic Thissio district. Chef George Nestoridis and his team skillfully serve a menu designed by award-winning chef Dimitris Dimitriadis. A blend of comfort food and traditional tastes comes through in dishes like octopus candied with aged tsipouro, or risotto that channels the flavors of Greek gemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes). Take your pick from the large variety of wines to accompany your meal. [$$$]

This small cafe in the center of Athens serves the best red velvet cake in the city thanks to pastry chef Tasos Lytras. You’ll have to stop by early to try it, though, since the cake regularly sells out. Don’t fret if you miss it; Lytras also whips up a variety of tarts, pies, croissants, and cakes. Accompany your dessert with coffee or, even better, a scoop of house-made ice cream. [$]

Granada is decorated in colorful marble tiles meant to evoke Andalusia, a fitting setting for chef Dimitris Arsenidis’s blend of Spanish and Greek cuisines. Shrimp and chorizo empanadas come with romesco, while octopus is paired with fava beans and kapari (caper) jam. Accompany your meal with house-made sangria for the complete experience. [$$]

This throwback restaurant serves traditional Greek food a few minutes from the Acropolis, and it has become a natural hotspot in the area. The aesthetic is meant to evoke an Athens of decades past, with large portions and cheap prices to complete the fantasy. Try the meatballs, moussaka, and grilled meat and fish. Don’t forget to order some Greek wine. [$$]

You’ll find great food at Shedia, but it’s the great people who will keep bringing you back. The cafe-bar-restaurant occupies the ground floor of Shedia Home, an initiative that helps people struggling with homelessness. The famous Greek chef Lefteris Lazarou created the menu, but the kitchen is staffed with relative newbies (the only cooking expertise required for hire is knowing how to boil an egg). The seasonal menu utilizes organic ingredients while remaining affordable, with offerings like almond and pistachio-crusted salmon filet or marjoram-scented spaghetti with red peppers, singlino (salted pork), and minced pork. [$$]

Vezené Athens

Aris Vezenes, one of Greece’s most talented chefs, had a huge hit on his hands when he opened his Greek-inspired bistro in 2011. The restaurant has aged well, earning a community of loyal customers and a spot in the Michelin guide. The menu is divided into three categories: a sea section with fresh fish, urchin, and lobster; a land section with fantastic choices of meat, like faraona (Guinea fowl) cooked with shio koji, jus, pickled pear, and baby gem; and the soil section, which includes dishes of mushrooms, potatoes, and vegetables. [$$$$]

Kalamakia O Elvis

You can get steak, pork, or chicken souvlaki at lots of places in Athens, but this is the only place to dine on the street delicacy beneath the loving gaze of the king. The story behind the Elvis Presley-themed eatery is a bit convoluted (the owners also run a bar that’s next door to a butcher shop named Elvis that was created for a popular Greek sitcom), but the owners ran with it, plastering the interior with posters and playing “Suspicious Minds” on repeat. If the ambiance somehow doesn’t appeal to you, the meats can also be taken to go, as can the freshly chopped fries sprinkled with salt and oregano. The shop’s huge success even led to a second location in the Pagrati neighborhood. [$]

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Το Κουλούρι του Ψυρρή

Whether you’re an early riser or coming off a night of partying, stop by this 24/7 bakery in Psyrri, the city’s hippest neighborhood. The place is mostly known for its koulouri, thin, ropy breads similar to Jerusalem bagels or Turkish simit, which come topped simply with traditional sesame seeds, or decorated with sunflower seeds, dried grapes, or melted cheese. The bakery also serves a thicker variety of bagel stuffed as sandwiches, along with other baked goods. [$]

Kitchen Lab

Since being named the first champion on Greece’s version of MasterChef , Akis Petretzikis has been a rising star in the Greek food scene over the last decade. At Kitchen Lab, his team serves the most satisfying brunches in town, including croque-madames, rich sandwiches, English breakfasts, omelets, and the ever-popular pancakes topped with combinations like toffee, banana, and crumbled biscuits. This location is most convenient from the city center, but two others further out offer more seating. [$ - $$]

Celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou serves locals and tourists some of the freshest fish and seafood in the city. Her restaurant, Papadakis, opened at the foot of Mount Lycabettus in downtown Athens in 2005, attracting A-listers like Jean Paul Gauthier, Carla Bruni, and Pierce Brosnan. Less-famous diners can also stop by for lobster, squid, and the fisherman’s soup known as kakavia. [$$$]

Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro

This bistro and wine bar, owned and operated by restaurateurs Iza and Panos Kyriazis, breathes fresh air into the historic neighborhood of Plaka in central Athens. The wine list includes a wide range of bottles from both Greek and international vineyards, while chef Erasmia Balaska continues to prove herself a prodigy in the kitchen with dishes combining traditional and modern Greek cuisine. Try the milk-fed lamb youvetsi, a popular casserole prepared with orzo in a rich tomato sauce. [$$$]

You could walk by Stoa Fix and not even notice it. The “gastronomic cafe,” as mastermind Gogo Delogianni describes it, lies underground in a covered shopping court near Omonoia Square. Tables are arranged down a (surprisingly light-filled) hallway, with a green-and-white color scheme that makes the place feel small and cozy. The cafe does serve coffee, but later in the day you’ll also find burgers topped with provatina (mutton), roasted squash filled with goat cheese and almonds, and black lentils with rice, smoked trout, lemongrass, and peppers. [$ - $$]

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Alex: The Fresh Pasta Bar

Despite the location in Kolonaki, one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Athens, this pasta bar doesn’t require a second mortgage to afford its plentiful plates. After working in London and Paris, chef Alex Vasilatou returned home to Greece to open her namesake restaurant. The menu includes seven different choices of pasta, all with unique names, like the Cleopatra, a pappardelle in a spicy red sauce, and the Castaway, spaghetti alla chitarra with cured pork tenderloin. [$$]

All-day cafe BiteBox serves food from breakfast to dinner, but most people come for Agapi Salamozi’s “poffies,” handheld doughnut hole-like pastries stuffed with a variety of sweet and salty fillings. Stop by the beautiful space in Koukaki in the morning for coffee and a sweet poffie with chocolate, caramelized raspberry, or coconut cream. Or come by in the afternoon for a glass of wine with a salty flavor like cheese and bacon, sauteed spinach, eggplant and peppers, or sundried tomato with olive paste. [$ - $$]

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The 12 best restaurants in Athens

From local seafood to vegetarian fare, foodies are spoilt for choice in the Greek capital

For good food, great views and tons of fascinating history, there’s nowhere quite like Athens . But knowing where to eat is about as important as booking the right flight. Some spots are just fine, some are rock-your-world incredible. 

But hey, that’s where we come in. Our local writers have scoured the city for the best restaurants going, including everything from traditional Greek grub to Michelin-starred seafood and steaming bowls of ramen (it cools you down, didn’t you know?). Here are the best restaurants in Athens. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏛️ The best things to do in Athens 🐚 Where to stay in Athens 🏠 The best hotels in Athens 🧿 The best places to visit in Greece

This guide was recently updated by Demetrios Ioannou , a writer and photographer based in Athens. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

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Best restaurants in Athens

1.  CTC Urban Gastronomy

Why go? For a fine dining experience with an element of surprise.

In the backyard of a neoclassical building in the center of Athens surrounded by apartment buildings from the 50s, chef Alexandros Tsiotinis has created a space where Greek cuisine meets French techniques and international inspiration that earned him a Michelin star. Do not miss the CTC Voyage, a blind tasting menu of 11 courses, and try it with the wine pairing recommended for the full experience. The dishes are a mystery until the moment presented to you, but you can hope for corn soup flavoured with lobster, and possibly an avocado dessert. Oh, and the service here is impeccable: the waiters could be choreographed.

2.  To Kati Allo

Why go?  To tell all your friends about this hidden gem in Athens. 

We’re letting you in on a little secret with To Kati Allo . It has no website and no Instagram, and it’s tucked away down a little side street in Athens, round the corner from the Acropolis Museum. To Kati Allo is run by a local family over two generations, serving up simple, good, home-cooked Greek food that will likely be the best meal you have there. You can watch the chefs at work from its open kitchen, and the tiny tavern feels really understated. There’s no menu, so we can’t tell you what to order, but just trust us – whatever they serve up will amaze you. 

3.  Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Why go?  For the traditional Greek deli experience.

This Byzantine  pastomageireio , a tavern and deli in one spot, is set in a neoclassical house. Expect an array of Greek cheeses and cold cuts. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani  serves traditional regional dishes, like fried aubergine and zucchini in a Cappadocian sauce or  saganaki  cheese, served with a slice of dried meat called  pastourma , beef sausage and eggs. 

4.  Cookoovaya

Why go? Intricate, innovative cooking and sharing plates.

Cookoovaya in Greek means owl, and like the wise bird, Periklis Koskinas brings his own wisdom into his dishes. Here you’ll try Greek cuisine at its best, pushing the boundaries of fine dining with shareable dishes, like the grilled octopus with fava or the tarama with grilled phyllo. Here you'll find Greek pies with a modern twist, (like the one with Greek beef filet, black pork bacon, mushrooms and fresh truffle), and for the full tasting experience, the restaurant created three different menus as an introduction to their cooking philosophy. And there's a vegan one.

5.  Klimataria

This family-run taverna has been going strong since 1927, offering evenings packed with Mediterranean food, music and dance – a combination Greeks love. The  tis oras  – a grilled meat platter – is a must. It includes  biftekia , grilled meat patties seasoned with spices, as well as lamb and pork chops. Plus, considering Klimataria translates as ‘grape vines’, it’s no surprise the wine served here is always excellent. 

6.  Hytra

Greek cuisine is always elegantly presented at this Michelin-starred restaurant on the sixth floor of the  Onassis Cultural Centre . At Hytra , dishes are created with wild herbs, fresh vegetables, meat and seafood sourced from nearby. A multi-course menu encourages anyone new to Greek cuisine to indulge in its most distinctive flavours through dishes like tomato trout with pickled strawberries and savoro oysters . There’s also an array of imaginative desserts.

7.  Orizontes

Why go?  For fine dining on Athens’s most scenic terrace.

Perched on Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest peaks in Athens, the views from Orizontes are god-level. Sit outdoors come sunset – with the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea and the entire city sprawled below – and you’re guaranteed to feel like you’re dining on Olympus. The restaurant is equally acclaimed for its food: Mediterranean dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce.  Go for the rack of lamb breaded in pistachios from Aegina island with lamb joux sauce, poached pears and patatas bravas  if it's on the menu. It will simply blow your mind.

8.  Ekiben Kitchen

Why go? For a Japanese experience in the center of Athens.

Inspired by Japanese bento railway culture, Ekiben Kitchen , the brainchild of chef Ari Vezené, is the latest addition to Athens' multicultural food scene. Watch your food being prepared in its open kitchen, and let its aromas take you on a journey to the Far East. For a quick lunch, order the edamame and a sando sandwich (I recommend the kuruma shrimp). But if you have time, then relax and settle into a bowl of pork katsu don or some ondori ramen. The best part? Ekiben shares the space with  Ikigai Japanese Market , so you can grab all the ingredients you tasted at dinner to try your hand at making it at home.

9.  Strofi

The view of the Acropolis from Strofi ’s roof terrace is one of the most impressive in town. The menu is astounding; expect traditional Greek dishes, including  meze  such as smoked aubergine and a cooling, smooth tzatziki. A classic main is a roast lamb stuffed with Greek cheese. 

10.  Lukumades

Why go?  To chow down on a doughnut with a difference. 

Most European cultures have their version of doughnuts, but Greek  loukoumades  are arguably one of the tastiest. They’re perfectly fluffy fried dough balls topped with Greek honey and cinnamon. At Lukumades dessert café, lines of locals come to indulge in much more sinful versions. Creative toppings and syrups are drizzled on, and they’re sometimes accompanied by scoops of creamy ice cream made with  mastiha  (a resin from the mastic tree).

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The best restaurants in Athens

By Rachel Howard

Athenians love to eat out, so the best restaurants in Athens are always bustling. From a quick kerbside souvlaki to a drawn-out evening sharing round after round of meze and tsipouro, city life is built around the simple pleasures of eating and sharing food. Athen’s best restaurants range from food stalls and neighbourhood tavernas to modern Greek bistros. Tables and chairs spill across squares and are wedged onto tree-studded pavements. It’s often cheaper to eat out than cook at home, though Athens also has plenty of fine dining restaurants. But informality, familiarity and consistency are what most Athenians look for in their favourite restaurants. The current crop of ‘gastro-tavernas’, where the seasonal, locally sourced menu changes daily, bring an exciting edge to the comforts of Greek home cooking. As the city has become more multicultural in the last decade, Athens’ restaurant scene has also become more diverse. Whether you’re searching for somewhere near the sleek hotels or a sleek spot to dine at after ticking off the best things to do in the city, these are the tastiest restaurants in Athens .

When it opened in 2011, this “Greek-inspired bistro” was way ahead of its time; today, the food still feels not just current but cutting-edge. Self-styled “chef-butcher” Ari Vezené takes provenance to extremes in his nose-to-tail kitchen: organic lamb, goat, and beef come from small, sustainable farms, and overlooked cuts are used in complex dishes such as goat neck fricassee on a field of greens, fennel, and chervil. Raw, grilled, or wood-fired, typical Greek dishes are wittily reimagined here: stuffed tomatoes are filled with Kilada shrimp and samphire, and pastitsio is a stack of al dente lasagne, potato espuma, and beef tartare assembled at the table. There’s a hedonistic generosity to the portions — this is not fancy, finicky fine dining; it’s big, butch cooking with heart and soul. Service is smooth as velvet, the golden lighting is flattering, and the sultry playlist doesn’t drown out conversation. A winner.

Address: Vezené Athens, Vrasida 11, Athina 115 28 Website: vezene.gr

Yannis Loukakis is considered a guru by a young generation of Greek chefs who picked up their passion for seasonality at his two Thessaloniki bistros, Mourga and Syntrofi. Pastry chef Spyros Pediaditakis honed his technique at Michelin-starred Spondi and his cult patisserie, Ourse. Their first joint venture, Akra, is a modest space that suits the minimalist but flavour-dense dishes: a tangle of marinated vine shoots, whole roast courgettes stuffed with fish cheeks, a silky fish soup with chunks of grouper that arrives in a copper pot to be shared at the table. Almost everything is smoked, grilled, or roast over an open fire, which is the focal point of the intimate dining room. Cooks and servers work around the rapt diners with methodical, almost meditative precision. The desserts are phenomenal. Simmered strawberries are poured from the pan over milk ice cream, cherries and lilac flowers are swirled through goat’s yoghurt, and caramelised brioche comes with hazelnut praline and stale bread crumble. You can take away a selection of pastries and sourdough bread from the streetside counter.

Address: Akra, Amynta 12, Pangrati 11635 Website: instagram.com

Compact, casual, and cosy, Annie is the epitome of the new Athenian dining scene. Chef Stephanos Michalis is obsessive about the purity of his ingredients, scouring organic farmer’s markets for inspiration for his short, shape-shifting menu. Piles of aromatic produce decorate the open kitchen, where the tight team makes it look easy to turn out some of the city’s prettiest plates without wasting anything. ‘Burnt vegetables’ is one of the standout dishes: a smoky, crunchy medley of seasonal roots and shoots. Raw fish, house-made pickles, edible flowers, and artisan Greek cheeses dominate a menu that features meat sparingly (make an exception for the goat tagliata, if it’s on the menu). There’s a vegan menu too. Service is outstanding — relaxed but thoughtful, just like the vibe at this little gem.

Address: Annie, Menechmou 4, Neos Kosmos 11743 Website: anniefinecooking.gr

It might not look much, but this glass-and-steel corner joint packs a serious umami punch. The latest iteration of Greek Japanese chef Sotiris Contizas’ boundary-bending cuisine is less experimental than his other restaurants, Nolan and Proveleggios. Here, the focus is on Japanese lunch staples executed with panache: a profoundly satisfying shoyu ramen with braised pork and enoki, crisp but tender karaage, and a finely balanced katsu kare curry. Vegetable dishes are equally good: earthy, meaty mushroom gyoza, crunchy broccoli with tahini and almonds, and kimchi salad with plenty of kick. Counter service is brisk but slick, and the kitchen team take a genuine interest in initiating diners into unfamiliar flavours. It closes at 6.30pm every day but Saturday, but that doesn’t stop the old-school hip hop and cocktails flowing.

Address: Tanpopo, Αριστείδου 1, Evripidou 2, Athina 105 59 Website: instagram.com

5. To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias

The name (which roughly translates as “the rose of tastiness”) may be a mouthful, but every bite at this lunchtime haunt for local office workers is just right. Grilled or fried seafood is consistently excellent and very well-priced. Order the medley of steamed veg with black-eyed beans, grilled, butterflied sardines loaded with onions and parsley, or flash-fried red mullet and a side of courgette and feta croquettes. Although the restaurant has expanded to cope with demand in recent years, the best tables are still the original ones in the atmospheric little arcade. Cheap canteens and old-school kafenia hidden in arcades are a typical feature of downtown Athens disappearing fast as the city centre is gentrified.

Address: To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias, Lekka 22, Athina 105 62 Website: facebook.com

Souvlaki is the quintessential Greek street food, but the city’s best skewers aren’t Greek at all. Billing itself as a Japanese pub, Birdman brings a self-conscious hit of  Tokyo  cool (and a feel-good soundtrack) to the enclave of Asian eateries below Syntagma Square. The handful of tiny tables and benches on the pavement weren’t designed for lingering. But the narrow, warmly lit space is excellent for a solo dinner at the counter or a casual date with an Ume Bloody Mary (with plum, wasabi, sake, miso, and truffle mushroom salt) and a few rounds of yakitori and yakikushi straight from the robata grill. Neck-to-tail cuts (heart, liver, mutton, guinea fowl) are smeared with shiso, spicy miso, or lemon chutney, and the veggie skewers are equally juicy.

Address: Birdman, Voulis 35, Athina 105 57, Greece Website: birdman.gr

This gastro-taverna sparked the revival of Neos Kosmos, a downtown neighbourhood with plenty of grit. Beside the tramline and surrounded by rundown housing projects, the corner site is spare but inviting, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The focus is on the open kitchen, which turns out a market-led menu that slants towards seafood. The seasonal specials change daily, which is why so many Athenians from far and wide have become regulars. Recent visits were rewarded with round potato chips for dunking in silken taramasalata, stuffed vine leaves topped with fish tartare, butterflied sardines on baked elephant beans, a mound of crunchy, lemony horta (greens). Go for a late lunch on Saturday after hitting the fantastic farmer’s market up the road, where the chefs, who are incredibly finicky about provenance, source many of their ingredients.

Address: Phita, Ntourm 1, Athina 117 45, Greece Website : instagram.com

8. Leloudas

You don’t stumble upon Leloudas; you seek it out in the grungy backstreets of Votanikos, an industrial area of car mechanics, sex shops, and, lately, some funky little bistros. Leloudas is not one of them. While it’s a surprising contender for one of the best restaurants in Athens, this taverna has been here since 1928, and don’t you know it: barrels of wine line the walls, the wonky wooden chairs are painted red and blue, and black-and-white portraits of past owners, who have fed and watered blue-collar workers for three generations, watch over the patrons. On the table, honest taverna fare that tastes like a Greek grandma might have made it for you: fava loaded with raw onions and olive oil, salt cod with garlic sauce, baked elephant beans to be mopped up with a slab of feta, and the most delicious meatballs and chips. They don’t make them like this anymore.

Address: Leloudas, Salaminas 8-10, Votanikos 11855 Website: leloudas.gr

9. Seychelles

The original modern Greek bistro, Seychelles, has still got it. The tables inside are tightly packed, with a few stools at the kitchen counter where you can watch the passionate chefs in action. Most people prefer to sit on Avdi Square, the heart of the trendy but resolutely ungentrified Keramikos neighbourhood. Salads are superb (wilted greens with roasted garlic cream, green leaves with celery, walnuts, pollen, and a hint of blue cheese). Seafood comes in unexpected guises (croaker ceviche with peaches and roasted corn, octopus salad with brown rice and roast tomatoes). Butch meat dishes are moreish (slow-cooked pork with apricot ketchup, fresh pappardelle with a confit of beef and lamb). Portions are generous, so order as many dishes as possible and share everything. Finish with a selection of amazing Cycladic cheeses from Ios, Kimolos, and Andros . Service is brusque, bordering on rude, but you can’t fault the food, and the rough-around-the-edges setting is pure Athens (though be prepared for the in-your-face drug and sex worker scene if you’re wandering around the area.)

Address: Seychelles, Keramikou 49, Athina 104 36, Greece Website: instagram.com

10. Ta Kanaria

Like all the best fish tavernas in Athens, Kanaria has no  sea view . Located on a nondescript suburban street, the setting is straight out of the 1950s, when the Argyropoulos family set up shop: terrazzo floors, shiny oil paint on the walls, white paper tablecloths, and plain wooden chairs. There’s no menu because the basic kitchen only produces a handful of dishes: pan-fried prawns, grilled red mullet, snapper, bream or sole, served by the kilo and accompanied by a ripe tomato salad garnished with a bit of grated tomato and onion, with feta and olives on the side, and warm bread for mopping up the peppery olive oil. The vine-shaded garden feels a million miles from the hustle of downtown Athens. Service is slow, and prices are steep, but this is a place to savour. Beware: Ta Kanaria closes for July and August when its star ingredient, fresh prawns, are not in season.

Address: Kanari 119, Moschato 183 44, Greece Website: takanaria.gr

11. Mikra Asia

A Kurdish take on souvlaki, the staple Greek street food, Mikra Asia is everything you’d want from your favourite neighbourhood restaurant: friendly, tasty, and affordable . Sinan, a doctor, and his wife, Çiçek, are political refugees from Turkey . Their three kids help run the show at this cheery Anatolian grill house. Athenians travel far for smoky yiaourtlou kebab slathered in yoghurt, tomato sauce, buttery beyti, lamb wrapped in pastry, grilled tomatoes, green pepper, and pilaf. While meat is the main draw, vegans and vegetarians are well served with fantastic tabouleh and spicy spreads such as ezme (finely chopped tomato and pepper) and haydari (jazzed-up tzatziki with grated carrot and dill), scooped up with paprika pitta bread. The location, on one of the loveliest and largest squares in the fashionable but still real Pangrati neighbourhood, is excellent too.

Address: Plateia Mesolongiou 2-4, Pangrati 11634 Website: mikra-asiakebab

Simul is a great place for a date night on a quiet backstreet of old-money Kolonaki. The small, warm space is bathed in a honeyed glow, the patio is strung with lights, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Mediterranean fusion might sound clichéd these days, but chef Nikos Thomas makes it fresh and exciting again. The surf-and-turf menu is full of surprises without showing off. Tomato and strawberry salad dotted with mastic-laced goat’s cheese frame a cucumber sorbet. Pan-fried rooster melts into a Greek-style risotto of trahanas (fermented grains and yoghurt) and punchy arseniko cheese. Parsnip ice cream comes with caramelised hazelnuts and a hint of coffee. Every dish sings.

Address: Simul, Ipsilantou 63, Kolonaki 11521 Website: simul.gr

13. Linou Soumpasis & Sia

A self-styled “simple restaurant”, this new entry is a paean to pure Greek produce, served with minimum fuss but deft modern touch. Chef Lukas Mailer’s unpretentious plates look and taste like a souped-up St John. Everything is made from scratch, from pickled veg with goat’s cheese and sourdough pitta to the kefir drizzled over lamb meatballs. Vegetables are treated with the utmost reverence, and the tastiest dishes are the simplest – warm focaccia and sunflower seed buns dipped in tomato broth, blanched courgettes and bitter greens with fluffy anevato cheese, bonito carpaccio with cucumber and boukovo, and the best fish soup in Athens. The spartan white space is illuminated by the slim, sweet-smelling beeswax candles you find in Greek churches (they’re hand-made and available for sale in paper bundles). The acoustics aren’t superb, and the stainless-steel chairs are uncomfortable, but the food is thrilling, and the buzz is undeniable. Lunchtime is quieter, and the tables on the graffiti-lined alleyway catch the sun.

Address: Linou Soumpasis & Sia, Kalamida 9, Athina 105 54, Greece Website: linousoumpasis.gr

14. Oikonomou

Ano Petralona is one of the loveliest neighbourhoods in Athens. Courtyard cafés, quirky bars , and affordable meze joints compose a low-key social scene on the squares and sidewalks. Outlasting them all is Oikonomou (est. 1930), a family-run taverna that serves a familiar menu of Greek comfort food to its loyal patrons. The faded ochre walls are decorated with drawings and books signed by the many artists and writers who eat here several times a week. The crotchety but kind owner, Kostas Diamantis, often sits at the table to take their order. You still have to walk through the kitchen — and the battered pots of roast lamb, stuffed cabbage leaves, and rooster macaroni — to get to the bathroom. Perfectly grilled chops come with roast potatoes instead of chips, and the Greek salad is made with the sweetest tomatoes and creamiest feta. A slow evening at one of the streetside tables under the olive trees, watching the world go by, is as old-school Athenian as it gets.

Address: Oikonomou, Kidantidon 32, Athina 118 51 Telephone: +30 21 0346 7555

15. Pharaoh

The crowd is self-consciously hip, and the music can be annoyingly loud, but there’s no denying the vibe at this bar-restaurant is sexy as hell. On a dark and seedy Exarchia backstreet, push back the heavy green drapes, and you emerge into a pulsing space of raw concrete, rough stone, and black-and-white marble as edgy as the neighbourhood. The excellent wine list (curated by Paisley Tara Kennett, previously at Noble Rot) is all-natural, the martinis bone-dry, and the wood-fired Cretan food is surprisingly traditional. The market-driven menu changes daily. Order lots of dishes to share: silken tarama with bottarga shavings, slightly bitter, flame-grilled greens with a yielding blob of anthotyro cheese, rooster with sage and honey, and a warm, wobbly slice of galaktoboureko to finish. The wait for a reservation can be maddening, so book well ahead. The best seats are at the bar – especially after the kitchen closes and in-demand DJs hit the decks.

Address: Pharaoh, Solomou 54, Exarchia 10682 Website: pharaoh.gr

16. Ama Lachei

Perhaps the best thing about this Exarchia crowd-pleaser is the huge, leafy courtyard, once the local school’s playground. (In winter, the former classrooms become dining rooms.) Birds flutter in the arbour, and well-fed cats wander among the small metal tables, where a chattering throng of students, tourists, and couples shares tweaked Greek meze. The competent staff handle the constant turnover with good humour. They are well versed in less familiar dishes, such as feta and honey loukoumades (mini doughnuts) or kavourmas (cured beef and lamb with humus and crispy onions). Summer evenings stretch for hours here, talking and laughing over delicious Greek cheeses and little carafes of iced raki (local grappa).

Address: Ama Lachei, Kallidromiou 69, Exarchia 10683 Website: facebook.com

17. Feyrouz

This street corner is where I eat most often in Athens, perched on a stool dribbling baba ghanoush from my lahmacun down my chin. There’s always a queue for Levantine street food, which is delicious and phenomenally good value. The Bosphorus rice with curried chicken, chickpeas, spicy pepper relish, and a dollop of yoghurt sells out almost as soon as it emerges from the kitchen at 2pm. Plentiful meat-free options include pumpkin and fennel soup, aubergine, chickpea and lentil peinirli, and a wholegrain lahmacun loaded with za’atar and humus. Named after the cheery matriarch who runs the kitchen, Feyrouz is a heartfelt tapestry of the Kiltsiksis family’s recipes and memories from Antakya, Istanbul , and Athens. Brothers Andreas and Savvas treat every customer as a traveller needing sustenance and kindness. There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming glass of cardamom coffee and a kunefe made with Cretan mizithra cheese and heather honey at their sweet shop across the street.

Address: Καρόρη 23 και, Agathonos 1, Athina 105 51 Website: feyrouz.gr

The Athens food scene has got a whole lot more exciting since Nolan opened in 2016, but this little joint is still one of the hottest tables in town. Although Greek Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas now spends more time judging Greek Masterchef than in Nolan’s kitchen – a theatre box suspended above the monochromatic, glass-walled dining room – his hybrid cuisine is wholly personal and completely original. The short, deceptively straightforward menu includes modern classics like cold soba noodles with smoked salmon and tahini, lamb donburi, duck with pickled sweet potato, and surprisingly great side dishes (a bowl of rice is garnished with parsley, egg and truffle oil, and the mashed potato is practically pure butter).

Address: Nolan, Voulis 31 - 33, Athina 105 57, Greece Website: nolanverse.com

19. Mavros Gatos

Sometimes, all you need is a kilo of lamb chops. This is where to get them, seasoned with oregano, doused with lemon, and with just the correct ratio of char-grilled fat to lean meat. They taste even better if you devour them with your hands; order a trio of chips, tzatziki, and imam (slow-roast aubergines and caramelised onions) on the side. The ‘Black Cat’ (there are plenty of those lurking around the table legs to scavenge any leftovers, as well as prancing on the murals inside) is the best of several old-school tavernas that have survived the gentrification of Pangrati.

Address: Mavros Gatos, Polemonos 4, Athina 116 35, Greece Website: instagram.com

THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Athens

Restaurants in athens, establishment type, online options, traveler rating, michelin guide, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighborhood.

• Thomas1971 Tavern
• Jonah's Restaurant
• Victory Cafe
• A Little Taste Of Home
• Thes "Greek Creative Cuisine"
• Cinque Wine & Deli Bar
• Indian Haveli
• Coffee Joint

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The 10 Best RESTAURANTS in ATHENS in 2024

Eleni Gimouki Last Updated: October 26, 2023

When you travel to the historic city of Athens, you’ll definitely want to pair seeing the Acropolis with an exploration of Greek cuisine. In this guide, our local expert shares the best restaurants in Athens at every price point. So, whether you’re looking for hearty Greek favorites, a fine dining experience, or restaurants with killer views, there’s something for you on this list.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our guide to Athens for more planning resources, our top Athens tours for an easy way to see the best of this historic city, plus the best Greek dishes to try .

Top 10 Places To Eat in Athens

If you’re in Athens, you’re about to be in foodie heaven! Mediterranean cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world and if you haven’t already, now’s the time to try it! You’ll eat quality food at affordable prices in the popular center of the city as well as in the suburbs. You’ll also have the option to splurge a little on a gourmet dining experience. There’s a bit of everything in the city of the ancient Greeks.

On this list of the best restaurants in Athens, you’ll find a mix of restaurants at different price points from € to €€€€. The list contains award-winning restaurants, traditional taverns, and famous gyros restaurants. We’ll introduce you to the best restaurants in both the center and suburbs of Athens.

If you love food and travel, you’ll love going on a local food tour! How does a guided walking tour with stops to eat authentic Greek dishes sound? If you’d prefer to make your own Greek dishes, how about a cooking class with a view of the Acropolis? Check out our Athens food tours .

Not ready to book a tour? Explore our  Athens Guide for more resources.

Varoulko Seaside Restaurant

€€€ | Michelin Star | Marina Views | For Seafood Lovers | Outdoor Seating

Located in Piraeus, Varoulko Seaside Restaurant has an elegant atmosphere with beautiful views of the Mikrolimano Marina. With its Michelin star and gourmet Greek dishes prepared under Chef Lefteris Lazarou, you’ll certainly enjoy a fantastic dining experience.

The specialty here is seafood, and you can expect delicious dishes made with top-quality fresh ingredients, all presented beautifully. It’s what you’d expect from a restaurant that’s been continuously awarded a Michelin Star and Greek Cuisine Awards from 1993 to 2020.

If you’re vegetarian, you also have plenty of options, including dairy-free and gluten-free dishes. There’s no better restaurant for seafood lovers than Varoulko in Athens. And the seafront views don’t hurt.

Address: Akti Koumoundourou, 54

€€ | Vegan | Outdoor Seating | Relaxed Ambiance | Healthy Option

Yi restaurant has taken its name from the way we pronounce the Greek word Γη meaning “Earth”. It’s a plant-based café and restaurant with a cozy ambiance, lovely decor, and terrace seating. Located not far from the sea in Glyfada, it’s a great place to come after a walk on the beachfront.

The restaurant offers diners delicious vegan and raw-vegan dishes cooked with fresh Greek products. And you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy a meal here. After your main dish, don’t skip the incredible desserts based on seasonal fruits. Yi is also a great option for a quick snack, a vegan smoothie, or a coffee. This is the best restaurant in Athens for vegans.

Address: Gr. Labraki, 69

Check Out Our Best Food Tours of Athens

Top Rated Tour

Athens Cooking Class with Dinner and Rooftop View of the Acropolis

From delicious baked spanakopita to classic tzatziki sauce, join this cooking class to prepare authentic Greek recipes with an expert chef. With stunning views looking over the Acropolis, enjoy a 3-course dinner of your creations on this memorable experience in the Greek capital. Bring home the recipes and show your newfound culinary skills, along with amazing photos of the food and views.

Starting at €71

Likely to Sell Out

Athens “Locals” Food Tour in Monastiraki

Explore the gastronomic world of Athens through the city’s central market. Enjoy homemade pastries, authentic wines, cheeses, honey-soaked donuts and much more. Your local guide will lead you through the best spots in the lively Monastiraki neighborhood for a delicious experience in Athens.

Starting at €68

GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar

€€€€ | Rooftop Garden | Acropolis Views | Fine Dining | Cocktail Bars

If you’re looking for a touch of elegance and luxury on your trip to Athens, head to the restaurant of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Located in the center of Athens, you’ll enjoy a rooftop dinner with a breathtaking view of the Parthenon. It’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy a fine dining experience after a long day of sightseeing.

Here, award-winning chefs prepare special dishes based on greek products. They offer excellent wines to accompany your meal. If you have enough time in the morning, this is a great place to come for breakfast under the lovely Athenian sun.

Address: Vasileos Georgiou, A1

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Acropolis Guide for more resources.

Fuga Restaurant

€€€ | Garden Setting | Tropical Cuisine | Cocktails

At Fuga, you’ll enjoy a sharing-style menu of what they describe as tropical cuisine with Asian, Latin American, and Mediterranean influences. It’s set in a beautiful garden in the center of Athens—a verdant oasis where you’re sure to relax.

You’ll experience a unique blend of cultures and flavors here. Their philosophy is high-quality and ethically-sourced produce. If you’re looking for a relaxing meal in a lush setting, definitely give Fuga a try. They also have a small terrace with great views and creative cocktails.

Address: Megaro Mousikis, Vas. Sofias & Petrou Kokkali, 1

€€€ | Gardens | Trendy Hangout | Mediterranean Cuisine | Cocktail Bar

Balthazar is a trendy spot set in an 1897 neoclassical mansion with beautiful gardens. It’s a fantastic place to come and enjoy a cocktail on a summer’s evening.

Run by chef Christoforos Peskias, you’ll get to try traditional gourmet dishes alongside sushi and other delicious finger foods. Come with an appetite or come to enjoy the vibe with a cocktail. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy an evening at Balthazar. It’s a cool place in Athens with awesome decor, a big bar, and a menu to satisfy any foodie.

Address: Tsocha, 27

Platanos Tavern

€€ | Traditional Greek Cuisine | Outdoor Seating | Family Friendly

If you visit Athens, you can’t leave without having your lunch or dinner at Platanos Taverna. Since 1932, a lot of famous people have visited this restaurant, such as Kostis Palamas, Marika Kotopouli, and Henry Miller, among others. Located in Plaka, it’s a great place to try authentic Greek cuisine.

Choose from traditional homemade dishes like mousaka, horiatiki salad, fresh seasonal fruits, and greek desserts like karidopita. Don’t hesitate to ask for a glass of tsipouro or ouzo . But be careful, this is not your typical shot! Drink it slowly and savor this traditional Greek dining experience.

Address: Diogenous, 4

Bairaktaris

€-€€ | Hearty Greek Cuisine | Outdoor Seating | Family Run Taverna

This is our favorite traditional taverna in the heart of Athens. After shopping in popular Ermou Street, this is a great place to come and eat hearty Greek dishes with a bustling vibe. Located near Monastiraki Square, you’ll get to people-watch, listen to street performers play music, and admire the Church of the Pantanassa.

Above all, Bairaktaris offers traditional and authentic souvlaki, gyros, and kebabs—all must-try dishes when you visit Athens. Everyone makes a stop here for food, whether it’s to take away or eat in. Don’t forget to try souvlaki with gyros!

Address: Mitropoleos, 71-88

€€ | Outdoor Seating

Gaston in Nea Smyrni is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy lunch in a cozy and elegant setting. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this café-restaurant offers guests a retreat to enjoy a morning coffee with a sweet treat or lunch in the sun.

Expect tasty greek dishes, such as fresh salads, light starters, pizza, and other main dishes. You can also combine your lunch with your favorite drink or cocktail why not, you’re on holiday!

Address: 25th Martiou, 15

Popular Athens Tours

Skip the Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum

Towering above the modern city of Athens, explore the ancient forum home to the relics of Classical Greece. From the world’s oldest theatre to the iconic Parthenon, the Acropolis is a beacon of civilization and philosophy. Head back in time to the time of Plato and Socrates on this Skip-the-Line tour.

Starting at €80

Not ready to book a tour? Explore our  Athens Guide for more info.

Mystikos Kipos

€€ | Garden Setting |

In Chalandri, a northeast suburb of Athens, you’ll find a magical place: Mystikos Kipos or “Secret Garden” in English. Surrounded by the scent of the lemon trees and the jasmine in the garden, you can count on a lovely dining experience.

The highlight of this restaurant is its creative gourmet food. The dishes may seem simple but guests always leave pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the food here. Try the quinoa with broccoli, smoked mackerel, and salad with rocket and peach. Mystikos Kipos has quickly become a favorite for those who have discovered this hidden gem.

Address: Karaoli Dimitriou, 21

To Kafeneio

€ | Outdoor Seating | Classics | Local Institution

To Kafeneio is in the shadows of the Acropolis and a great choice for lunch after visiting the Acropolis or Acropolis Museum. The restaurant is located on a quiet street, so you can eat either al fresco or indoors. They serve all of the classic delicious Greek dishes,  so you are bound to come away full and happy!

Address: Epicharmou 1

Where To Stay in Athens

A great hotel at a great price has become the norm in this internet era. Our article explains what areas are the best in Athens, so you can get a great deal in the perfect location!

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Comments (2).

April 7, 2022

We ate at Bairaktaris tonight for our first night in Athens! My 11, 9 and 7 year old all loved it as much as my husband and I did! Wonderful recommendation and exactly what we were looking for! The hotel also recommended it, but we were already planning on going!

April 16, 2022

Thanks for the kind comment. Happy Travels!

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The Best Restaurants in Athens

Greece › Athens › Best Restaurants Updated: July 25, 2023 By Santorini Dave

See Also • Where to Stay in Athens • Best Hotels in Athens • Best Family Hotels in Athens • Best Things To Do in Athens

The view of the Acropolis from 360° Cocktail Bar in central Athens.

Dining in Athens Meal times in Athens : Greeks typically eat late. Lunch time is between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. and dinner is usually around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Of course, restaurants in the more tourist-centric areas will serve lunch as early as 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. and dinner starting at 7:00 p.m., but the restaurants will be largely empty with fewer locals. Breakfast is not a major meal in Greece. Reservations in Athens : Reservations are not necessary for most restaurants in Athens, a city known for casual tavernas and outstanding street food, and most restaurants here don’t take them. However, for fine dining or for dining with a view at the best rooftop restaurants and bars, it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance. Eating with Your Hands : There is a misconception that Greeks eat almost everything with their hands. While this is certainly true for on-the-go snacks and meals, like gyros and cheese pies, or for pork and lamb chops at very casual restaurants, diners at nicer restaurants use cutlery for most things. Even for dipping bread, it is typical to cut a small piece and use a fork to dip and eat. Water is perfectly safe to drink from the tap in Athens. Ask your server for tap water, as they will often offer bottled water first, which adds a few unnecessary euros to your bill. Wine : Greek wines are criminally underrated. The country has been producing wine for thousands of years and offers some truly amazing varieties, especially white wines. The top wine regions in Greece are the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, and Macedonia regions. Types to try include Assyrtiko and Moschofilero (both whites), Agiorgitiko (rosé and red), Xinomavro (red), and Vinsanto (dessert wine made from white grapes but orange to deep amber in color). Tipping in Athens : Tipping is customary. A general rule for a casual meal at a taverna is to tip about €2 to €5 or to round the bill up to the nearest number ending in a “0” or “5.” For example, if your bill is €27, leave a total of €30. For higher-end restaurants, tipping 5 to 10% is standard; 15% is considered generous. For bars and cafés if ordering at the counter, round up to the nearest euro; for table service, tip about 5 to 10%.

The decor in Pame Tsipouro Pame Kafeneio is inspired by the traditional village kafeneios of old Greece.

Best Places to Eat in Athens Best Athens Food Tour : Athens Gourmet Food Tour is a fantastic walking tour with tastings at cafes, markets, street stalls, and more, including Greek wine and coffee. Highly recommended. Best Fine Dining Restaurant : Aleria Restaurant in Metaxourgeio. Best Traditional Greek Taverna : Geros Tou Moria in Plaka. Best Romantic Restaurant : The Old Tavern of Psarras in Plaka. Best Gyros and Souvlaki : O Thanasis and Kostas, both in Monastiraki. Best Coffee : Little Tree Books and Coffee in Koukaki is a cozy little bookshop and cafe with a tree-shaded patio and relaxed vibe. Best Bakeries : Ariston Bakery in the City Center and Takis Bakery in Koukaki. Best Gelato : Le Greche in Syntagma and Coco’s in Plaka. Best Hotel Restaurant in Athens : Winter Garden inside Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square offers superb fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Best Restaurant with View : 360° Cocktail Bar in Monastiraki offers amazing Acropolis views from its rooftop perch. Best Restaurants with Indoor Seating & A/C : Geros Tou Moria • Karamanlidika • Kuzina • Pame Tsipouro Pame Kafeneio • School Pizza Bar • Avocado

28 Best Restaurants in Athens 1. Aleria Restaurant – Metaxourgeio • $$$$ Website • Phone: +30 21052 22633 • Nearest Metro: Metaxourgeio The best fine dining restaurant in Athens. Aleria serves contemporary, creative Mediterranean fare highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Their extensive wine list showcases artisanal wines from top Greek and international producers. The restaurant sits in a neoclassical villa with indoor seating year-round and elegant garden seating in the summer. 2. Geros Tou Moria – Plaka • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 21753 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but this quaint, 90-year-old taverna is the best place in Athens to try classic Greek dishes paired with live Greek music and dancing every night. Order the moussaka, lamb, or bekris mezes (veal and eggplant in tomato sauce). Sit outdoors under the grape vines for views of the Acropolis, or sit indoors to be closer to the music and dancing. Reservations recommended for late dinner service, when the music starts. 3. Granada – City Center • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 50090 • Nearest Metro: Panepistimio A luscious meeting of Spanish and Greek flavors makes this casually cool tapas spot popular with locals. Menu highlights include octopus with fava and caper jam, Iberian pork cheeks, and jamon croquettes. Most plates cost about €5 to €7, wonderfully affordable and premium quality. The beer, wine, and local spirits selections are limited but good quality. Open daily from 2:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. 4. The Old Tavern of Psarras – Plaka • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 18733 • Nearest Metro: Acropoli Also called Psaras Tavern, this charming restaurant first opened in 1898 and was later a famous haunt of Laurence Olivier, Vivian Lee, and Graham Greene. The traditional Greek menu features fresh seafood, meat (with especially great lamb), and plenty of vegetarian options. A romantic, casual atmosphere, great house wine, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Open with continuous service for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner. 5. 360° Cocktail Bar – Monastiraki • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 10006 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Stylish rooftop bar and restaurant with outstanding cocktails and Greek meze and arresting views of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Popular with locals and travelers alike, reservations are not required to get in, but they are strongly recommended to secure the tables with the best views, especially for sunset cocktails or dinner. Open all day and into the wee hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. 6. estiatorio Milos – City Center • $$$$ Website • Phone: +30 21660 03320 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma The only Greek outpost of this global, fine-dining seafood brand is in the luxury, boutique hotel, xenodocheio Milos . Fish and seafood are caught daily in the Aegean Sea just off the coast and paired with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Open almost all day, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and again from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner. 7. To Mavro Provato – Pangrati • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21072 23466 • Nearest Metro: Evangelismos A simple yet elegant restaurant serving regional Greek fare that highlights the best ingredients and recipes from throughout the nation: Cretan cheeses, Macedonian smoked beef sausage, Peloponnesian wine, and more. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, modern design, and friendly staff. Open from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily (1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays). 8. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani – Monastiraki and Psirri • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 19119 (Food Artistry in Monastiraki), +30 210 3254 184 (Meze in Psirri) • Nearest Metro: Thisio (Food Artistry), Omonia (Meze) A blast from the past, these two restaurants and one shop revive the Byzantine pastomageireio , a combination of tavern and deli specializing in the charcuterie of central, coastal Anatolia. Cold cuts, cured fish, hot meze, and an impressive selection of Greek wine, beer, and spirits are on offer at both restaurants, while the shop sells cured meats and aged cheeses, perfect as souvenirs. The spicy sudjuk sausage is a favorite, along with aged kavurma , pastirma, and their signature, complimentary dessert of buffalo yogurt topped with carrot marmalade. The Meze restaurant and nearby shop are in Psirri, while the Food Artistry restaurant (pictured above) is in Monastiraki. 9. Kostas – Monastiraki • $ Phone: +30 21032 32971 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki The best gyros and souvlaki in central Athens, offering a choice of pork or beef topped with fries, fresh veggies, and their signature tomato sauce in place of tzatziki. This no-frills shop has hardly any seating, so be prepared to take your order to go. If the line is too long (as it often is) or if you crave for a more traditional gyro, head to the equally excellent O Thanasis, just a 3-minute walk away. Kostas is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 10. Mavros Gatos – Pangrati • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21072 36903 • Nearest Metro: Evangelismos You may be the only traveler when you visit this no frills, Greek taverna. The specialty is meat, and they are best-loved for their grilled lamb chops with a splash of lemon and kontosouvli , spit roasted chunks of pork. Tucked away on a side street in Pangrati, away from the tourist crowds. The restaurant is busiest after 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., when the locals stop by to dine. 11. Avocado – Syntagma • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 37878 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma Lovely vegan and vegetarian restaurant near Syntagma Square. Avocado focuses on local, seasonal, sustainable, and organic dishes full of rich flavors. Gluten-free and wheat-free dishes are available, as is a selection of organic wines. Open for lunch and dinner every day until midnight, except on Sundays when they close at 7:00 p.m. 12. O Thanasis – Monastiraki • $ Website • Phone: +30 21032 44705 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki This family-friendly standby since 1965 has plenty of tables along the pedestrian street out front just off Monastiraki Square. Most dishes are meat-centric, though they also serve up an excellent saganaki, Greek salad, and tirokafteri (feta dip). A busy restaurant, but service is quick, so wait times for tables are usually short. Open all day from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. (2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). 13. Feyrouz – City Center • $ Website • Phone: +30 21303 18060 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki High-quality, family-owned, Lebanese-Greek street food blending traditional tastes with contemporary techniques. Everything here is handmade, down to milling their own flour, and fresh, moving with the seasons and what is locally available. The lahmajoun , topped flatbread, wrapped around colorful salads, are especially popular, along with their peynirli (Black Sea style pizza boats). The restaurant is split into two buildings, with savory items in one and sweet treats (baklava, Eastern puddings, and truffles) in the other. Wide choice of vegan and vegetarian options. 14. Tazza All-Day Bistro and Wine Bar – Syntagma • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21141 85517 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma Flamboyant bistro for Mediterranean-Greek bites, wine, and cocktails – best-loved for their breakfast and Sunday brunch. Tazza sits on a lively street near Syntagma Square, with indoor and outdoor seating spilling out onto the sidewalk with colorful, mismatched, vintage furniture and a cheerful atmosphere. Open most days from 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m., except Sundays when they open at 11:00 a.m. 15. Ariston – City Center • $ • Phone: +30 21032 27626 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma Ran by the same family, the Lobotesis, since 1910, Ariston is an Athenian institution known for it’s savory kourou pies: feta-filled half-moons wrapped in a butter and yogurt-based, unleavened, phyllo dough – hearty and filling, one of these makes an easy, cheap, handheld breakfast or lunch. Other savory and sweet pies to try here are the custard-stuffed bougatsa, the kotòpoulopita (chicken pie), and the pie with bacon, pepper, and cheese. Open 7 days a week, usually from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 or 8:00 p.m. There is limiting seating, so plan on taking your food to go. 16. Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki – Psirri • $ Website • Phone: +30 21032 22088 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Wonderful café in the funky Psirri neighborhood, serving excellent coffee and pastries and best known for their bougatsa (custard and phyllo pastry), a family recipe brought to Athens from Thessaloniki by the owner’s grandfather. Other stand-outs include the spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita (cheese pie). An excellent stop for breakfast, brunch, or late-night snack. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. most days and 24-hours on Fridays and Saturdays. 17. Evgenia – Plaka • $ Website • Phone: +30 21032 14121 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma AKA Paradosiako Cafeneon, this authentic, family-run Greek taverna serves homemade, traditional dishes with an ever-changing menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Much less touristy than other restaurants in Plaka, Evgenia is popular with locals for their rich flavors and cozy ambiance. Open all day, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. 18. Restaurant Scholarhio – Plaka • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 47605 • Nearest Metro: Acropoli Casual taverna since 1935 with traditional Greek comfort foods; think moussaka, meatballs, dolmades, and saganaki (fried cheese). Though dishes can be bought individually, Scholarhio’s meze menu is designed for sharing. For example, the “Suggested Menu for 2 People” includes 5 dishes, plus 2 desserts, 2 drinks (beer, wine, spirit, or soda), and a 1.5 L bottle of water, all for just €33. Excellent location on Tripodon, the main drag in the Plaka neighborhood. Reservations recommended, especially for groups. 19. Atlantikos – Psirri • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21 3033 0850 • Nearest Metro: Thiseio One restaurant, two kitchens: the original kitchen serving super-fresh seafood and the new kitchen dedicated to traditional Greek fare. All recipes are authentic and delicious, but they are especially known for their savoro (pan-fried white fish with black currents) and fava (chickpea dip) with marinated anchovies. Outdoor seating on the sidewalk and indoor seating on the main or upper floors. The original seafood kitchen is open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; the new Greek kitchen is open the same hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and for dinner only Mondays to Thursdays. 20. Avli – Psirri • $ Website • Phone: +30 21032 17642 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Known for its rustic simplicity, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant lies behind a narrow door between two larger shops, so it’s easy to miss. The door leads to an old alley converted into a low-key, courtyard restaurant. Standout dishes on their pared-down menu include keftedes (meatballs), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini balls), fava, and Greek salad. Generous servings of boxed wine. Open for lunch, dinner, and late night meze from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day but Tuesdays. Avli does not take reservations. Be prepared to wait – it’s totally worth it. 21. Pame Tsipouro Pame Kafeneio – City Center • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 50208 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Lively café in Aiolou, Monastiraki, serving excellent coffee, spirits, and Greek meze (small, shareable plates similar to tapas). The restaurant was inspired by the kafeneios of old Greece, central to a village’s social framework, serving as combination coffee shops, bars, mini markets, and meeting places. Casual atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, open all day from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. 22. Falafellas – City Center • $ Website • Phone: +30 21032 39809 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki The best falafel in Athens and one of only a handful of places where you can actually get spicy food. Falafellas runs a tiny kitchen and offers a simple menu of falafel or meatballs wrapped in pita and topped with fresh veggies (spicy sauce is optional), along with refreshing sides like hummus and tabbouleh. There is no seating, so be ready to take your wrap to go. Open all day, every day from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. 23. Smak – City Center • $ Website • Phone: +30 21140 97046 • Nearest Metro: Panepistimio Awesome street food spot for pizza and their signature peynirli , made using a combination of Greek-Turkish and Neapolitan techniques for dough. Everything is cooked to order in an open kitchen and topped with a variety of cheeses, meats, veggies. Dine in or take away. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bites. 24. Kuzina – Monastiraki • $$$ Website • Phone: +30 21 0322 0133 • Nearest Metro: Thiseio Upscale, contemporary Greek restaurant offering stunning Acropolis and Temple of Hephaestus views from its rooftop terrace (open from April to October). The menu changes seasonally with a few year-round staples, lots of vegetarian choices, and for solo diners, some menu items can be ordered in half-sizes. Standout dishes include thesoutsoukakia (combination grilled beef and lamb) and savory loukoumades (Greek dumplings) stuffed with cheese and tomatoes and topped with pistachios and pomegranate sauce. The restaurant serves lunch daily from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Reservations recommended. 25. Melina Mercouri Café – Plaka • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 46501 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Sweet café in the heart of Plaka offering Greek meze, traditional dishes, and desserts – an ideal spot for breakfast or a late-night snack. The café is popular with locals despite its location in tourist-heavy Plaka. The café serves as a mini-museum dedicated to Melina Merkouri, an actress, singer, politician, and activist; her 1960 film “Never on Sunday” is what popularized the Greek trend of smashing plates. 26. School Pizza Bar – Monastiraki • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 51444 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Bustling Italian restaurant offering thin-crust pizza, pasta, risotto, and gnocchi paired with delicious Greek and Italian wines and creative cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating available in their cozy restaurant decorated with a schoolhouse theme, complete with desks, lockers, and chalkboards. Open all day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Reservations recommended but not required. 27. Agora – Syntagma • $$$ Website • Phone: +30 21001 09090 • Nearest Metro: Syntagma Fun restaurant inside Ergon House Hotel . Part of the hotel’s market, the restaurant tables thread alongside the greengrocer, deli, bakery, butcher, fishmonger, and in front of the Agora’s own vertical culinary garden. Mediterranean dishes here are prepared with top ingredients sourced from within Greece, with great attention paid to the regional wine varieties. 28. Little Kook – Psirri • $$ Website • Phone: +30 21032 14144 • Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Little Kook is all about the spectacle and less about the food. This fairytale-themed dessert spot serves coffee, cocktails, and sweet treats (especially known for pancakes, pralines, and cakes). But the main attraction is its over-the-top decorations which change seasonally and spread throughout its massive 3-building complex (plus outdoor seating in summer). The shop opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. They do not accept reservations and waits can be long. Best Area to Eat in Athens

Mitropoleos Alley, off Monastiraki Square, is a great spot to find good, cheap, Athenian food. O Thanasis , serving some of the best gyros and souvlaki in Athens, is located on the corner.

One of the best places to eat at an outdoor restaurant in Athens is in the Plaka or Monastiraki neighborhoods. Tables spill out into the squares and alleys as Greeks sit late into the evening talking, laughing, yelling, and eating. It’s lots of fun. The best area to go is around Monastiraki square and metro station. Just east of the metro station, Mitropoleos Alley is lined with lively restaurants that serve good inexpensive food. In the Plaka area, you are more likely to be surrounded by fellow tourists, whereas in the Monastiraki area you’ll be eating with more locals. There’s lots of traditional Greek food on the menu here; gyro, souvlaki, hummus, and greek salads are very popular. This is the start of Mitropoleos Alley as it meets Monastiraki Square. The yellow building on the opposite side of the square is the Monastiraki metro station. The A for Athens hotel (not visible) is off to the right. Certainly, this isn’t the absolute best food you’ll find in Athens – it is a little touristy – but it’s still very good. It’s a short walk for most tourists from their hotel, easy to find, and safe. Walk to the Monastiraki metro station and you can’t miss the restaurants. They’re very easy to see and find. Pick the first one that has an open table – they’re all good.

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Restaurants in Athens: A Local’s Guide on Where to Eat in the Greek Capital

• Last Updated on: Jan 25, 2024
• Read Time 21 mins
• Published: Sep 29, 2020

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As you can probably imagine, there are virtually countless restaurants in Athens. A city that sees so many tourists walking its beautiful streets every year, after all, could not but boast a very diverse gastronomy scene.

Restaurants in Athens are spread throughout the city, cater to every taste, and can suit any palette.

From the upscale restaurants in Plaka and the casual food joints in Monastiraki to the traditional taverns of Psirri and the seafood restaurants of Syntagma, this city has it all.

Read on to discover the best Athens restaurants and choose the one that will give you a taste of authentic Greek cuisine on your next visit to the Greek capital.

Where to Eat in Athens? The Types of Restaurants and Eateries in Athens

Upon arrival, you’ll find that the options are plenty and that there is no way you can actually try out all the restaurants you would like to.

So, in order to help you make the right decision, we will try to break down all the types of restaurants and eateries that you will find in the city to give you a better understanding of what you can expect when eating out and decide where to eat in Athens.

Think of these as a glossary to the restaurant scene of Athens:

● Taverna : That is what locals call taverns. A taverna would almost always have a prominent traditional character (with a few exceptions of modern, new-age tavernas), a place where locals hang out and typically have lunch or dinner accompanied by wine. Tavernas are the most popular type of eatery and you will find them all around the city. At a taverna, you can expect to find traditional Greek cuisine dishes, many meat-based specialties, and lots of wine.

● Ouzeri : The name comes from the traditional Greek alcoholic drink named Ouzo. Ouzo is a dry aperitif made with anise that is extremely popular in Greece, especially during the summertime. As the name suggests, an ouzeri is a place that serves ouzo. Apart from ouzo, at an ouzeri you can expect to find all kinds of food, seafood and meze dishes. An ouzeri does not have a great difference from a taverna, except that their menus are quite limited and designed to suit the taste of ouzo.

● Cafeneon : The name translates to the coffee house. Yet, Greek coffee houses are much different than you would expect. Locals spend a lot of time in cafeneons. They serve coffee, alcoholic drinks and food and are open from the morning till late in the evening. People usually go to cafeneons for drinks but it is not uncommon to order a full meal. They typically serve all kinds of meze dishes and cold platters but not full-course meals.

● Mezedopolio : These are the places that mainly serve “mezedes”, the Greek equivalent of the Spanish tapas. Mezedes are small tidbits of food served on smaller plates that are meant to be shared by everyone who sits at the table.

● Restaurant : Or as locals call them “estiatorio”. A restaurant is the same as it is around the globe. No surprises here. A restaurant is a place to go if you are looking for a more refined gastronomic experience, such as fusion cuisine or gourmet treats.

Seafood Restaurants & Taverns in Athens

If you just arrived and you are in the process of researching where to eat in Athens, the suggestions below should be enough for your starting point.

You simply cannot visit Athens and not spend some time gorging on seafood at one of the numerous seafood restaurants.

It might not be apparent at first sight, but Athens is located very close to the sea, making fresh fish and seafood easy to find.

The seas around Attica are more than abundant in marine wildlife and fish farms making fresh seafood available to the rest of the region.

And Athenians really do love their fish on a Sunday afternoon.

You will find various gourmet seafood restaurants in Athens to experience modern Greek gastronomy as well as traditional seafood tavernas where you can wine and dine as locals do.

These are some of our favorite seafood restaurants:

I Stoa Ouzeri

Located just a few meters away from Omonia Square, I Stoa Ouzeri is one of the most popular, budget-friendly, seafood restaurants in the city. With a history that goes back 20 whole years, I Stoa Ouzeri offers a large menu that includes all kinds of seafood, fresh fish, mussels, as well as a few meat dishes.

• (New) Address : Gamveta 14, Athens 10677 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0382 5961

  Taverna Aris

Taverna Aris boasts a charming little terrace in a quiet little cored walkway in the heart of Athens close to Omonia Square. They offer fresh sea-to-fork seafood as well as various salads and a wide array of delicious appetizers.

• Address : Sofokleous 17-19 Stoa Athanaton, Athens 10505 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0324 9615

Aiolou 68 Restaurant

This is one of the hidden places in Athens. A charming seafood restaurant located right in the city center. Aiolou 68 restaurant offers a gourmet menu with seafood and other treats and features an alluring alfresco terrace.

• Address : Aiolou 68, Athens, 105 59, Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0324 7925

Restaurants in Plaka

Plaka is one of the most popular neighborhoods of Athens , not only for travelers but also for locals.

Nestled in the shade of the Acropolis, Plaka is a beautiful area and an ideal place to start your culinary explorations in Athens.

Chances are that Plaka is going to be one of the first neighborhoods that you will explore when you get to the city.

The Most Popular Neighborhoods to Visit in Athens [Greece]

So, when the question of where to eat in Athens arises, you will already be in a good spot.

There are numerous restaurants in Plaka, serving all kinds of dishes from all types of cuisines. And the best part is that although Plaka is close to the most popular attractions of Athens , it is not frequented exclusively by tourists.

In Plaka, you will also see locals having leisurely walks in search of a traditional tavern for a quick bite or a high-end restaurant for some fine wining and dining.

Below you will find some of our favorite places to eat in Plaka that will surely give you a taste of what the restaurant scene in Athens is all about:

2Mazi Restaurant

2Mazi is a restaurant that specializes in creative cuisine housed in a beautiful neoclassical building. Here you will find delicious treats with meat, fresh fish, handmade pasta as well as traditional Greek recipes with a twist.

• Address : Nikis 48 Plaka, Athens 105 58 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0322 2839

Scholarchio

Scholarchio is one of the most traditional restaurants in Plaka. It’s very close to Acropolis Hill and perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner after a visit to the Parthenon. They serve traditional Greek cuisine dishes including meat, fish, seafood as well as a few vegetarian options.

• Address : Tripodon 14, Athens 105 56 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0324 7605

Geros Tou Moria

Geros Tou Moria is another excellent option for those of you looking for traditional restaurants in Plaka. The charming restaurant has a long history of 90 years and boasts a privileged location with a relaxing ambiance very close to Acropolis.

• Address : Mnissikleous 27, Athens 105 56 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0322 1753

The old tavern of Psarras

As the name suggests, the old tavern of Psarras (translating to fisherman in Greek) is a quintessential traditional seafood tavern that is located in the heart of Plaka. An excellent choice for those that want to try authentic Greek cuisine in a charming outdoor setting among the picturesque alleys and cobblestone pave ways.

• Address : 16 Erechtheos 10556 Athens, Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0321 8733

Traditional Tavernas & Restaurants in Athens

For locals, the matter of where to eat in Athens is usually quickly resolved by choosing one of the countless traditional tavernas that can be found in plain sight on every corner of the most famous streets or tucked away in hidden alleys in the city center.

And -as is usually the case- locals know best.

No matter how many days you have planned to spend in the Greek capital, you can’t leave before experiencing true Greek hospitality and the wonders of Greek cuisine at a traditional restaurant or taverna in Athens.

You will find an abundance of those throughout the city, so we will try to make your life a tiny bit easier by listing some of our favorites below:

Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani is one of the most unique restaurants in Athens. Operating both as a traditional tavern and a delicatessen, this is the ideal place to get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine or even buy a few products to take with you.

• Address : Sokrates 1 Evripidou 52, Athens 105 52 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0325 4184

Dio Dekares i Oka

Dio Dekares i Oka is a traditional taverna located close to the Syggrou Fix metro station (red line). Here you will find all kinds of typical Greek food as well as local wines and ouzo in a place with an extraordinary atmosphere where locals hang out.

• Address : Anastassiou Zinni 29-31 Dimitrakopoulou, (next to Syggrou Fix Metro Station), Athens 117 41 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0922 0583

Elaea Mezedadiko

Elaea Mezedadiko is definitely among the most popular seafood restaurants in Athens. It’s located in Plaka, only a few meters away from the new Acropolis Museum. It serves traditional “mezedes”, wine and ouzo as well as a few vegetarian dishes.

• Address : Makrigianni 19-21, Athens 117 42 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0921 2280

Restaurants With Acropolis View in Athens

Acropolis is beyond a shadow of a doubt the most beloved and popular monument in Athens.

It’s only natural, therefore, that restaurants that feature terraces or balconies with Acropolis views are the most sought-after places to eat in Athens among tourists and locals alike.

And to be fair, most of them deserve the attention they get as they offer exquisite gastronomic experiences to those lucky enough to have a reservation in place.

Of course, the privileged restaurants with a view of the Acropolis are the first that pop to mind when a foreigner asks a local where to eat in Athens.

After all, who wouldn’t enjoy a romantic dinner at a candlelit porch with a view of the Parthenon?

We know you would, so we have selected for you a few magnificent restaurants with an Acropolis view that should not be missing from your itinerary.

Find them below:

Peacock Restaurant

Peacock restaurant is part of the Hera Boutique Hotel that is located in the Makrygianni area, very close to the Acropolis metro station (red line). The upscale rooftop restaurant offers gourmet Greek cuisine dishes as well as astonishing views of the Parthenon and Acropolis hill.

If you like to check or book a stay at the Hera Boutique Hotel have a look at Booking.com

• Address : 9 Falirou Hera Hotel, Makrygianni, Athens 117 42 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0923 6682

Point a Bar and Restaurant

Point a Bar and Restaurant is an upscale restaurant located in Makrygianni (or Makriyanni) area, between Thission , and Koukaki, right under Acropolis Hill. Its gourmet Mediterranean cuisine combined with the impeccable views of the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum from the terrace make it ideal for a romantic dinner.

Point a Bar and Restaurant is part of the luxurious 4-star Herodion Hotel. Check it on booking.com .

• Address : Rovertou Galli 4 Herodion Hotel, Athens 117 42 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0923 8991

GH Attikos Restaurant

GH Attikos Restaurant is a charming restaurant that serves traditional Greek cuisine in the heart of Athens. Among other things, what makes it popular is the fresh seafood, the delicious homemade desserts, and -of course- the magnificent view of the Acropolis.

• Address : Garivaldi 7 Acropolis, Athens 117 42 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0921 5256

Sights & Bites: The Most Brilliant Rooftop Restaurants in Athens with an Acropolis View

Restaurants with live music in athens.

Even though the music scene in Athens is often overlooked, the locals would all agree that enjoying a meal in a taverna or restaurant with live music in Athens is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the local culture .

Live music in taverns and restaurants is one of the locals’ favorite forms of entertainment.

Finding the best restaurants with live music in Athens might prove to be quite a challenger for first-time visitors.

Tourists are more often than not worried about where to eat in Athens when it’s really a question of how fun eating out in Athens can be.

Luckily for you, we have a few suggestions that will answer both questions, leaving you with a full stomach and a satisfied spirit.

Below you will find our top picks for the most beautiful restaurants in Athens with live music that will make your evening out magical:

Klimataria Taverna

Klimataria is a traditional colorful tavern located in the heart of Athens that first opened its doors in 1927. It has been consistently hosting small concerts and various live music acts by well-known local musicians since its very beginning.

• Address : Theatrou Square 2, Athens 105 52 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0321 6629

Kafeneio To 111

Kafeneio To 111 is a widely popular cafeneon located in the most famous shopping street of Athens , Ermou, right between the squares of Syntagma and Monastiraki. It offers traditional Greek dishes paired with local wine and entertaining live music acts.

• Address : 111 Ermou, Athens 105 55 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0323 7967

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Athens

Apart from traditional tavernas, delicious street food joints, cafeneons, wineries, and Greek cuisine restaurants, Athens is also home to several high-end, gourmet restaurants that are distinguished for their quality and their exceptional food.

Actually, during the past few years -and, surprisingly, amidst the financial crisis- the gastronomy scene of Athens has seen a rapid and complete transformation.

More and more restaurants keep getting renovated, redesigned, and have their menus altered to suit the needs of an audience that gets more demanding and distinguished by the day.

So, if your question is where to eat in Athens, we recommend trying some of the more upscale restaurants to get in touch with the new-age gastronomy of the Greek capital.

Among them, you’ll find a few restaurants that have been awarded with one -or more- Michelin stars.

Below, we list our recommendations for some of the most popular Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens:

Spondi Restaurant

Led by chef Angelos Lantos and boasting 2 Michelin stars, Spondi is probably the most acclaimed restaurant in Athens. It’s housed in a beautiful neoclassical building in the neighborhood of Pangrati that features a charming outdoor terrace.

• Address : 5 Pyrronos, Pangrati, 116 36, Athens, Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 210 756 4021

Hytra Restaurant & Bar

Hytra Restaurant and Bar is hidden in plain sight on the 6th and 7th floor of the Onassis Stegi Foundation , very close to the famous neighborhood of Plaka. The top floor offers magnificent views of the Acropolis to make your meal even more satisfying.

• Address : 107-109 Syngrou Avenue (Onassis Stegi), Neos Kosmos, 117 45, Athens, Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 217 707 1118

Cheap Restaurants in Athens

Scouting Athens for an inexpensive restaurant does not necessarily mean that you will have to compromise quality as well.

In fact, some of the cheaper places to eat in Athens actually have the reputation of providing the most authentic experience and serving the most delicious food.

It all comes down to having the local insight and knowing exactly where to eat in Athens.

There are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants in Athens. Granted, not all of them deserve the attention they get from online platforms and the media.

Worry not, however, first-time visitors. We are here to help.

No matter which neighborhood you choose to stay in or what streets you are roaming, you will always be able to find a place that serves delicious Greek food at low prices to sate your hunger and recharge your batteries.

Below you will find our recommendations for the most popular cheap restaurants in Athens:

Cinque Wine and Deli Bar

Although not technically a restaurant but more of a deli Cinque Wine and Deli Bar’s delicious cheeses, smoked meat, traditional Greek tapas, homemade desserts, and a long list of local wines will not leave you disappointed. Cinque Wine and Deli Bar is a fine wine tasting spot located in the heart of the city of Athens.

• Address : 15 Agatharchou, Athens 105 54 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 5501 7853

5F Restaurant

This restaurant’s name is as simple as the food it serves. Located at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, just a few minutes away from Evangelismos metro station, 5F is one of the most beloved, budget-friendly, traditional Greek restaurants in Athens.

• Address : Diocharous 31, Athens 16121 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0722 4242

All That Jatz

Situated in the heart of Athens, right between Thisseio, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square, All that Jatz is a funky, cheap restaurant that will give you the chance to taste all the popular local delicacies at the best prices.

• Address : Agiou Filippou & Astingos, Athens 10555 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0331 4753

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

Greek cuisine is internationally known for its use of fresh seasonal ingredients, colorful herbs and spices, delicious vegetables, and excessive use of meat of all kinds.

What many travelers do not know, however, is that there are numerous dishes that are meat-free and dairy-free that are an indispensable part of the classic Mediterranean diet.

Contrary to popular belief, these are far from frowned upon by locals.

Apart from the famous souvlaki and moussaka and all the other well-known local treats that include meat, Greek cuisine also features countless options and dishes that are vegan and vegetarian.

Similarly, Athens might be full of restaurants that specialize in said classic recipes but -especially during the past few years- the city has been overtaken by places that exclusively serve vegan and vegetarian food.

Below we will list our top picks for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Athens that will show you the ‘other side of Greek gastronomy:

Vegan Beat 

As the name suggests, Vegan Beat is a vegan restaurant that serves healthy Mediterranean-style snacks, vegan street food-like treats, and fresh juices right in the heart of Athens, only a few minutes away from Monastiraki Square .

• Address : Perikleous 56 Ground floor, Athens 10560 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0321 3009

Located in the popular and hip neighborhood of Psirri, Bandiera is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that offers visitors the chance to taste traditional Greek cuisine in a healthy and meat-free way. It also offers a lot of vegan options.

• Address : Taki 19 Psirri, Athens 10554 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 697 726 1279

Indian Haveli

Indian Haveli is one of the best Asian cuisine restaurants in Athens, located only a few minutes away from Acropolis and the Acropolis metro station in Plaka. It serves Indian cuisine and the majority of the dishes on the menu are vegetarian or vegan.

• Address : Leof. Andrea Siggrou 12, Athens 117 42 Greece ( Map )
• Telephone : +30 21 0924 4522

Tips and Useful Information About Restaurants in Athens

Here you will find answers to the most common and frequently asked questions regarding restaurants in Athens as well as some of our most useful tips on wine and dining in the Greek capital.

What should I eat in Athens?

There are always plenty of options and several traditional dishes you have to try in Athens, but you really should not leave before trying the traditional Greek salad, Moussaka, Souvlaki and a few of the popular “mezedes”.

 Where do locals eat in Athens?

Eating out is very common in Athens. Athenians usually prefer restaurants for a more formal meal or dinner and a cafeneon or mezedopoleion for a quick bite and a refreshing drink that is occasionally paired with live music.

Is food cheap in Greece?

Food in Greece is quite cheap compared to most European countries. You can expect to spend around 10 euros per person in an inexpensive restaurant and up to 40 euros per person in a high-end, expensive restaurant.

Can you drink the tap water in Athens?

Yes. Tap water in Athens and in most areas of Greece is absolutely safe to drink.

Is it customary to tip in Greece?

Yes. There is no exact amount that you should tip your waiters as a percentage of the bill as is the case with other countries, but a tip is almost always expected and generally welcomed.

What do they eat in Greece for breakfast?

A Greek breakfast may consist of various things, depending on one’s tastes. For example, a typical Greek breakfast could include bread, pastries, marmalade, honey, fresh juices, cheese, sandwiches, cold cuts, or traditional pies like the popular cheese pie or ‘tiropita’.

 What time is dinner in Athens?

Athenians -and Greeks in general- prefer to have dinner quite later than most Europeans. Typically, dinner time in Athens is around 9 or 10 pm .

What is the main meal of the day in Greece?

Dinner is, in most cases, the main meal of the day in Greece. Most locals have a very light breakfast and lunch but go for a quite full dinner at around 9 or 10 pm .

What can you not eat in Greece?

There is nothing that is forbidden to eat in Greece. Local cuisine includes most of the popular foods that are consumed throughout Europe. However, the Greek diet is especially heavy on olive oil, herbs, cheese, vegetables, seafood, and meat – mostly pork, veal, chicken, and lamb.

 Is Greek food healthy?

Yes! Greek cuisine and the Greek diet are widely considered to be among the most healthy in the world due to the use of virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, fruit, seafood, unsaturated fats, and whole grains.

We hope that this guide will help you understand the restaurant scene in Athens and that you will enjoy our recommendations.

No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, choose one of the suggested restaurants in Athens above and you will not be disappointed.

In fact, we are already certain that you will be coming back for more.

A Quick Reminder:

Remember that Athens By Locals is here to guide you with planning the perfect trip to Athens and help you every step along the way. If you didn’t found what you’re looking for, or need any recommendations about your trip to Athens, feel free to  contact us  and we will do our best to help you. Please be as more detailed as possible regarding your subject so as to help you better.

If you like what you read please scroll down at the end of this page and subscribe to Athens By Locals so next time to receive more articles like this straight forward to your email. Join us on Facebook  for comments, photos, and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this article please share it with your friends on Facebook.

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Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece

Restaurants in athens, establishment type, online options, traveller rating, michelin guide, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighbourhood.

• Thomas1971 Tavern
• Jonah's Restaurant
• Victory Cafe
• A Little Taste Of Home
• Thes "Greek Creative Cuisine"
• Cinque Wine & Deli Bar
• Indian Haveli
• Coffee Joint

Best restaurants in Athens – A local’s guide to the top 25 places to eat in the city

• Greek restaurants

Eating and drinking are the best things to do in Greece after visiting the Acropolis (for some of us, even better). Check out our delicious food guide of Athens with the best restaurants in Athens that will make you want to extend your days in the city, ideal for Athens first timers and frequent travellers. 

Featured on our top list: authentic Greek best restaurants in Athens, vegan hotspots, wine bars, fish tavernas and ethnic cuisine beyond the ordinary, for every taste and budget. Located not only in the historic centre of Athens, but  in off-the-beaten neighbourhoods like Pangrati, and the breezy Athens Riviera where locals know how to enjoy life!

1. Argoura 

Considered by locals as one of the best restaurants in Athens (fish and seafood), Argoura’s popularity lies in word of mouth and personal attention to its loyal guests. Here you won’t find scenic sea views or magical sunsets, but also a cosy, friendly environment, where a passionate chef thrives by keeping things simple – offering fresh, traditional fish and seafood dishes with a slight twist. Follow his instructions and start your dinner with an assortment of marinated fish and taramosalata (fish roe dip) with sweet potato. It earned its place among the well-deserved places for a visit in the city.

Agisilaou 49, Kallithea

2. Yi 

One of the best things to do in Athens in the summertime is to cool-off with a walk by the seaside and discover the southern suburbs of the city. Glyfada is not more than half an hour from the centre and it’s the locals go-to place for sea, sun and shopping. 

Make your way through the trendy brunch spots and posh cafes, to one of the best restaurants in Athens (vegan). Yi (meaning Earth) offers delicious, wholesome dishes not only for vegans in Athens, but for all of us food lovers craving for some extra tasty, clean eating alternatives. Don’t leave without trying some of the best raw and vegan desserts in Athens, like the addictive lemon-ginger cream cake with a feast of berries on top.

Grigoriou Lampraki 69, Glyfada

3. Skalakia 

Considered among the best old-school tavernas in Athens and one of the best restaurants in Athens. Climb up the “stairs”- as its name suggests- and find yourself at an off-the-beaten Greek restaurant trusted by locals since 1967. Same simple, traditional Greek food in fair prices, as opposed to touristic tavernas in the historic centre of Athens that increased prices but lowered quality over time. 

Enjoy your no-frills dinner at an urban environment under the shade of the vines. The menu is small but filling, and includes skillfully grilled meat, their specialty – “kokoretsi”, (lamb offal wrapped in intestines) and traditional mageirefta – our local casseroles, for you to discover original Greek flavours. 

Dionisiou Eginitou 32, Ilisia

4. Ouzeri tou Laki

When our food tour guests ask us where to have the freshest fish, we usually point them to fish restaurants close to the seaside, either by the coast or on the Greek islands. When it comes to our down town recommendation for fresh fish and seafood “To Ouzeri you Laki” is our answer. Ask the owners for a comprehensive tour of the catch of the day  (posted daily on facebook for customers to reserve their favourite fish!) and trust them with the artful preparation of octopus, calamari and local fish, combined with a glass of tsipouro from their vast selection of grape distillates.

Elpidos 16, near Victoria

5. Oinoscent

Started from a tiny wine bar, Oinoscent quickly advanced to a bigger space and turned into a popular wine restaurant, the meeting point for all wine lovers in the centre of Athens and one of the best restaurants in Athens ( don’t miss our list with the top wine bars in Athens ). Their selection of Greek as well as international labels is excellent. Their dishes are Mediterranean at heart, but with an affinity to Asian influences, making them perfect for  an inspirational food and wine pairing. Enjoy the cool atmosphere and let the friendly staff guide you around Greece’s vineyards through a flight of Greek wines. 

Voulis 45-47, Syntagma

6. Seychelles

Metaxourgeio is the answer to all our guests asking us where to go for dinner and drinks “off-the-beaten” track. This Greek new-age taverna started building a loyal clientele since day one. So, booking ahead is always recommended, as Seychelles’ signature dishes have their guests coming back for more. Our standouts from their inventive menu, based on local products, include the pappardelle pasta with kavourma (veal confit), the slow cooked beef cheeks with eggplant puree and the shortfin squid with black-eyed peas. 

Keramikou 49, Metaxourgeio

7. Parkbench

Our personal favourite for the list of the best restaurants in Athens: a true hidden gem that has never once disappointed us! An unpretentious restaurant, located in a hidden square of Petralona area. Local vibes mix with stellar gastronomy, and prices are as friendly as their attentive service, given the supreme quality offered. Parkbench is worth the visit for its delightful menu, extensive wine list, bonus the chance to discover a new neighbourhood. Don’t leave without trying: the shrimp with fish roe and carob rusks or the trachana arancini with mushrooms and truffle oil.

Pramanton 10, Petralona

8. Kostarelos 

Third generation cheesemakers Kostarelos family honoured their almost 100-year-old business, by opening this exquisite deli & cafe in upscale Kolonaki, that quickly became the locals’ hotspot for brunch and shopping. Combining Greek rustic tradition with elegance, Kostarelos offers heavenly hot sandwiches with melting cheeses that ooze indulgence, alongside with milk and cheese pies of remarkable taste that transports you straight to the Greek countryside. Don’t leave without paying tribute to this temple of Greek cheese lovers. Taste barrel feta and strained yogurt of their own production, as well as tsalafouti (Greek spread cheese) and other dairy products from small Greek artisan producers. 

Patriarchou Ioakim 30-32, Kolonaki

Ohh Boy has become a hipster magnet in the up-and-coming Pangrati area, due to its instagrammable nature and delicious treats. This quaint, little cafe with its bright interiors and flowery decoration, offers the perfect combo of clean eats with decadent traditional Greek (try the divine ekmek kataifi) or vegan desserts for take-away or sit-down meals, watching the crowds go by.  

Archelaou 32, Pangrati

10. Mezeklikia tis Lachanagoras

One of the best things to do in Athens is to visit the city’s markets, like the Varvakios Fish & Meat Market. But, did you know that there are many other food markets in Athens, not so well-known, but equally worth exploring?

Inside the Central Fruit & Vegetable market of Renti, a delicatessen – meze locale opened up lately to take advantage of the straight access to fresh, raw ingredients arriving here from all around Greece. You will find handpicked cured meat and fish, handmade dolma and pickles, artisanal cheeses and dips, value for money Greek wines and local craft beers.

Alternatively, sit down and relax. The owners will bring to your table an assortment of exquisite Greek meze plates inspired by recipes sourced from all corners of the country, sure to satisfy your appetite. 

Inside the Central Fruit & Vegetable market of Renti

11. Guarantee

Hard to miss, as this tiny, unpretentious sandwich shop in Koukaki is featured in every local guide of the best street food in Athens and one of the best restaurants in Athens. The owner’s motto is “quality without borders”. The same goes for quantity, as the place offers a vast selection of delectable breads, condiments, vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie from any place you can imagine.

You can easily spend a whole morning figuring out what to add to your sandwich, but you can’t, as a long queue of locals already waits in line to get their breakfast snacks.  

Veikou 41, Koukaki

12. Caravin wine bar

A hidden gem in the touristic area of Thissio that you should definitely visit for a drink after an evening walk around the Acropolis. The owners will make sure you have a personable experience, taste superb local wines and get some extra sips of knowledge of the Greek vineyard ( find the ultimate list of the wine bars in Athens ).

As they are both extremely passionate about travelling and fine dining, make sure you don’t leave without great recommendations for more dine & wine adventures around Greece. 

Akamantos 11, Thissio

13. Annie fine cooking

A Greek restaurant beyond the ordinary. The menu changes daily according to the chef’s findings at the markets. Her inspiration and vision pays homage to the regional cuisine of Greece, bringing to the forefront long- forgotten recipes sourced from around the country. Coming straight from the open kitchen, all her dishes radiate respect to seasonality and a zero-waste philosophy.

Start your meal with a dip of sourdough bread in exquisite Greek olive oil and build up your appetite with whimsical, local “surf & turf” creations like the clams and Lefkada salami in white wine and butter sauce or the sea bass with wild greens and cured “syglino” pork from Mani, the chef’s birthplace. 

Menaichmou 4, Neos Kosmos

14. Pezoulas

Featured always on our list with the best restaurants in Athens (for fish and seafood), Pezoulas has been feeding generations of Greeks since the ‘50s. Back then, the place was haunted by party-goers and musicians, as Tzitzifies area used to be Athens’ hottest nightlife spot.

Younger generations took up the torch with respect to the history of their family restaurant and gave a breath of fresh air to their classic fish and seafood menu. Along with simple preparations, you will find nouvelle cuisine dishes that exude a taste of “greekality”, like the smoked eel with fava from Feneos, the tuna tiradito, the shrimp tartar with orange – fennel salad and the smoked sea bass with beluga lentils. 

Pisistratou 11, Kallithea

15. Materia Prima

Not one but two wine bars in Athens, working as wine stores as well. The friendly character of their owner and staff is reflected in every corner, as well as their passion for showcasing grape varieties with the least possible intervention.

Their wine list changes every month to honour talented winemakers from Greece and abroad, and is divided into sections like “Reds for summer nights” or “Mineral and Crispy”, to help you quickly pick your favourite wine style. Looking for something different? Follow their knowledgeable sommeliers to the wine cellar and they will help you pick the right wine for your special occasion. 

Worth mentioning is their selection of truly unique, artisanal Greek cheeses, like Meriareno from Kasos and Lazareto from Ithaka and their menu, designed to bring out the best of their wines. Don’t miss the smoked eel with chickpeas in salsa verde or the tuna tartar with mango and ginger.

Mesologgiou sq. 3, Pangrati / Falirou 68, Koukaki

16. Trigono

Want to know how a real Greek family dinner tastes like? Take a short drive to this family restaurant in Kalyvia and meet the meat experts, who know all about grilling lamb to perfection!

The menu sticks to the basics, and that’s all you need actually: juicy lamb chops, giant burgers – big enough to feed a whole family, a copious amount of Greek salad, fried zucchini, spicy tirokafteri dip with feta, and half a loaf of charred bread to dip in your tzatziki again and again.

No need to go anywhere else for dessert as it comes for free at the end – sheep’s milk  yoghurt – the original Greek yogurt – topped with fruit preserves of the season, like sour cherry or grapes.

To Trigono is close to the airport, so it’s an ideal dinner spot flying in or out of Athens.  

Athinon 36, Kalivia

17. I Kriti

One of the best restaurants in Athens to find authentic Cretan cuisine, infused with flavours of the Mediterranean. Hidden inside an arcade, once you discover it, you’ll probably want to go there again, to eat the rest of their menu! Plus, if you have picky eaters in your group, this is your chance to convert them to Greek food lovers, tasting goat or even snails. 

Don’t know where to start from? We picked for you our favourite dishes: slow cooked goat in egg-lemon sauce, zucchini flowers stuffed with rice, grilled sardines wrapped in vine leaves and braised octopus in thyme honey from Crete. Kali orexi! (Bon appetit!). 

Veranzerou 5, Kaniggos sq.

18. Olympion

Our favourite eatery for authentic Greek cuisine and one of the best restaurants in Athens, close to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Visit for lunch as everything is made on the day and slowly disappears by night. Let the waiters give you a “tour” of the day’s specials behind the glass case, and mingle with the local fans, who consider Olympion as the next best thing after a home made meal.

Go  for the typical Greek comfort food: delicious pastitsio, “papoutsakia” – halved eggplants with meat and bechamel – like mini versions of moussaka- or dolmades avgolemono – vine leaves with rice and meat in egg-lemon sauce. 

Anapafseos 9, Mets

19. Birdman

Long gone are the days when Japanese cuisine in Athens was synonymous only to sushi restaurants. Birdman one of the best restaurants in Athens, is a cool and stylish izakaya (typical Japanese gastro-bar) in busy Syntagma, worth taking a break from Greek food during your holidays. 

The owner’s vision is to blend western and eastern gastronomic cultures with an open mind, following a neck to tail philosophy he’s known for, using various cuts of prime beef.

Birdman is a popular after-work locale, so we recommend you to go there early and grab your seat on the bar stools. Pair your succulent yakitori (japanese skewers) with one of their Asian-inspired cocktails and fine drinks.

Or, even better, get your fingers dirty with their scrumptious smash burger with smoked ketchup or the delicate chicken katsu sando with japanese coleslaw and wasabi aioli. 

Voulis 35, Syntagma

20. Ergon House

Ergon has become a global name in Mediterranean food and the Greek cuisine especially on the strength of its hand-picked premium content, awesome aesthetics and their commitment to staying true to nurturing and promoting small and honest local producers. On its floors you can find a unique shop selling local products of exceptional quality, an exquisite restaurant and also a hotel. Guide yourself through a lovely selection of wines or get cosy for delicious Greek brunch, lunch or dinner.

Mitropoleos 23, near Syntagma

Nestled in the lush garden of the Goulandris Natural History Museum, NATU is a delightful cafe-restaurant in Kifissia, ideal for outdoor seating on a sunny day. Under the shadow of the trees, next to small ponds and little waterfalls, you will enjoy a delectable brunch in peace, as NATU is carefully designed to keep your zen – as long as you avoid weekends when it’s popular with families and kids.

This beautiful oasis, one of the best restaurants in Athens, is also the perfect choice for a calm night out, as its soft lighting and charming ambiance will take you away from the noise of the city, into their mellow jazzy tunes.

Levidou 13, Kifisia

22. Sushimou

If there’s one restaurant in Athens you should really plan your visit in advance, this is Sushimou in the city centre. Hidden in a side street near Syntagma, Sushimou offers a truly unique sushi experience with only 12 stools by the bar for guests to be seated. 

Enjoy the exclusivity of the place and the undivided attention of the host in this tiny, sushi bar, where he shares his passion for fresh fish, imbued with japanese minimalism. Just say “omakase” and leave your appetite in his experienced hands!

Start your dinner with a sensational assortment of sashimi – bonito, scallops, grouper, tuna, calamari and more, continue with a nigiri of local red mullet, served with a shot of Greek grappa, and finish off- in lieu of dessert – with the seared, sweet eel nigiri, prepared masterfully in front of your eyes. Hats off chef!

Skoufou 6, Syntagma

23. Wild Souls

A nut ‘n’ seed based deli and one of the best restaurants in Athens where you will find the best Greek vegan breakfast. Prepare your appetite along with your camera, as this is one of the most photogenic stores in the city, that since its opening, it brightens up our walks in the centre. 

Order a cup of their organic coffee, smoothie bowls, delicious sandwiches or vegan cheeses platter. All unprocessed, pure and plant-based without sugar, palm oil or any preservatives, and, needless to say, plastic free. 

Before you go, taste their wide range of nut butters from the bar or get a piece from their incredible selection of tahini halva for an extra boost of energy.   

Voulis 36, Syntagma

One of the oldest surviving dairy-stores in Athens, Stani is the answer to your question – “Where to find the best Greek yoghurt in Athens?”. Their sublime yogurt, topped with honey and walnuts, has been awarded for its taste and gut-friendly properties, with a gold medal, still framed on the wall, since the ‘50s.

Before you go: grab your treat for the road – either their decadent galaktoboureko – a Greek custard phyllo pastry with syrup, or any of their fresh milk creams, like the delightful rizogalo – a local rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon. 

Marikas Kotopouli 10, Omonoia

All good things come to an end, so we kept a sweet surprise for you on the last spot of our list for the best restaurants in Athens. Close to Athens’ beachside, in Palaio Faliro (reached by tram), make a short stop at one of the city’s “crème de la crème” pastry shops. Plentiful sweet delights will grab your attention with their elegant looks and bright colours, oozing their chef’s creativity and passion.

Ideally, take one of each, but, as most likely you will have to make a selection, go for either the ekmek tsoureki – aromatic and syrupy brioche with creme patisserie, whipped cream and crushed pistachio, the apple tart with poached apples, caramel and almond crumble or the coffee tart with mascarpone cream, espresso, salt and roasted cocoa beans.  

Terpsitheas 47, Palaio Faliro

Did you enjoy our foodie guide to Athens? Come and meet us in person and we’ll introduce you to our top selection of Greek food restaurants, delis and street food spots in Athens, that you won’t find on any list. 

Would you like to know more? Contact us to create for you a private food tour in Athens, or join any of our small-group gastronomy tours for extra food & fun!

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The best Athens restaurants – our favourites by neighbourhood

While visitors flock to see the Acropolis and other ancient sights of Athens, many are unaware of its vibrant food scene. The best Athens restaurants range from street food kiosks and traditional tavernas. There’s trendy all day cafes and top chefs offering modern Greek cuisine and everyone will have their favourites.

Athens is like a series of villages, each with its central square and numerous places to eat. Having stayed in or visited a few of the different neighbourhoods, here are some of the places to eat in Athens that I’ve personally enjoyed or been recommended.

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Table of Contents

Restaurants in Plaka Athens

Tucked under Acropolis Hill, Plaka is one of the favourite tourist areas, with cute neo-classical houses and views of the Acropolis. The area has more than its fair share of tourist restaurants in Athens.

I’m not a big fan of those that post a waiter outside trying to talk you in. Having said that, there are some undeniably atmospheric places you might consider for a drink or dinner.

Plaka Steps in Athens

The most photogenic bars and restaurants are to be found along the “Plaka Steps”, narrow lanes with steps that run up the hill towards the Acropolis. In summer tables and cushions are put outside each restaurant and people sit on the steps themselves with a drink or a meal, to see and be seen.

Learn about the food in Athens – 23 dishes and foodie experiences you’ll want to try!

I find sitting on the steps themselves, would be like dining in a goldfish bowl, however many of the restaurants have roof terraces. aThis is where I’d prefer to sit, with a fine view of the Acropolis above. Look on the map for the two lanes of Mnisikleous and Erechtheos , near the Tower of the Winds to find the location of most of these restaurants.

Yiasemi – this vegetarian cafe bistro is one of the most atmospheric of the restaurants on Plaka Steps. There’s a cosy interior in winter and a pretty roof terrace for summer.

Stay at the Electra Palace Hotel – an elegant, classic 5 star hotel, close to the Acropolis in Plaka – read my review

Restaurants in Monastiraki Athens

Known for its flea market, Monastiraki Square is a busy metro stop and a tourist hotspot. There are always plenty of people moving through, so keep a close eye on your valuables in the square and surrounding lanes.

Along the pedestrianised street of Mitropoleos leading from the square are numerous grill style restaurants. This could be a good place to stop if you want a cheap and cheerful meat based meal. I didn’t eat here myself so I’d recommend you look for the places that appear busy and most popular with locals.

Read more about uncovering the delicious food in Athens

More Monastiraki restaurants

For somewhere a little more local and tucked away try;

Couleur Locale (Normanou 3) – A popular all day cafe bar with a second floor restaurant and rooftop terrace. It’s a good place for a coffee, cocktail or burger. The entrance is a bit tucked away close to the flea market off Monastiraki Square.

TAF – The Art Foundation (Normanou 5) – right next door to Couleur Locale, TAF is a cultural space with a bar in its central courtyard. The building showcases typical Athenian worker’s houses from the 19th century. These have been restored, with small houses that shared facilities for kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

In the shady courtyard you can order a drink or coffee away from the Monastiraki bustle, with drinks, cocktails and music as the evening wears on.

A for Athens – Although I didn’t visit myself, the roof top bar and restaurant of this hotel overlooking Monastiraki Square is one of the best known places to sit at sunset for a cocktail with a view of the Acropolis.

If you’re visiting the Acropolis in Athens – here’s what you need to know

Looking for a food tour in Athens? We tried and can recommend this one with Athenian Tours

Restaurants in the Historic triangle (between Monastiraki and Syntagma)

There are many excellent restaurants and street food places to be found in the area known as the Athens historic triangle. To locate this on a map, draw a triangle between Monastiraki Metro, The Central Municipal Market of Athens and Syntagma Square.

This is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens, with many pedestrianised streets. The best known is Ermou Street which is lined with major high street fashion stores. I’d probably avoid eating on Ermou Street itself as it’s so commercial. However, there are many excellent restaurants in the roads that lead off it or run parallel.

St Irene’s Square in Athens

Platia Agias Irinis (St Irene’s Square) – the streets ( Athinaidos, Aiolou ) and square around the church of St Irene once housed a flower market. This square is a great place to meet friends or head if you don’t know where to eat. There are numerous excellent options, many of them serving inexpensive street food.

For Souvlaki you’ll find the well known Kosta Souvlaki takeaway (Pl. Agias Irinis 2), which always has a queue. Or, the more modern Tylixto Greek Wrap (Aiolou 19).

There’s Hoocut (Pl. Agias Irinis 9) which was featured in the TV programme Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip. Numerous bars and restaurant with outdoor seating spill into the square, so it’s a fun area to visit in summer.

Ariston (Voulis 10) – close to Ermou and Syntagma, this well known pie shop sells a wide range of pies. You’ll also find the traditional tyropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie).

If you need a late breakfast snack, try the sweet custard pie bougatsa . For lunch sample Ariston’s specialty of kourou , a half moon pastie with a buttery filo case and filling of feta cheese.

Feyrouz ( Karori 23 / Aiolou) – this popular and reasonably priced takeaway with just a few tables serves excellent Levantine street food. Look for their Lahmatzun wraps, Peinirli filled pastries and home made soups. They have opened a second bakery with sweet cakes and coffees just across the street.

More restaurants in St Irene’s Square

Six d.o.g.s (6-8 Avramiotou) – the entrance down a side street doesn’t give much away of the modern bar, restaurant and huge shady courtyard that’s surrounded by other buildings. It’s a very chilled place to come for lunch or a drink on summer days, when there’s a separate menu of Lebanese dishes. In the evening the atmosphere changes to a cool bar serving Thai dishes and nightclub with live music and DJs.

Read about the best things to do in Athens for culture lovers

Tzitzikas & Mermigas ( Mitropoleos 12-14) – serving a modern take on traditional Greek dishes, this is a good choice of restaurant close to Syntagma Square. The menu showcases regional ingredients with good salad and veggie choices. Prices are reasonable considering the central location and the decor is a cute take on a retro grocery store.

Stay at the colourful Boutique Hotel Athens4 close to the Central Market – read my review

Restaurants in Psiri Athens

Located just north of Monastiraki Square, Psiri is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. This is where crumbling old buildings and street art, mix with renovated houses, artisan workshops and stylish restaurants.

Above all Psiri is a fantastic area for eating out in the evening. It is known as one of the top nightlife districts of Athens, with streets of busy restaurants, especially in summer.

Check out Athens street art – discover these amazing murals and artists!

By day the atmosphere is more sleepy and laid back. It’s a perfect spot to sit with a coffee in the central Plateia Iroon (Hero’s Square) and watch the world go by.

If you are visiting during the daytime I’d start at the numerous bars and restaurants around Plateia Iroon . Then follow some of the roads that radiate out from here, especially Ag. Anargion and Taki which are packed with places to eat.

Nancy’s Sweet Home – on the corner in Plateia Iroon, this Serbetia cake shop and cafe is one of the most instagrammable in Psir. There’s a cosy interior in the old building and tables outside in the square. They sell a delicious range of traditional cakes and pastries, which you can select at the counter to enjoy with a coffee.

Check out my neighborhood guide to Psiri Athens – for street art and nightlife

More Psiri restaurants

Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki – next door to Nancy’s Sweet Home, this is a traditional pie shop. We tried bougatsa , the sweet breakfast pastry of Greece as well as some of their other traditional feta and spinach pies. Originating in Thessaloniki, bougatsa is made with layers of filo pastry, filled with custard cream and sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon.

Kokkion – I visited this tiny shop selling artisan ice cream more than once, it’s just off busy Athinas street that runs down to Monastiraki Square. The ice cream is freshly made on the premises and includes lots of interesting, seasonal and local flavours including vegan sorbets. If you are staying in an apartment locally, they sell tubs of ice cream to take away too.

Little Kooks – one of the most photographed places in Psiri for good reason, I didn’t eat there as I guess it’s mostly about the atmosphere. It would be fun for kids and those who love a bit of over-the-top Disney-esque decor. Order pancakes, ice creams and cocktails from the fairies posing as waiters and enjoy the quirky seasonal themed decorations.

Nudie Foodie Psiri – tucked down the side street of Eschilou , this little cafe is worth seeking out, for those who want something healthy, veggie, vegan or gluten free. Chef Eva and her team serve colourful and tasty breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. There’s also energising fruit smoothies (try the super cannabi smoothie ) and gluten free cakes.

More restaurants in Psiri

Voliotiko (Lepeniotou 1) – There are numerous traditional style tavernas in Psiri, including Voliotiko Tsipouradiko . Here we enjoyed a meze lunch in their shady courtyard, with live music.

In winter, their restaurant provides a cosy atmosphere in an old mansion built in 1862. The restaurant’s name comes from the custom of drinking Tsipouro , a spirit a little like ouzo. It’s consumed with small plates of food and is especially popular in the coastal city of Volos .

Stay at 18 Micon Street in the heart of Psiri – a boutique hotel in a converted warehouse.

Karamanlidika (41 Evripidou) – located close to the Central Municipal Market on Evripidou , which is known as the Spice Street of Athens. It’s a deli and meze restaurant, which specialises in platters of Greek cheese and charcuterie.

Check out the Pastourma (air dried veal) or Soutzouki (dried spicy sausage). The deli part has limited space, but there’s another hidden restaurant area beyond it.

Atlantikos ( 7 Avliton ) – Tucked down an alley on the border of Psiri and Monastiraki, Atlantikos is the closest Athens has to a fish and chip shop. They serve a whole range of inexpensive fish and seafood dishes and there are tables on the upper floor and in the street outside. The fish here is super-fresh, well priced, simply presented and the service was swift and friendly.

The Foundry Roof Garden – We loved this elegant rooftop bar and highly recommend it for a sunset cocktail with those all important Acropolis views. Take the elevator to the rooftop terrace of the boutique hotel on Sarri .

You’ll discover the lush garden overflowing with a shady vines, herbs and flowering shrubs. They have a great cocktail and wine menu and serve pizzas made in their rooftop pizza oven. If you’d like to stay at The Foundry Suites you can check prices and availability here .

Restaurants in Kolonaki Athens

Kolonaki is considered one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in Athens, the equivalent of Chelsea or Knightsbridge in London. The two major streets of Solonos and Skoufa are lined with residential apartment buildings.

The street level is full of coffee shops, restaurants and designer shops that cater for an affluent crowd. Kolonaki also has a large share of the top restaurants of Athens, where top chefs showcase their fine dining experiences.

Nice n Easy (60 Omirou and Skoufa Str.) – a Mediterranean restaurant serving healthy gourmet dishes with lots of veggie and vegan choices as well as excellent cocktails. They also have two other locations in Greece.

The all day menu is named after old time stars of the stage and screen, such as Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.

Apivita experience store (Solonos 6) – stop for a refreshing juice or smoothie, while shopping for gorgeous toiletries. This four story neo-classical building is a showcase for Apivita’s face and body care range based on plant and bee products. There’s a juice bar on the first floor mezzanine, a spa for relaxing treatments and a lecture hall.

More Kolonaki restaurants

It (Skoufa 29) – although I didn’t have time to eat there, I liked the look of this all day cafe. Here it’s all about fresh and seasonal dishes with a big choice of veggie and vegan options. It looked like a great place for brunch, coffee or cocktails, with an outside terrace on Skoufa Street.

Prasini Tenta (Ploutarchou 66) – an outdoor coffee bar and restaurant on the slopes of Mt Lycabettus with views over Athens. I passed by on my walk and thought it had a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s a good place to stop for a break while walking on Mt Lycabettus on the edge of Kolonaki. On the crest of the hill, where the cable car stops is a restaurant Orizentos . It’s popular in the evening to dine with a view over Athens and the Acropolis.

Benaki Museum (Kounpari 1) – If you are visiting the Benaki Museum, which is dedicated to Greek arts and culture, be sure to have a coffee or light lunch in their rooftop restaurant. In good weather, the outside terrace is a pleasant place to sit with a view over the treetops of the National Gardens.

Stay at Sir Athens in Kolonaki – stylish suites in the upscale neighbourhood of Athens – read my review

Restaurants in Koukaki

We stayed in an apartment in Koukaki, a neighbourhood that’s south of the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill. It has a very local feel, without many tourist sites. The arty vibe and affordable rents, make this a neighbourhood that’s attracting new restaurant openings and creative young chefs.

There are two pedestrianised squares along Drakou and Georgiou Olimpiou , lined with bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Koukaki has a youthful feel and is a good place to meet friends at the Syggrou Fix Metro station if you want to go bar and restaurant hopping within a small area of Athens.

Skoumbri ( Drakou 16 ) – the white painted tables and rope decoration of this seafood restaurant give it a Greek Island feel. We dined there one evening and enjoyed the fresh fish and traditional seafood dishes on the menu. The same family owns Kalamaki Bar across the street, which offers a modern take on Greek traditional taverna dishes.

Restaurants in Ampelokipi

The neighbourhood of Ampelokipi is probably not one that you are likely to visit as a tourist. It’s a mainly residential area full of apartment buildings, medical clinics and a couple of large hospitals. However if you happen to be in the area you might like to try out one place we discovered;

48 Urba n Garden (Armatolon & Klefton 48) – we’d never have found this quirky restaurant had it not been recommended to us, as it doesn’t have a frontage to the street. It’s in the ground floor courtyard of the Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre.

This has been landscaped to make an indoor / outdoor herb and vegetable garden, and the bar and kitchen is in a silver airstream caravan. The menu is inspired by street food dishes from around the world, including Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean.

Restaurants near Omonia Square

Omonia Square was known in the past as one of the most classy areas of Athens. Unfortunately its reputation declined in recent years as it became a base for refugees in Athens. Some of the underlying issues have been addressed but it’s something to be aware of if you are walking around the neighbourhood.

Stani ( M. Kotopouli 10 ) – This family run dairy cafe close to Omonia Square is the place to try Greek yoghurt and dairy products. You’ll see the creamy Greek yoghurt tubs piled in the chiller cabinet, with jars of honey were stacked on the shelves of cream painted kitchen cabinets. Try traditional Greek sweets and cakes, like loukoumades drizzled in honey, or the Galaktobureko  custard tart enclosed in syrupy filo pasty.

Need a guidebook for Athens? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Athens guide

A few of the places mentioned in this article were visited on a complimentary food tour hosted* by Athenian Tours but most of the restaurants are places I visited and paid for myself. 

* More info on my policies page

To explore more things to do in Athens, read my article on street art in Athens – discover some amazing murals and artists!

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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The 15 Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece

There’s a reason you find Greek restaurants and tavernas all over the world – the food is divine! From flavor-packed kebabs made with soft and puffy pita bread to buttery spanakopita and the iconic Greek salad, whatever you’re craving, your palate is guaranteed to be satisfied in Athens .

Greece ’s capital is home to a staggering array of places to eat. During your visit, you’ll stumble across tiny street stalls that dish up phenomenal dishes for less than the change in your pocket, beautiful tavernas where outdoor tables are surrounded by bougainvillea, and top-end Michelin-starred restaurants that serve food almost too gorgeous to eat.

With such a fantastic choice of dishes to try and enticing spots to visit, it can feel impossible to work out which restaurants are worth visiting. To help make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best restaurants in Athens that serve food so remarkable you’ll be begging for their recipes. Add these restaurants to your list of must-do things in Athens, and you’re sure to have an incredible time dining in this ancient city. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Must-Try Restaurants in Athens, Greece

1. nice n easy.

Sometimes simple is best, which is definitely true when it comes to Nice n Easy . Home to some of the best food in Athens, this unassuming restaurant is all about farm-to-table cuisine, and each mouthful perfectly reflects that. This casual bistro starts with the finest organic ingredients sourced from local Greek producers and enhances them with simple, trusted cooking methods to deliver phenomenal dishes you’ll be dreaming about for years to come.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by a Frank Sinatra song, and the decor falls in line with the 1950s Hollywood theme. There’s a focal wall with a portrait of Marilyn Monroe carved into the brickwork, with faded images of other retro movie and music stars decorating the remaining space. Pull up a chair at one of the minimalist tables indoors or enjoy your meal al fresco on the small outdoor terrace that’s perfect for people-watching.

Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the striking decor and wholesome Greek food will win you over every time. 

2. To Kati Allo

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after exploring the fascinating Acropolis Museum, seek out To Kati Allo . This beautiful Greek taverna is tucked away down a small side street that may just be steps away from the bustling tourist hotspot but has a tranquil atmosphere that makes it feel like it’s in another world.

Run by two generations of an Athenian family, To Kati Allo keeps things as traditional and authentic as possible. Together, the Bakatselos have been wowing hungry diners with classic Greek cuisine for over three decades.

Take a look at the menu, and you’ll discover wonderful plates such as grilled feta cheese, stuffed saganaki, and mousaka. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are some more out-there dishes, too, including fall-off-the-bone braised rabbit with Zakynthos cheese and goat fricassee with a rich egg and lemon sauce.  

The portions are spectacularly large, especially considering the low prices. So don’t be surprised if you accidentally over-order and leave with enough leftovers to last you for several days. 

Not all the top restaurants in Athens serve Greek food, and Birdman is a testament to that. Arguably the city’s best-kept secret, this offbeat Japanese hangout is hidden in plain sight in the center of Athens and is well-known among locals for its phenomenal yakitori skewers.

An excellent alternative when you want a break from Greek food, Birdman serves the type of creative high-protein dishes that foodies dream of. Their open-fire kitchen churns out delicious neck-to-tail yakitori, seafood kushiyaki, hands-only bone-in cuts, and exclusive rare-breed beef nigiri. Making the most of fresh, seasonal produce, as many ingredients as possible are sourced from local farmers and producers.

Definitely not a place to go for a long, leisurely lunch, Birdman caters to diners on the go. The Japanese pub offers only a handful of tiny tables and benches out front where you can pause while waiting for your delicious eats to arrive. While you’re hanging around, treat yourself to one of their unique cocktails, such as the Ume Bloody Mary made with miso, sake, wasabi, plum, and truffle mushroom salt. 

4. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

A must-visit for any foodie looking for an authentic Greek experience, Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani is much more than a restaurant. This unique spot is a modern version of a Byzantine pastomageireio – a fantastic fusion of tavern and deli. Tucked away inside a stunning neoclassical house, this dining spot is gorgeous and easily missable if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Solid wooden tables and chairs dressed with sea-inspired white and blue crockery frame the star of the show – an extraordinary deli counter laden with all sorts of weird and wonderful edible goodies. 

Choose delicious cold cuts and local cheeses from the vast selection and combine them with the hot dishes of the day. The offering changes daily. But if you find fried aubergine and zucchini in a Cappadocian sauce available, you’ve absolutely got to order it.

One of the best things about Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani is the ease of ordering. If you fall in love with something from the deli counter, you can order as much as you like. The friendly staff will prepare and package it up for you in seconds to take back to your accommodation.

Phita (also known as Fita and Pita) is essentially single-handedly responsible for bringing a new lease of life to Neos Kosmos, a downtown neighborhood that never used to have much of a spark. Undoubtedly one of the coolest restaurants in Athens, Phita looks a little out of place, flanked by abandoned housing projects and a tired tramline, but its gritty surroundings are all part of its charm.

The open kitchen is what attracts most visitors to this dining spot. You can enjoy an unobstructed view of the chefs at work from almost any of the tables and watch them as they create delectable wonders, with seafood being one of the specialties. The menu changes regularly according to the freshness and availability of ingredients, making two visits very unlikely to be the same. 

Some of the popular classics that frequently grace the menu are thick homemade potato chips served with creamy taramasalata for dipping and delicate fish tartare served on plump stuffed vine leaves.

6. Klimataria

One of the longest-established restaurants you’re likely to come across in Athens, Klimataria is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a little entertainment with your meal. This lively tavern has been family run since 1927 and is just as charming and enticing as it was on its very first day. 

The menu is laden with Mediterranean delicacies, from vibrant beetroot salads and crunchy zucchini balls to fresh grilled fish with seasonal greens and stuffed vine leaves with a rich tomato sauce. There are plenty of plant-based options, too, including a veggie moussaka that’s so divine there’s no way you’ll miss the meat. The house wine is beyond delicious and shockingly affordable. 

Visit during the evening, and you’ll be treated to a magnificent performance led by local artists and bands. Making a reservation here is a fantastic way of supporting up-and-coming artists while indulging your taste buds at the same time. Even if there’s no show when you visit, the rustic surroundings and friendly staff guarantee you a great time.

7. Seychelles Restaurant

The name may be a bit confusing, but Seychelles is one of the most remarkable restaurants in Athens. Said to be the original modern Greek bistro, this tavern is a friendly place where tables and chairs are tightly packed together.

If you don’t want to rub shoulders with other diners, grab a seat at the kitchen counter where you can watch the incredibly talented chefs work their magic. Alternatively, there’s also a casual outdoor seating area where you dig into Greek delights while watching the world go by. 

The comprehensive menu is brimming with so much deliciousness that you’ll find it almost impossible to settle on a single dish. We suggest sharing with your travel buddy and ordering a mix of roasted garlic cream-dressed salads, exquisitely presented seafood, and addictive meat-based dishes enhanced with gourmet extras like apricot ketchup. 

End your heavenly meal with rich, smooth, and creamy Cycladic cheeses and a glass of local wine if you’ve still got room. 

If you’re celebrating a big occasion, make it extra special by reserving a table at Hytra . One of the most spectacular rooftop restaurants in Athens, Hytra is a Michelin-starred marvel that’s perched above the city on the 6th floor of the Onassis Cultural Center. From its lofty position, you get a sensational view of the Acropolis, as well as the quaint whitewashed buildings that make up the rest of the city. 

The a la carte menu is surprisingly simple, with just 2-3 options available for each course. But having so few options allows the chefs to devote all their care and attention to each dish and deliver it flawlessly. For an experience you’ll never forget, we suggest foregoing the a la carte menu in favor of one of the tasting menus.

Made up of 10-12 dishes, the tasting menus invite you on a gastronomic journey across Greece, beginning at the coast with delicate fish before moving inland for meat-based dishes and ending in heaven with a sweet chocolate-based dream. It’s worth splashing out on the drink pairing option and having your tasting menu accompanied by local wines or innovative cocktails. 

Because of its ordinary location on an unremarkable street and unassuming façade, it’s easy to walk past Kanaria and think nothing of it. But to do so would be to miss out on one of the best fish tavernas in Athens. As soon as you pop your head through the entrance, you’ll discover that Kanaria is anything but ordinary.

The interior design makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the 21st century and straight into a 1950s Greek diner. Huge wine barrels surrounded by vines decorate the walls, along with pictures of vineyards and family members who have worked hard to make Kanaria what it is today. The plain wooden chairs and tables covered with white paper tablecloths give the restaurant a familiar, casual feel.

This humble vibe is enhanced by the lack of a menu. Instead, your server will describe the handful of dishes that are available that day. Whatever you order, we strongly recommend accompanying it with some of the house wine. It’s made by the owners and tastes superb!

10. Orizontes

Describing Orizontes as one of the most magnificently alluring restaurants in the world would be a clear understatement. Perched prestigiously on Lycabettus Hill, this romantic open-air restaurant rewards diners patient enough to endure the long waiting list with unparalleled views of the city that stretch across the rustic homes, over the ancient Acropolis, and all the way out to sea.

You absolutely have to make a reservation for sunset. This way, you get to see the city bathed in golden light before the cobalt sky takes over and the city comes to life with twinkling fairy lights. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to dining on Mount Olympus like a god. 

Not only is Orizontes famed for its magnificent panoramas, but it’s also highly regarded for its excellent cuisine. Top-notch Mediterranean food flows from the kitchen in the form of mixed green salads with crispy prosciutto, lobster with housemade linguini, and a rack of lamb in a pistachio crust. As you’d expect from such a fancy place, there’s a spectacular wine list with bottles from all over the world. 

11. Linou Soumpasis & Sia

Despite its simplicity and minimalism, Linou Soumpasis & Sia is one of the finest Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens. This contemporary new-age taverna is conveniently located in the beating heart of the Psiri district and is set inside a building that was once a candle shop. As a fun, quirky bonus, you can still buy the candles that were originally made in this spot today.

Linou Soumpasis & Sia has earned its marvelous reputation by serving delicious Greek cuisine with a modern flair and zero added hassle. Absolutely everything is made from scratch – from the light-as-a-cloud pita bread stuffed with delicate lamb meatballs to the sharp pickled vegetables served with velvet-smooth goat cheese. 

This is a wonderful place to discover something new, and the best dishes at this restaurant are the simplest. Huge butterflied prawns grilled and drizzled with lemon butter, organic chicken dressed in a perfectly balanced yogurt sauce, and delicately blanched zucchini paired with soft anevato cheese will have you wanting to return again and again.

For the chance to dine with the stars, make reservations for Strofi . This top-end restaurant has such an exemplary reputation that it’s a popular dining spot for famous faces from all over the world. On the off chance that there isn’t a celebrity dining at the same time as you, all you’ve got to do is look up, and the sparkling night sky will provide you with an equally jaw-dropping view.

An excellent place to go when you’re absolutely ravenous, Strofi specializes in generous mezze platters that are unbelievably huge. There’s a great selection to choose from, with all sorts of dishes such as mashed split peas with olive oil, garlic-marinated red peppers, grilled halloumi with pine nuts, spinach pie with housemade phyllo pastry, and rainbow Aegean salad.

If you’re not a fan of sharing, you’ll find plenty of tempting a la carte entrees to choose from. The Mastelo pork is highly recommended and is slow-cooked with baby onions, chickpeas, potatoes, and soft cheese infused with marjoram. 

13. Oikonomou

Nestled in one of the cutest and friendliest neighborhoods in the city, Oikonomou is just one of the many independent restaurants in the area. But it’s the home-away-from-home atmosphere, the warm welcome from the staff, and the incredible comfort food that make this place stand out.

Established way back in 1930, Oikonomoi is a family-run establishment that serves simple Greek dishes in a low-key atmosphere. Take a look around the dining room, and you’ll discover that the faded ochre walls are liberally decorated with notes and drawings left by world-famous writers and artists who have visited over the years. 

You’ve got to journey through the kitchen, past giant pots of stewed beef and decades-old ovens that guard fall-of-the-bone roast lamb to get to the restroom. But this little quirk only adds to the restaurant’s charm and honesty. Choose a table outside and settle in for a laid-back evening filled with great food, even better company, and old-school Athenian surroundings. 

14. Lukumades

Sometimes you’re not in the mood for a lavish Greek banquet. Sometimes you just want a sweet treat that will give you enough energy to carry on sightseeing. When you find yourself in this scenario, seek out Lukumades . This tiny cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside, but ask any local and they’ll tell you it’s the best place in the city for the Greek version of donuts.

Known as loukoumades, these bite-size pieces of deliciousness are light and airy dough balls that come in more varieties than you could possibly imagine. Traditionally, loukoumades are drizzled with Greek honey and cinnamon. But today you can find them stuffed with all sorts of creamy fillings and spread with every topping you can think of. 

You’ll find a spectacular choice of sweet and savory options to choose from, as well as creamy soft-serve ice cream, specialty coffee, organic tea, fresh juices, and gourmet milkshakes. It’s the perfect place to go to break up your day into more manageable pieces.

15. Feyrouz

When it comes to amazing street food in Athens, Feyrouz is a no-brainer. There’s always a long line in front of this place, but it’s worth waiting in the Mediterranean sunshine for the chance to sample the remarkable Levantine street food that comes out of the kitchen. As an added bonus, the prices are unbelievably good value, making Feyrouz a place you’ll definitely want to return to.

Feyrouz opens for lunch, and some of the dishes regularly sell out in no time. We recommend getting there as it opens and ordering the curried chicken served with Bosphorus rice, chickpeas, spicy pepper relish, and cooling yogurt. 

It’s an intoxicating melting pot of flavors you’ll instantly fall in love with. There are plenty of plant-based options, too, including a hearty wholegrain lahmacun spread thick with hummus and za’atar.

The homey dining spot is named after the cheery chef behind the generations-old recipes. She combines dishes and memories from Athens, Istanbul, and Antakya to create the deliciousness you’ll want to savor over and over.

There you have it! The 15 best restaurants in Athens. Where is your favorite place to eat in Athens, Greece?

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About the Author:

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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The 8 Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece | Where to Eat in Athens, Greece

By: Author Nathan

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2023

Categories Greece , Europe , Food

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Deciding which Athens restaurants to eat at can be overwhelming. So, to help you out, I’ve teamed up with a few blogger friends to share our picks for the Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece.

Whether you’re hoping to find the most delicious breakfast or restaurants with authentic Greek dishes (or even a Greek/Indian fusion suggestion), this guide has you covered!

While in Athens don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):

• Athens: Acropolis Guided Tour with Entry Ticket
• Athens: Delphi Guided Day Trip with Pickup & Optional Lunch
• From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip by Train
• Athens: 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit
• Athens: Sunset Trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon

Visiting other destinations in Greece? Or maybe traveling through Europe? Check out our other delicious guides:

• The 10 Best Chania Restaurants
• The Best Walking Food Tour Of Athens
• The Top 12 Best Greek Dishes
• 10 Amazing Things To Do In Greece
• The 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In Paris

The Best Athens Restaurants-

Navarchou Apostoli 10 // +30 21 0331 4751

Suggested by Elizabeth of Compass & Fork

If you are looking for a great place for a traditional Greek breakfast, try Spiti Mas, a casual, eclectic café in Athen’s Psiri neighborhood.

Our waitress recommended the  strapatsada , a creamy Greek version of scrambled eggs with roasted tomatoes and feta cheese.

You could also try the “pie”– a large piece of toasted flatbread with your choice of toppings. We had one with prosciutto and truffle oil.  The menu also has a variety of fresh squeezed juices, and you can even make your own combination.

The service was a bit slow, but friendly.  The restaurant is very popular, and you may have to wait on a table. But the food was delicious!

If you plan to check out the Sunday morning flea market in Monastiraki, this is a great stop for a bit to eat either before or after.

Orizontes 

Aristippou 1 // +30 21 0722 7065

When my friends found out I was planning to visit Athens, more than one suggested Orizontes, more for their view than their menu.

Sitting on the hill of Lycabettus, the highest peak in Athens, Orizontes has impressive panoramic views of the capital city. You’ll enjoy your dinner seated outdoors on their cliff side terrace.

The menu features Mediterranean cuisine and is best known for its seafood dishes.

The wine list features both Greek and international labels.

To reach the restaurant, you’ll have to ride a cable car that departs every thirty minutes from the corner of Ploutarhiou and Aristippou streets in Kolonaki.

Keramikou 49, Athina 104 36 // +30 21 1183 4789

High end food in a laid back setting with prices that seem more than reasonable — all these factors pulled me back to dine at Seychelles more than once during my time in Athens.

Don’t let the name fool you — this isn’t some exotic eatery. The cozy restaurant serves  classic Greek dishes , and serves them well. Be sure not to fill up on the delicious homemade bread they bring to the table — the portions here are large. You’ll want to keep your appetite!

The menu changes often according to what’s seasonal, but I loved the beef tongue dish I had on my first visit and also the freshly grilled fish I had when I returned. If the summer salad with cheese is on the menu when you visit, be sure to order that as your starter!

This popular eatery can fill up fast, so be sure to make reservations. Or, if you’re dining alone, ask for a seat at the bar.

Ermou 109 // +30 21 0323 9759

Suggested by Teresa from Brogan Abroad

Normally when I travel somewhere new, I love to try the local food. When I visited  Athens  recently, my intention was to make the most of my time and indulge in delicious traditional Greek food.

As I said, this was my intention… but then I kept hearing about Mirch, an Indian restaurant that specializes in Indian souvlaki. For the purists out there, this would be a big no-no, but I just had to try it for myself. And I’m so glad I did!

Mirch offers a number of traditional Indian dishes, but most people come here for one thing — their Indian souvlaki. It’s listed in the menu as a starter, and it’s only €4 ($4.9 USD)! It has become so popular that if you’d like a table to eat at, you need to be prepared to wait. Most people just buy it as a take away.

I do love a good traditional Greek souvlaki, but Mirch’s Indian version could easily be the best I have ever tried.

To Kafeneio

Epicharmou 1 // +30 21 0324 6916

This was one of my favorite stops on my  walking food tour of Athens . We sampled several small dishes, and the food was so good I knew I had to return.

The restaurant is small and feels like you’re enjoying a meal in a Greek grandmother’s dining room. The service is friendly, and the homemade wine was both affordable and generously poured.

My favorite dishes include the simple yet perfect salad in an edible bread bowl — juicy tomatoes, feta cheese, onions and capers soaked into the crusty bread, which you use to scoop up the salad before eating the bowl itself.

And then there’s the restaurant’s signature dish: meatballs in a red sauce so famous it’s simply known as THE sauce.

Manas Kouzina-Kouzina

Aiolou 27 // +30 21 0325 2335

Suggested by Megsy of Food Fun Travel

If you’re looking for a traditional home cooked meal in the heart of  Athens , look no further than Mana’s Kouzina. Mana’s Kouzina, which means mother’s kitchen, is all about recreating the owners’ childhood favorite foods.

The menu, which uses traditional cooking techniques and locally sourced produce, can change depending on what is available at that time of year. This restaurant sources recipes from all over Greece, so you can expect homemade delicacies from the islands to the cities and mountain villages — the very best of Greece’s culinary heritage all in one funky restaurant. 

Our recommendations for must-try dishes are the dolmades (vine leaves wrapped into little rolls and stuffed with rice and fresh herbs)

and their homemade mousakka (a greek version of lasagna often with eggplant).

Feel free to wash it down with some locally sourced wine, or even some raki or ouzo for more adventurous drinkers. 

Mitropoleos 69 // +30 21 0324 4705

Suggested by David from  The Whole World is a Playground

After working up an appetite exploring the Plaka and Acropolis of Athens, O Thanasis just off Monastiraki Square can be a great place for a quick snack or lazy lunch. We chanced upon this fantastic restaurant that specializes in Greek souvlaki, gyros and kebabs.

Despite its central location, O Thanasis is popular with tourists and locals alike. With their mouth watering Greek souvlaki plates and delicious kebabs at very reasonable prices, its guaranteed to be busy no matter the time of day.

Our favourite dishes were the lamb souvlaki and  Greek salads with side plates of tzasiki and hot chillies. We returned here a number of times during out time in Athens, as the food was that good. We loved the lively atmosphere while sitting in the outdoor area in front of the kitchen as crowds pass by on their way through the Plaka. Make sure to wash down your meal with some local ouzo, but be warned…..it packs quite a kick!

Galaxy Bar & Restaurant

Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 46 // +30 21 0728 1402

Suggested by Chrisoula of Travel Passionate

The Galaxy Bar & Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel is one of Athens’s best restaurants for tourists and locals alike.

Located in the city center on the top floor of the five-star  Athenian  Hotel, the Galaxy Bar and Restaurant offers incredible views of the city, Lycabettus Hill, and the Acropolis. It is also one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset.

In the summer, you can dine beneath the stars in the restaurant’s big veranda while enjoying the great views of  Athens. During the  winter, you can eat indoors and enjoy the same view through the floor to ceiling windows.

Which of these Athens restaurants looked the best to you? Let me know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this post please consider pinning it using the image found below .

Travel writer and owner of the blog . My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others. My story? Nearly six years ago, I left my job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. At the time, I thought I would only be gone for 6 months, but the more I traveled, the longer my bucket list became.  Flashpacker describes how I travel. Rather than traveling as the normal world wise backpacker and staying in hostel dorms, I prefer a more comfortable experience, and typically stay in private rooms, take Ubers instead of taxis, and now use a suitcase instead of a backpack. Foodie, on the other hand, describes one of the key reasons why I travel. I love to pick a central “base camp” and then explore the surrounding area, really immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people, and enjoying and exploring the food of an area is an essential part of this experience.

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Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Grilled octopus and roasted goat were my favorite dishes while in the kalamata region of Greece. Topping it all off was talagani cheese which was lightly grilled and topped with fig jam. Can't wait to go back.

Thursday 29th of July 2021

O THANASIS…..been there, done that, many times! EXCELLENT food and atmosphere!

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Mirch is amazing and I also found a restaurant called acropolis that was amazing below the acropolis

Tuesday 19th of March 2019

We leave in a couple weeks for Athens. I'm definitely saving this pin and plan to visit several on your list.

I hope you enjoy my suggestions! Be sure to go to Seychelles- it's my favorite! Let me know what you think after your visit. Safe travels!

Tuesday 19th of February 2019

Very good choice and this praise comes from a local! Around the corner from the Hilton Hotel there is a gem restaurant that I am afraid you missed (but, then again, there are so many good options in Athens!). It is Vassilenas, Probably the oldest restaurant in town offering modern Greek cuisine in an amazing environement and a do-not-miss tasting menu for which it has been awarded many culinary prizes!

Monday 25th of February 2019

Thank you for that suggestion- I'll have to check it out next time I'm in Athens- hopefully this summer!

The Hit List   Athens

The Athens Hit List: Ergon House, Hytra, Feyrouz, and More

By Anastasia Miari Updated: October 9, 2023

Athens’ dining landscape has it all — excellent street food, upscale eateries with jaw-dropping views, cosy gastro-tavernas, and a growing local palate for global flavors and influences that’s helping the city keep pace with its peers across Europe. From refined interpretations of traditional fare, to Michelin-starred fine diners with views of the Acropolis, enter Resy’s Hit List with sixteen of the best restaurants in Athens. Right this way.

And if you’re looking for additional inspiration on where to eat on your future travels, you can find more destinations here .

1. Ergon House

View in list

2. Islamic Art Cafe

3. Balthazar

Ampelokipoi

4. Proveleggios

Metaxourgeio

City Center

• Cocktail Bar

9. Wine is Fine

Monastiraki

10. Ama Laxei

11. Frater & Soror

12. queen bee, 13. cherchez la femme.

• International

15. Mavro Provato

Neos Kosmos

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Old Greg's Pizza

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Ergon House in Syntagma is the best of Greece on a plate. Here, impeccable produce sourced from small farms on the islands and mainland is served up with a twist on classic dishes, all just moments away from the heart of Athens – Syntagma Square. Expect a refined take on traditional tavern fare, in the relaxed setting of Ergon’s own organic deli. As guests enter, an olive tree stands at the entrance of the restaurant – a symbol of Greek hospitality, symbolising what this central Athens eatery is all about: feeling at home, the sharing of great food, and celebrating the best of the nation’s produce.

Don’t miss the kataifi, usually a sweet dessert best swilled down with a tarry Greek coffee – here, they’ve upped the ante on this pastry by filling it with wonderfully melted Gruyere and drizzling it in honey, lemon, paprika and pistachio for the perfect combination of saccharine and savoury.

A rooftop that won’t be packed but still promises impressive views of the city, the Islamic Art Cafe is a secret spot that Athenians can rely on to always have a seat for them. Rooftops in the centre can become crowded come summertime, but this cafe is just under the radar and just far enough away from Syntagma to always offer a place.  Overlooking the Parthenon and a portion of the archaeological remains in Thisseio, the cafe can be found in the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art and is an ideal place to relax after exploring the ruins. The menu is simple with sandwiches, salads, desserts and coffee being the go-to, but it’s really the views of the Parthenon that people come to the cafe for.

Taking residence in a beautiful neoclassical building in Athens’ centre, Balthazar restaurant offers contemporary European flavours, executed with fine dining finesse. The focus at this restaurant is elegant food served in an exceptional atmosphere. Whether its beneath dramatic chandeliers in the dining room or outside in a garden dotted with olive trees and laced with jasmine, Balthazar is one for a special occasion, with all the makings of a memorable experience. Chef Christoforos Peskias serves up seasonal dishes using local produce, and always with a gourmet sensibility – even traditional dishes are deconstructed and given a different feel, like the spanakorizo with caramelised cauliflower steak and augolemono (egg and lemon sauce).

Don’t expect anything but the unexpected at Proveleggios – this bold downtown restaurant prefers not to label or pigeonhole itself with a set cuisine. Instead, look to the art deco building with its distinct blue, yellow, and black paint job for food that sets it apart from its meze-serving neighbors in the Metaxourgeio neighbourhood. Here, the chefs bake their own sourdough; serve up fresh pasta; and can whip up a cocktail better than most Athenian bars. The emphasis here is on an ever-changing menu that rotates around the seasons and whatever great produce the chef can get his hands on. You can look out for Mediterranean dishes with plenty of inspiration from Greece’s Italian neighbours, but don’t do this place a disservice and label it an Italian job – it’s so much more.

Booked up every single weekend by Athenians desperate to know what the fuss is all about, this new opening isn’t what it seems. To a mere passer-by, Pharaoh might look like a trendy wine bar in the downtown ‘anarchist’ neighbourhood of Exarcheia but for those who have experienced the food here, this new spot is so much more. Culinary heritage and the dishes of the chefs’ mothers and grandmothers forms the inspiration for the cuisine at Pharaoh: There’s a wood fired oven, and the chefs depend on this to turn out slow cooked meatballs and tender pork steak that comes with a side helping of char-grilled vegetables. This might look like a fashionable place to be right now but in ten years’ time, it will be a staple thanks to a kitchen serving soulful Greek food that evokes memories. Beyond the food, an excellent local wine list makes this place a must-visit when in Athens.

It doesn’t matter if you show up on the weekend or a weekday, come lunch time, lines are out the door at Feyrouz . This family-run eatery is the brainchild of Kyria Feyrouz, a displaced Greek from Antioch, who has brought Levantine cuisine (originating between Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Turkey) to the city of Athens. While also serving up meat dishes, Feyrouz is a place adored by Athens’ vegan and vegetarian diners. Choose between veggie pies that sing with flavour and spice, the most flavorful tabbouleh you might have the pleasure of trying in your life, or fragrant galatkoboureko with orange blossom – a dessert that will have you returning to Feyrouz again and again. For those that have a weak spot for baklava, there’s a newly opened dessert cafe just opposite the main lunch spot.

Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas masterminds the eclectic fusion at Nolan among a sea of sushi spots off Athens’ central Syntagma Square. His heritage has made him the perfect person to blend Asian dining sensibilities (small sharing dishes arrive at your table exactly when they’re ready) with Mediterranean flavour and endemic ingredients sourced locally, like the burned cabbage and white cauliflower with an aged white cheese from the island of Naxos.

At Nolan, typically Japanese dishes like salmon or soba noodles incorporate flavours of the Med, like tahini, for a unique blending of both culinary worlds. It might sound like an ambitious concept, but with its expert curation, elegantly styled food and forward-thinking combinations, Nolan works.

Avoiding interior cliches, there’s not a piece of bamboo in sight, and the space has a refreshingly stripped back and modern feel, with grey terrazzo and creamy marble – reflecting Nolan’s Athenian roots – applied to walls, ceiling and the hefty front door for a pared-back, grey colour palette. The outdoor seating area is just under the dappled shade of bitter orange trees, which smell exquisite come spring.

Once one of Athens’ oldest cafes, Karolos Zonas opened in 1939. A listed building since 1994, Vasilis Kassandra and Leonida Bonni’s 1938 structure stands as a brilliant example of Greek architecture between the wars. The art deco interiors feature a characteristic curved edged bar and heavy draping for a sexy, sensual feel. Back in its heyday, it was a hit with Greek prime minister Konstantinos Karamanlis, actresses Melina Merkouri and Sophie Loren, and writer Lawrence Durrell – all drawn to its famed confectionary and plush interiors.

In 2019 Zonars became ‘ Athenee ’. Coffee and pastries were replaced with a cosmopolitan, gourmet menu that comprises Mediterranean dishes and modern European cuisine as well as sushi. This may raise an eyebrow for some, but the menu is expertly executed for those looking for an elevated dining experience that goes beyond standard taverna fare. Try the Black Angus short ribs with truffle oil for rich, fall-off-the-bone indulgence; meanwhile, the feta in ultra-light puff pastry is a signature here.

Fresh on the Athenian restaurant scene in 2023, this French establishment combines classic French dishes with Greek sharing plate sensibilities in a relaxed atmosphere. Centrally located in Athens’ Monastiraki, Wine is Fine draws arty types for organic wines (from Greece and beyond) and a taste of beef tartar, real mayonnaise, and zingy salads that offer a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous Greek salad. The outdoor seating area is nestled in amongst hardware and homeware stores in a liminal area that isn’t quite ‘shopping district’, giving the place its authentic, lively buzz. Indoors, guests can watch the blue-eyed chef do his thing in the open kitchen and wines can also come by the glass, if you fancy pairing your glass of wine with your dish.

This restaurant in ‘anarchist’ Exarcheia does wonders to dispel the rumours of riots, Molotov cocktails, and civil unrest that has branded the neighbourhood since the financial crisis. Set back off Kallidromiou street (famous for its Saturday market) in a former school, Ama Laxei’s garden is perfect for whiling away balmy summer nights in the city. Make sure you make a reservation because evenings and weekends get busy.

The playground-turned-garden drips with jasmine and orange trumpet flowers – a mini oasis in graffiti-tagged Exarcheia just beyond the school gates. The cuisine is a refined take on taverna fare – sharing plates are standard and portion sizes are hefty. Try the green salad with roasted manouri cheese if you fancy a break from the Greek salad and the smoked chickpeas roasted with slow-cooked pork melt in the mouth.

Greeks don’t do breakfast – usually, a cold coffee and cigarette will suffice most in the capital until noon but the concept of brunch is beginning to finally catch on, even in Athens. This is evident from Frater & Soror ’s hip-and-happening customer base, pouring out from inside its location on the corner of Aminta and Ptolemeon and into the dappled shade of a leafy square in the central Athenian neighbourhood of Pangrati. Opened in 2018 by those behind award-winning bar,The Clumsies – Lefteris Giorgopoulos, Manolis Likiardopoulos, Thano Tsounaka and Giorgos Gigis – Frater & Soror has fast become one of the city’s best brunch spots.

The interiors are a blend of vintage accents (the furniture is a mix of custom-made wooden pieces and found chairs) and bold splashes of colour (an entire wall upstairs is tiled mint green), juxtaposing the building’s industrial elements, including its exposed concrete columns and visible pipe systems running across the ceiling. Rather than on the floor, parquet detail has been applied to clad the marble bar, for a nod to traditional Athenian style. Meanwhile the menu varies from American-influenced fluffy pancakes and a hefty burger to fermented porridge and eggs done three ways.

Before Queen Bee , there were very few places to brunch in Athens. Now lines out the door on weekends don’t stop the well-heeled Athenians of Kolonaki taking their chances on a table outdoors. As well as being one of the few places in Athens to serve sourdough bread and a decent pain au chocolat, Queen Bee is also where locals head out to see and be seen over poached eggs and flat whites. This is less of a cafe to work at, and more of one to celebrity spot at, and it’s not unknown for hired security to linger around on standby for a famous face brunching indoors.

The restaurant is on the ground floor of a pastel toned modernist building, its curved edges typical of Athenian architecture of the 1950s. If you’re seated indoors, the focus is on the open kitchen and its extensive display of enticing baked goods. Just one almond croissant is never enough.

Equidistant to Monastiraki and Syntagma Square in the very heart of Athens, tropical palm-papered Cherchez La Femme is a welcome retreat from the chaos of the concrete jungle outside. Jazz floats out onto a sheltered patio meanwhile inside, an Athens of a by-gone era, all vintage wooden furniture, terrazzo floor and green Tinian marble tables, awaits.

Dishes here, in true Greek style, are to share and the menu focuses on local produce and an aesthetically pleasing plate with food styled to look ridiculously photogenic. Ultra light calamari and punchy Greek salad along with a taramosalata dip are excellent here. The desserts (swilled down with a thick, Greek coffee) are good too, a signature being the delicately flaky kataifi.

New on the Athenian brunch scene and very much needed was Minu , a tropical palm covered haven in Thisseio. Drop by on a Sunday morning and you’ll find the courtyard full of in-the-know and smartly dressed Athenians catching up over Instagrammable eggs and patisserie so perfect you might think twice before biting into it. Dotted around are copies of Kinfolk, Monocle and the very latest coffee table books. Minu also doubles up as a store to buy ceramics, books, plants, and magazines from – so you can window shop whilst waiting for your seat.

Greeks don’t tend to do breakfast or brunch, but Minu has opened for the internationally minded. Look to this spot for dainty Taiwanese-style bao, poke bowls and the forever coveted avocado and egg combination as well as herbal infusions and punchy juices to fire you up for a morning of strolling

When this Cretan restaurant opened in a leafy square shaded by bitter orange trees, it swiftly became one of the hippest places to find cheap, delicious meze that was prepared with a level of refinement that was at the time, new to the city. That spirit is still alive at Mavro Provato , which rarely has a table going for those not discerning enough to have reserved in advance. Try the slow-cooked beef in tomato and their famed crispy kolokithokeftedes (courgette balls) or the goat served with gamopilafo – a creamy wedding rice traditional in Crete.

While diners outside sit under bitter orange trees to dive into their small sharing plates — all made from local produce — the restaurant indoors is stamped with the ‘black sheep’ theme. Blackboards with Greek sayings (“The black sheep has a white heart”) line the walls along with diagrams of animals you might find in a butcher’s shop, illustrating various cuts of meat using dotted lines. This is a carnivore’s haven, after all.

This Michelin star restaurant has managed to move up the ranks from the edgy and urban downtown neighbourhood of Psyrri to a boujis rooftop in the smart southern suburb of Neos Kosmos. Sat atop the Onassis Cultural Centre, Hytra is where you might want to go if you’re pulling out all the stops on your first or last night in Athens.

You might want to sample the 14-course tasting menu featuring savoury sorbets, cocktail and Greek wine pairing. While the food is decidedly of a high standard with delicious, locally sourced ingredients for Mediterranean dishes done right (the scallops with hazelnut cream are superb), the rooftop with views over central Athens and onto the Parthenon is another real draw here.

Furniture, both outside on the jasmine scented terrace and inside the bar, is modern and custom-made. The bar itself is accented with a dramatic woven bamboo facade that’s mirrored on the back wall and above, giving the place a warm feeling in spite of its chunky, black marble tabletops. Be sure to book in advance for a spot on the roof between May and September and the tasting menu is one to go for if you want the chef’s highlights. Don’t expect hefty Greek portions – just hefty Greek flavour.

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• 2 Days In: Athens, Greece

Start your own adventure—the MICHELIN Guide way—in the city where modern civilization thrived.

Editor's Pick Travel Destinations Hotels Athens

From the Acropolis to the chic streets of Kolonaki and the alleyways of Plaka, Athens is on the bucket list of every self-respecting traveller. Courtesy of a new generation of chefs, the city boasts a diverse array of restaurants that celebrate the excellence of the country's produce and perpetuate the ancestral art of Greek hospitality. Furthermore, Athens has no shortage of stylish and elegant hotels. Make the most of the city with this two-day itinerary that takes in the best of the restaurants and hotels selected by the MICHELIN Guide.

Day 1: Around the Acropolis

In Athens, the only way to kick off the day is with a good cup of coffee. Traditionally, it is drunk "Greek style" – made the old-fashioned way in a briki, a small copper coffee pot. Mokka , a coffee roaster on Athinas, in the vicinity of the covered market, still prepares it in this way, for you to drink either black or with sugar. Next to the coffee bar, and well worth a visit, is the roastery, where coffees from all over the world are roasted.

Just a few minutes' walk from Mokka is Athens Central Market, one of the liveliest markets in Europe. Organised by foodstuff, its various sections are a cook's dream. The fish market is particularly impressive with its huge stalls crammed with octopus, sea bass, sea bream and red mullet. The unique spectacle of the meat market next to it is remarkable, too. Then there's the fruit and vegetable market, its stalls loaded with wonderful olives, sun-dried tomatoes, courgette flowers and aubergines.

Not far away, Evripidou is lined with food shops, including Fotsi, where you'll find all the herbs of the maquis and the mountains, from rosemary and thyme to immortelle. Just next door, Miran has a wide selection of charcuterie and cured meats from all over the country. Heading back towards the covered market, you come to Strounga Tou Moria, a cheese shop that draws crowds eager to get their hands on its range of delicious feta and cheeses from the different regions of Greece.

For lunch, head to the Syntagma neighbourhood and the terrace of Bib Gourmand restaurant Nolan . This trendy restaurant with a refined interior is run by Sotiris Kontizas, a half Greek-half Japanese chef perhaps best known for presenting TV's MasterChef Greece . His original, instinctive cuisine is beautifully light, so sharing an assortment of these plates with discreet Asian influences is always an appealing option. A fine white wine from Santorini is the ideal accompaniment for the many fish and seafood dishes on the menu – simply sit back and savour it all in the relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Don't forget to pop into Sweet Nolan, their pastry shop just next door, to stock up on cakes and pastries to try at home.

DISCOVER MORE:  Athens - Our selection of restaurants with terraces and views

After lunch, you might like to head to Ergon House Athens , a hotel that has brought to life a surprising concept: the ground floor is dedicated to a huge "marketplace" bursting with delicious Greek produce. You'll find exceptional olive oil, homemade ouzo, kritharaki (local orzo-like pasta) and an incredible variety of sweet treats. Upstairs, Ergon House has around 40 inviting and comfortable guestrooms, in which wood is the predominant material. Covering the top level of the complex, there is an elegant rooftop bar, where you can have coffee or a drink from 5pm.

Soak up the atmosphere as you head up towards the Acropolis, strolling through the narrow streets of the Plaka neighbourhood and its upper part, Aniafotika , en route to the Ancient Agora – the hub of Athenian life in Ancient times. On the way back down to Monastiraki and Miaouli, treat yourself to an aperitif at A for Athens , a rooftop bar that boasts magnificent views of the Acropolis. It's an unforgettable experience at sunset.

Dinner and evening:

For dinner, there are two great restaurant options within easy reach. On the edge of Plaka, Okio serves tempting Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary component. Chef Panagiotis Giakalis likes to use produce from the market, where he is to be seen almost every morning. The well-devised dishes sometimes feature surprising combinations – for example, squid with mango and courgette tempura; Angus beef with aubergine and miso – to be savoured on the terrace, beneath the arcades, with a glass of Greek wine or a cocktail.

The second option is to head to the garden of CTC , a restaurant set in a beautiful old building in the Keramikos area. Alexandros Tsiotinis's sophisticated cuisine follows the seasons and changes with the catch of the day and the meat and vegetables of the moment – everything is sourced from small-scale producers. If it's on the menu, try the sweetcorn velouté flavoured with lobster, truffle and a bergamot espuma, a classic dish of the house.

After dinner, it's off to The Zillers , a charming hotel housed in an elegant neo-Classical building with a handful of sleek designer guestrooms. For a nightcap, take the magnificent staircase up to the roof garden, which boasts unforgettable views of the Acropolis and Athens Cathedral.

RELATED:  Our selection of restaurants in Athens

Day 2 : Kolonaki and Pangrati

Start the day with a coffee at Da Capo , a café by Kolonaki Square in the stylish Kolonaki neighbourhood – and why not make it a freddo cappuccino, the variation on the frappé coffee that has become a staple of mornings in Athens. A hundred metres away, on Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou, Kora is a bakery that sells delicious pastries (croissants, pains au chocolat, cinnamon rolls etc), kneaded from pastry that has been fermented for at least 20 hours. Having worked in the kitchens of Noma, the bakery's founders swear by French butter, their fat of choice in preparing their tempting baked goods.

After this breakfast feast, you could take a stroll through the National Garden , a vast 16-hectare park planted with orange trees, palm trees and fragrant jasmine. It's always cool here, even at the height of summer. There's also a small café where you can take a break and enjoy a freshly squeezed juice.

Back in the most pleasant streets of Kolonaki, take a seat on the terrace of Bib Gourmand restaurant Oikeio , where an authentic and tasty experience of traditional Greek cuisine awaits you – all the country's great classics are on the menu, alongside a few more original dishes. The lentil salads are delicately seasoned with herbs, the moussaka melts in the mouth, and the top-quality meats are gently simmered for long hours or grilled over hot coals.

After walking alongside the Panathenaic Stadium , which hosted the inaugural Games of the modern Olympics in 1896, and visiting the Goulandris Foundation , home to a superb collection of modern and contemporary art, you come to the trendy Pangrati neighbourhood, with its abundance of terrific restaurants. The terraces here are open all year round, as soon as the sun comes out. The Chelsea Hotel is one of the most popular with locals, who like to sit here for hours sipping their cold coffee.

When it comes to dinner on your second night, there is another dilemma. Your first option is to choose one of the terraces at Spondi , a restaurant with a long-standing reputation for its refined cuisine. At the helm is French chef Arnaud Bignon, mentor to many chefs in Athens. He serves up an unforgettable meat and fish menu, featuring culinary tours de force such as delicate toothfish in a dashi and shiso broth. As for the wines, there is a wide selection of Greek and French labels.

Another alternative is the garden of Soil , an intimate restaurant housed in a beautiful early-20C building. The cuisine here is local, sustainable and zero waste. Chef Tasos Mantis – both a cook and gardener – concocts a single set menu (with vegetarian or vegan options) that is tailored on a daily basis to produce picked from his kitchen garden and fish and meat delivered by his supplier partners.

To continue the evening, what could be better than a drink on the rooftop of the Hotel Grande Bretagne , a luxury hotel with a flamboyant decor and a distinctly British look? Opened in 1874, this legendary establishment has been frequented by personalities such as Winston Churchill and Aristotle Onassis. Its opulent guestrooms, done out with antique furniture and draped in plush fabrics and heavy curtains, offer total comfort. From the hotel's rooftop terrace, the view takes in a whole swathe of the Greek capital, from the Panathenaic Stadium to the Acropolis.

To round off your stay in Greece in style, take advantage of the sublime, elegant rooms, all with a touch of British discretion. Some have balconies overlooking the Acropolis. Of course, there's a swimming pool and spa, and the quality of service is superb.

Read more:  Our complete selection of hotels in Athens

Address Book

Mokka : Athinas 44, Athina 105 51, Greece Athens Central Market : Varvakios Agora, Athina 105 51, Greece Fotsi : Evripidou 39, Athina 105 54, Greece Miran : Evripidou 45, Athina 105 54, Greece Strounga Tou Moria : Evripidou 21, Athina 105 54, Greece A for Athens : Miaouli 2, Athina 105 54, Greece Da Capo : Tsakalof 1, Athina 106 73, Greece Kora: Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou 44, Athina 106 73, Greece Benaki Museum: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece Goulandris Foundation: Eratosthenous 13, Athina 116 35, Greece The Chelsea Hotel : Proklou & Archimidous, Athina 116 35, Greece

Hero:  Iurii Buriak/iStock

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

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There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. 

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

The 50 best new restaurants to visit in Athens

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1 Spondi Restaurant

2 Hytra Restaurant & Bar

3 Cookoovaya

5 Papadakis

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8 CTC Urban Gastronomy

10 aleria restaurant, 11 gb roof garden, 12 orizontes lycabettus, 13 ama lachei, 15 vezené athens.

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17 TUK TUK THAI STREET FOOD

19 birdman - japanese pub + grill, 21 seychelles, 22 geros tou moria restaurant, 23 φανκυ γκουρμέ εστιατόριο επε, 24 karamanlidika, 25 o thanasis.

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26 Strofi Athenian Restaurant

27 ergon house athens, 28 to kafeneio, 29 to kati allo, 30 nancy's sweet home, 31 mavro provato of press café, 32 le greche, 33 po'boys bbq, 34 tudor hall, 35 milos restaurant.

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36 Opos Palia

37 travolta athens, 39 zisis, fish in a cone, 40 ouzeri lesvos, 41 sense rooftop restaurant, 42 karamanlidika - τα καραμανλίδικα του φάνη, εργαστήρι - ερμού 119, 43 tre sorelle pizza, 45 delta restaurant.

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46 Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy

49 oikonomou restaurant (est.1930), 50 lukumαδεσ, top searches in athens, popular road trips from athens, what's the weather like in athens.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Athens for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Athens in January
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• Weather in Athens in March
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Explore nearby places

• Agios Dimitrios
• Agios Ioannis Rentis
• Agia Varvara
• Agioi Anargyroi
• Paleo Faliro
• Nea Filadelfia

All related maps of Athens

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Athens throughout the year

• Athens in January
• Athens in February
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• Athens in June
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• Athens in August
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Athens?

Get inspired for your trip to Athens with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Athens Itinerary
• 2-Day Athens Itinerary
• 3-Day Athens Itinerary
• 4-Day Athens Itinerary
• 5-Day Athens Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Piraeus

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Piraeus
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Paleo Faliro
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kallithea

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Getting around Athens, GA

Planning to travel in Athens? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Athens experience. Travel from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Athens.

Reserve car service in Athens with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Athens. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Athens

Getting around Athens without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Athens.

Athens-area airport car service

When your travel in Athens takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Choose the best ways to get around athens, taxi in athens.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when traveling in Athens. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. You can request a ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, visit Winterville, or enter another place. Open the app and enter a destination to get around Athens.

Public transport in Athens

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Athens by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Athens

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Athens, then order from our popular restaurants to refuel after a day of exploring. If bikes are available in Athens, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

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15 of the Best Towns and Cities to Visit in Greece

From historic hillside cities to island destinations, these are 15 of the best towns and cities to visit in Greece.

More than 27 million travelers made their way to Greece in 2022 , visiting the country's gorgeous islands and coastlines, rural towns, and historic capital city of Athens. One look at its landscapes and it's easy to see why travelers dream of visiting Greece — but there's so much more to this Mediterranean nation. 

"Everyone knows that Greece boasts stunning crystalline waters that make you want to dive right in and historical sites that whisper tales of the past. Its culinary delights are a perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring its unique cultural riches and vibrant art scene, but what truly sets Greece apart is its people," Christos Stergiou , a travel advisor with True Trips, shared with Travel + Leisure . "Greeks have this incredible gift called philoxenia: hospitality taken to a whole new level. Our True Trips guests always describe the feeling of having new local friends who'll go above and beyond to make their journey unforgettable." 

Ready to plan your getaway? Here are 15 of the best cities to visit in Greece.

Yes, a visit to Athens feels obvious, because not only is it the capital city, but it’s also home to the international airport you’ll likely fly into on your visit. That said, Athens is well worth a trip in its own right, as it’s home to some of the most important historical sites on Earth, including the must-see Acropolis. Need more? Here’s how to spend one perfect day in Athens .

Related: The Best Times to Visit Greece

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, located in the northern part of the country, offers a blend of history and youthful energy that few cities can match. “I would recommend Thessaloniki for its long and epic history,” Peter Sommer, founder of Peter Sommer Travels , shared. “The historic center of Thessaloniki is filled with an extraordinary series of ancient monuments, many of them part of an imperial palace complex built by the Roman Emperor Galerius and vast in scope."

Sommer added that there are several museums to visit here, including the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. “But history and archaeology aren’t the only reasons to come to Thessaloniki. It’s justly famed for its gastronomy,” Sommer added. “You can savor a huge selection of glorious local dishes and sample a cornucopia of excellent local wines.”

Drive two hours east of Thessaloniki to find another northern city worth exploring — Kastoria. The scenic city sits perched on Lake Orestiada between the Grammos and Vitsi mountains. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the lake with any number of outfitters lining the shores, or just watch the local fisherman go to work each day to reel in the catch. Or, book a tour with Adventures With Wine to bike the lake’s shoreline and see all the hidden nooks worth exploring. 

“Ioannina truly shines as a city that's a hidden treasure, especially for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers,” Stergiou shared of the city that sits on Lake Pamvotida. It’s a spot that has inspired many creative talents thanks to its epic vistas, but more than that, Stergiou explained, it’s a fantastic home base for exploring more of the northwest region of Greece. 

“In addition to the beautiful lake that stands proud as the city’s landmark, the Byzantine castle, the scenic historical center, and the lively neighborhoods, Ioannina is a gateway to countless incredible experiences within a drive of an hour or two. From there, you can take daily trips to some of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece, such as Metsovo or captivating Zagorohoria, filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming stone houses.” 

Kalamata, a city well-known for its olive production, is a place where travelers can get lost — in the best way possible. Come stroll its winding cobblestone streets, explore the castle, and visit museums like the Modern Greek Art Gallery for a well-rounded city escape in the Peloponnese region.

Kalambaka, a city located in central Greece, is famous for its unparalleled view of the stunning Meteora. The city sits at the base of the towering rock formations topped with historic monasteries that date back as early as the 11th century. The complex of monasteries is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and you can visit many for a small fee.

There are more than 6,000 Greek islands , and while many come with small populations, the island of Rhodes is positively metropolitan thanks to the city of Rhodes. Home to some 50,000 people, the city is famed for its ancient history and the duality of its New Town and Old Town. While there’s nothing wrong with New Town, Old Town is a walled-off time capsule to the past, and it's one of the largest remaining medieval settlements in Europe.

Nafplio, located in the eastern Peloponnese, is a seaside dream packed with Venetian architecture to explore. As Alys Colayera, lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato , shared, it’s a “great place to wander through the old alleyways, grab a strong cup of Greek coffee at a local coffee shop in the square, and take a boat to Bourtzi Castle if you are interested in architecture and history.” As for the name of the town, Visit Greece explained that it comes from its mythological founder, Nafplios, one of Poseidon's sons.

One more island city to explore is Chania on the island of Crete. It too is famed for its Venetian harbor and quaint old town. Explore its cobblestone streets, duck into museums like the Maritime Museum of Crete , and shop for souvenirs in its endless boutiques. Pro tip: Leather goods are famously great here, so go ahead and splurge on a bag or a pair of shoes. 

While Larissa has a population of more than 130,000 people, it remains a place well in touch with Mother Nature. This city in central Greece is an agricultural hub, growing vegetables, grains, fruits, and more, so it's a great place to dig into some Thessalian cuisine. While in town, explore the Ancient Theatre of Larissa , dedicated to the god Dionysus, to learn more about the area's ancient history.

History abounds in the southern city of Corinth, thanks to well-preserved ruins including the iconic Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress. Just an hour from Athens, Corinth and the surrounding coastal towns make a perfect day trip from the capital city, says Colayera.

If you’re making your way to the islands, odds are you’ll pass through the port city of Piraeus. Dozens of ferries come in and out of the harbor each day, but before you board one, spend a little time exploring the city by visiting places like The Hellenic Maritime Museum , which showcases Greece's rich seafaring heritage.

Head north along the Aegean coast to Kavala, a hillside city with gorgeous beaches, sweeping vistas, and an exciting mix of ancient history and modern city life. You can’t miss its imposing aqueduct, which runs for almost 1,000 feet and dates to the 16th century. Once you’re done viewing that, head straight to The Acropolis of Kavala to learn more about this city’s fascinating history.

Find the party in Patras, a university port city in western Greece. Yes, of course, you’ll find history here, including inside the Archaeological Museum of Patras , which showcases goods from the surrounding region dating back to prehistory. But in Patras, you’ll also find a bustling (and modern) nightlife scene across several neighborhoods, including down Riga Feraiou Pedestrian Street, where you can snag a delicious bite of Greek food, too. 

Explore one of the most beautiful places in Greece when you plot a trip to Corfu Town on the eastern coast of the island of Corfu. Here, travelers can explore the historic architecture that earned Old Town of Corfu a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Tour the fortresses, stroll through the town’s central market, and visit Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece.

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