Where to eat in Athens
Athens offers a variety of different restaurants ,that gives the visitor to choose among a huge variety of eateries and lucxury haute cuisine establishments. You can try the traditional street food like the souvlaki or alternatively dine out in posch restaurants.
Try the fish taverns of Piraiki and Mikrolimano in Piraeus sea front, the grill restaurants (psistaries) offering all the kinds of meat grilled on charcoal, the Mezedopolia specializing in various traditional Greek meze specialities, the Ouzeries specializing in small delicatessen (mezedes) and grilled octopus accompanying the national Greek aperitif, Ouzo.
Numerous Pizzerias most of them offering home delivery ,many taverns and restaurants with live music and finaly all kinds of fast food and international restaurants. The atmosphere in typical Greek restaurants and taverns is casual, relaxed and informal.
Food is prepared according to fundamental rules. Good amateur cooks enjoy great respect in their social circle, while a good housewife in Greece means a good cook. A good cook sometimes dedicates days to the preparation of a meal for his friends.
Most of the restaurants for both tourists and Greeks you will find in the area of Plaka, in Psiri, in Monastiraki and Thission. Most of the restaurants in Plaka are along the Kydathineon street there you will find the Restaurant Plaka, Akropol and the restaurant Byzantino one of the oldest in the area.
On the steps of Plaka you will find many restaurants some of them with live music (mostly for tourists and some open only during the summer season.
Many restaurants you will find as well at Adrianou street around the square Filomouson and at the extension of Adrianou in Monastiraki that lately has become a Trent among many Athenians.
The same occurs and the area of Psiri witch has overtake since the 90’s the old glamour of Plaka. But if you want to eat where the Greeks eat after a long night in Athens clubs and bars then you must now some places like the restaurants within the public meat market of Athens in Athinas street.
For the ones that prefer something fast and cheap, Athens is full of Souvlaki shops (the fast food of the Greeks) but also full of International famous chains of fast food like Mc Donald’s, Wendy’s and the famous among Greeks Goody’s.
There are thousands of restaurants in Athens and its suburbs. Almost in every square of Athens or Piraeus you will find a restaurant or another kind of eatery.
Greeks love food and is natural in their capital to have thousand of shrines of all kinds of food, including international flavours served in various restaurants including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian, Argentinean steak houses, Arabian, Sushi bars ect.
Restaurants in Athens with Greek cuisine
Paragon Brewery & Taproom
The microbrewery that serves fresh beer just a few meters from the place where it is produced has found a home in an old iron shop of Ilioupoli.
The glass behind the bar is all that separates the large tanks from the patrons, while the Paragon team informs about the line up of the day: their own crispy american ipa, which they have named “Arrikto”, a balanced smoked stout from the Anastasiou Brewery in Chalandri, a lemony Belgian saison and at least seven more craft beers that are constantly rotated.
Yiannis Psimoulis, who started as a home brewer and eventually quit his job to dedicate himself to brewing, together with his wife Eleftheria Papadakis and her brother Tasos Papadakis, are the people behind the project and are always willing to guide and suggest new flavors. Tours of the production site are expected to begin shortly. Lemesou 3 Illoupolis
Hoocut
The Hoocut kebab shop brought mutton to the center of the city and even in its street food form.
Thinly sliced pieces of meat that are cooked to order, put in a handmade pie with ingredients of your choice, covered or served in a portion.
The know-how of the cooks in meat played an important role in the selection of the raw material and its management. Today, Hoocut remains a solid choice for fast but by no means junk food. Pl. Agias Irinis 9, Athens
Lesvion
Good shops sometimes need searching and Lesvion comes to confirm the rule. It is worth looking for in a quiet neighborhood of Galatsi to eat delicious fish and seafood, drink ouzo from Mytilini and feel as close as possible to the Greek summer.
Keeping its history as a coffee house at its base, Lesbion has evolved into a little culinary surprise for those looking for simplicity and deliciousness.
Tsiftis
One of the new, interesting arrivals in the city of Athens is Tsiftis, a deli as the shop is identified on a pedestrian street in Ilisia. In the menu created by chef Sifis Manouselis and executed by Babis Kazanas, the dishes change based on the season and mood.
What is certain is that the selection of raw materials is done with great care, as quality is the main goal of all three owners. One of the comfort dishes in the catalog is the ewe that comes from Helikon, is fattened and presented to your table with a log of goat cheese from Evia.
Michalakopoulou & Sevastias Athens
Stoa Fix
The restaurant revives memories from the Athenian cafes in Stoa Fix, but focusing more on the food. The chef makes simple menus with delicious dishes, from what we miss from our tables and makes sure that you leave happy with both the food and the overall atmosphere.
Without unnecessary fanfare, here you find from her famous meatballs to spicy pasta in a small menu without exaggeration.
Talk of the town
Mashed chickpeas with tender veal cheeks, thick spaghetti with sheep’s cream and crispy wheat, beans with salted fish, vegetable soups, but also kakavies, seared cockles, seared sea bream.
These are some of the foods you will find, depending on the day, at the new restaurant in Melanthio, which has caused a sensation. It may describe itself as “simple”, but it seems that simple, well-cooked, new Greek food was something we were missing.
Try the salad with the boiled vegetables and the excellent lemon and you will understand why it is one of the most impressive things they serve.The raw material, with all its rustic beauty, is the main concern of the chef. See on the map
Tuk Tuk thai street food
For dessert at Kukaki’s tiny and popular Thai, they serve a coconut milk panna cotta flavored with pandan the aromatic leaf used in Asia to flavor and color sweets and fresh mango, a variation made by Thai food.
The greek chef , wanting to make something between panna cotta and the classic jelly of the country he has visited dozens of times and where he trained in cooking.
A favorite exotic sweet, it’s this, without a second thought.
40 Veikou Street, Koukaki, 211 4051947
Zatopek
This independent bookstore, which doubles as a cafe and bar, has become our favorite hangout for a relaxed night out and, in itself, a reason why we want to go to Kallithea. the chef, after working for years in publishing houses as an editor and translator, decided together with his partner to set up a warm space in their neighborhood, where everyone can come into contact with the book.
Perfect for those who want to bring their laptop and work, study or browse classics and new releases, Zatopek also offers thoughtful drinks and snacks: from organic tea and Greek wines to homemade tarts and sourdough bread sandwiches. Try the one with Drama mortadella and French goat cheese. Location
Nikitas
Famous for its burgers, which you will accompany with a side of fries, a salve to “slide” and greens, those noons when you want to hit the sun and drink a cold beer. The bill is almost fixed, no surprises. 19 Agios Anargyron, Psirri
Asia Minor
Below Amerikis Square, on a dimly lit street, is Asia Minor. The green plastic protectors enclose a few small tables inside, while from the kitchen delicious beyti kebabs, doner, Caesar pie, tabbouleh and kiunefe come out for the perfect end to the meal. In this family business, food is a connecting link with memory and the homeland left behind by people who came here for a better life. Prices remain low and the whole experience is definitely authentic.
Kyveli
A restaurant that insists on quality and good prices is Kyveli. Now a point of reference in Agios Georgios Square in Kypseli for the residents of the area, the shop is constantly gaining new customers thanks to its delicious food, which covers every taste
. Here, you eat simple dishes such as well-cooked meats and juicy burgers as well as pasta with seafood and appetizers. You will leave happy with both the food and the service and the bill. Eptanisou 15, Kypseli
Rakoumel
Cretan snacks at their best, in a shop with a relaxed philosophy that insists on quality and good prices.
Delicious apaki, pumpkin flowers, scrambled eggs, hochlioi, maratho pies, treats with mizithra, nuts and salt shakers will remind you of your holidays in Crete.
Here, you eat, enjoy it and stay within budget.
E. Benaki 71, Exarchia
Feyrouz
In the sweet version of Feyrouz, which gives off an oriental flavor at the junction of Karori Street and tiny Agathonos, a Levantine taste tradition was expressed in an ice cream sorbet this summer with the help of Django Gelato. As Andreas Kiltsiksis explains, “the idea of sherbets is very old, treating a stranger with fruit and spice based drinks is a religious custom.
They also put Greek herbs into play, so our asmara has mountain tea, lovage and chamomile combined with pear or melon, hibiscus and mastic.” This ice cream will cool you down and impress you with its special taste.
23 Karori & Agathonos, Monastiraki
Restaurants in Athens centre
XFloor Rooftop Central Athens
XFloor Rooftop by Electra is the new roof garden restaurant located on the 10th floor of the Electra Hotel Athens in the most central part of Athens, at 5 Ermou Street. Its privileged location combined with the excellent view of Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis, they make it a point of reference.
The protagonists of this menu are mainly the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean with raw materials such as extra virgin Greek olive oil and fresh seasonal ingredients. A glance at the restaurant’s menu highlights dishes such as grilled fresh grouper with seared wild herbs, black angus premium rib eye with celeriac puree, carrot textures and green pepper sauce and more.
Relaxation, a business lunch or a romantic occasion, the ideal place for you is here suggesting you to make a reservation through e-table.gr at XFloor Rooftop by Electra. An opportunity to escape the fast pace of the city in a beautiful, quiet and elegant environment, while offering a unique view, from the 10th floor of the hotel where it is located.
Muse Bistro
Muse Bistro’s cuisine was created to satisfy all palates, taking cues from traditional Greek cuisine and making full use of the abundance of fresh local produce.
The chef of the restaurant, Themis and his team combine Mediterranean flavors and classic dishes with a modern feel. Brunch at Muse Bistro is also a wonderful experience and is served all day.
Lunch and dinner can be rich or light, simple or sophisticated. So, whether you visit the restaurant for a quick brunch, for an afternoon coffee or an aperitivo just before a delicious dinner from the à la carte menu, Muse Bistro is a cheerful meeting place in the heart of the bustling center of Athens.
Novagora restaurant
Overlooking its green garden, the NOVagora restaurant of the Novotel Athens hotel, located in the center of Athens, awaits you to give you delicious moments of relaxation.
Its Greek and Mediterranean dishes as well as a variety of snacks can be enjoyed at noon in a bright and colorful space.
If you choose NOVagora for your evening, the atmospheric space will charm you during your dinner.
The friendly staff will be at your disposal to meet your wishes. They also provide free parking inside the hotel.
In Town restaurant
The In Town restaurant is located in the center of Athens, on Mitropoleos Street and has been offering Mediterranean cuisine for about 20 years.
On the menu of In Town you will find homemade traditional recipes of Greek cuisine, fresh salads, seafood and meat main courses and pasta.
In Town’s menu is full of delicious options such as stuffed squid, octopus stew with fava beans, black angus Picanha, soups and dishes of the day as well as delicious risottos. Finally, don’t forget to try homemade sweets.
If you are looking for a good restaurant in the center of Athens, In Town in Syntagma is one of the best options
Athens View Balcon restaurant
The Athens View Balcon restaurant is a new tasty arrival in the center of Athens. It is located on the 7th floor of the Elia Ermou Athens hotel and offers Greek-Mediterranean cuisine combined with a view of the magnificent Acropolis.
In the kitchen of Athens View Balcon we gathered our talent and thoughts in combination with excellent quality raw materials generously offered by the Greek land. If you are looking for the ideal place for relaxation, a business lunch or a romantic occasion,
Athens View Balcon it as an opportunity to escape from the fast pace of the city in a beautiful, quiet and elegant environment, with a unique view, from the 7th floor of the Elia Ermou hotel where it is located.
Omnivore restaurant
Omnivore is the new all day bar restaurant of the Kastellorizo group in the center of Athens. It is part of a building of unique aesthetics, classified as a monument, from the end of the 19th century.
The combination of classic elegance with a more minimal aesthetic, creates from the first glance a warm welcoming space that aspires to be an all day bar restaurant “hangout” designed to offer from the morning breakfast and brunch, to create delicious dishes for lunch and dinner , inspired finger food and cocktails and a well-designed cellar that houses over 70 labels from Greek and international vineyards, selected with passion and deep knowledge.
The dining habits at Omnivore are characterized by a palette of colors and aromas through its Fusion Multiethnic approach, creating a unique harmony of flavors that you are sure to enjoy.
Art Lounge
The Art Lounge in the heart of Athens, on the 7th floor of the New Hotel, a unique space that combines art with gastronomic pleasure.
The special Art library – with more than 2,000 art titles – and the imposing panoramic view towards the Acropolis and Lycabettus make up the ideal environment for lovers of urban chic philosophy.
The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes as well as New Taste, special cocktails, while on weekends we enjoy the established New Hotel brunch.
Olive Garden restaurant
The Olive Garden in the roof garden of the Titania hotel is an established bar-restaurant in Athens. Its menu has Greek elements and is based exclusively on fresh products selected from every corner of Greece. Olive Garden has been awarded several times for its creative cuisine. The restaurant’s menu contains, among others, appetizers and main dishes with Greek products with names of origin.
In addition to the menu, Olive Garden also has a fantastic view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus. The renovated terrace of the roof garden is made of white Dionysos marbles that blend in with the whole atmosphere of the terrace. In addition to food, at Olive Garden you can also try refreshing cocktails while enjoying the unique view!
Milos Restaurant
Milos restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a long-standing reputation for fresh Greek fish and seafood served daily not only in Athens but also in New York, Montreal, Las Vegas to Miami, London and Los Cabos.
Milos Restaurant focuses on always finding the best the world market has to offer: the best produce, the best honey, the best yogurt, and of course the best fish and seafood.
Through constant travel and research, they personally select the suppliers and develop close relationships with them, especially the fishermen and farmers who provide them with the important raw materials. All of them are fully committed to sourcing the best fish and seafood, while personally committed to their freshness, excellent quality and respect for the environment.
Cardinale restaurant
Cardinale is located in the heart of the historic center of Athens, on Mitropoleos Street. All the dishes are their choice, nothing is added to the menu unless they like it first. His cuisine is Italian with influences mainly from central and northern Italy.
The raw materials are pure, either directly imported from Italy or from leading Greek producers. His impressive wine cellar contains some of Italy’s best labels and Greece, chosen to match the flavors of the menu. All dishes are prepared a la minute: antipasti, pizzas, pasta and risotto give the feeling that Cardinale is in Tuscany and not in the center of Athens.
Cardinale is located in the heart of the historic center of Athens, on Mitropoleos Street. All the dishes are their choice, nothing is added to the menu unless they like it first. His cuisine is Italian with influences mainly from central and northern Italy.
The raw materials are pure, either directly imported from Italy or from leading Greek producers. His impressive wine cellar contains some of Italy’s best labels and Greece, chosen to match the flavors of the menu. All dishes are prepared a la minute: antipasti, pizzas, pasta and risotto give the feeling that Cardinale is in Tuscany and not in the center of Athens.
The fish taverns of Piraeus
For the fish eater Piraeus is the place where you can enjoy the delights of fresh fish food. The area of Hadjikyriakio ,Peiraiki, Passalimani , Kastela and Mikrolimano are the places where you will find most of the fish taverns and restaurants.
Margaro the best fish tavern in Piraeus
Right outside the gate of the Naval Cadet School, a tavern reminiscent of an Aegean island has been serving since 1944 those who resort to the port of Piraeus to enjoy delicious seafood.
In fact, “Margaro” needs no introduction, since there are many who have known her for eight decades. And they honor her often, weekdays, weekends and holidays.
That is why at its tables you will meet people of all ages, from residents of the area to those who travel from all over Attica to reach Hatzikyriakeio, as well as Thessalonians, Israelis and New Yorkers who have come talking about how they will enjoy a simple but quality meal.. Taverna Margaro Leoforos Chatzikiriakou 126 Piraeus Athens
