What and where to eat in Athens? What are the typical Greek dishes and drinks to try? Where are the best areas to eat out in Athens? Which restaurants have the prettiest view? Read on to discover!
According to the Greeks, food is a pleasure for the soul and body, hence the importance that is given to the time of eating.
Athens offers a characteristic, varied and delicious cuisine, sometimes also accompanied by good music and pleasant views. The local gastronomy of Athens will surprise you with the choice of nice restaurants, bars, cafés and typical taverns for all tastes and budgets.
That’s me, enjoying the delicious Greek cuisine!
Greeks appreciate tradition and simplicity, which is reflected in a very characteristic style of many local taverns. In Athens however, unlike the most parts of Greece, there are also many trendy, new and shiny restaurants and bars, often with international or fusion cuisine. In fact, in some areas of the Greek capital it’s not easy to find any traditional tavern. Read on – we will tell you where to find the best restaurants in Athens.
Index
- What to Eat in Athens: Typical Greek Dishes and Sweets
- What to Drink in Athens: Typical Greek Alcoholic Drinks
- What are the Best Areas to Eat Out in Athens
- What are the Best Restaurants in Athens
- What are the Best Vegan Restaurants in Athens
- Street Food in Athens
1. What to eat in Athens
We have a complete guide to Greek food, drinks and desserts with photos for each dish, so here we present just the most popular dishes to eat in Athens:
Dolmadakia
1.1. Dolmadakia – grape leaves stuffed with rice with mint and lemon, forming little rolls. Sometimes with meat, sometimes vegetarian – to be sure, always ask.
1.2. Greek salad – feta cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers, black olives and onions.
1.2. Tzatziki – dip made of yogurt and finely cut cucumber.
1.4. Grilled Octopus served with lemon and sometimes garlic.
1.5. Fried Calamari – breaded and fried squid with lemon.
1.6. Moussaka – a casserole of layers of fried aubergine with potato and spiced minced meat.
Moussaka
1.7. Gyros – pork meat roasted on a spit and sliced, served in pita bread or on a plate with fries, vegetables and youghurt sauce.
1.8. Souvlaki – pork or lamb meat skewers.
Another typical Greek food – Souvlaki – brochette of meat skewers
Desserts to Try in Athens
Feta me meli
- Feta me meli – a classic Greek dessert – a slice of feta cheese, wrapped with a layer of filo pastry soaked in honey and fried.
- Baklava – a pastry made of layers of filo with the filling of crushed nuts soaked in honey or syrup.
Discover more about what to eat in Athens in Typical Greek Food – 30 Traditional Dishes & Desserts
2. What to drink in Athens?
Ouzo with typical Greek appetizers
Typical Greek Alcoholic Drinks:
- Ouzo – a strong, sweet, licorice-flavored liqueur (approx. 45% alcohol)
- Retsina – resinated wine: white or rosé wine with the addition of pine tree resin with characteristic sharp taste that you can love or hate, but you’ll surely remember
- Wine
- Metaxa – a blend of brandy and Muscat wine
- Tsikoudia (Raki) – fragrant pomace brandy (40% – 65% alcohol)
Read more about specific spirits in the article on Shopping in Athens
3. What are the Best Areas to Eat Out in Athens?
Plaka in Athens is a great place to sit, eat and watch people
3.1. Plaka
For charming, relaxing and unpretentious taverns head to Plaka. There are many pretty places with outside terraces.
3.2. Psirri
The most authentic Greek restaurants in Athens are often found in the area of Psirri. That’s where the locals eat. There are many mezedopoleia there – which are the Greek “tapas bars”.
In this area there are some old, traditional taverns, as well as new, pretty bars.
3.3. Monastiraki
The area around Monastiraki is another good place to eat in. You will find there a lot of options and it’s always lively.
4. What are the Best Restaurants in Athens?
The first two restaurants we describe here are exclusive places with spectacular views. Then follow the best typical Greek taverns known for delicious food.
4.1. Orizontes – divine view over Athens
Orizontes Restaurant in Athens offers uncomparable view all over Athens to the sea © Orizontes Restaurant
The unmatchable view all over Athens, from Acropolis to the sea in Pireus, is once-in-a-lifetime experience. The restaurant is one of the most exclusive places in Athens and with that view it’s clear why. By day, by the sunset or by the moonlight – its atmosphere is magic.
Address: Aristippou 1, Lykavittos, Athens, Greece
4.2. Strofi – with view at Parthenon!
Strofi Restaurant with fantastic view at the Parthenon – © Strofi Restaurant
The view on the most iconic sight in Athens makes this restaurant amazing. By day and night, you may admire ancient Parthenon while eating a delightful meal. It’s an elegant, upscale restaurant and the dishes are of great quality.
Address: 25 Galli Rovertou, Acropolis, Athens 117 42, Greece
4.3. Lithos
Pretty and cozy interior, nice relaxing atmosphere and most of all – fantastic food. You will find here a rich selection of authentic Greek dishes, nicely presented and really tasty.
Address: Aisopou 17, Psirri, Athens, Greece
4.4. Oineas
The interior of Oineas Restaurant © Oineas Restaurant
Pleasant, cozy restaurant with delicious homely food. Here you can find all the local Greek dishes, including fantastic moussaka, stuffed lamb, grilled octopus etc.
Address: Aisopou 9, Athens 10554, Greece
4.5. Bandiera
Bandiera Restaurant in Athens – © Bandiera
Great typical Greek food and some surprising dishes at very affordable prices.
Address: Taki 19, Psirri, Athens 10554, Greece
5. What are the Best Vegan Restaurants in Athens?
There are several traditional Greek dishes – and desserts – which are vegan or vegetarian. Read all about them in the vege dishes section in Typical Greek Food – 30 Traditional Dishes & Desserts.
If you want to have a bigger choice or be sure that what you get is 100% vegan, go to one of the following vegan restaurants.
5.1. Mama Tierra
Vegan Restaurant Mama Tierra in Athens – © Mama Tierra
This vegan restaurant offers a vast selection of various vegan dishes. Healthy, fresh and tasty.
Address: Akadimias 84, 10678 Athens
5.2. Avocado
Avocado vegan & vegetarian bar in Athens – © Avocado Restaurant
Vegan and vegetarian restaurant offering pleasant meals, including vege versions of typical Greek meals and many creative dishes.
Address: Nikis 30, Athens 105 57, Greece
6. Street Food in Athens
There are numerous street food options in Athens, such as gyros
You will find street food in Athens more-less everywhere in numerous bars.
The best area to try street food in Athens though is Karagiorgi Servias Street, continuing as Perikleous Street, near Monastiraki.
In the same area, good street food dessert is served by Lukumades. Just as the name of the bar suggests, it serves Lukumades – Greek type of doughnuts, with honey and cinnamon, chocolate, or with a variety of fillings.
Try also Baklava in one of the bakeries or pastry shops.
Other Suggestions on What and Where to Eat in Athens
Typical Greek tavern in Athens
Read more about Typical Greek Food – 30 Traditional Dishes & Desserts to understand better the Greek cuisine and not to miss any great dish!
Read our guide to Nightlife in Athens – Best Clubs, Bars and Party Areas to discover best bars and areas to go out in the evening.
And if you have any suggestions or questions, write a comment!
