Must-see restaurants in Athens

  • Palia Taverna tou Psara

    Syntagma & Plaka

    A little above the main bustle of Plaka, this taverna fills tables cascading across the street and down the stairs. It's touristy, but respected by locals…

  • Palia Athina

    Syntagma & Plaka

    No muss, no fuss, no music or show: just a quiet little family-run taverna with excellent prices (especially for the area) and good food. The stews and…

  • Vyrinis

    Athens

    This popular neighbourhood spot has been modernised a bit, but maintains its essential taverna-ness, with homestyle Greek food plus reliable house wine…

  • Tzitzikas kai Mermigas

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Greek merchandise lines the walls of this cheery modern place that sits smack in the middle of central Athens. It serves a tasty range of delicious and…

  • Rakoumel

    Athens

    Home-cooked Cretan fare. Sip Cretan rakomelo (honey-infused liquor) while sampling small plates featuring mountain herbs and slow-cooked meats.

  • Lukumades

    Athens

    What's not to love about fried dough? Loukoumadhes (from Arabic lu'mat al-qadi, 'the judge's morsel') are served here as crunchy round balls, doused…

  • Telemachos

    Athens

    At this elegant modern chophouse, gorgeous dry-aged Piedmontese beef is on display – but great Greek dishes such as spit-roasted lamb are on the menu, too…

  • Dionysos Zonar's

    Athens

    Directly across from the Acropolis main entrance, this is ground zero for tour-bus lunches. But you could do a lot worse if you're in need of a…

  • Gostijo

    Athens

    Convivial Israeli expat Ricky Vidal is the force of nature running this fully kosher restaurant that occupies a modern, pleasantly decorated space on the…

  • Zurbaran Athens

    Athens

    Named after 17th-century artist Francisco de Zurbaran, this on-trend restaurant and bar sports light and shade stylings in its interior design, offering a…

  • Cherche la Femme

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Leafy wallpaper, a twinkling chandelier and Parisian brasserie-style furniture and bar set the chic tone for this all-day cafe. The atmosphere may scream…

  • Hypovrihio

    Athens

    The 'Submarine' is a typical Exarhia hang-out, colourful and cramped. Raki is encouraged, but the booze is offset by a big range of home-cooked Greek…

  • Cookoovaya

    Athens

    Five chefs are the collaborators at this upmarket taverna-style restaurant that advocates 'wise cuisine'; it's all freshly prepared on the premises…

  • Kostarelos

    Athens

    Fun fact: Greeks eat the most dairy in Europe, an average of 30kg per person per year. And when you visit Kostarelos, you might see why. The long…

  • IT restaurant

    Athens

    Proving that you can dine both healthily and well, this stylish all-day eatery offers menu items ranging from egg-white omelettes for breakfast to plenty…

  • Kuzina

    Athens

    This comfortably elegant restaurant does chic Greek, with creations such as fried dumplings filled with feta and olives. It's cosy in winter, as light…

  • Meatropoleos 3

    Syntagma & Plaka

    A blessing amid the multistorey fast-food joints in Syntagma, this sleek little restaurant does a great array of grilled meats, including good housemade…

  • Nolan

    Syntagma & Plaka

    It's a good idea to make a reservation for this casual, chic and popular restaurant. Chef Sotiris Kontizas has incorporated some Asian ingredients and…

  • Filippou

    Athens

    Why mess with what works? Filippou has been dishing out Greek goodness – hearty meats, long-stewed vegetables – since 1923, and it's still a go-to for the…

  • Kalamaki Kolonaki

    Athens

    Order your pork or chicken by the kalamaki (skewer), add some salad and pittas, and you have great quick bites at this standout souvlaki joint. It's small…

  • Telis

    Athens

    A fluorescent-lit beacon of good food and kind service on a grimy block, Telis has been serving up simplicity since 1978. There's no menu, just a set meal…

  • Glykys

    Syntagma & Plaka

    In a quiet corner of Plaka, this low-key place with a shady front yard is mostly frequented by students and locals. It has a tasty selection of mezedhes,…

  • Kokkion

    Athens

    This tiny walk-up counter has an excellent selection of fresh artisanal ice cream, with especially rich fruit flavours, such as mandarin-ginger and…

  • Evgenia

    Syntagma & Plaka

    For great traditional fare, it's hard to beat this inconspicuous, no-frills taverna on the periphery of Plaka, with a few tables on the footpath. There’s…

  • Elvis

    Athens

    This mega-popular souvlaki joint is – in case the decor and name don't give it away – dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll. Every skewer comes with good…

  • Doureios Ippos

    Athens

    In summer this family-run taverna can look abandoned – but that's because everyone is up on the roof terrace, shaded by the climbing vines. Meaning …

  • Rozalia

    Athens

    An Exarhia favourite on a lively pedestrian strip, this family-run taverna serves grills and homestyle fare. Mezedhes are brought around on a tray, so you…

  • Barbagiannis

    Athens

    An Exarhia institution since 1915, this low-key mayirio (cookhouse) is popular with students and anyone with a taste for good-value, homestyle Greek food,…

  • Gevomai kai Magevomai

    Athens

    Stroll off the pedestrian way to find this small corner taverna with marble-topped tables. Neighbourhood denizens know it as one of the best for home…

  • Po' Boys BBQ

    Athens

    Born out of a popular food truck, this hip joint merges American and Greek wisdom on the subject of slow-cooked meats. American standard sides like mac…

  • Nikitas

    Athens

    Locals swear by this tried-and-true taverna that has been serving reasonably priced, refreshingly simple and tasty traditional food since well before…

  • Metropolis

    Syntagma & Plaka

    When you want a quick pick-me-up that's not souvlaki, head for this tiny shop that makes delicious, sophisticated sandwiches. The open-face house…

  • Nice N' Easy

    Athens

    Dig into fresh organic sandwiches, salads and brunch treats (such as huevos rancheros) beneath images of Louis Armstrong and Marilyn Monroe at this casual…

  • Ivis

    Athens

    This cosy corner place, with its bright arty decor, has a small but delicious range of simple, freshly cooked mezedhes that change daily. A good ouzo and…

  • Enjoy Just Falafel

    Athens

    Sweet little falafel-and-salad shop run by George, a chatty Lebanon-born, ex-Syrian immigrant who came to Greece in 1988. Good food and information about…

  • Le Greche

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Gem of a gelato shop, with espresso and little cakes as well. Gelato flavours range from traditional (intense, not-too-sweet pistachio) to novel (bergamot…

  • Oxo Nou

    Athens

    This big, busy place was one of the trailblazers for super-casual and super-delicious Cretan food and it still delivers, with a free shot of island booze…

  • Tudor Hall

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Dress up for the lavish restaurant on the 7th floor of the King George Hotel, offering the requisite breathtaking window on the spotlit Acropolis. The…

  • School Pizza Bar

    Athens

    Settle into a desk like the old days, and check out the chalkboard. Topping options for the thin-crust pizzas include good Greek products, such as cured…

  • Aegli Restaurant

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Smack in the heart of the green Zappeion, this place doesn't do the most inspired food, but is convenient if you're going to the adjacent outdoor cinema…

    • placement: fullWidth
    • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
    • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
    • targeting:
      {
        "position": "superzone"
      }

More destinations you need to see