Athens is an incredible city where ancient meets modern. A lot of people consider this city to be a day stopover before or after heading to the islands, but not staying a few days here would be a miss! You have everything that you could want in a large European city - culture, history and of course really amazing food. Athens food scene has really taken off in the past 10 years and it offers a wide range from fine dining with Acropolis views to cheap street eats.
Here's our guide on where to eat based on our experience plus recommendations from friends and local guides:
Cheap Eats
There's no shortage of delicious street food and cheap eats in Athens. Grabbing a quick Souvlaki and a Freddo Cappuccino is a way of life for the Greek
Delicious Souvlaki: Souvlaki is the famous Greek street food that typically include Gyro meat (meaning cooked on a rotating spit) of either chicken or pork, in a pita with tzatziki, onions and traditionally french fries. Ask for it with some extra tzatziki. For $3 this lunch couldn't be beat.
O Kostas Souvlaki: Arguably the most famous in town, they have a different take where they use grilled meats instead of gyro meat. Get there early for lunch (11-12), there is always a line and they sell out of some meats. If you don't like parsley, ask for it without herbs.
Atlantikos Fish Tavern: Located in Psirri, this is a local recommended spot. Try fried Bacalao with Skordalia
Guarantee Sandwich:Best sandwiches in Athens
Feyrouz: One of my favorite meals in Athens. Levantine street food shop where you order at the counter and wait for the food to come to your table. Get a Lahmatzun with meat, Peinirli, delicious dough filled with cheese and meat and a veggie pie. Splitting 3 things between 2 people was enough. Also, grab a glass of wine at the wine bar, they have a great selection of Greek natural wine to wash everything down with!
Yiasemi Cafe Bistro: In the famous Plaka neighborhood, this might have actually been my favorite meal in Athens, so much so that I ate there twice! With multiple seating options from the steps, to indoors, to the rooftop, there's always a place to grab a table. The food is no frills mediterranean ranging from salads to dolmas to moussakka. If you come for brunch you can enjoy their breakfast buffet. The foods great (and cheap) the people watching is top notch and if you grab a seat on the roof the views are incredible. Highly recommend!
Αιολική Οδός: Delicious cevapcici and other Greek favorites.
Mid-Tier Restaurants
Great for lunch or dinner, there are tons of options when it comes to decently priced eats and amazing food. These are places you can typically walk in but it's not a bad idea to make a reservation for some if you see the option on their website
Nolan: Modern Greek Asian fusion cuisine. Featured on the Michilen guide, this local recommended spot serves Greek food with an Asian fusion twist. Small and delicious plates to share.
Aneton: Another fusion restaurant with a twist on traditional Mediterranean food. Great spot for dinner.
Dopios: Traditional Greek food made modern. Ask for Taramosalata (Greek fish roe dip), meatballs and the chickpeas
Mavros Gatos: Traditional greek tavern food in the center of town. Get the Spanakopita and lamb chops. They're the best in town!
To Mavro Provato: Meaning the Black Sheep, it's another excellent traditional Greek taverna.
To Steki Tou Ilia: Our local guides recommendation for the best lamb chops in town. I guess the crown is up for debate!
Fabrica tou Efrosinou: We were recommended to get the Taramosalata dip, meat pie, short ribs and the salads
GH Attikos Restaurant: Teetering on the edge of fine dining, you get the incredible rooftop view of the Acropolis without the crazy price tag for the food.
Feedel: Another nice take on modern Mediterranean food. This restaurant is owned by a Top Chef Greece judge. We especially liked the Fava Bean dip.
Cherchez La Femme: Good small plates in a cute setting
Ama Lechei: We didn't make it here but my friends husband, who loves sausages, said it's one of the best that he's had!
Fine Dining
Athens has a large fine dining scene that is typically centered around rooftop dining with Acropolis views. If you're coming in high season (June - September) make sure to make reservations in advance!
Aleria: Fine dining recommended by a local guide with 2 menus: Earth & Sea and Garden & Nature
NYX: This Japanese rooftop restaurant has the obvious views of the Acropolis at night and the food was actually delicious. We are picky about our Japanese food coming from San Francisco where the sushi is delicious, but this place lived up. Highly recommend for a nice meal, especially if you're in the mood to switch it up!
Sense: My sister and her husband had an excellent meal here while they were in Athens. Get one of the tasting menus and enjoy the views
The Artist: We came for a drink but ended up also getting a bite to eat. Both were incredible. Try the shrimp tempura dumplings and really any cocktail on the menu.
Bars!
And of course, where to drink!! There are plenty of bars in Athens but here are our favorites.
The Clumsies: In 2021 this was named as the 4th best bar in the world on the 50 best bars list. It's an all day bar, as many of them are, which means you can enjoy your coffee and breakfast here and then of course cocktails in the afternoon. All of them are creative and delicious!! A must visit.
Drupes Spritzeria: Best spot for a refreshing Spritz!! Necessary when it's so hot out.
Six Dogs: Fun and trendy bar with great drinks and live music.
MONK Grapes and Spirits: A nice and fun rooftop bar we stumbled upon. There's a DJ and a projector playing old movie onto the building next to them. Great drinks and atmosphere.
Tip for making reservations: This isn't the easiest thing to do in Athens. While the fine dining restaurants will have an easy system for it, other mid-tier places do not. I found that reaching out on Facebook worked the best or simply calling during their business hours.
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