Discover the best restaurants in Athens! From traditional favorites like Avli, Oineas, and Diporto to trendy dining spots, explore a culinary journey through the city’s vibrant food scene.
Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, is a city that boasts a rich culinary heritage. From traditional food in Athens to modern twists on classic dishes, the city offers a plethora of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for the best casual restaurants in Athens or seeking a fine dining experience with a stunning view, this guide will help you navigate through some of the top spots to enjoy the best of Athenian cuisine.
Check out our Athens Food Guide, you can’t miss our list of the best places to eat in Athens and taste the local food.
What to eat in Athens? You should try traditional Athenian dishes, from Greek salad to moussaka or balackava. To Kafeneio is a beloved spot in the heart of the Plaka neighborhood. This traditional taverna offers a cozy ambiance and serves typical food in Athens. The menu features a variety of Greek classics like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh Greek salads. The friendly atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Nestled in the picturesque Psiri district, Avli is known for its charming courtyard setting and delicious food. The menu offers a range of Greek dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes such as pastitsio and grilled octopus are must-tries. Avli’s welcoming environment and reasonable prices make it one of the best casual restaurants in Athens.
Oineas, located in the vibrant area of Monastiraki, offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine. The restaurant is famed for its hearty portions and affordable prices. Specialties include lamb kleftiko and baklava, which are perfect examples of the traditional food in Athens. The rustic decor and friendly staff add to the overall charm.
Manas Kouzina-Kouzina in the bustling Syntagma area provides a unique dining experience with its focus on traditional Greek comfort food. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by recipes from different regions of Greece, ensuring a diverse culinary experience. Dishes like stuffed tomatoes and eggplant moussaka are popular choices among diners looking for typical food in Athens at a reasonable price.
Diporto is a treasure located in the center of Athens. This basement taverna has been serving simple yet delicious Greek dishes for decades. There’s no menu; instead, you are served what’s available that day, which usually includes staples like lentil soup, grilled fish, and chickpeas. The authenticity and affordability make Diporto a must-visit.
Situated in the lively area of Psiri, Lithos offers an extensive menu of Greek and Mediterranean dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant is known for its excellent service and generous portions. Highlights include the seafood platter and the homemade Greek desserts. Lithos is a great option for those wanting to enjoy the traditional food in Athens without breaking the bank.
Strofi, located near the Acropolis, offers not only delicious food but also breathtaking views of the ancient site. The rooftop terrace provides a stunning backdrop for enjoying dishes like lamb chops and fresh seafood. The combination of excellent cuisine and a magnificent view makes Strofi a top choice for visitors to Athens.
Dionysos Zonar’s is another fantastic restaurant that offers panoramic views of the Acropolis. This elegant dining spot serves a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and modern presentation. Enjoying a meal here, especially at sunset, is an unforgettable experience.
A for Athens is a popular rooftop bar and restaurant located in Monastiraki Square. It offers a spectacular view of the Acropolis and the cityscape. The menu features a range of Greek and international dishes, making it a great spot for a casual yet scenic dining experience. Cocktails are also a highlight, adding to the overall allure of the place.
Hytra, located in the Onassis Cultural Center, offers contemporary Greek cuisine with a view. The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and provides a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views of Athens. The menu includes innovative dishes that blend traditional Greek flavors with modern culinary techniques. Dining at Hytra is a treat for both the palate and the eyes.
Nolan, located in the heart of Athens, is a trendy restaurant that has quickly gained a reputation for its creative fusion cuisine. The menu combines Greek and Asian influences, resulting in unique dishes like crispy duck and miso-marinated fish. The stylish decor and innovative food make Nolan one of the coolest restaurants in Athens right now.
Seychelles, situated in the Kerameikos area, offers a vibrant and relaxed dining atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its creative takes on Greek classics and its extensive use of fresh, local ingredients. Dishes like fava with caramelized onions and slow-cooked pork are favorites. Seychelles’ lively vibe and excellent food make it a top choice for those seeking the best casual restaurants in Athens. To complete your visit to Athens we recommend any of these options for lunch or dinner and a taste of local produce.
Cookoovaya, located near Hilton Athens, is a contemporary restaurant that focuses on high-quality ingredients and modern Greek cuisine. The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the dining experience. Dishes such as squid ink risotto and lamb with yogurt are highlights. Cookoovaya’s innovative approach and chic ambiance make it a must-visit.
Birdman, a modern izakaya located in the Syntagma area, offers a unique dining experience with its Japanese-inspired menu. The restaurant serves a variety of small plates and skewers, perfect for sharing. The lively atmosphere and stylish setting, combined with dishes like yakitori and karaage, make Birdman one of the coolest spots in Athens right now.
Spondi, located in the Pangrati district, is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite French cuisine with Greek influences. The elegant setting and impeccable service make dining at Spondi a memorable experience. The tasting menu offers a journey through flavors and textures, featuring dishes like foie gras and lamb with truffle sauce. Spondi is perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious night out.
Funky Gourmet, situated in Kerameikos, is another Michelin-starred treasure in Athens. The restaurant is famous for its avant-garde approach to Greek cuisine. The tasting menu includes innovative dishes that play with flavors, textures, and presentation. Dining at Funky Gourmet is an immersive experience that challenges the senses and redefines traditional food in Athens.
Ergon House, located near Monastiraki, is a unique concept that combines a restaurant, food market, and hotel. The restaurant offers a modern take on Greek cuisine, with dishes like truffle mushroom kritharoto and lamb chops with oregano. The lively market atmosphere and the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients make Ergon House a popular spot.
CTC, short for “Creative Traditional Cuisine,” is a contemporary restaurant that focuses on reinterpreting classic Greek dishes with modern techniques. Located in the Koukaki area, CTC offers a refined dining experience with a tasting menu that showcases dishes like octopus with black garlic and lamb with eggplant. The innovative approach and intimate setting make CTC one of the best casual restaurants in Athens.
Psarras, located in the Plaka neighborhood, is a historic taverna that has been serving traditional Greek dishes since 1898. The restaurant’s charming courtyard and classic menu make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Dishes like grilled sardines and moussaka are must-tries. Psarras’ timeless appeal and commitment to quality make it a standout in Athens.
Varoulko Seaside, located in the Mikrolimano harbor, offers a dining experience with stunning views of the sea. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, with specialties like sea bass carpaccio and octopus with fava. The elegant setting and fresh, flavorful food make Varoulko Seaside a top choice for seafood lovers.
Papadakis, situated in Kolonaki, is a renowned restaurant that offers a blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features dishes like tuna tartare and lobster pasta, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The sophisticated atmosphere and excellent service make Papadakis a must-visit for a fine dining experience in Athens.
Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, located near Monastiraki, is a charming deli-restaurant that offers a taste of traditional Greek and Anatolian flavors. The menu includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and meze dishes, perfect for sharing. The rustic decor and friendly service add to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Karavitis, located in the Pangrati district, is a classic Greek taverna that has been serving delicious food for over 90 years. The menu features traditional dishes like grilled lamb chops and fried zucchini. The taverna’s old-world charm and commitment to authentic flavors make it a beloved spot among locals.
Ama Lachei, situated in the Exarchia neighborhood, offers a relaxed dining experience with a focus on modern Greek cuisine. The restaurant’s courtyard setting and creative menu make it a great place to enjoy dishes like smoked mackerel and beetroot salad. Ama Lachei’s unique vibe and innovative food make it one of the coolest restaurants in Athens right now.
Mavro Provato, located in the Pangrati area, is a modern taverna that offers a fresh take on traditional Greek dishes. The menu includes items like fried calamari and pork belly with honey and thyme. The casual yet stylish setting and excellent food make Mavro Provato a favorite among those looking for the best casual restaurants in Athens.