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Welcome to the vibrant and gastronomically rich city of Athens, where culinary delights await at every corner. In this comprehensive guide to restaurants in Athens, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Greece. From traditional tavernas serving authentic Greek dishes to contemporary eateries offering innovative fusion cuisine, Athens is a haven for food lovers. Immerse yourself in the bustling food scene as we explore the best restaurants in Athens, where flavors, aromas, and culinary traditions come together to create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Tipping in Greece: If you’re traveling to Athens, knowing that tipping is customary in Greece is helpful. For a casual meal at a taverna, a good rule of thumb is to leave a tip of about €2 to €5 or round up your bill to the nearest €0 or €5. For example, if your bill is €46, you might leave a total of €50. A 5 to 10% tip is standard for higher-end restaurants, while 15% is considered generous. At bars and cafés, if you order at the counter, rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated. A tip of around 5 to 10% is appropriate for table service.
- Restaurant Reservations: To ensure a smooth dining experience at the restaurants listed below, it is advisable to make reservations in advance. Typically, reserving a table 3 to 5 days beforehand will suffice, but for significant occasions, it is recommended to book a table weeks, or even months, in advance to guarantee availability.
- Athens Food Guide: If you have more questions about Athens foods, wines or products, take a look at our complete food guide of Athens.
Whether you’re seeking a taste of traditional Greek cuisine or eager to indulge in international flavors, Athens has something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we navigate through this culinary paradise, uncovering hidden gems, iconic establishments, and the vibrant spirit of dining in Athens. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the gastronomic wonders that await in the captivating capital of Greece.
The best restaurants in Athens.
1. Phita
This gastro-tavern revitalized the grittier downtown neighborhood of Neos Kosmos. The corner location, next to a tram line bordered by dilapidated housing complexes, is simple but warm, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The open kitchen is the center of attention, producing a market-driven menu with a preference for seafood.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
2. Oikonomou
One of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods is called Ano Petralona. On the squares and walkways, a laid-back social life is composed of courtyard cafés, eccentric pubs, and inexpensive meze restaurants. Oikonomou, a family-run taverna that opened in 1930 and has survived them all, offers its devoted customers a classic menu of Greek comfort cuisine.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
3. Nolan
Since Nolan launched in 2016, the Athens culinary scene has become significantly more vibrant, yet this modest spot is still one of the most popular spots in town. Despite the fact that Greek Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas now spends more time presiding over the Greek Master chef than in Nolan’s kitchen, which is located in a theatrical box hung above the monochromatic eating area with glass walls, his fusion food is entirely unique and personal.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Athens Food & Wine
- Acropolis Food Tour: Join us on a 4-hour walking Acropolis food tour and explore the city’s most famous sites. You’ll also get to try traditional Greek dishes from all over the country!
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Exarcheia Walking Tour: Explore the alternative side of Athens with our Exarcheia Walking Tour.Discover the neighborhood’s rich history and culture. Join us for a unique and unforgettable experience off the beaten path.
- Athens Traditional Cooking Class: During this Athens traditional cooking class session with a chef, you and your loved ones will prepare a typical 4-course Greek feast that will amaze you.
4. Mavros Gatos
You can purchase them here, seasoned with oregano and lemon, and with the ideal proportion of char-grilled fat to lean meat. If you eat them with your hands, they will taste much better. Get a side of the imam (slow-roasted eggplants and caramelized onions), a trio of chips, and tzatziki.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
5. To Kati Allo
A Greek taverna run by two generations of a local family, the Bakatselos, is tucked away along a narrow street just next to the Acropolis Museum and has been providing authentic Greek cuisine for more than three decades.
Price Range: $
6. Strofi
One of the most stunning views of the Acropolis may be found on Strofi’s rooftop patio. The menu is amazing as well; expect classic Greek fares like meze with smoked eggplant and silky, cold tzatziki. Roast lamb filled with Greek cheese is a traditional main dish.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
7. Orizontes
Sit outside at dusk, and you’ll feel as though you’re dining on Mount Olympus with the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and the city spread out below. The restaurant is also well-known for its cuisine, which features Mediterranean meals made with fresh local products and seasonal ingredients.
Price Range: $$$$
8. Kanaria
Kanaria lacks a view of the ocean, just like all of Athens’ top fish tavernas. The Argyropoulos family opened their restaurant in the 1950s, and the location is on an unremarkable suburban street. There are terrazzo floors, shining oil paint on the walls, white paper tablecloths, and simple wooden chairs.
There isn’t a menu because the basic kitchen only makes a few dishes: Grilled red mullet, snapper, or sole, pan-fried prawns, ripe tomato salad with feta and olives on the side, and warm bread for soaking up the spicy olive oil.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
🏠 Greece Foodies’ favorite hotels in Athens, Greece: Royalty Hotel Athens , LUXandEASY Acropolis Suites , Evripidou Suites
FAQ about Restaurants in Athens
What types of cuisine can I expect to find in Athens?
Athens offers a diverse culinary landscape, ranging from traditional Greek cuisine to international flavors. You can indulge in classic Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita, or explore Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines. Additionally, Athens boasts a growing scene of contemporary and fusion restaurants, where chefs blend traditional ingredients with innovative techniques for a unique dining experience.
Are there vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Athens?
Absolutely! Athens is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly destination, with many restaurants catering to these dietary preferences. You’ll find dedicated vegetarian and vegan establishments serving plant-based versions of Greek favorites, as well as restaurants offering a variety of meat-free options on their menus. Some neighborhoods, such as Exarcheia and Psyrri, are known for their vegan and vegetarian eateries, ensuring that visitors with specific dietary choices have plenty of delicious options to explore.
Do I need to make reservations at restaurants in Athens?
While it depends on the restaurant and the time of year, making reservations is generally recommended, especially for popular or high-end establishments. Athens can get busy, particularly during peak tourist seasons, and securing a reservation ensures you have a table waiting for you. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially for dinner reservations or if you have a particular restaurant in mind. However, there are also many casual eateries and tavernas where walk-ins are more common, particularly during lunch hours or for smaller groups.
Concluding on the best restaurants in Athens!
So whether you’re planning a date night or celebrating a special occasion, be sure to check out our list of the best restaurants in Athens to fall in love with. Exploring the food in Athens is a great way to understand the culture of the city and Greece overall!
Bon appétit!
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