Restaurants in Athens
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A
Paradosiako
For great traditional fare at very fair prices you can't beat this inconspicuous, no-frills taverna on the periphery of Plaka, with a few tables on the footpath. There's a basic menu but it's best to choose from the daily specials, which include fresh and delicious seafood. Get there early before the locals arrive.
reviewed
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Varsos
This huge patisserie has been making traditional sweets and dairy products since 1892. Dine in the old-style café, or sit outside in the courtyard and sample the famous rice pudding, honey pastries, honey or scrumptious cheese pies.
reviewed
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Diporto Agoras
Near the Athens Central Market, there’s no signage, only two doors leading to a rustic cellar taverna where the handful of dishes hasn’t changed in years. The staples are delicious chickpea soup, grilled fish, fried potatoes and salad, washed down with mandatory wine (they don’t ask) from the barrels lining the wall. The often-erratic service is part of the appeal.
reviewed
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Kalipateira
In a neoclassic building overlooking an archaeological dig, young Athenians gather for long sessions over carafes of ouzo, snacking on one of the pikilies (mixed mezedhes). There are acoustic rembetika (Greek blues) and Cretan live music Thursday to Sunday.
reviewed
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Strofi
This charming old-style taverna’s rooftop terrace has superb Acropolis views, and a reasonable array of taverna classics. It used to be a hang-out for theatre performers, as the photos of its famous guests attest.
reviewed
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Vasilenas
This classic Piraeus tavern has been spruced up and the menu modernised, but the third generation now running the show maintains much of the family tradition and well-deserved reputation for good-value, delicious seafood. You can’t go wrong with the generous set menu (€34) and there’s also à la carte dining (and a few meat dishes) on the shady terrace in summer.
reviewed
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Kouti
Even if the outdoor tables with an Acropolis view are taken, the food is more than a consolation at this popular eatery. The cute Greek menus are handwritten in children's books and there are English versions too. Try creative takes on Greek classic dishes, international cuisine and great salads, including a delicious avocado and crab salad.
reviewed
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Mani Mani
In a welcoming setting on the 1st floor of this charming neoclassical building, you’ll enjoy excellent contemporary Greek cuisine. The menu includes dishes inspired by regional specialities from Mani, in the southern Peloponnese, such as the loukaniko (sausage) with orange, siglino (cured pork) or stewed pork with celery.
reviewed
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Archeon Gefsis
This themed restaurant has surprisingly good food based on ancient Greek cuisine, including delicious roast meats served with purées of peas, chickpeas and vegetables. Waiters wear flowing red robes, while diners sip wine from earthenware cups and use spoons instead of forks, as the ancients did. Bookings essential.
reviewed
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Cookou Food
A casual, fashionable eatery serving great value lunches, with trays of fresh traditional Greek dishes and other specials like spinach lasagne and orange chicken with basmati rice. The unique decor is the work of the artist half of this partnership. There's a slightly more pricey a la carte menu in the evenings.
reviewed
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Barbagiannis
An Exarhia institution, this low-key mayirio (cook house) is popular with students and those wanting good-value home-style Greek food. Choose from the variety of big trays of traditional dishes, such as pastitsio (layers of baked macaroni and minced meat), washed down with house wine.
reviewed
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Jimmy & the Fish
It’s hard to choose between the lobster spaghetti and other seafood pastas that are house specialities, or the daily catch of fresh fish. One of the more stylish restaurants along Mikrolimano (Small Harbour), Jimmy’s has a great range of entrées, including stuffed calamari, and ouzo and sesame prawns.
reviewed
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Athiri
Athiri’s lovely garden courtyard is a verdant surprise in this pocket of Keramikos, while the small but innovative menu playing on Greek regional classics is well executed. Try Santorini fava and the hearty beef stew with myzithra (sheep’s-milk cheese) and handmade pasta from Karpathos.
reviewed
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Gefsis Me Onomasies Proelefsis
The name means ‘flavours with appellation of origin’, and this stylish, established restaurant specialises in traditional regional cuisine and produce, with a sophisticated, modern touch. Located in a renovated mansion, the menu is also notable for an excellent cheese and wine selection.
reviewed
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O Damigos Bakaliarika
Reputedly Plaka’s oldest taverna, this basement eatery features in many old Greek movies. It’s a lively winter place for traditional Greek fare; just mind your step on the way in. The house speciality is bakaliaro (salty cod fried in batter), served with a lethal garlic dip.
reviewed
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Kollias
It’s worth risking a clash with an Athenian taxi driver to eat fresh fish and seafood on the terrace of Tassos Kollias’ superb taverna in Piraeus’ outer reaches. For tighter budgets, you can get five seafood treats for €15 a head across the road at his mezedhopoleio, Ta Pente Piata.
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Oineas
This cheery place on a pedestrian street in Psyrri stands out for the walls of kitsch Greek ads and retro paraphernalia. There are some creative dishes on the menu and excellent generous salads, best shared. Try the cheese pie made with kataïfi (‘angel hair’ pastry).
reviewed
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P
Café Avyssinia
In the heart of charmingly grungy Plateias Avyssinias (Avyssinias Sq), this atmospheric place has excellent mezedhes, such as the delicious marinated gavros (anchovies). Occasional live music and a bit of a cult following. Best enjoyed on weekends for a late lunch.
reviewed
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Q
Ariston
Since 1910 this place has been baking the best fresh tyropites (cheese pies), the perfect snack on the run. Try its renowned kourou (thick type of pastry) variety or one of the many other tasty fillings, such as red peppers, mushrooms, chicken or spinach.
reviewed
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To Berdema
Tucked in a quiet residential street, this modern taverna with an east-west fusion menu has a delightful garden courtyard. The light-shades made from graters hanging from the trees are part of the playful décor. You can’t miss the hotel – look for the pink glass façade.
reviewed
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Vizantino
This taverna is the best of the restaurants around Plateia Filomousou Eterias. Its menu is realistically priced and it's popular with locals year-round. The daily specials are good value, with dishes like stuffed tomatoes, pastitsio and its excellent fish soup.
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Mamacas
Decked out in cool white fittings, this Gazi trailblazer kicked off the ‘modern taverna’ trend, serving home-style food in a chic setting.It has since expanded across the road, added a club and raised prices. It’s still popular but has plenty of competition these days.
reviewed
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Sardelles
This friendly, modern fish taverna, with cutesy fishmonger paper on the tables overlooking the gasworks, specialises in seafood mezedhes. Meat lovers are catered for at the modern grill house next door at Butcher Shop. Both give you a little take-home pot of basil.
reviewed
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Glykis
In a quiet corner of Plaka, this casual place with a leafy courtyard is frequented by students and locals. It has a tasty selection of mezedhes, including traditional dishes such as briam (vegetable casserole dish in tomato sauce) and cuttlefish in wine.
reviewed
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Ouzadiko
The basement location in the Lemos Centre lets it down, but Ouzadiko is nonetheless cosy and renowned for its refined regional mezedhes, washed down with an ouzo or two from its extensive selection. There are a few tables outside in summer. Bookings advisable.
reviewed