Athens
Tucked down a little lane, this small, hip fish restaurant is easy to miss – look for happy people chatting over heaps of shrimp shells. The atmosphere is…
Must-see restaurants in Athens
Acropolis Area
The rooftop restaurant of the Herodion Hotel, with stunning Acropolis and Acropolis Museum views, serves guests and loyal locals alike. Signature ‘tapas…
Athens
This antiques-bedecked place on Plateia Avyssinias, in the middle of the antique dealers, has been legendary since the 1980s for its live music and varied…
Athens
Cheap, cheerful and borderline chaotic on weekend nights, Avli requires you to squeeze down a narrow hall to get in; you'll probably wait for service if…
Syntagma & Plaka
Inside a neoclassical mansion, this elegant dining room with white linen and proper crystal is the venue for inventive creations by chef Elias Gogos…
Athens
Locals go here for the alleged best pizza in Athens. The pies range from classic Italian to creative vegetarian (seriously, the yoghurt works). Burgers…
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…
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…
Athens
This popular neighbourhood spot has been modernised a bit, but maintains its essential taverna-ness, with homestyle Greek food plus reliable house wine…
Acropolis Area
Book ahead for a Parthenon view from the rooftop of this exquisitely renovated town house. Food is simple grilled meats and fish, but the setting, with…
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…
Athens
Home-cooked Cretan fare. Sip Cretan rakomelo (honey-infused liquor) while sampling small plates featuring mountain herbs and slow-cooked meats.
Acropolis Area
For the splendid view it provides of the Acropolis, this restaurant is already a winner. Even better is that the food, made using local seasonal…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
This successful operation was started by Ahmad, a Syrian refugee and excellent host. The concept is summed up in the name, with a range of different…
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…
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…
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…
Athens
Five chefs are the collaborators at this upmarket taverna-style restaurant that advocates 'wise cuisine'; it's all freshly prepared on the premises…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Acropolis Area
This kitsch place specialises in Thai street food such as noodles and curries. The prices are right, the food is fairly authentic and it's a great…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio
Housemade village-style bread, mismatched retro crockery and brown paper on the tabletops set the tone for this modern taverna serving regional Greek…
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 …
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…
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,…
