Must-see restaurants in Athens

  • Gevomai kai Magevomai

    Athens

    Stroll off the pedestrian way to find this small corner taverna with marble-topped tables. Neighbourhood denizens know it as one of the best for home…

  • Laika

    Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio

    Out on the fringes of Gazi, amid car workshops and the occasional experimental theatre, this hip little cafe-bar is a treat. There's a simple but good…

  • Po' Boys BBQ

    Athens

    Born out of a popular food truck, this hip joint merges American and Greek wisdom on the subject of slow-cooked meats. American standard sides like mac…

  • Nikitas

    Athens

    Locals swear by this tried-and-true taverna that has been serving reasonably priced, refreshingly simple and tasty traditional food since well before…

  • Metropolis

    Syntagma & Plaka

    When you want a quick pick-me-up that's not souvlaki, head for this tiny shop that makes delicious, sophisticated sandwiches. The open-face house…

  • Nice N' Easy

    Athens

    Dig into fresh organic sandwiches, salads and brunch treats (such as huevos rancheros) beneath images of Louis Armstrong and Marilyn Monroe at this casual…

  • Ivis

    Athens

    This cosy corner place, with its bright arty decor, has a small but delicious range of simple, freshly cooked mezedhes that change daily. A good ouzo and…

  • Enjoy Just Falafel

    Athens

    Sweet little falafel-and-salad shop run by George, a chatty Lebanon-born, ex-Syrian immigrant who came to Greece in 1988. Good food and information about…

  • Le Greche

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Gem of a gelato shop, with espresso and little cakes as well. Gelato flavours range from traditional (intense, not-too-sweet pistachio) to novel (bergamot…

  • Oxo Nou

    Athens

    This big, busy place was one of the trailblazers for super-casual and super-delicious Cretan food and it still delivers, with a free shot of island booze…

  • Tudor Hall

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Dress up for the lavish restaurant on the 7th floor of the King George Hotel, offering the requisite breathtaking window on the spotlit Acropolis. The…

  • School Pizza Bar

    Athens

    Settle into a desk like the old days, and check out the chalkboard. Topping options for the thin-crust pizzas include good Greek products, such as cured…

  • Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino

    Acropolis Area

    The food at this cosy Italian trattoria is simple pastas and the like, satisfying and reasonably priced. It's enhanced by the satisfaction of finding this…

  • Oinomperdemata

    Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio

    Unpretentious fresh daily specials are the hallmark of this simple spot. Try staples such as fried cod with garlic dip and roast vegetables, or pork stew,…

  • Fresko Yogurt Bar

    Acropolis Area

    Delicious Greek yoghurt is the base of all things here. Either fresh or in smoothie form, you can pair it with any number of toppings, from chocolate to…

  • Aegli Restaurant

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Smack in the heart of the green Zappeion, this place doesn't do the most inspired food, but is convenient if you're going to the adjacent outdoor cinema…

  • Acropolis Secret

    Acropolis Area

    This elegant rooftop restaurant at the Divani Acropolis luxury hotel boasts a great view of the Acropolis all lit up at night. Expect fine Mediterranean…

  • Dioskouri

    Athens

    This landmark cafe-restaurant sprawls over the road, overlooking the railway line. On the cafe side (Adrianou 39), tables sit under a huge shade tree that…

  • Papadakis

    Athens

    This understatedly chic restaurant, run by a well-known chef and cookbook author, specialises in traditional seafood, such as stewed octopus with honey…

  • Mikro Politiko

    Acropolis Area

    Just the thing to stave off post-Acropolis collapse: a quick souvlaki or falafel from this little place. It's markedly better than other snack options in…

  • Aleria

    Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio

    This contemporary, elegant restaurant in a restored mansion feels a bit out of place in the otherwise scruffy Metaxourgio neighbourhood. Still, it does…

  • Capanna

    Athens

    Capanna hugs a corner, with tables wrapping around the footpath in summer. Cuisine is fresh Italian, from enormous pizzas to gnocchi with gorgonzola…

  • Fresko Yogurt Bar

    Athens

    Branch of the fresh Greek-yoghurt bar where you can have dessert served with all kinds of toppings in regular form or frozen.

  • Melilotos

    Athens

    Start a night out in the Monastiraki bar quarter with a healthy, sophisticated meal – a salmon burger, say, or a bright beet-and-grain salad – at this…

  • Kallipateira

    Athens

    In a neoclassical building overlooking an archaeological site, this taverna with friendly service is a good stop for mezedhes and carafes of ouzo. Daily…

  • Hayat

    Athens

    Hayat's Kurdish eats are hearty and well spiced, from the deceptively simple lentil soup to good-value kebabs and stews, all served with good chewy bread…

  • Taverna tou Psirri

    Athens

    This cheerful taverna just off Plateia Iroön turns out decent, no-frills traditional food.

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