Visiting Athens can be a unique culinary experience. Locals prefer tasty and simple food made of good, seasonal ingredients, that can be easily paired with local spirits, such as tsipouro, raki and wine. If you want to mingle with the Athenian crowd, there are many urban and close to the seaside areas to visit. Koukaki, Kolonaki, Syndagma, Exarcheia and Plaka are full of interesting little coffee shops and restaurants. Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Kavouri are the best options for a fun day at the beach. So let’s check out the best food options in the center of Athens:
SURF & TURF
MAVRO PROVATO
One of the best places for an easy lunch or dinner full of taste and different flavors. You should try the beef liver, the orzo with vegetables, the lamp in the pouch and any of the daily dishes. They will welcome you with a shot of raki!
Arrianou 31, Athens 116 35
Opens at 13:00 everyday.
tomauroprovato.gr
Photo credits © Mavro Provato
AMA LAXEI
This cozy big yard offers delicious appetisers and a friendly environment. Don’t miss to try the fried mushrooms with wine and thyme, the freshly cut fried fries, the meatballs with ouzo and spearmint and any of the daily fish dishes. Simple and yummy, try this place for a quiet lunch, a busier dinner or just a glass of wine.
Kallidromiou 69, Αθήνα 106 83
FB: amalaxeiresto
MEAT LOVERS ON A BUDGET
AVLI @ Monastiraki
A secret little yard that takes you back to old Athenian times. Great for lunch or dinner, this hidden gem offers delicious bites. Try the omelette with sausage and peppers, the fried chicken in paprika, onion and garlic, the liver and the greek feta cheese stuffed peppers. Just YUM!
Agiou Dimitriou Square, Monastiraki, Athens 105 54
FB: Avli
Photo credits © Avli
STREET FOOD
ELVIS SOUVLAKIA
Like the king himself, here you will find great street food. Pork, kebap, sausage or chicken skewers to pair with freshly cut fried fries and crunchy pita breads. You can also grab a drink at Chelsea Hotel, right next door. One of the busiest local bars in Athens.
Archimidous 1-5, Pangrati, Athens 116 35
LEFTERIS O POLITIS
If you like kebab, LEFTERIS is the place. Juicy and full of flavor this kebab wrap is one of the best in Athens. As it only serves kebab, one souvlaki is not enough, so better order at least two! Going there, taking a taxi is advised.
Open from Monday till Saturday. Weekdays untill 20:00. Saturdays untill 17:00.
Satovriandou 20, Omonoia, Athens, 104 32
FB: Lefteris o Politis
KOSTAS At PENDELIS STR.
When you wonder where is the best souvlaki that people will queue for, look no further. KOSTAS has a very small shop that you can hardly sit and a long wait, but the quality of the ingredients and the taste will definitely compensate you. You can either try the pork skewer wrap or the beef wrap. Both options are greek street food at its finest. It is advised to visit until 13:00 on weekdays as the shop closes as soon as it sells out.
Pendelis 5, Syndagma, Athens 105 57
SPOILED MEAT LOVERS
VEZENE
A classic spot for meat lovers. This greek flavors inspired bistrot, offers both fish and meat. The must try appetizers are the King Scallop with Guanciale Iberico and chili, the baby lamb pie and the delicious mini burgers. For a filling main course, try the yiouvetsi or any of the daily meat cuts paired with vegetables or yummy fried fries.
DRAKOULIS
A brand new entry, this restaurant is a meat heaven. The owner, a true meat expert and owner of the most famous butcher shop in Athens has a created a bestowing space for an amazing dinner experience. Music to set the mood, a cool bar for drinks and bites and food to die for. This restaurant is a true crowd pleaser.
Photo credits © Drakoulis Dry&Raw
ZURBARAN
Any weekday is busy in this centrally located bar restaurant in the cute area of Kolonaki. You can choose it for lunch or dinner. Party nights or when their resident dj spins house tunes are a good option for those who love the nightlife. Try the spicy crab tartar with yuzu and truffle oil, the Crayfish risotto, the Carbonara pasta, the Classic Schnitzel or the Black Angus Tagliata. The Μillefeuille with Tahini Cream is a very savory dessert option.
Photo credits © Zurbaran
