A Traveling Foodie: Athens Greece Food Guide
Spanakopita - a delicious Greek spinach pie
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What to Eat in Athens: Greek Food Guide
Greek cuisine is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. And you haven’t lived until you’ve eaten traditional Greek food in Greece. Nothing compares to the gyros, souvlaki, and taziki in Athens. Even though I’m admittedly a harsh judge and a bit of a foodie, Athens rocked my world. It blew my mind how much better every single food in Athens tasted than it had elsewhere in the world. How had I been living with such weak imitations my whole life? How had I accepted Fage yogurt and Oikos Triple Zero as the best of Greek yogurt? Gyro meat had never been this tender in the states! Souvlaki was never this flavorful! My eyes and taste buds had been opened.
If you’re visiting Athens, I envy you. You’re about to delight your taste buds like never before. But before I get into my Athens, Greece food guide and recommendations for the best places to eat in Athens, let me do a brief overview of some of the most famous Greek dishes.
Famous Greek Food
These traditional Greek foods are some of the most delicious items you’ll encounter on your trip to Athens. They’re must try traditional Greek dishes that will have you wanting to extend your vacation.
Keftedes with fries Tzatziki, pita and red onions.
1. Keftedes:
Some of the most famous food in Greece, Keftedes are Greek meatballs usually made with pork mixed with beef, onions, stale bread, eggs, and parsley. Other variations of this traditional Greek dish call for spearmint, ouzo, or feta filling, though vegetarian versions are increasingly popular as well.
Fresh Greek Fava
2. Fava:
Fava is not, as one might assume, made of fava beans. Fava is made of split yellow peas and resembles a bright yellow hummus. It’s served with lemon, onions, olive oil, and parsley. Leftover fava is often used to make vegan keftedes.
Briam - roasted mixed vegetables
3. Briam:
Briam is a classic Greek dish of roasted mixed vegetables that can be described as the Greek version of ratatouille. Another great vegan dish for those looking to avoid the often lamb and fish-heavy menus. Yes, it is possible to eat vegan in Greece.
Tzatziki with olive oil
4. Tzatziki:
A Greek menu staple, tzatziki sauce is a creamy, tangy, cucumber dip made with Greek yogurt that accompanies souvlaki, pita bread, dolmades, keftedes, and other dishes.
Dolmades
5. Dolmades:
Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves. Usually made with rice and aromatic herbs. Though some versions may be made with meat. They are one of the most delicious Greek foods.
Greek Salad
6. Greek Salad:
No lettuce is involved in this salad. Greek salad is a combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onions, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and oregano. A fresh, delicious, and light choice.
Gyro meat roasting on the spit.
7. Gyro:
One of the most famous foods in Greece, the gyro is a main course made of either lamb, chicken, or pork, or a combination thereof. Gyro meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie then sliced thin and served on a pita with tomato, red onion, and tzatziki and often accompanied by fried potatoes.
Imam Bayildi
8. Imam Bayildi:
Another great dish that proves how tasty Greek vegetarian food can be, Imam Bayildi is made of halved eggplants stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and roasted feta cheese.
Souvlaki
9. Souvlaki:
Another one of the most famous foods in Greece, Souvlaki is seasoned chicken kebabs with roasted bell peppers.
Spanakopita
10. Spanakopita:
A tasty spinach pie made with phyllo pastry (or phyllo dough), fresh spinach, leeks, and feta cheese.
Loukoumades
11. Loukoumades:
One of the oldest pastries in the world, these delicious fried donuts are traditionally topped with honey syrup and cinnamon.
Greek Cheese Pie
12. Greek Cheese Pie:
Like spanakopita, but with cheese. This phyllo dough treat makes for a great breakfast food.
Melitzanosalata
13. Melitzanosalata:
A Greek eggplant dip made from roasted aubergines, olive oil, lemon, garlic and parsley. Fun fact, eggplants were thought to be an aphrodisiac in ancient Greece.
Stifado
14. Stifado:
A Greek stew made from meat, pearl onions, tomato, wine, and sweet spices like cinnamon and clove.
Moussaka
15. Moussaka:
One of the best halal foods in Greece, Moussaka is a fantastic eggplant dish made with sauteed eggplants, minced meat in sweet, spiced tomato, and bechamel sauce on top.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of Greek foods, but it’s some of the more famous food in Greece and will definitely be enough to get you started on your culinary adventure in Athens.
Athens Food Guide: The Best Restaurants in Athens
Now that you’re familiar with what to eat in Athens, Greece, it’s time to cover where to eat in Athens, Greece. One of your first options is to take an Athens food tour. This is a good way to experience great dishes at a myriad of Athenian restaurants.
If however, you’d like to take your time and experience Athens’ food scene, then you’ll enjoy the list below of some of the best food in Athens. And yes, every restaurant on my list is wheelchair accessible.
Bins of authentic greek olives at Dimotiki Agora
Central Market
Not exactly a restaurant, but rather a massive market with a collection of restaurants that Athenians call Dimotiki Agora (Public Market) or Varvakios Agora. If you’re staying at an Airbnb this is a great place to source fresh fish, meat, produce, and some of the best foods in Athens that you can make at home in your own Greek cooking.
You can also find a plethora of restaurants serving some of Athens best food.
Location: Athinas 42, Athens 999-20 Greece
Highlights:
Aris:
A little family-run restaurant serving salads, starters, and fresh meat and fish sourced directly from the market.
Epirus:
The best pasta place in Athens. This hot spot has been visited by such celebrity chefs as Anthony Bourdain and Jamie Oliver. Epirus is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday making it a great spot for late-night eats.
Karayiannis:
Popular for its Greek version of tapas, called “meze,” Karayiannis is great for ordering small shared plates of spicy lamb meatballs, sardines, mussels, and pork sausages.
The market also offers a ton of street food. Athens most famous dishes can all be found here.
Pita and Tzatziki from God’s Restaurant
God’s Restaurant
Located by the Acropolis Museum, across from the Acropolis metro station, I stumbled upon this restaurant on my first night in Athens. I ended up eating here twice during my short stay and I wasn’t the only one. God’s Restaurant was filled with people who had been here dozens of times over the years and made it a point to eat here every time they visited Athens. No lie, it’s some of the best food in Athens, Greece and you can’t beat the value. They also have a solid selection of vegetarian/ vegan food and Greek wine. Plus, they threw in a free dessert on both of my visits.
Pro tip: get the gyro. It’s the best I’ve ever had.
Location: 23-27 Makrygianni St Acropolis, Athens 11742 Greece
Patio at Little Tree Books and Coffee
Little Tree Books and Coffee
Little Tree Books and Coffee is where to go for the best Greek coffee and delicious cheese pie. I literally went here every morning during my stay in Athens. They also have a variety of salads and lighter fare. But the pastries and cheese pie are absolutely delicious.
Location: Kavalloti 2, Athina 117 42, Greece
Aleria Restaurant
For some of the best fine dining in Athens visit Aleria. Offering modern Greek cuisine, this restaurant is located in a stunning neoclassical villa with a gorgeous courtyard. Sure, it’s pricey, but it’s worth it. Choose between two set menus: ‘Garden & Nature’ or ‘Earth & Sea’. Dishes are paired with a selection of Greek wines.
Location: Megalou Alexandrou 57, Metaxourgeio - Athens, 104 35
O Thanasis
O Thanasis is home to the best souvlaki Athens has to offer. Started by 2 brothers in 1965, O Thanasis offers a great selection of traditional and affordable gyros, souvlakis, kebabs, and a few vegetarian dishes. This casual restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is conveniently located steps from Monastiraki Square and metro station.
Location: Mitropoleos 69 , Monastiraki
Strawberry Gelato
Django
Serving up mouth-watering gelato, and sorbet, in a huge variety of flavors. 100% better than run-of-the-mill ice cream, Django offers 100% natural, handmade gelatos and sorbets made only from the finest seasonal ingredients. They’re also part of the zero waste and slow food movements.
I highly recommend the original Fior de latte gelato.
Location: Veikou 15, Koukaki, Athens 11742
Winter Garden
Winter Garden is the best hotel restaurant in Athens and one of the best breakfast places in Athens, Greece. Located in Syntagma Square in Hotel Grande Bretagne, this is another fantastic fine dining option for those looking for a less casual environment. Try their elegant brunch on weekends at the Winter Garden City Lounge or enjoy their afternoon tea.
Dinner is served until 2 am in their elegant rooftop restaurant which offers stunning views of the city. The menu is based on the Mediterranean culinary tradition and the application of modern haute cuisine techniques.
Dress code is enforced, so no beachwear, shorts, or flip-flops, ya filthy animals.
Location: Georgiou 1 A, Athens, 105 64
Lukumades
Another top dessert spot on this list, Lukumades is named for the decadent, sweet desserts popular throughout Greece. These little fried dough balls are made with flour, dry yeast, and starch, and were well worth breaking my gluten-free diet for. The typical version is served with honey and cinnamon but here at Lukumades, you’ll find several fancier versions with at least a dozen toppings like chocolate, nuts, and ice cream, as well as stuffed versions filled with praline, lemon cream, wild cherry or banana.
Location: 21 Eolou Aghias Irinis Square, Downtown Athens, Athens 105 51 Greece
Triple Mushroom Risotto at Avocado
Avocado
My Greek food guide would not be complete without the best vegetarian and vegan food in Athens. Eating in Athens can be difficult, but not impossible if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. If you’re sticking to a meat-free diet a meal at Avocado is a must. Our Greek Street Art tour Guide turned us on to this place and we were forever grateful. My triple mushroom risotto was out of this world. They also offer a variety of yummy juices and smoothies.
Location: Nikis 30, Athina 105 57, Greece
Delicious Dolmades and Tzatziki drizzled in olive oil. One of the best things I ate in Athens
Geros Tou Moria
In the bustling alleys of the Plaka district, Geros Tou Moria has been in the same location for over 90 years. The traditional tavern is located beneath the Acropolis, The restaurant serves classics like moussaka, tzatziki, and meatballs, as well as delicious roasted and grilled meats. It’s a must to experience a meal in the happening Plaka district and Geros Tou Moria is the perfect spot. Surrounded by live Greek folk music and a colorful atmosphere, it’s one of the best Greek restaurants in Athens.
Word of caution, this area of town can be difficult to navigate for a wheelchair user or someone who has trouble with stairs. A lot of the outdoor restaurant seating in the Plaka area is on stairs and can require a bit of climbing. Geros Tou Moria does however have indoor seating and is wheelchair accessible.
Location: Mnisikleous 27, Plaka - Athens Greece
Kalamakia O Elvis
An Elvis-themed restaurant. In Athens? But why? I’m glad you asked. The owners also run a bar that’s next door named Elvis which was created for a popular Greek sitcom, In keeping with the theme, they opened the Kalamakia O Elvis Restaurant, covering it with posters of the king and playing “Suspicious Minds” on repeat. This is a great place for those who love meat as much as they do the King. Also, try the oregano-sprinkled french fries.
Location: Plateon 29, Athina 104 35, Greece
Sardines, a traditional food in Athens
Zisis
If you love seafood, you’ll love Zisis. Reinventing Greek street food, Zisis serves up seafood as street food. Zisis offers fried sardines, shrimp, anchovies, and squid in paper cones, which you can take to go or eat at the restaurant with a glass of traditional Greek ouzo or tsipouro. While there’s certainly no shortage of street food options in Athens, Zisis offers a special unique take on your usual options.
Location: Athinaidos 3, Athina 105 63, Greece
Spondi
If you’re looking to spend those big bucks on some truly outstanding haute cuisine, try this Greece Michelin star-rated restaurant. Chef Angelos Lantos is the first Greek chef to achieve two Michelin stars. Alas, I’m not flush with cash, so I had to merely read the fabulous reviews of Spondi and admire their website. But oh, how I wish I could have experienced one of Athens, Greece best restaurants. Some of the menu highlights include the langoustine with lemon, Petrossian Daurenki caviar, grapefruit, gentian, and celery, and the crab with turnip, acacia honey, tarragon, and passion fruit.
Location: Pirronos 5, Athina 116 36, Greece
Hill Athens
With a gorgeous view of the Acropolis and the city of Athens, Hill should be near the top of your list of Athens must-eat restaurants. Hill Athens serves modern Greek cuisine from brunch to dinner in the historic Thissio district. Menu highlights include octopus candied with aged tsipouro and risotto that offers the flavors of Greek gemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes). Hill also has a large Greek wine selection.
Location: Apostolou Pavlou 27, Athina 118 51, Greece
Opos Palia
Located near the Acropolis this traditional Greek restaurant offers up large portions at cheap prices making it one of the best places to eat in Athens. As if that wasn’t enough, Opos Palia may just have the best moussaka in Athens.
Location: Veikou 2, Athina 117 42, Greece
Vezené Athens
Aris Vezenes is one of Greece’s most talented chefs. His restaurant, Vezené was an instant success when he opened the bistro’s doors in 2011. In fact, it’s even earned a spot in the Michelin guide. The menu is split into three categories: a sea section with fresh fish, lobster, and urchin; a land section with delicious choices of meat; and the soil section, which includes dishes made of mushrooms, potatoes, and other vegetables. It also offers an incredible wine bar.
Location: Vrasida 11, Athina 115 28, Greece
Best Food In Athens Greece
From the best street food in Athens to fine dining options and desserts, I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of some of the best food of Athens. It certainly was fun for me, being a foodie. Greece has a lot to offer and I wanted to include as many dietary options as possible in my Athens, Greece food guide. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to eat in Athens, Greece.
Local restaurants in Athens are truly some of the tastiest in the world. Add to that the spectacular ambiance and some of the amazing city views and you’re sure to have a wonderful experience dining out in Athens.
Have a suggestion for someplace I missed? Be sure to drop your travel tips in the comments below.
