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