Greatest Athens eating places – our favourites by neighbourhood

Whereas guests flock to see the Acropolis and different historic sights of Athens, many are unaware of its vibrant meals scene. One of the best Athens eating places vary from avenue meals kiosks and conventional tavernas, to modern all day cafes and high cooks providing trendy Greek delicacies. Everybody may have their favourites, since Athens is sort of a collection of villages, every with its central sq. and quite a few locations to eat. Having stayed in or visited just a few of the completely different neighbourhoods, listed below are among the locations to eat in Athens that I’ve personally loved or been really helpful.

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Eating places in Plaka Athens

Tucked underneath Acropolis Hill, Plaka is likely one of the favorite vacationer areas, with cute neo-classical homes and views of the Acropolis. The realm has greater than its justifiable share of vacationer eating places in Athens, and I’m not a giant fan of people who put up a waiter outdoors attempting to speak you in. Having mentioned that, there are some undeniably atmospheric locations you may contemplate for a drink or dinner.

Plaka Steps in Athens

Probably the most photogenic bars and eating places are to be discovered alongside the “Plaka Steps”, slim lanes with steps that run up the hill in the direction of the Acropolis. In summer time tables and cushions are put outdoors every restaurant and other people sit on the steps themselves with a drink or a meal, to see and be seen.

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I discover sitting on the steps themselves, can be like eating in a goldfish bowl, nonetheless most of the eating places have roof terraces and that is the place I’d desire to take a seat, with a advantageous view of the Acropolis above. Look on the map for the 2 lanes of Mnisikleous and Erechtheos, close to the Tower of the Winds to seek out the placement of most of those eating places.

Yiasemi – this vegetarian cafe bistro is likely one of the most atmospheric of the eating places on Plaka Steps, with a comfy inside in winter and a fairly roof terrace for summer time.

Eating places in Monastiraki Athens

Identified for its flea market, Monastiraki Sq. is a busy metro cease and a vacationer hotspot. There are at all times loads of folks transferring by means of, so maintain an in depth eye in your valuables within the sq. and surrounding lanes.

Alongside the pedestrianised avenue of Mitropoleos main from the sq. are quite a few grill model eating places, which might be an excellent place to cease if you need an affordable and cheerful meat based mostly meal. I didn’t eat right here myself so I’d suggest you search for the locations that seem busy and hottest with locals.

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For someplace a bit extra native and tucked away attempt;

Couleur Locale (Normanou 3) – A preferred all day cafe bar with a second ground restaurant and rooftop terrace, an excellent place for a espresso, cocktail or burger. The doorway is a bit tucked away near the flea market off Monastiraki Sq..

TAF – The Artwork Basis (Normanou 5) – proper subsequent door to Couleur Locale, TAF is a cultural area with a bar in its central courtyard. The constructing showcases typical Athenian employee’s homes from the nineteenth century which were restored, with small homes that shared services for kitchen, lavatory and laundry. Within the shady courtyard you possibly can order a drink or espresso away from the Monastiraki bustle, with drinks, cocktails and music because the night wears on.

A for Athens – Though I didn’t go to myself, the roof high bar and restaurant of this lodge overlooking Monastiraki Sq. is likely one of the greatest identified locations to take a seat at sundown for a cocktail with a view of the Acropolis.

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Eating places within the Historic triangle (between Monastiraki and Syntagma)

Shifting away from Monastiraki Sq., there are various wonderful eating places and avenue meals locations to be discovered within the space referred to as the Athens historic triangle. To find this on a map, draw a triangle between Monastiraki Metro, The Central Municipal Market of Athens and Syntagma Sq..

This is likely one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens, with many pedestrianised streets, the very best identified being Ermou Road which is lined with main excessive avenue style shops. I’d most likely keep away from consuming on Ermou Road itself because it’s so business, however there are various wonderful eating places within the roads that lead off it or run parallel.

St Irene’s Sq. in Athens

Platia Agias Irinis (St Irene’s Sq.) – the streets (Athinaidos, Aiolou) and sq. across the church of St Irene as soon as housed a flower market. This sq. is a good place to fulfill pals or head when you don’t know the place to eat, as there are quite a few wonderful choices, lots of them serving cheap avenue meals.

For Souvlaki you’ll discover the well-known Kosta Souvlaki takeaway (Pl. Agias Irinis 2), which at all times has a queue, or the extra trendy Tylixto Greek Wrap (Aiolou 19) or Hoocut (Pl. Agias Irinis 9) which was featured within the TV programme Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Street Journey. Quite a few bars and restaurant with outside seating spill into the sq., so it’s a enjoyable space to go to in summer time.

Ariston (Voulis 10) – near Ermou and Syntagma, this well-known pie store sells a variety of pies along with the normal tyropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie). For those who want a late breakfast snack, attempt the candy custard pie bougatsa, or for lunch pattern Ariston’s specialty of kourou, a half moon pastie with a buttery filo case and filling of feta cheese.

Feyrouz (Karori 23 / Aiolou)– this in style and fairly priced takeaway with only a few tables serves wonderful Levantine avenue meals, with Lahmatzun wraps, Peinirli stuffed pastries and handmade soups. They’ve opened a second bakery with candy truffles and coffees simply throughout the road.

Six d.o.g.s (6-8 Avramiotou)– the doorway down a facet avenue doesn’t give a lot away of the fashionable bar, restaurant and big shady courtyard that’s surrounded by different buildings. It’s a really chilled place to come back for lunch or a drink on summer time days, when there’s a separate menu of Lebanese dishes. Within the night the environment adjustments to a cool bar serving Thai dishes and nightclub with stay music and DJs.

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Tzitzikas & Mermigas ( Mitropoleos 12-14) – serving a contemporary tackle conventional Greek dishes, this can be a sensible choice of restaurant near Syntagma Sq.. The menu showcases regional components with good salad and veggie selections, however costs are cheap contemplating the central location and the decor is a cute tackle a retro grocery retailer.

Eating places in Psiri Athens

Positioned simply north of Monastiraki Sq., Psiri is likely one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. That is the place crumbling outdated buildings and avenue artwork, combine with renovated homes, artisan workshops and trendy eating places. Above all Psiri is a incredible space for consuming out within the night and is named one of many high nightlife districts of Athens, with streets of busy eating places, particularly in summer time.

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By day the environment is extra sleepy and laid again, good to take a seat with a espresso within the central Plateia Iroon (Hero’s Sq.) and watch the world go by. If you’re visiting in the course of the daytime I’d begin on the quite a few bars and eating places round Plateia Iroon, then comply with among the roads that radiate out from right here, particularly Ag. Anargion and Taki that are filled with locations to eat.

Nancy’s Candy Dwelling – on the nook in Plateia Iroon, this Serbetia cake store and cafe is likely one of the most instagrammable in Psiri, with a comfy inside within the outdated constructing and tables outdoors within the sq.. They promote a scrumptious vary of conventional truffles and pastries, which you’ll be able to choose on the counter to get pleasure from with a espresso.

Take a look at my neighborhood information to Psiri Athens – for avenue artwork and nightlife

Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki – subsequent door to Nancy’s Candy Dwelling, this conventional pie store is the place we tried bougatsa, the candy breakfast pastry of Greece in addition to a few of their different conventional feta and spinach pies. Originating in Thessaloniki, bougatsa is made with layers of filo pastry, stuffed with custard cream and sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon.

Kokkion – I visited this tiny store promoting artisan ice cream greater than as soon as, it’s simply off busy Athinas avenue that runs right down to Monastiraki Sq.. The ice cream is freshly made on the premises and contains numerous fascinating, seasonal and native flavours together with vegan sorbets. If you’re staying in an house domestically, they promote tubs of ice cream to remove too.

Little Kooks – probably the most photographed locations in Psiri for good motive, I didn’t eat there as I assume it’s principally concerning the environment, however it could be enjoyable for youths and those that love a little bit of over-the-top Disney-esque decor. Order pancakes, ice lotions and cocktails from the fairies posing as waiters and benefit from the quirky seasonal themed decorations.

Nudie Foodie Psiri – tucked down the facet avenue of Eschilou, this little cafe is value searching for out, for individuals who need one thing wholesome, veggie, vegan or gluten free. Chef Eva and her crew serve vibrant and attractive breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes in addition to energising fruit smoothies (attempt the tremendous cannabi smoothie) and gluten free truffles.

Voliotiko (Lepeniotou 1)– There are quite a few conventional model tavernas in Psiri, together with Voliotiko Tsipouradiko, the place we loved a meze lunch of their shady courtyard, with stay music. In winter, their restaurant offers a comfy environment in an outdated mansion in-built 1862. The restaurant’s title comes from the customized of consuming Tsipouro, a spirit a bit like ouzo, which is consumed with small plates of meals and is very in style within the coastal metropolis of Volos.

Karamanlidika (41 Evripidou) – situated near the Central Municipal Market on Evripidou, which is named the Spice Road of Athens. It’s a deli and meze restaurant, which specialises in platters of Greek cheese and charcuterie equivalent to Pastourma (air dried veal) or Soutzouki (dried spicy sausage). The deli half has restricted area, however there’s one other hidden restaurant space past it.

Atlantikos ( 7 Avliton) – Tucked down an alley on the border of Psiri and Monastiraki, Atlantikos is the closest Athens has to a fish and chip store. They serve a complete vary of cheap fish and seafood dishes and there are tables on the higher ground and on the street outdoors. The fish right here is super-fresh, nicely priced, merely introduced and the service was swift and pleasant.

The Foundry Roof Backyard – We cherished this elegant rooftop bar and extremely suggest it for a sundown cocktail with these all necessary Acropolis views. Take the elevator to the rooftop terrace of the boutique lodge on Sarri to find the luxurious backyard overflowing with a shady vines, herbs and flowering shrubs. They’ve an excellent cocktail and wine menu and serve pizzas made of their rooftop pizza oven. For those who’d like to remain at The Foundry Suites you possibly can test costs and availability right here.

Eating places in Kolonaki Athens

Kolonaki is taken into account probably the most upscale neighbourhoods in Athens, the equal of Chelsea or Knightsbridge in London. The 2 main streets of Solonos and Skoufa are lined with residential house buildings, whereas the road stage is stuffed with espresso outlets, eating places and designer outlets that cater for an prosperous crowd. Kolonaki additionally has a big share of the highest eating places of Athens, the place high cooks showcase their advantageous eating experiences.

Good n Straightforward (60 Omirou and Skoufa Str.)– a Mediterranean restaurant serving wholesome gourmand dishes with numerous veggie and vegan selections in addition to wonderful cocktails. Additionally they have two different places in Greece and the all day menu is called after outdated time stars of the stage and display, equivalent to Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.

Apivita expertise retailer (Solonos 6) – cease for a refreshing juice or smoothie, whereas searching for attractive toiletries. This 4 story neo-classical constructing is a showcase for Apivita’s face and physique care vary based mostly on plant and bee merchandise, with a juice bar on the primary ground mezzanine, a spa for enjoyable remedies and a lecture corridor.

It (Skoufa 29)– though I didn’t have time to eat there, I appreciated the look of this all day cafe the place it’s all about recent and seasonal dishes with a wide selection of veggie and vegan choices. It appeared like an excellent place for brunch, espresso or cocktails, with an out of doors terrace on Skoufa Road.

Prasini Tenta (Ploutarchou 66)– an outside espresso bar and restaurant on the slopes of Mt Lycabettus with views over Athens. I handed by on my stroll and thought it had a trendy and relaxed environment. It’s an excellent place to cease for a break whereas strolling on Mt Lycabettus on the sting of Kolonaki. On the crest of the hill, the place the cable automobile stops is a restaurant Orizentos which is in style within the night to dine with a view over Athens and the Acropolis.

Benaki Museum (Kounpari 1) – If you’re visiting the Benaki Museum, which is devoted to Greek arts and tradition, be sure you have a espresso or mild lunch of their rooftop restaurant. In good climate, the surface terrace is a nice place to take a seat with a view over the treetops of the Nationwide Gardens.

Eating places in Koukaki

We stayed in an house in Koukaki, a neighbourhood that’s south of the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill and has a really native really feel, with out many vacationer websites. The arty vibe and reasonably priced rents, make this a neighbourhood that’s attracting new restaurant openings and inventive younger cooks.

There are two pedestrianised squares alongside Drakou and Georgiou Olimpiou, lined with bars, espresso outlets and eating places. Koukaki has a youthful really feel and is an effective place to fulfill pals on the Syggrou Repair Metro station if you wish to go bar and restaurant hopping inside a small space of Athens.

Skoumbri (Drakou 16)- the white painted tables and twine ornament of this seafood restaurant give it a Greek Island really feel. We dined there one night and loved the recent fish and conventional seafood dishes on the menu. The identical household owns Kalamaki Bar throughout the road, which provides a contemporary tackle Greek conventional taverna dishes.

Eating places in Ampelokipi

The neighbourhood of Ampelokipi might be not one that you’re prone to go to as a vacationer, because it’s a primarily residential space filled with house buildings, medical clinics and a few giant hospitals. Nevertheless when you occur to be within the space you may prefer to check out one place we found;

48 City Backyard (Armatolon & Klefton 48)- we’d by no means have discovered this quirky restaurant had it not been really helpful to us, because it doesn’t have a frontage to the road. It’s within the floor ground courtyard of the Ileana Tounta Up to date Artwork Centre, which has been landscaped to make an indoor / outside herb and vegetable backyard. The bar and kitchen is in a silver airstream caravan and the menu is impressed by avenue meals dishes from all over the world, together with Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean.

Eating places close to Omonia Sq.

Omonia Sq. was identified prior to now as probably the most stylish areas of Athens, though sadly its fame declined lately because it turned a base for refugees in Athens. A number of the underlying points have been addressed but it surely’s one thing to pay attention to if you’re strolling across the neighbourhood.

Stani (M. Kotopouli 10 ) – This household run dairy cafe near Omonia Sq. is the place to attempt Greek yoghurt and dairy merchandise. You’ll see the creamy Greek yoghurt tubs piled within the chiller cupboard, with jars of honey have been stacked on the cabinets of cream painted kitchen cupboards. Strive conventional Greek sweets and truffles, like loukoumades drizzled in honey, or the Galaktobureko custard tart enclosed in syrupy filo pasty.

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Just a few of the locations talked about on this article have been visited on a complimentary meals tour hosted* by Athenian Excursions however many of the eating places are locations I visited and paid for myself. 

* Extra information on my insurance policies web page