Meals in Athens – 23 dishes and foodie experiences to attempt!

Athens tends to get missed by travellers speeding on to the Greek islands, however the high quality of the meals in Athens is likely one of the prime causes to spend a couple of days there. Not solely is there a vibrant avenue meals scene (souvlaki and extra!) and an fulfilling espresso tradition (Greek espresso and loukmades!) however a brand new era of proficient Greek cooks are giving a contemporary twist to conventional Greek dishes and produce. Learn on to find the standard Greek dishes to look out for if you go to Athens and the meals experiences you received’t need to miss!

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High 5 Meals experiences in Athens

If you go to Athens, listed below are the highest foodie experiences I like to recommend you attempt;

1. Eat Souvlaki and different avenue meals within the historic centre of Athens – attempt the cafes round Platia Agias Irinis (St Irene’s Sq.)

2. Take a meals tour in Athens to grasp Greek meals tradition – we suggest this tour which we tried from Athenian Excursions

3. Order Greek espresso from a pavement cafe and watch the world go by – Agion Irion in Psiri is a superb location.

4. Wander across the Central Municipal Marketplace for contemporary produce and a buzzing environment – it’s greatest to go to within the morning since issues wind down after lunch.

5. Drink a cocktail at sundown in a rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis – we beloved Foundry Suites roof backyard

Avenue meals in Athens

There’s an enormous avenue meals scene in Athens, fuelled by massive numbers of scholars and the truth that the Greek economic system has been going by robust occasions, so consuming out is mostly cheaper than different European capitals. Among the many greatest locations to eat in Athens, you’ll at all times discover souvlaki and grill locations that do takeaway, however there’s a wider vary of cheap avenue meals than you may think.

1. Souvlaki in Athens

Souvlaki is the king of the road meals scene in Athens as in all places in Greece. Take a gentle spherical pitta bread and wrap it round some marinaded grilled meat, add a little bit of salad or contemporary tomato and onion, throw in some chips and gown with a dollop of yoghurt and a few spicy purple sauce. A souvlaki to remove is often €2-3 and the worth is saved inexpensive because of authorities regulation.

Learn concerning the greatest Athens eating places – our favourites by neighbourhood

There are some variations, in {that a} Gyros is used to explain the take away model, the place meat is sliced from a rotisserie. Souvlaki usually refers to a sit down meal at a grill restaurant with the meat on a skewer and the salad, chips and pitta served on the aspect. Completely different Souvlaki eating places might construct a popularity on the way in which they marinade and put together the meat, or the particular sauce that they make themselves.

You’ll find Souvlaki in all places in Athens however if you would like a sit down meal, attempt one of many many grill eating places on Mitropoleos main off Monastiraki Sq.. For takeaway head to Platia Agias Irinis (St Irene’s Sq.)and take your decide from 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.

2. Feta and Spinach pie in Athens – Tyropita and Spanakopita

If Souvlaki is the king of the road meals scene, pies or pita (to not be confused with pitta bread) are the queen. Many espresso retailers or small bakeries can have a range to purchase as a substitute for a sandwich at lunchtime. Nevertheless, if you would like the freshest and greatest, look out for artisan bakeries or pie retailers that specialise simply in pies.

Near Syntagma Sq., you’ll discover Ariston (Voulis 10) which we visited on our meals tour with Athenian Excursions. They solely promote pies and have a unbelievable choice, together with their specialty of kourou, a half moon pastie with a buttery filo case and filling of feta cheese.

3. Levantine avenue meals at Feyrouz Athens

Should you like the fast and simple souvlaki components however need one thing a bit totally different, head to Feyrouz (Karori 23 / Aiolou), which is a brief stroll from Monastiraki, within the neighbourhood often known as Athens historic triangle. This contemporary model of a takeaway with just some tables serves Levantine impressed Lahmatzun wraps, Peinirli stuffed pastries and hand-crafted soups.

They’ve opened a second bakery with candy truffles and coffees simply throughout the road. It’s contemporary, low-cost and scrumptious with some wonderful veggie choices. The title Feyrouz is impressed by a well-known Lebanese singer who’s the favorite of the proprietor’s mom.

4. Koulouri – Sesame bread rings

One of many least expensive and greatest snacks to choose up on the go are the sesame seed coated bread rings often known as Koulouri, which you usually see on sale in a kiosk or stand outdoors railway stations. They’re greatest eaten freshly baked and gentle as quickly as you purchase them, as they’ll go laborious after a couple of day. Koulouri are in style for Greeks to eat within the morning as a breakfast snack on their approach to work, or for youngsters to take to highschool.

Most bakeries promote them and there are typically variations on the unique plain model, with the addition of dried fruit or seeds. Should you occur to be within the Psyri neighbourhood, look out for the To Koulouri tou Psyrri bakery (Karaiskaki 23), which specialises in koulouri and provides most of the stands across the metropolis.

5. Take a meals tour in Athens

Whereas I’ve tried fairly a couple of totally different dishes and eating places on previous visits to Athens, my understanding of the Athenian meals scene was actually given a lift by the meals tour with Athenian Excursions. Along with our wonderful information, Thassos, we visited round 10 totally different locations to eat across the metropolis, ending 3 hours later feeling very full and in no want of lunch, not to mention dinner!

I extremely suggest taking a meals tour if you go to any metropolis, particularly in Athens the place there’s a lot nice meals on provide. Right here’s why!

Candy pastries and snacks in Athens

Most Greek bakeries promote a variety of various issues together with loaves of bread, rings of sesame coated koulouri or raisin bread, and pies or pastries just like the custard stuffed bougatsa or the spinach and feta spanakopita. Different bakeries specialize in one factor like Koulouri corresponding to To Kolouri tou Psyrri or the “pie retailers” specialising in pita corresponding to tyropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie).

You probably have a candy tooth, look out for a Serbetia which is the Greek model of a patisserie. Serbet actually means syrup, however in Greece that is used to explain candy truffles and deserts which may be soaked in syrup and are present in specialist cake retailers and cafes the place you can too get a espresso or drink. You might even see a cake store translated as “candy store” however truly it’s promoting truffles, not candies.

6. Loukoumades in Athens – Greek doughnuts

Loukoumades are small doughnuts which are usually served in conventional espresso retailers that promote Greek espresso. You’ll need to purchase them as freshly made as attainable, whereas they’re crisp and scorching from the frier, so look out for a spot that makes them on the premises.

Historically you’ll be introduced a small plate with 4 or 5 loukoumades, which have been drizzled with Greek honey, and typically sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts to eat together with your espresso. Top-of-the-line recognized locations to eat contemporary loukoumades in Athens is the Krinos espresso store (87 Aiolou), the place you may watch them being made on the again and see how they obtain the ring form.

7. Bougatsa – custard pastries for breakfast in Athens

Whereas in Athens I have to admit to turning into hooked on Bougatsa, a model of the standard filo pie that’s made with a candy custard filling. Bougatsa is usually eaten as a breakfast or morning snack, so that you would possibly effectively see it in your resort’s breakfast buffet. This pastry is claimed to have originated within the metropolis of Thessaloniki, though for those who ever go to Thessaloniki its price understanding that the phrase Bougatsa is used there as a generic time period for all pies, whereas in Athens it’s solely used for the candy custard model.

Should you discover a bakery that specialises in Bougatsa, like Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki in Psyri, you might even see them swinging across the filo pastry within the morning, to make the pies for the day. Bougatsa is often made in a big steel tray and also you’ll be minimize an oblong slice and requested if you would like it dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon (in fact you do!).

Learn my neighbourhood information to Psyri Athens for extra locations to eat on this space

8. Yoghurt and dairy

Greeks usually have yoghurt and honey for breakfast and you could find many delis that promote contemporary, pure yoghurt from huge tubs, particularly within the space of the Central Market. To attempt a number of the yoghurt and different dairy produce in a restaurant environment, head to Stani (M. Kotopouli 10 ), a household run dairy cafe simply off Omonia Sq.. 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.

Order a plate of sheep’s milk yoghurt on a plate, bathed in honey and scattered with walnuts, or maybe the Galaktobureko custard tart enclosed in syrupy filo pasty. There are many different choices for truffles and deserts to provide your self a historically Greek candy deal with.

9. Truffles and Candy pastries in Athens

Cake retailers or cafes that primarily promote truffles are often known as Serbetia , usually serving truffles and drinks in an effort to sit down and have a cake with espresso. For Greeks it could be frequent to go to serbetia after a meal to have a separate “candy” course, or to purchase truffles to take dwelling and provide to mates after they come visiting. It might even be effectively acquired to carry a present of truffles or biscuits when visiting a good friend for espresso at their dwelling, particularly somebody of an older era. Typical truffles to look out for embrace;

– Baklava, with layers of filo pastry and nuts, soaked in a honey syrup. Bakeries usually have a number of totally different variations of this sort of honey soaked pastry which is named syropiasta. Kataifi is a model that’s made with syrup soaked shredded filo threads whereas Galaktoboureko is a custard pie that’s topped with syrup soaked filo.

– Millefeuille model truffles layered with cream and fruit are present in cafes that serve a whole lot of truffles and pastries like Nancy’s Candy House in Psiri.

– Truffles with layers of sponge and creamy mousse are in style and are available in chocolate or fruit flavours – that is the standard cake that may be served for a celebration.

– Bakeries usually typically promote particular person deserts which are designed to be taken dwelling to eat, corresponding to creamy mousse model deserts in a plastic cup or miniature ice lotions which are offered by weight though you can too purchase them individually.

– The Greek model of an vitality bar is named pasteli and additionally, you will see these offered at bakeries, a stick or bar that’s fabricated from sesame seeds, nuts or dried fruit, sweetened with honey and baked laborious.

Should you’re visiting Psyri, you should definitely try the road artwork – learn my article about Avenue artwork in Athens

10. Greek espresso in Athens

In fact, when in Greece, it’s essential attempt the Greek espresso a minimum of as soon as. This model of espresso originated from Turkey and the Levant, the place nomadic merchants would warmth their espresso grounds in a steel pot on scorching sand within the desert. Nevertheless you may by no means inform a Greek that their espresso originated from Turkey! Greek espresso is brewed with high-quality grounds within the cup when it’s served, so it’s essential let it settle earlier than ingesting, and by no means drink the previous couple of sips otherwise you’ll get a mouth stuffed with espresso grounds.

Be at liberty so as to add sugar however don’t add milk to a Greek espresso, it’s mainly a powerful hit of caffeine which will provide you with a pick-me-up. Should you favor a traditional barista model espresso, in fact you’ll discover these in cafes throughout Athens and in summer time when it’s boiling scorching, you would possibly favor to order a “freddo” (chilled) espresso, both a latte or cappuccino model. When visiting the Central Market, you may cease for a espresso at Mokka Espresso (Athinas 44) the place they roast their very own espresso and you may see it being heated over sand, in homage to these desert nomads.

11. Ice Cream in Athens

Contemplating the recent local weather in Athens I used to be shocked that I didn’t discover extra artisan ice cream locations. Or maybe I used to be suspicious of those in Plaka and different touristy areas which have piles of technicolour ice cream, served in big parts piled excessive with toppings designed extra for instagram than style.

One that may positively fulfill the connoisseur in you is Kokkion (Protogenous 2), on the sting of Psiri and a brief stroll from Monastiraki Sq.. It’s a tiny, unassuming place however the flavours are contemporary and creative, with a number of seasonal and native variations together with vegan sorbets. I additionally heard good issues about Le Greche (Mitropoleus 16) which is near Syntagma and Cremino (50A Nikis)

What to eat in a Taverna in Athens

If you’re on the lookout for conventional Greek dishes, there’s a taverna in most neighbourhoods of Athens that may match the invoice. The menu will cowl all of the favourites, like moussaka, gemista (stuffed greens), stifado (sluggish cooked beef stew) and starters like saganaki (grilled cheese), kolokithokeftedes (courgette balls) or the ever-present Greek salad.

Whereas there’s one thing comforting to know that the menu selections will likely be just about the identical as Mama’s made for generations, you can too discover eating places corresponding to Tzitzikas & Mermigas ( Mitropoleos 12-14) that present a contemporary replace on the normal flavours. Look out for tavernas that present reside bouzouki music within the evenings, which at all times provides to the environment.

If you’re planning to go to the Acropolis you should definitely learn my article – Go to the Acropolis in Athens, right here’s what it’s essential know.

12. Gemista – Stuffed greens

Gemista or yemista actually means “stuffed” and that is one among my favorite lunchtime dishes. The commonest greens used are massive tomatoes or peppers, that are filled with rice flavoured with garlic, mint and oregano, or typically with minced beef, then cooked slowly within the oven. The lengthy, sluggish cooking with lashings of olive oil makes the greens gentle and stuffed with flavour. Potatoes could also be sluggish cooked doused in oil in the identical pan, then served alongside.

13. Moussaka

Moussaka is one other homely taverna favorite, usually cooked in a big steel pan, then minimize into rectangular parts. The primary components are aubergine (eggplant), minced lamb cooked in a tomato sauce and potatoes, that are layered collectively. The dish is topped with a thick bechamel sauce or savoury custard and typically a sprinkling of cheese, then cooked within the oven. Moussaka owes its distinctive Greek flavour to the the addition of cinnamon to the meat, a nod to the affect of the 400 years of Ottoman rule on Greek meals.

14. Saganaki – grilled cheese

A favorite starter or aspect dish that works effectively with greens and salads is Saganaki. The title refers back to the heavy steel pan that’s used to sear or oven bake the slab of cheese, giving it an appetising crust with a melted cheese inside.

Exhausting native cheeses corresponding to graviera are usually used to make Saganaki and it could even be sprinkled with sesame seeds and drizzled with melted honey. Whereas a slab of fried cheese is presumably not the healthiest of meals, that is an undeniably tasty dish that’s made to be shared and goes effectively with a tomato salad to chop by the richness of the cheese.

Learn extra about my favorite meals experiences in Athens – uncovering the scrumptious meals of Athens

15. Boiled Wild Greens – Horta

If you’re craving one thing inexperienced and wholesome, order a aspect dish of horta or wild greens, the Greek equal of spinach. At dwelling, these greens could be gathered from land close to the home, though I think about that they’re farmed for eating places to make use of. The leaves are boiled in a pan of water, drained after which dressed with olive oil and lemon which in fact as a Greek you’d have in plentiful provide from your individual land.

The markets in Athens

In each a part of Greece and each residential neighbourhood of Athens there are meals markets held on totally different days of the week, that locals use to supply high quality contemporary greens and produce. Should you’re visiting Athens, the most effective place to get the total on market expertise is on the Varvakios Agora or Central Municipal Market on Athina avenue simply north of Monastiraki.

16. The Central Municipal Athens Market – Varvakios Agora

The market is known as after Ioannis Varvakios, gentleman sailor and fisherman and one of many heroes of the Greek Revolution towards the Turks. The primary market halls are cut up between contemporary fish and meat, supplying eating places round Athens and particular person locals alike, in addition to a favorite with vacationers strolling by to take in the environment.

The market is busiest within the morning and issues are inclined to wind down after lunch when a number of the stalls begin to shut. A stroll by the market is free avenue theatre, with butchers expertly wielding cleavers inside inches of their fingers and fishmongers calling to passers by to admire their contemporary fish.

Throughout the Athinas highway is the semi open air fruit and veg market, with some coated retailers promoting deli produce too. It is a vibrant sight with each particular person fruit and veg polished to perfection and with such a excessive footfall you may assure that every thing is on the peak of freshness.

Costs are extremely affordable too, so whereas the stallholders are pleasant, don’t be shocked for those who get a considerably irritated look for those who ask for only one or two fruits, when a complete kilo will most likely solely price you a Euro!

17. Olives in Athens

You most likely received’t be lengthy in Athens earlier than studying concerning the significance of the olive to the town, because it was by providing an olive tree that the Goddess Athena turned the patron of the town. Thought of probably the most sacred of all timber, the olive is seen as each helpful and delightful, since it may provide wooden in addition to fruit and oil for meals, and olive pulp for fertiliser.

There are quite a few delis round Athens that promote a variety of olives, the color and dimension relying on the area they arrive from and at what stage they’re picked. Inexperienced olives are harvested earlier whereas younger and infrequently cured in brine, whereas black olives are picked at a later stage when extra mature. If you purchase olives in a deli they are going to be marked by the title of the area they arrive from, corresponding to Kalamata, which is known for its black olives, Amfissa or Halkidiki.

We discovered a unbelievable array of olives at one of many stalls within the fruit and veg a part of the Central market, the place they have been solely too joyful to have a chat and to supply us one or two to attempt, earlier than we purchased a small carton to have as a picnic. One other of the highest locations to see all of the several types of olives is Ariana (Theatro 3) who’ve their very own olive groves and a store which is near the Central Market. They have been joyful to make up a collection of olives for us to attempt sitting on the small desk outdoors their store.

Planning to go to the cultural sights of Athens? – learn my article on Athens for tradition lovers

18. Evripidou – the spice avenue of Athens

Main from the Central Market, you should definitely wander alongside Evripidou, often known as the Spice Avenue of Athens. That is the place you’ll discover the widest collection of retailers promoting herbs and spices, adorned with garlands of dried oranges, peppers and cinnamon sticks. Contained in the retailers, jars of spices from all over the world, used for each culinary and medicinal functions, will lure you in. That is additionally the place to purchase bunches of dried lavender and rosebuds, to fragrance the home or genuine sponges and honey from Greece.

19. Cheese in Athens

While you’re within the space of the Central Market, you should definitely top off on cheese for a picnic or snack. There are a selection of locations specialising in deli items and Greek cheese across the perimeter of the market, quite than in the principle market halls that are dedicated to meat and fish. We wandered into one and acquired a pleasant welcome, with gives to attempt any of the cheeses.

If the store will not be too busy, be at liberty to have a chat and discover out the place all of the cheeses come from. Within the one we visited a lot of them got here from the proprietor’s household village in northern Greece, and it’s very typical for Greeks to have a powerful reference to the produce from their household’s space, even in Athens.

Because of the scorching local weather, most of the cheeses in Greece are constituted of goat or sheep milk, with Feta and Graviera being the preferred for salads and cooking. Within the outdated days, Greeks would make their very own cheese from the household goats and retailer it in huge jars of olive oil, letting it mature and develop in flavour. Small items of laborious cheese are sometimes served as an appetiser with wine earlier than dinner, typically paired with contemporary figs or fig jam.

20. Charcuterie in Athens

The place there’s cheese, there’s usually charcuterie on sale too and probably the greatest locations to pattern some is on Evripidou avenue or different streets across the Central Market. You’ll simply spot the delis that specialize in charcuterie by the hams and sausages they’ve hanging from the ceiling, though these are sometimes imitations only for ornament.

Look One of the best recognized retailers for charcuterie are Miran (45 Evripidou) or Karamanlidika (41 Evripidou) and whereas Miran solely sells to remove, Karamanlidika additionally has a meze restaurant. It is a favorite cease for those who take any Athens Meals Tour just like the one which we tried with Athenian Excursions. We loved a platter of meats and cheese within the quieter room to at least one aspect of the principle deli space, an important possibility for lunch for those who’re within the space.

21. Seafood in Athens

Greeks like to eat fish and seafood, however being specific concerning the freshness and high quality of their meals, you’ll usually discover seafood eating places proper by the ocean. There’s one thing notably Greek about consuming contemporary fish in a small harbour gazing on the fishing boats bobbing on the turquoise water, with strings of octopus drying within the solar, however the scene is tough to duplicate within the centre of Athens!

Your mouth will likely be watering on the considered grilled sardines and octopus with a squeeze of lemon, or freshly fried kalamari in batter. A few locations we tried that do handle to recreate one thing of the Greek island fish taverna environment have been;

Atlantikos ( 7 Avliton)- Tucked away down a slender alleyway in Psiri, near Monastiraki Sq., that is the Greek equal of a fish and ship store, promoting all of the favorite fish and seafood dishes. Takeaway is served from the bottom ground with tables on the primary ground and out of doors within the alley through the summer time. The fish right here is super-fresh, effectively priced, merely introduced and the service was swift and pleasant.

Skoumbri (Drakou 16)- Within the native’s neighbourhood of Koukaki, this restaurant manages to channel the Greek Island vibe with its white painted tables and cord ornament. It’s all concerning the contemporary fish, with typical seafood dishes on the menu and you may sit outdoors within the pedestrianised sq. the place there are a lot of different restaurant choices. The identical household owns Kalamaki Bar throughout the road, which gives a contemporary tackle Greek conventional taverna dishes.

22. Juices and veggie in Athens

If you’re 100% veggie or vegan, or have particular necessities like gluten-free, it’s greatest to do your analysis earlier than you go to Athens. Whereas conventional tavernas and eating places will provide salads and vegetable primarily based dishes, their cooks many not have the identical idea of strictly vegetarian or plant primarily based as you do, so it’s essential examine what’s in every dish.

Trendy eating places usually tend to absolutely perceive and cater for veggie / vegan diets, so I’d favour the fashionable trying restaurant possibility over the normal one. Areas like upscale Kolonaki have greater than their fair proportion of eating places with wonderful veggie choices (attempt It at Skoufa 29, Kolonaki) and the extra native neighbourhoods like Koukaki, Gazi or Exarcheia the place a whole lot of college students eat out are additionally a very good wager. Whereas I’m not 100% veggie / vegan, I favor to eat salads and lighter dishes and a few locations that I can personally suggest are;

Apivita Expertise Retailer in Kolonaki (Solonos 6)- for contemporary pressed juices. The idea retailer of the well-known Greek pure cosmetics model Apivita is positioned in a reasonably neo-classical constructing in Kolonaki. On the bottom ground is a store with all their merchandise, whereas the Juicy Bee bar on the first ground mezzanine, is the place you may attempt chilly pressed juices, smoothies, pictures and teas. I discover these contemporary pressed juices completely energising and at all times get them organized as a substitute of a espresso once I come throughout a spot that does them!

Nudie Foodie Psiri (Eschiliou 42, Psiri)- for gluten free and veggie/ vegan brunch dishes. They specialize in gluten free so even for those who’re coeliac it is best to really feel snug consuming right here. There are many gluten free brunch dishes, gluten free truffles, wholesome juices and smoothies, all prettily introduced and really tasty.

23. Cocktails with an Acropolis view in Athens

If you’re visiting Athens when the climate is heat, one of many unmissable experiences to the tip the day is a sundown cocktail on a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis. Since quite a few motels within the centre of Athens have made their rooftop right into a bar or restaurant, there’s loads of selection.

In fact the neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki which are closest to the Acropolis have the most effective view, so that you would possibly need to discover a bar in these areas, though they’re probably the most touristy.

Specifically the world of Plaka steps has quite a few cute eating places that provide a roof terrace geared to capitalise on their view of the Acropolis, which is lit up at evening. One other well-known possibility in Monastiraki is the bar and restaurant of A for Athens resort, however we loved a quieter expertise albeit a bit additional away on the gorgeous roof backyard on Foundry Suites resort in Psyri.

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