The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Drinking in Athens
Discover the flavors of Athens, from timeless tavernas and Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant bars and specialty coffeehouses.
As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Athens offers a captivating culinary landscape that fuses age-old tradition with bold innovation. Whether you crave simple street food, Michelin-starred creativity, or classic meze in a family taverna, this city delivers memorable flavors, remarkable hospitality, and a deep sense of place. Modern Athens’s food scene has grown beyond its roots, with a new generation of chefs, bartenders, and coffee roasters reimagining the city’s timeless tastes.
Athens Restaurants Overview: Traditional Roots and Contemporary Flair
Greek cuisine in Athens reflects both the bounty of the land and the evolution of a cosmopolitan capital. You’ll find:
- Traditional tavernas serving home-style fare passed down through generations
- Innovative restaurants that reinterpret Greek classics with global technique and local ingredients
- Casual eateries and specialist spots devoted to souvlaki, seafood, or sweets
- Bars, cafes, and specialty shops where locals gather day and night
Fine Dining and Modern Greek Cuisine
Hytra: Michelin-Starred Greek Innovation
Hytra stands out as a beacon of nouvelle Greek cuisine. Nestled within—and during warmer months, atop—the Onassis Cultural Centre, this restaurant pays homage to its ancient roots (its name means “terra-cotta vase” in Greek) while boldly reimagining familiar dishes. Chef Tassos Mantis crafts multi-course tasting menus, featuring combinations like milk-fed lamb with quinoa and mastic yogurt, elevated by Greek wine pairings and panoramic city views. Expect daring textures, vibrant plating, and flavors that both surprise and honor tradition.
Tudor Hall: Elegance with an Acropolis View
Perched on the seventh floor of the historic King George Hotel, Tudor Hall is as lauded for its sophisticated take on Greek classics as for its stunning vistas of the illuminated Acropolis. Under Executive Chef Sotiris Evanelou and Chef de Cuisine Alexandros Koskinas, the kitchen delivers refined dishes such as scorpion fish with chard and fennel marmalade, smoked eggplant salad prepared tableside, and braised rabbit with smoked Metsovone cheese. A curated Greek wine list completes the experience, with expert pairings available from the sommelier Evangelos Psofidis. For romance or a celebratory night, few places rival Tudor Hall’s combination of taste, service, and setting.
Cookoovaya: Honest Greek Fare Reimagined
Cookoovaya exemplifies Athens’s new wave of restaurants: modern but grounded in tradition. Here, top chefs collaborate to create Greek cuisine that’s elevated yet approachable, celebrating the freshest seasonal and local ingredients. Dishes are simple but artfully prepared—expect perfectly grilled meats, beautifully balanced salads, and humble stews given careful attention. For those seeking an authentic experience that isn’t fussy, Cookoovaya offers a superb introduction to contemporary Athenian dining without straying far from its roots.
Casual Eateries and Souvlaki Shops
Kostas: The Quintessential Souvlaki Experience
No food is more iconic in Athens than souvlaki, and nobody does it quite like Kostas. This tiny, spotless spot on Pentelis Street is famed for its grilled pork skewers—served in a pillowy, grease-free pita with fresh tomatoes, onions, parsley, yogurt, and plenty of paprika. There’s no pretense, no elaborate fixings—just outstanding quality and OXI AGXOS (“NO STRESS”) signs encouraging you to relax as the line forms. Pro tip: don’t confuse it with the other Kostas location off Agia Irini Square, where meatballs and spicy tomato sauce fill the warm pita. Pull up a plastic chair, dive into your savory wrap, and watch Athenian life swirl by.
Souvlaki Table
| Venue | Specialty | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Kostas (Pentelis 5) | Grilled pork souvlaki in pita | Standing room only, local favorite |
| Kostas (Vassiliki St.) | Pita with meatballs & spicy tomato | Casual, off Agia Irini Square |
Coffee, Confectionaries, and Sweet Stops
Taf Coffee: Athens’s Crown Jewel for Coffee Aficionados
Coffee culture in Athens is thriving, with places like Taf Coffee leading the charge. Originally a family roastery in the 1990s, Taf has evolved into Athens’s premier destination for quality international and Greek brews. The flagship café on Emmanouil Mpenaki Street attracts everyone from businesspeople to creative types, offering meticulously prepared espressos, single-origin pour-overs, and even traditional ellinikos (Greek coffee). Taf’s award-winning baristas and dedication to bean sourcing make it a beacon for coffee enthusiasts. Recently, Taf has expanded with Taf Points, mini-bars throughout the city, spreading their coffee gospel further.
Classic Confectioneries: Traditional Pastries and Dairy Delights
Athenians’ love affair with sweets runs deep. For a taste of old Athens, head to storied confectionaries like Afoi Asimakopouls—a landmark for fine pastries, yogurt, and dairy since 1915. Here, indulge in creamy Greek yogurt with its naturally thick skin, galaktoboureko (semolina custard pastry), and kaymak ice cream scented with wild orchid powder. These treats are more than dessert—they reflect generations of artisanal craft and the comforting simplicity of local ingredients.
- Galaktoboureko: A syrup-soaked semolina custard pastry with crisp phyllo
- Kaymak Ice Cream: Clotted cream ice cream with a subtle, floral note
- Greek Yogurt: Served in earthenware with rustic creamy skin
Historic Bars and Distilleries
Brettos: The Oldest Distillery Bar in Athens
Hidden deep in the warren of Plaka’s old streets, Brettos dazzles with walls lined with glowing colored bottles and a timeworn charm. In operation since 1909, it is Athens’s oldest distillery and a favorite for both locals and in-the-know visitors. At Brettos, the must-try is ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek spirit poured over ice—or sample their house-made raki, local wines, or specialty cocktails. The staff is eager to share stories behind each bottle, and the ambiance is perfect for lingering day or night. To sip ouzo or tsipouro here is to taste Athenian history itself.
- Ouzo: Greece’s signature anise liquor, best enjoyed with company
- Tsipouro: A lesser-known pomace brandy, ideal as an aperitif
- House Cocktails & Spirits: Unique offerings rooted in tradition
Seafood and Waterside Dining
Mikrolimano: Athens’s “Little Harbor” of Seafood
No visit to Athens is complete without enjoying fresh seafood on the waterfront. Stroll down to Mikrolimano, a scenic marina lined with traditional fishing boats, luxurious yachts, and a string of inviting seafood restaurants. Whether you crave grilled octopus, just-caught fish, or a leisurely lunch with the Aegean breeze, Mikrolimano’s eateries serve the sea’s bounty in a quintessentially Greek setting, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a starlit dinner.
Essence of Athens: Culinary Traditions and Must-Try Dishes
Greek cuisine in Athens rests on a foundation of simple, fresh ingredients and recipes that highlight natural flavors. Here’s what you absolutely must try:
- Greek Salad (Horiatiki): Tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions, green pepper, capers, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Lamb Dishes: From grilled chops to slow-baked casseroles
- Seafood: Grilled fish, octopus, and fried calamari from local waters
- Meze: Small plates of fried eggplant, saganaki (fried cheese), grilled vegetables, dips, and more, meant for sharing
- Desserts: Honey-drenched baklava, spoon sweets, and traditional pastries
Athenian Drinks: Spirits, Wines, and Coffee
Drinking is a social ritual in Athens, from casual coffees to slow, communal sips of ouzo. Try these local favorites:
- Ouzo: Traditionally served with water or over ice, paired with meze
- Raki/Tsipouro: Pomace brandies, lesser-known but beloved by Greeks
- Greek Wines: Red and white varieties like Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko, best enjoyed with local dishes
- Frappé: The classic iced coffee beloved of Athenian youth
Food Tours and Culinary Experiences
Athens is best savored by exploring, tasting, and joining in local customs. Food tours, like those organized around Varvakios Market, offer guided tastings of yogurt, honey, olives, and cheeses straight from market stalls, followed by rustic lunches at beloved tavernas. These experiences are ideal for those looking to deepen their connection to Athens’s flavors and stories.
Athens Food and Drink: At-a-Glance
| Venue | Specialty | Area | Must-Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hytra | Modern Greek, Tasting Menus | Onassis Cultural Centre | Milk-fed lamb, mastic yogurt |
| Tudor Hall | Elegant Greek | King George Hotel | Scorpion fish, rabbit with Metsovone |
| Cookoovaya | Modern Greek Tavern | Hilton area | Seasonal specialties, grilled meats |
| Kostas | Souvlaki | Pentelis & Vassiliki St. | Classic pork or meatball pita |
| Brettos | Historic Bar & Distillery | Plaka | Ouzo, house liquors |
| Taf Coffee | Specialty Coffee | Exarchia | Greek & international brews |
| Afoi Asimakopouls | Confectionery/Dairy | City Center | Yogurt, galaktoboureko, kaymak |
| Mikrolimano | Seafood | Piraeus coast | Grilled fish, octopus |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the must-try street food in Athens?
A: Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers in pita bread) from local landmarks like Kostas offers an authentic and delicious taste of Athenian street food culture.
Q: Which restaurants provide the best Acropolis views?
A: For unforgettable Acropolis vistas, dine at Tudor Hall at the King George Hotel or enjoy rooftop seating at Hytra during warmer months.
Q: Are there vegetarian options in Athens’s top restaurants?
A: Yes. Many fine-dining and casual venues in Athens offer innovative vegetarian dishes, from fresh salads and vegetable meze to mains featuring seasonal produce.
Q: What should I drink with my meal?
A: Try Greek wines (like Assyrtiko or Agiorgitiko) for a local experience, or sample ouzo or tsipouro, especially with meze or seafood.
Q: Where can I find the best coffee in Athens?
A: Taf Coffee is renowned for its quality beans, award-winning baristas, and diverse international selection. For a traditional treat, order a Greek coffee or a chilled frappé at cafés citywide.
Tips for Eating and Drinking in Athens
- Reservations are recommended at sought-after fine dining spots and during peak tourist seasons.
- Athenian meals are social and unhurried—expect to linger over your food.
- Look for family-run tavernas and markets for the most authentic local experiences.
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving small change is common.
- Try house specialties and daily dishes—menus often change with the seasons and the chef’s creativity.
- Pair spirits with small plates of meze, and finish meals with a sweet treat or Greek coffee.
From lively neighborhood souvlaki joints and storied pastry shops to Michelin-starred rooftops and historic bars, Athens is a feast for the senses. By wandering, tasting, and embracing the communal spirit of the city, you’ll discover a food scene as timeless as the Parthenon and as modern as tomorrow’s next hit eatery.
