Where to Enjoy the Tastiest Local Eateries in Athens
Athenians love to eat out, so the best restaurants in Athens are always bustling. From quick kerbside souvlaki to leisurely evenings sharing round after round of meze and tsipouro, city life revolves around the simple joys of eating and sharing food. Athens’ best restaurants range from food stalls and neighborhood tavernas to modern Greek bistros. Tables spill across squares and wedge onto tree-studded pavements. It’s often cheaper to eat out than cook at home, though Athens also offers plenty of fine dining options. However, informality, familiarity, and consistency are what most Athenians seek in their favorite dining spots. The current trend of ‘gastro-tavernas,’ where seasonal, locally sourced menus change daily, adds excitement to traditional Greek home cooking. Consequently, as the city has become more multicultural, the restaurant scene has also evolved considerably.
Top Restaurants to Try in Athens
1. Vezené
When it opened in 2011, this “Greek-inspired bistro” was ahead of its time; today, the food still feels current and cutting-edge. Chef-butcher Ari Vezené takes quality to extremes with organic lamb, goat, and beef sourced from small, sustainable farms. Signature dishes like goat neck fricassee highlight the kitchen’s nose-to-tail philosophy. Portions are generous and heartwarming, making it a top choice.
Address: Vezené Athens, Vrasida 11, Athina 115 28
2. Akra
Yannis Loukakis, a culinary mentor for many emerging chefs, and pastry chef Spyros Pediaditakis present exquisite, flavor-dense dishes in a minimalist space. Signature offerings include whole roast courgettes stuffed with fish cheeks and silky fish soup served in a copper pot.
Address: Akra, Amynta 12, Pangrati 11635
3. Annie
Chef Stephanos Michalis champions the purity of ingredients sourced from organic markets. The open kitchen creates beautiful plates while minimizing waste. Featured dishes include ‘burnt vegetables’ and house-made pickles.
Address: Annie, Menechmou 4, Neos Kosmos 11743
4. Tanpopo
This establishment focuses on Japanese lunch staples, like shoyu ramen and karaage, offering superb vegetable dishes like gyoza and crunchy broccoli with tahini.
Address: Tanpopo, Άριστο, Evripidou 2, Athina 105 59
5. To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias
Known for its consistently excellent grilled seafood, this restaurant combines quality and affordability while capturing the character of downtown Athens.
Address: To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias, Lekka 22, Athina 105 62
6. Birdman
As a Japanese pub, Birdman offers an exciting twist on classic souvlaki with a variety of skewer options that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Address: Birdman, Voulis 35, Athina 105 57, Greece
7. Phita
This gastro-taverna emphasizes seafood, showcasing seasonal specials that change daily. It has gained a loyal following due to its market-driven approach.
Address: Phita, Ntourm 1, Athina 117 45, Greece
8. Leloudas
A hidden gem established in 1928, Leloudas serves honest, home-cooked Greek dishes that evoke the warmth of traditional tavernas.
Address: Leloudas, Salaminas 8-10, Votanikos 11855
9. Seychelles
Seychelles remains a top spot for modern Greek bistro cuisine, offering delightful salads and generous portions of seafood and meat dishes to share amongst friends.
Address: Seychelles, Keramikou 49, Athina 104 36, Greece
10. Ta Kanaria
This timeless fish taverna serves a limited but exceptional menu in a cozy setting, offering simple, fresh fish dishes that are both delicious and fulfilling.
Address: Kanari 119, Moschato 183 44, Greece
11. Mikra Asia
Mikra Asia showcases a Kurdish approach to souvlaki, providing affordable dishes that prioritize both flavors and quality, making it a favorite among locals.
Address: Plateia Mesolongiou 2-4, Pangrati 11634
12. Simul
With a relaxed atmosphere, Simul serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine with surprising flavor combinations, making it a delightful choice for a night out.
Address: Simul, Ipsilantou 63, Kolonaki 11521
13. Linou Soumpasis & Sia
A contemporary restaurant dedicated to pure Greek produce, offering thoughtfully prepared dishes that emphasize freshness and simplicity.
Address: Linou Soumpasis & Sia, Kalamida 9, Athina 105 54, Greece
14. Oikonomou
This family-run taverna serves comfort food with a homey atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for traditional Greek dining.
Address: Oikonomou, Kidantidon 32, Athina 118 51
15. Pharaoh
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and wood-fired Cretan dishes, Pharaoh thrives on sharing and enjoying a variety of flavors with friends.
Address: Pharaoh, Solomou 54, Exarchia 10682
16. Ama Lachei
This popular Exarchia spot offers a spacious courtyard and a menu filled with delightful Greek meze, perfect for evenings spent chatting with friends.
Address: Ama Lachei, Kallidromiou 69, Exarchia 10683
17. Feyrouz
Offering Levantine street food on a corner of the city, Feyrouz specializes in flavors and comfort, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Address: Καρρότη 23 καί, Agathonos 1, Athina 105 51
18. Nolan
This popular eatery combines Greek and Japanese flavors in a hybrid menu that consistently impresses, making it a standout in Athens’ dining scene.
Address: Nolan, Voulis 31 – 33, Athina 105 57, Greece
19. Mavros Gatos
Mavros Gatos specializes in traditional Greek tavern fare, perfect for meat lovers looking for perfectly seasoned lamb chops and sides in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: Mavros Gatos, Polemonos 4, Athina 116 35, Greece
