Where to eat in Athens
Athens eats late and shares everything. Grilled meat, a table of small plates, fresh fish and good olive oil are the basis of the city's cooking. Eat souvlaki standing up at lunch, spend two hours over dinner, and choose the tavernas where Athenians sit.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- Psyri and Koukaki for tavernas, and Monastiraki for souvlaki.
- Order this
- Souvlaki, a Greek salad, and a table of meze with a glass of ouzo or wine.
- When to eat
- Lunch at 2pm and dinner from 9pm.
- Book or walk in
- Book for dinner at weekends, and walk in for souvlaki.
- Tipping
- Leave about 10 per cent if service is not included, or round up.
What to eat in Athens
- Souvlaki and gyrosGrilled meat on a skewer or sliced from a spit, wrapped in pitta with tomato, onion and tzatziki.
- Greek saladTomato, cucumber, olives, onion and a slab of feta with olive oil, without lettuce.
- MezeA spread of small plates such as tzatziki, fava and grilled octopus, shared at the table.
- MoussakaLayers of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel, baked until golden.
- Grilled fishFresh fish, grilled whole with lemon and olive oil, usually priced by weight.
- LoukoumadesFried honey doughnuts with cinnamon, a street sweet and a dessert.
Where to eat in Athens, by neighborhood
Psyri
A lively district of tavernas, meze places and bars, with a local crowd at night.
Monastiraki
Souvlaki shops and rooftop restaurants with views of the Acropolis. Choose side streets over the main square.
Koukaki and Petralona
Neighborhood tavernas and cafés south of the Acropolis, with local prices and fewer tourists.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
€€Deli and taverna · Evripidou, near the Central Market
Orderthe cured meats and the cheeses
A deli and restaurant in the old market, with cured meats and cheeses from across Greece.
- Book
- Walk in, or book at weekends.
Confirmed open: karamanlidika.gr
-
Diporto Agoras
€Taverna · Central market
Orderthe daily stew and the salad
A basement taverna in the central market with no menu, old barrels of wine and a short list of daily dishes.
- Book
- Walk in, expect a short wait.
Confirmed open: atlasobscura.com
-
Kostas Souvlaki
€Souvlaki shop · Syntagma
Ordera pork souvlaki in pitta
A tiny souvlaki counter on Pentelis Street near Syntagma that serves one thing, pork in pitta, until the meat runs out in the afternoon.
- Book
- Walk in.
Confirmed open: greekgastronomyguide.gr
-
Telis
€Grill · Psyri
Orderthe grilled pork chops
A simple grill known for pork chops and fried potatoes, a busy place with local people.
- Book
- Walk in, expect a queue at night.
Confirmed open: thisisathens.org
Food markets in Athens
- Varvakios Central MarketA big covered market for meat, fish, cheese and spices, with a lively morning trade.Monday to Saturday, about 7am to 6pm, closed SundaysSource: athenstourism.org
How Athens eats
- Meal timesLunch is at about 2pm and dinner from 9pm. Kitchens run late.
- TippingLeave about 10 per cent if service is not included, or round up.
- ReservationsBook for dinner at weekends. Walk in for souvlaki and lunch.
- SharingOrder several dishes for the table, and share them.
Signs of a place to walk past
A tout on the street in Plaka who offers a free drink.
A menu with photographs and a flag for each language.
A taverna with no Greek customers at 9pm.
Eating in Athens: questions people ask
What food is Athens known for?
Souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, meze, moussaka and grilled fish. Olive oil and feta are staples.
Where is the best place to eat in Athens?
Psyri and Koukaki for tavernas, and Monastiraki for souvlaki.
How much should I tip in Athens?
Leave about 10 per cent if service is not included, or round up the bill.
Is Athens cheap to eat in?
It is cheaper than most western European capitals. Souvlaki and tavernas are good value.