Athens, the historical heart of Greece, is not only a city of ancient wonders but also a vibrant hub for food lovers. My eagerness to explore Greek cuisine led me on a delicious journey to uncover the best Food In Athens. Like many first-time visitors, I wondered where to find authentic Greek flavors in such a bustling city. What are the must-try dishes? And what are some useful tips for dining in Athens?
This guide shares my experience in navigating the Athenian food scene, from hidden local gems to acclaimed restaurants. Join me as we delve into the culinary delights of Athens, highlighting must-try foods and essential tips for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure during your visit.
Seeking Local Wisdom: Recommendations for Authentic Athenian Food
One of the most effective ways to discover the best food experiences in any city is by seeking recommendations from those who know it best – the locals. Their insights can lead you to hidden culinary treasures that you might otherwise miss.
How can you connect with locals for food advice? Hotel staff, taxi drivers, or even people you meet in cafes can be great sources. Alternatively, consider joining a food tour. This is exactly what I did – embarking on a Greek food tour became my shortcut to understanding Athenian cuisine.
A food tour is an immersive experience that quickly introduces you to the staples and hidden gems of Athens’ food scene. You can choose from various options, including street food tours, group tours for a social experience, or private tours for a more personalized exploration, which is the option I selected. If you’re planning to spend a few days in the city and want to quickly get acquainted with the local culinary landscape, a food tour is an excellent starting point.
Must-Try Athenian Dishes: A Flavorful Introduction
Before diving deeper, let’s outline some quintessential dishes you shouldn’t miss when exploring food in Athens:
- Moussaka: Often described as Greek lasagna, this baked dish features layers of ground meat, eggplant, and potatoes, topped with a rich béchamel sauce.
- Tzatziki: This refreshing Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and herbs is a staple. It serves as a dip, condiment, or accompaniment to many dishes, adding a cool and tangy flavor.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves are stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. These are typically served as appetizers or as part of a meze platter, enjoyed both warm and cold.
- Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat (options include lamb, chicken, pork, or beef) is a popular street food. It’s often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. The meat is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for enhanced flavor.
- Gyro: Similar to souvlaki but with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved. Gyro meat, often lamb or chicken, is wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. The key difference lies in the meat preparation – souvlaki is skewered, while gyro meat is rotisserie-cooked.
- Spanakopita: A savory spinach pie made with flaky phyllo pastry and filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It’s a delightful and flavorful pastry, perfect for a snack or light meal.
- Baklava: For dessert, baklava is a must-try. This sweet pastry consists of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios), and is sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s a rich and indulgent treat.
- Horiatiki Salad (Greek Salad): Known as “Horiatiki” or village salad, it’s a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and red onions, dressed with olive oil and oregano. Unlike American versions, traditional Greek salad does not include lettuce.
- Olives: Greece is famous for its olives. They are integral to Greek cuisine, used in salads, dips, and various dishes. Be sure to sample different varieties of Greek olives.
- Ouzo: This strong anise-flavored aperitif is uniquely Greek. Made from grape or grain and flavored with anise and other herbs, it turns milky white when mixed with water. Ouzo is a social drink, often enjoyed with mezes. Don’t forget to say “YAMAS” (cheers) when toasting!
This list is just a starting point. Athens offers a vast culinary landscape waiting to be explored.
Acting on the advice to seek local recommendations, my first stop was based on a breakfast suggestion from my hotel.
Stories Urban Bistro: A Rooftop Breakfast Experience
Located on the rooftop of the Editor Hotel in Monistiraki, Stories Urban Bistro offered a delightful start to the day. This boutique hotel provided a perfect base for exploring Athens.
A traditional Greek breakfast emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients, reflecting the Mediterranean diet. Expect items like eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, fruit, Greek yogurt, pastries, and bread. And of course, a cup of authentic Greek coffee is essential.
My breakfast was simple yet satisfying: boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, sausage, a fresh salad, and fruit, accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice. It was a refreshing and authentic introduction to Athenian morning flavors.
To further immerse myself in the local food scene, I opted for a private walking food tour.
Private Walking Greek Food Tour: A Deep Dive into Athenian Flavors
My 4-hour private walking Greek food tour in Athens, led by a knowledgeable guide named Anabelia, was an enriching experience. Beyond just tasting food, Anabelia shared insights into Athenian history and culture as we navigated the city’s culinary hotspots. The tour was a journey of flavors, with generous portions of popular Greek dishes.
The highlights included:
- Spanakopita Variety: Tasting two distinct types of Spanakopita (spinach pie) offered a nuanced appreciation for this classic pastry.
- Greek Coffee at Mokka: Experiencing authentic Greek coffee from Mokka, a renowned coffee shop, was a caffeinated cultural immersion.
- Seafood and Meze Platter at “Tis theatrou to steki”: This restaurant, “Tns øeaàtpou to ōtéki” (pronounced “Tayce theatro toe steak-ee”), presented a delightful sampler of anchovies, eggplant, calamari, fried eggplant with tzatziki, potato salad, spicy cheese, and mussels.
- Loukoumades from Kivos: Kpivos (pronounced “cree-nose”) served Loukoumades, Greek doughnuts deep-fried in cotton-seed oil, drizzled with fresh honey and cinnamon. Their light, fluffy texture was similar to a perfect donut.
- Gyros at “Kostas”: “Kōsh-tah” provided a taste of classic beef and pork gyros, showcasing the quintessential Athenian street food.
Beyond local recommendations, another excellent way to experience the best food in Athens is through home-cooked meals.
The Warmth of Home-Cooked Greek Cuisine in Athens
While getting invited to an Athenian home for a meal might be rare, there are accessible ways to enjoy authentic, home-style Greek cooking. Participating in a cooking class or choosing tours that include homemade food are fantastic options.
The essence of home-cooked food is often the love and tradition infused into the recipes, and Athens offers experiences that capture this spirit.
I explored two such opportunities: a Greek cooking class with dinner and a day trip that included a homemade Greek lunch.
Greek Small-Group Athens Cooking Class & Dinner: Learning and Feasting
This cooking class was undoubtedly a highlight of my Athenian food adventure. It wasn’t just about learning recipes; it was about understanding the Greek family traditions that revolve around food. We prepared a full traditional Greek dinner from scratch.
The menu was a feast of flavors:
- Lemon Yogurt Dessert: A creamy and refreshing dessert.
- Freshly Baked Bread: A staple of any Greek meal.
- Classic Greek Salad: Made with tomatoes, capers, cucumber, and feta cheese, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
- Tzatziki Dip: Fresh cucumber and yogurt tzatziki, made from scratch.
- Crispy Zucchini and Spearmint Balls (Kolokithokeftedes): Flavorful and crispy appetizers.
- Dolmadakia (Dolmades): Rice wrapped in delicate vine leaves.
- Marinated Lamb and Potatoes: Infused with lemon and rosemary.
- Cheese Spanakopita: A large, homemade cheese and spinach pie.
This hands-on experience provided not only delicious food but also a deeper appreciation for Greek culinary heritage.
Day Trip to Three Greek Islands with Homemade Lunch: Aegean Flavors
A day trip to the Greek islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina offered another chance to savor home-cooked Greek food. During the island excursion, we stopped at Moni for a homemade Greek buffet lunch.
The buffet was a spread of authentic Greek dishes:
- Greek Lemon Rice: Fragrant and flavorful.
- Roasted Chicken in Herbs: Simple yet delicious, highlighting fresh herbs.
- Dolmades: Another opportunity to enjoy these stuffed grape leaves.
- Hilopites: Egg noodles in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with Myzithra cheese.
- Tzatziki: A familiar and welcome addition.
- Gigantes Plaki: Large Greek butter beans in tomato sauce.
After swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Moni, this homemade lunch was incredibly satisfying. It’s worth noting that dining times in Athens might differ from what you’re used to.
Athenian Dining Times: When to Eat Like a Local
Understanding local dining times can enhance your experience. In Athens, breakfast is generally from 7 am to 10 am, similar to the US. However, lunch is the main meal, typically enjoyed between 1 pm and 3 pm. Dinner starts later, around 8 pm or 9 pm, and Athenians often dine late into the evening, savoring their meals and company.
Beyond home-cooked meals and local tips, the internet is an invaluable tool for finding great food in Athens.
Navigating the Digital Food Scene: Internet Recommendations for Athens
The internet is a treasure trove of information, offering blogs, TripAdvisor reviews, YouTube videos, food magazines, Instagram posts, and Yelp reviews. While crowdsourced information can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to be discerning. Pictures can be enticing, and reviews offer varied perspectives, but thorough research is key. Always consider the source and read multiple reviews to get a balanced view.
One significant advantage of online research is the ability to check menu prices in advance, helping you find restaurants that fit your budget.
In my experience, internet research proved fruitful in Athens. I found meal prices to be surprisingly reasonable, especially considering the generous portions. A substantial main dish can range from €3-10, with specialty entrees around €11-17.
One internet-recommended gem was Fanis’ Karamanlidika.
Fanis’ Karamanlidika: A Meze Restaurant Experience
Fanis’ Karamanlidika is a restaurant specializing in cured meats, charcuterie, and artisan cheeses, offering a cozy and authentic atmosphere. On my first night in Athens, I dined here and was delighted by the flavors.
The dishes I sampled included:
- Aubergines & Zucchini with Feta: In a spicy Capadocian sauce.
- “Kavourmas” Beef Meat: With potatoes, dill, and peppers.
- Meatballs Karamanlidika: With tomato sauce, smoked eggplant cream, and anevato cheese.
- Mommy’s Arcadian Baklava: A sweet and traditional dessert.
- Carrot Yogurt Dessert: A surprisingly delightful and complimentary dessert offered by the restaurant.
The generosity of Athenian restaurant staff is often a pleasant surprise. The complimentary carrot yogurt at Fanis’ Karamanlidika was an unexpected and delicious end to the meal.
All That Jatz: A Local Find
Another internet find, All That Jatz, was a restaurant tucked away on a side street in Monistiraki. While it may be closed now, during my visit, I enjoyed their Chicken Kalamaki and Moussaka, experiencing classic Greek dishes in a local setting.
For a different kind of dining experience, exploring Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens is a must for food connoisseurs.
The Pinnacle of Athenian Cuisine: Michelin Star Restaurants
For those seeking haute cuisine, Athens boasts a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants. A Michelin star is a prestigious accolade awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, judged by anonymous Michelin inspectors based on five criteria: ingredient quality, flavor harmony, technique mastery, chef’s personality in the cooking, and menu consistency.
Restaurants that meet these high standards are awarded one to three stars. Having dined at Michelin-rated establishments before, I was eager to experience Michelin-starred dining in Athens, especially as it was a belated birthday celebration.
Athens currently has 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a range of cuisines from seafood to French, contemporary, modern, and Mediterranean. During my visit, these restaurants offered 8-course menus priced from $100 to $175. I chose CTC Urban Gastronomy, drawn to its focus on modern Greek cuisine in a creative and sophisticated setting.
CTC Urban Gastronomy: A Michelin Star Experience
CTC Urban Gastronomy provided an exceptional dining experience. They operate with a “blind tasting menu,” adding an element of surprise to each course. Dietary preferences and allergies are discussed during reservation to tailor the menu.
My meal at CTC was a culinary journey, featuring soup, seafood, homemade bread, pasta, meat, and a special dessert. Ordering their signature dish is highly recommended – it’s an unforgettable culinary creation.
The experience at CTC Urban Gastronomy was defined by professional staff, innovative dishes, and excellent service, making it perfect for a special occasion.
Tipping Etiquette in Athens
When dining in Athens, it’s helpful to know about tipping. Service is typically included in the bill, and tipping is not a local custom. However, tourists can tip for exceptional service. Small tips, like 50 cents for coffee or a few euros for meal service, are appreciated. For outstanding service, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is also appropriate.
Beyond planned dining experiences, sometimes the best food discoveries happen unexpectedly.
The Joy of Serendipity: Discovering Athenian Food by Chance
Serendipity, finding delightful things by chance, can lead to wonderful culinary discoveries in Athens. Simply wandering around the city, letting your senses guide you – if a place looks and smells appealing and the prices seem right, give it a try!
Serendipitous finds are often perfect for snacks and casual meals. However, be cautious of restaurants where someone is aggressively trying to lure you in; these places may be less authentic or overpriced.
Embracing spontaneity can lead you to some of the best and most memorable food experiences in Athens. By happy accident, I stumbled upon a few tasty spots.
Acropolis Museum Café & Restaurant: Museum Dining Surprise
Museum food can often be underwhelming, but the Acropolis Museum Café & Restaurant was a pleasant exception. After exploring the Acropolis, the café offered a welcome break with delicious food.
I enjoyed two items:
- Greek Appetizers Trilogy: Fish roe, eggplant, and tzatziki dip with crispy pita bread.
- Baked Feta Cheese: With “Florinis” red pepper cream and sweet cherry tomatoes in carob honey.
Both were excellent snacks, perfect for refueling after a long day of sightseeing.
Bufala Gelato: Authentic Italian Gelato
Bufala Gelato serves gelato made from 100% buffalo milk, resulting in a richer, creamier, and sweeter ice cream than regular gelato. You choose your base (cone, cup, etc.) and gelato flavors. The strawberry sorbet is highly recommended.
Zuccherino: Athenian Patisserie Delights
Located near Bufala Gelato, Zuccherino is a long-standing Athenian patisserie offering pastries and over 100 gelato flavors made with fresh milk and pure ingredients. I sampled a flaky pistachio baklava and a strawberry cookies & cream gelato – both were delightful.
Tylixto: Trendy and Tasty Gyros
On my last night in Athens, I discovered Tylixto, a trendy restaurant specializing in grilled meats and affordable Greek food. Drawn in by the enticing aromas, I decided to try it.
I ordered:
- Gyros Mix of Chicken and Pork: Served with hand-cut fries, grilled pita bread, and sauce.
- Chicken Gyro: With tomato, lettuce, sauce, and fries.
Tylixto was a perfect example of a serendipitous find, offering delicious and satisfying Greek street food.
These are just a few examples of how to find the best food in Athens. The city is brimming with culinary experiences waiting to be discovered. If you have your own recommendations, please share them in the comments below to help fellow travelers explore the incredible food scene of Athens! Enjoy your culinary journey in Athens!
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage
