Athens – Where to eat?

Athens is a great place for good food, and while I could eat tzatziki and gyros for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, food in Athens is much more than that. Compared to Denmark, dining in Athens is inexpensive, though there is something for every wallet and tastebud. Here are some of the restaurants I have tried and that I really liked:

Approximate price for a main course:

$<EUR10, $$: EUR 10-20, $$$: EUR20-30 $$$$: >EUR30

Díporto $-$$

Rustic restaurant tucked away in a basement at Athens Central Market. Easy to miss, but definitely worth a visit. There is no menu, but you can have a look at what is cooking on the stove upon entering the restaurants. Don’t forget to order a cup of wine from the owner’s family vineyard.

Read my blog post about my first visit to Díporto here >>

Díporto, Sokratous 9 &, Theatrou, Athens

Mandraki $-$$

Nice and casual neighborhood spot known for excellent souvlaki and gyros. The indoor seating area is not particularly charming, so make sure you visit during the summer season, and grab a table at the beautiful backyard patio.  

Mandraki, Leof. Eth. Antistaseos 11, Kesariani 161 21, Athens

Pyrolíki $$

Nice restaurant in a cool, up-and-coming, neighborhood. While there are seating indoors, most people opt for patio seating. Pyrolíki offers an enticing selection of modern Greek food, and there are lots of plantbased and meatless alternatives.

Pyrolíki, Meg. Alexandrou 117, Athens

Elvis $

Cool, but small, Elvis-themed souvlaki shop in a trendy part of the city. Souvlaki is typically served with pita bread but at Elvis, you get your skewers with fried potatoes. You can choose between chicken souvlaki and pork souvlaki, and if you ask me, the pork souvlaki is the best, but you can always order one (or two) of each and judge for yourself. Also remember to get some of the sauces. They are not expensive, and they take your souvlaki meal to a whole new level. Try the white sauce with garlic, it is divine.

Elvis, Archimidous 1-5, Athens (there are two branches of Elvis, and the other one is supposed to be equally good).

Loukoumades Ktistakis $

Loukoumades are small fried dough balls, typically eaten drizzled with syrup, and sprinkled with sesame and cinnamon, and Loukoumades Ktistakis in Omonia, dating back to 1912, is one of the most old school loukoumades shops in the city.

Loukoumades Ktistakis, 59, Sokratous St., Athens

Taverna Klimataria $$

Cozy, family-run taverna just north of Central Market. The ceiling lets in lots of light, so even though you are seated indoors, it feels like you are outside. Slow cooked lamb is simmering in the large pots near the entrance, and the menu is mainly generous servings of traditional Greek food. Very friendly staff and nice atmosphere.

Taverna Klimataria, Theatrou Square 2, Athens

Ergon House $$$

Nice restaurant/cafe/food market in a bright, airy building in the heart of Athens. At the market section you can shop high quality specialty food from all over Greece, so this is a perfect place to look for an edible souvenir. The restaurant has different seating sections and the modern Greek fare is made with high grade ingredients. This shows on the price tag, and Ergon is rather pricey compared to the other places mentioned in this guide, but it is, at least partly, justified by the quality of the food.

Ergon House, 23 Mitropoleos Street, Athens