Best restaurants in Athens: A complete guide to the city’s top dining spots
Athens has moved beyond its reputation for basic moussakas and tourist-trap tavernas. The current food scene is a mix of high-concept gastronomy and a fierce commitment to traditional ingredients. You can find world-class fine dining in Koukaki and 2-euro souvlaki in Monastiraki within the same afternoon. The city eats late, values outdoor seating, and prioritizes freshness above all else. Finding the best restaurants in Athens requires looking past the neon signs of Plaka and heading where the locals queue. This guide covers the essential spots for every budget and craving.
Must-try dishes in Athens
Before booking a table, you need to know what to look for on a menu. These are the non-negotiables:
- Souvlaki/Gyros: Grilled meat (pork or chicken) served in a pita with tomato, onion, tzatziki, and fries. It is the definitive Greek street food.
- Horiatiki (Greek Salad): A simple but strict combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, green peppers, and a slab of feta with oregano and olive oil.
- Spanakopita: Flaky phyllo pastry stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. Look for handmade "horiatiko" crust.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with herb-infused rice, often served with a lemon-egg sauce (avgolemono).
- Grilled Octopus: Often sun-dried before hitting the charcoal grill, seasoned with nothing but vinegar and olive oil.
- Pastitsio: Often called Greek lasagna, this dish features layers of tubular pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a thick topping of béchamel sauce.
Best restaurants for a splurge
If you want to see the sophisticated side of Greek dining, these spots offer high-end technique and premium ingredients.
Nolan (Syntagma)
Nolan blends Greek ingredients with Japanese and Vietnamese techniques. Chef Sotiris Kontizas created a menu that is minimalist but high-impact. Try the "Nolan Cod Burger" or the steamed buns. It’s located right off Syntagma Square, making it an easy central choice for a high-end lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is sleek, modern, and consistently busy.
Aleria (Metaxourgeio)
Located in a beautifully restored neoclassical villa, Aleria is the peak of modern Greek cuisine. The kitchen reimagines traditional flavors—like "pastitsio" or "hortopita"—into fine-dining masterpieces. It offers various tasting menus that highlight seasonal produce. The outdoor courtyard provides one of the most elegant dining environments in the city. It is perfect for a slow, multi-course celebration.
Papadakis (Kolonaki)
Owned by celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou, this restaurant is world-renowned for its seafood. Situated on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus, Papadakis focuses on high-quality ingredients sourced from the Greek islands. The signature dish is the paros-style chickpeas and the ultra-fresh grilled fish. It’s a sophisticated spot favored by the city’s business and political elite.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These are the places where quality is high but the vibe is relaxed. This is where to eat in Athens for an authentic, unpretentious dinner.
Seychelles (Metaxourgeio)
Seychelles is a local favorite that helped revitalize the Metaxourgeio neighborhood. It’s a "mezedopoleio" style spot, serving small plates meant for sharing. The menu changes frequently based on local sourcing. Look for the pappardelle with kavourmas (cured meat) or any of the artisanal cheeses from the smaller Greek islands. Expect a lively, loud crowd.
Linas Pizza (Psirri)
While it sounds Italian, Linas is a cult favorite for its Greek-style sourdough crust and local toppings. Located in the heart of the nightlife district, it’s the place for a high-quality sit-down meal before hitting the bars. The atmosphere is industrial and trendy, reflecting the gritty-cool vibe of the surrounding Psirri neighborhood.
To Kafeneio (Plaka)
Tucked away in the older part of Plaka, this spot feels like stepping back in time. It specializes in traditional Greek appetizers and carafes of house wine. The stone walls and fireplaces provide a cozy setting for winter, while the outdoor tables are perfect for people-watching. It is a reliable choice for classic dishes like meatballs (keftedakia) and fava bean puree.
Mavro Provato (Pangrati)
Mavro Provato (The Black Sheep) is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Athens for value and taste. Located in the trendy Pangrati district, it serves modern takes on Greek classics. The service is fast, and the portions are generous. You must order the lamb chops or the honey-drizzled halloumi. Reservations are highly recommended here.
Best cheap eats and street food
Athens is a world capital for affordable, high-quality street food. You don't need a reservation to eat well here.
- O Kostas (Syntagma): Often cited as the best souvlaki in the city. They use lean meat, fresh parsley, and a secret red sauce. They usually close by 3:00 PM or whenever the meat runs out.
- Hoocut (Aiolou Street): A modern take on the souvlaki shop by the chefs behind high-end restaurants. The meat is sliced thin, the pita is baked on-site, and the quality is significantly higher than your average corner stand.
- Feyrouz (Monastiraki): A family-run spot specializing in Middle Eastern-influenced street food. Their "Lachmatzun" (thin dough with minced meat and spices) and "Peinirli" (open-faced dough boats) are incredible and cost only a few euros.
- Ariston (Voulis Street): Since 1910, this bakery has been famous for its "kourou" cheese pies. It’s a short walk from Syntagma. Grab a warm pie and eat it while walking; it’s a quintessential Athens experience.
Best breakfast and brunch
The Athenian brunch scene has exploded in the last five years, moving away from continental hotel breakfasts to creative, egg-focused menus.
Underdog (Theseio)
Housed in a stunning industrial space, Underdog is primarily a world-class coffee roastery. However, their brunch menu is equally impressive. They offer a variety of poached egg dishes, pancakes, and savory tarts. It’s located near the Ancient Agora, making it the perfect fuel stop before a morning of sightseeing. The backyard patio is a hidden gem.
Queen Bee (Kolonaki)
For a high-end bakery experience, Queen Bee is the city’s top choice. The croissants are artisanal, and the scrambled eggs are some of the best in Athens. It has a chic, Parisian-bistro feel and sits in the middle of the luxury shopping district. It's a great spot for people-watching while enjoying a flat white and a "doube-baked" croissant.
Bel Ray (Koukaki)
Located in a former car repair shop, Bel Ray defines the Koukaki neighborhood’s cool aesthetic. The brunch menu features "croque madame" with a Greek twist and excellent sandwiches. It’s a casual, "laptop-friendly" vibe during the day that transitions into a cocktail bar at night. The sidewalk tables are always packed on Sunday mornings.
Best rooftop or view dining
Eating with a view of the Parthenon is a rite of passage. These spots provide the best vantage points without sacrificing food quality.
MS Roof Garden (Monastiraki)
Positioned directly over Monastiraki Square, MS Roof Garden offers an unobstructed view of the Acropolis. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes. While many view-centric spots decline in quality, the food here remains solid. It’s an ideal place for a sunset drink followed by a full dinner as the ruins light up.
Strofi (Filopappou)
Strofi has been serving traditional Greek food since 1975. Its rooftop terrace feels almost close enough to touch the Parthenon. Unlike the trendy bars nearby, Strofi focuses on classic, heavy-hitting Greek dishes like roast lamb and moussaka. It is a more formal, white-tablecloth experience that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don't have a specific destination, head to these districts to find where to eat in Athens by following the crowds.
- Pangrati: Located behind the Panathenaic Stadium, this is a residential-meets-hip neighborhood. It’s full of wine bars, modern tavernas, and Third Wave coffee shops.
- Koukaki: South of the Acropolis, this area is a mix of old-school "ouzeries" and new-age brunch spots. It’s widely considered one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
- Psirri: A formerly industrial area that is now the heart of the city’s casual dining and nightlife. It’s great for meze and live Rembetiko music.
- Exarcheia: For a grittier, alternative vibe, Exarcheia offers excellent vegan options, traditional "kafeneios," and some of the cheapest high-quality food in central Athens.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation policies fluctuate seasonally; always check the official website or call before visiting.