I have been coming to Athens for 10 years, and one of the things I love most about this city is its vibrant and accessible gastronomic scene. Athens is the street food capital of Europe, where you can enjoy delicious meals at reasonable prices. The variety of cuisines, ranging from Greek to Middle Eastern and Indian, means you can savor diverse flavors here. There are also good options available for vegetarians. Here’s a list of my favorite restaurants showcasing the best of Athens’ gastronomic scene. I will continue to keep this post updated, so don’t forget to bookmark it for your future visits!

Check out my virtual food tour in Koukaki, Athens, and my latest guide on where to eat in Thessaloniki.

1. Tis Theatrou to Steki

Address: Theatrou 7, 105 52 Athens (Historic Center, behind Varvakios Market)

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Athens, and although I don’t want to share it, it’s worth sharing. Located on a narrow rocky sidewalk behind the central market of Athens, this workers' canteen offers the most authentic and affordable Greek meze in the city. It’s a place where locals come for honest, homemade meals at very reasonable prices. Also, the family that runs this place are some of the kindest people you will ever meet.

What to Order Here

Try the fava bean puree (€3.50) — creamy, smooth, and wonderful. Zucchini balls with tzatziki (€4) — crispy and served with garlicky tzatziki sauce. (Don’t go on a date after eating this if they don’t love garlic like you do.) Butter beans in a rich tomato sauce (€3) — the best comfort food, and the cod croquettes in garlicky mashed potatoes (€5) are also great. The marinated anchovies win here too.

On the side, you can order a carafe of house wine (€2.50) or one of their local beers for €1.50.

2. Aylak Politiki Kouzina

Address: Emmanouil Benaki 73, Athens 106 81

A beautiful Greek restaurant located in the heart of Exarchia, Aylak Politiki Kouzina offers small plates with great vegan options, specializing in Turkish Kurdish cuisine (perfect for people-watching). The wonderful fava bean puree, zucchini balls, hummus, and beet salad, along with delicious meatballs, make their menu shine for me with the dakos salad from Crete. Traditional barley rusks topped with tomato, feta, and olive oil. Plates start at around €5, which offers excellent value for the quality you get, and a large beer starts at about €3.50.

3. Souvlaki: O Thanasis & Kostas

Souvlaki is the most basic comfort food for Greeks, whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM. These two legendary spots have perfected the art of the most iconic street food dish.

O Thanasis

Address: Mitropoleos 69, Monastiraki, 105 55 Athens

O Thanasis, an institution since 1964, is located in the bustling Monastiraki Square. Despite the constant tourist crowd, the food and service are excellent.

Why I Prefer Thanasis: The potatoes inside the souvlaki are food heaven for me. This simple addition takes a good souvlaki to great.

Cost: €3.50

Kostas (O Kostas)

Address: Pentelis 5 (intersection with Mitropoleos), Plaka/Syntagma, 105 57 Athens (Note: Recently moved to Filellinon 7, Syntagma Square)

This small shop has been perfecting its recipes since 1950. Kostas serves a straightforward souvlaki as they always have: pork, tzatziki, tomato, onion, parsley, and a pinch of hot pepper, all neatly wrapped in a dry, fat-free pita. They serve until they run out, so go early to avoid disappointment.

4. Falafellas

Address: Aiolou 51, 105 51 Athens

If you are looking for something different from traditional Greek dishes, Falafellas offers really nice falafel wraps and the prices are quite reasonable (starting at €4).

5. Feyrouz

Address: Karori 23 & Agathonos 1, 105 51 Athens (Monastiraki/Psyri)

The best Middle Eastern cuisine in Athens, without a doubt. Feyrouz, operated by a family from Antakya, Turkey, is named after the matriarch and genius of the kitchen. The menu is inspired by the Balkan cuisine of Istanbul and the broader Levantine traditions.

Among my favorite dishes here is the lahmacun wrap — the flatbread wrapped around spiced meat and vegetables is amazing!

Also, the chicken casserole with cinnamon and curry — I dream about this dish. The family has also opened a dessert spot across the street, so you can finish your meal with authentic Turkish kanafeh. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the owners are extremely friendly.

6. Potato King

Address: Agios Filippos 7 (Filippoy 7), Monastiraki, 105 54 Athens

If you love potatoes, this is your temple. Potato King transforms humble potatoes into art and offers an incredible variety of creative combinations and homemade sauces (22 varieties!).

Among the Special Products, loaded fries with cheddar and bacon - €4.70 Small portion: €7.50, large portion of fries: add €1.50)

7. Atlantikos

Address: Avliton 7, Psyri, 105 54 Athens

The best seafood place in Athens, for sure. Also, really affordable considering the quality. Atlantikos is a local favorite located on a small side street in Psyri.

Start with great Greek salad and small mezes like fava puree, then move on to main courses like grilled sea bass, fried calamari, and spaghetti with shrimp - all are wonderful. Everything you eat here is fantastic. Also, house wine and beers are reasonably priced, making for a great dining experience. The restaurant is small and popular, so you might have to wait during busy hours, but it’s definitely worth it. Reservations are not accepted.

8. Karagiorgi Kantini

Address: Karagiorgi Servias 2, 9th Floor, Syntagma, 105 62 Athens

A great rooftop bar restaurant with a magnificent view of the Acropolis, it feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Located on the 9th floor of what appears to be an office building, this instant canteen offers a simple menu - Greek salad, hamburger, Bifteki (Greek-style meatballs), omelet with fries, meatballs plus feta and graviera cheese. You can reward yourself with raki (€2.50—500ml) or half a liter of red or white wine (€3) – what more could you ask for? Open only on weekdays and during business hours, so plan accordingly. There is no sign pointing to this place — you need to know it’s there.

9. Dyo Dekares Oka

Anastasiou Zinni 29, Athens 117 41

One of our last stops is a cozy taverna in Athens specializing in homemade Greek classics. If you want to go to a typical Athenian taverna, Dyo Dekares Oka is the perfect place; the walls are filled with photos of Greek music and guitars. This taverna, run by three brothers, offers an environment where friends and families come together, and you feel welcomed as if you are at home. The brothers continue to keep family recipes and culinary traditions alive, making this place one of the most authentic in Athens. We enjoy delicious homemade moussaka, oven-fried eggplant, marinated chickpeas, and tzatziki.

10. Emagie

Address: Thoukididou 76, Alimos, 174 55 Athens (on the Athens Riviera)

When you visit Alimos beach on the Athens Riviera, Emagie is definitely a must. We discovered this gem two years ago and fell in love with its dishes. The highlights of our meals were the seafood linguine (all pasta dishes are great) and shrimp saganaki - a rich sauce adorned with tomatoes and plenty of feta. I also found the octopus in vinaigrette to be tender, flavorful, and fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much budget should I allocate per day for dining at these restaurants?

You can dine extraordinarily well in Athens on a very modest budget. If you're eating at the places mentioned in this guide, expect to spend around €15-25 per person for three satisfying meals. A typical day might look like this: souvlaki for lunch (€2.50-3.50), a meze dish at Tis Theatrou to Steki (€10-15), and a snack of falafel or fries (€3.50-5). Even if you add drinks and the occasional seafood expenditure at Atlantikos, it’s rare to spend more than €30 a day.

Do I need to make a reservation at any of these restaurants?

Most of these venues do not accept reservations — it’s first come, first served. The only exceptions are Emagie, where it’s recommended to call ahead during busy times. At popular spots like O Thanasis, Kostas, Atlantikos, and Falafellas, expect to wait in line during lunch (1:00 PM-3:00 PM) and dinner (8:00 PM-10:00 PM). Your best strategy is to arrive a little before peak hours or to accept waiting as part of the Athens experience.

Are Athens restaurants vegetarian and vegan friendly?

Absolutely! Greek cuisine naturally offers many vegetarian options. Tis Theatrou to Steki serves amazing fava bean puree, zucchini balls, and buttery beans. Falafellas is entirely vegetarian/vegan. Feyrouz has many plant-based Middle Eastern options, including lentil soup and salads. You can even get vegetarian wraps at souvlaki places. MINIBAR and Atlantikos offer vegetarian meze options, and Potato King can customize meals without meat. Just remember that tzatziki contains dairy, so specify if you want vegan options.

Do Athens restaurants accept credit cards, or is cash necessary?

Smaller, more traditional places like Tis Theatrou to Steki, Kostas, O Thanasis, and Falafellas, along with more corporate restaurants like Atlantikos, Feyrouz, and Emagie, typically accept cards, but it’s always wise to carry cash. Greek ATMs are widely available, and having €20-50 in cash ensures you won’t have issues with payments.

What are the typical opening hours of restaurants in Athens?

Most traditional tavernas and street food spots in Athens open around 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch service and stay open until late (10:00 PM-1:00 AM). However, there are significant exceptions:

  • Kostas (O Kostas): Closes around 6:00 PM, so it’s only a lunch spot.
  • Tis Theatrou to Steki: Closes around 6:00 PM most days.
  • Karagiorgi Kantini: Open only during weekday working hours (around 12:00-6:00 PM).
  • Feyrouz: Monday-Saturday, 12:00-10:00 PM; closed on Sunday.
  • Atlantikos: Open every day from 1:00 PM-1:00 AM.

If you plan to visit on a Sunday or public holiday, always check that some places may be closed.

Is tipping expected at restaurants in Athens?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Greece. The standard practice is to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service. Tipping is not expected at casual places like souvlaki stands and takeout spots. In sit-down restaurants like Atlantikos and Emagie, leaving €1-5 depending on the bill is considered a nice gesture. Service charges are not automatically added to the bill at these restaurants.

Which restaurant should I visit first?

Start your authentic souvlaki experience with O Thanasis or Kostas — this is a completely Greek experience and will help you understand the reason for all this excitement. Then, head to Tis Theatrou to Steki to experience traditional Greek meze in a local setting. These two will provide a perfect foundation to appreciate the rest of Athens' food scene. Save Atlantikos for a real seafood feast, and Emagie for a beach day on the Athens Riviera.