BEST RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN ATHENS

R E S T A U R A N T S

IN ATHENS

OK, you probably already know that Greek food is amazing! If you’ve tried it, I’m sure you love it – and if you’re visiting Greece for the first time, get ready to fall in love.

I personally LOVE souvlaki and street food,  a good local taverna but I also enjoy fine dining.
So, with the help of some amazing local friends (THANK YOU<3) and my own experience living in Athens for years, I’ve gathered a list of places I truly recommend.

I’ve divided them into categories – depending on what you’re craving  and also by the 3 main regions of Athens, to help you choose easily based on where you’re staying or exploring.

I keep updating them all the time.

Don’t worry if you are surrounded mainly by Greeks, as I have recommended restaurants that mainly locals visit…. Dine like a local, right? 😉 Bon Appétit ! 

In/close to ATHENS city center:  

Greek restaurants: ($$)

• “Ergon house” in Syntagma, a creative marketplace with restaurant and even a boutique hotel
• “Stamatopoulos tavern” with live Greek music in Plaka
• “Lithos” tavern in Psyrri
• “Mavro Provato of Press Café” in Pagkrati
• “Efcharis restaurant” in Athens with a yard, menu here
• “Dopios restaurant” in Athens center
  

  Ergon house

Local restaurants with Greek small dishes & meze platters: ($$)

• “Dexameni” in Kolonaki, one of my favorites in the city.
• “Ama Lachei” in Exarcheia with a lovely yard
• “Laika Bar-Resto” in Votanikos with tables at a pedestrian area
• “Avli” in Psirri with incredibly traditional Greek vibes . Angel’s tip: To be honest, in my opinion food is average but I loved the whole experience and set up!
• “Diporto” in Omonoia which is considered one of the oldest tavernas of Athens
• “Kanela” in Gkazi area
• “Pyroliki” , “Seychelles” & “Louis” in Metaxourgeio
  

  “Ntolmadakia” dish

For Street food or Souvlaki: ($)

• “Kostas” in Monastiraki  & in Syntagma for old school souvlaki with “Lefteris O Politis” from 1951
• “Oi gynaikes” (or “ta koritsia”) & “Kalyvas” both in Koukaki town
•  “Achilleas” in Neos Kosmos for great gyros
• “Tomas” in Nea Smyrni for kebab
• “Po Boys” in Psyrri for burgers
• “Elvis” in Kerameikos with the 4 different skewers – chicken, lamb kebab, cubed pork belly and pork sausage.
• “Souvlaki Leivadia” and “Lefteris o Politis” in Omonoia area

Modern cuisine: ($$$)

• “Nolan” in Syntagma with Asian influences
• “Kuzina” in Thiseio. Angel’s tip: Ask for a table outside with a view
• “Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy” in Monastiraki
• “2 Mazi” in Syntagma with a beautiful outside seating area and excellent service offering contemporary Greek cuisine & wine.
• “Black Duck Garden” in Syntagma with a beautiful yard that belongs to Athens City Museum
• “Fuga restaurant” with a mix of Italian-Japanese cuisines called Italenese. Angel’s tip: you can park underground in the parking of Athens music hall.

Meat restaurant ($$$-$$$$)

• “Tilemachos” is awarded meat restaurant in the center of Athens.
• “Fine Mess Smokehouse” for smoked meat in Kolonaki area
• “Manari” – a modern Greek meat taverna known for its grilled meats, simple dishes and authentic flavors close to Klathmonos square

Seafood restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Papadakis” and “Iodio” in Kolonaki
• “Thinalos Seafood Restaurant” in Metaxourgeio
• “Atlantikos” in Psyrri
• “Barbounaki” in Kolonaki, beautifully prepared fresh food and seafood.

Fine dining: ($$$$)

• “Mappemonde” in Athens capital hotel
• “Aleria”, awarded restaurant many times in Metaxourgeio area with tasting menu
• “Hytra Restaurant & bar” in Neos kosmos with a Michelin Star and a beautiful Acropolis View. Angel’s tip: Degustation menu with 80 Euros.
• “The Dolli” with exquisite Acropolis view and amazing food
• “Cookoovaya” in Evangelismos . Angel’s tip: Try the desert bougatsa.
• “Spondi Restaurant” , 1 Michelin star restaurant .
• “Soil”, 1 Michelin restaurant with a beautiful yard open during summer months.
• “CTC Urban Gastronomy” , 1 Michelin star in Kerameikos with a great presentation & exceptional tasting menu.
• “Seeds Restaurant”, the unique restaurant that chefs are serving you.
• “Makris” in Thiseio with a Michelin star and exquisite presentation and flavors
• “Zuka” in Syntagma in Amerikis street with pan Asian-inspired cuisine and live entertainment line up 5 days a week. (different each day)

For Drinks &  few snacks to share: ($$)

• “Taratsa” with an incredible Acropolis view
• “Warehouse” in Exarcheia. Angel’s tip: Wine bar with local vibes and great food as well.
• “By the Glass” wine bar with great variety of wines in Syntagma
• “Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon” all day bar with a stunning Acropolis view in Syntagma
• “Manouka” with Acropolis view in Monastiraki

 Other cuisines: ($$-$$$)

• “Kissa Athens”, a Japanese pub with great dishes, music, service and vibes!
• “Ovio” in Syntagma for excellent unique Italian dishes, you can have a look here.
• “Trattoria Italia d’Onofrio” for pasta in Koukaki (used to be in Pangrati area of Athens)
• “ALEX the fresh pasta bar” for only pasta dishes and some drinks/coffee in a relaxed vibe in the heart of Athens.
• “Malconi’s” in Kolonaki, fancy and nice decorated.
• “Sushimou” for sushi in Syntagma. Angel’s tip: Closed on weekends.
• “Abreuvoir”: fine restaurant in a quiet area on the hills of Kolonaki $$$$, one of the oldest french restaurants in town.
• “Mr Pug Cuisine Fusion Asiatique” for great bao bans in Syntagma.(thailand cuisine)
  

  Trattoria Italia d’Onofrio

For Brunch:

• “Picky Brunch and Specialty coffee” in Psirri
• “IT restaurant” in Athens, menu here.
• “Underdog” in Thiseio
• “Frater & Soror” in Pagrati area
• “Novak Athens Towers” in Ampelokipi
• “Pick a bloom” in Monastiraki
• “The Makers” in the heart of the city
• “The Brunch Factory” in Psyri
• “Overoll Croissanterie” for great croissants in Athens

For sweets:

• “Little Kook” which is a popular fairytale-inspired cafe in Psyrri area in Athens offering sweet mainly dishes.
• “Fairytale” in Psirri for magical decorations and brunch/sweets with movie pink themes.
• “Nancy’s Sweet Home” in Psirri area
  

  The view from the DOLLI hotel – rooftop

South ATHENS:

Greek restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Drami” restaurant in Glyfada city center
• “Pasifai” for Cretan cuisine in Glyfada

Meat restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Xristoforos” and all the other restaurants in Kalyvia area. Angel’s tip: order paidakia (ribs).
• “Mandri Mountain Resto” with great views in Ano Glyfada
• “Monk” and “Beastalis” in Glyfada.
• “Drakoulis Dry & Raw” in Voula.
• “Beefbar” Athens – a luxury steakhouse on the Athenian Riviera known for premium meats, Wagyu dishes and stunning sea views!

Local restaurants with Greek small dishes & meze platters: ($$)

• “Elliniko” in Glyfada city center
• “Mezze” in Glyfada city center
• “Rachati” in Ilioupoli city
• “Gitema” in Nea Smirni city
• “Pantopoleio O Antrikos” in Palaio Faliro city
• “Epta Martyres” in Neos Kosmos

For Street food or Souvlaki: ($)

• “Tsi Tsi” in Glyfada downtown
• “Trelos Gaidaros” in Glyfada
• “O Proedros” in Glyfada
• “Crepa corner & more” for delicious salty or sweet crepes.
• “Crepa-Crepa” in Nea Smirni square

Modern cuisine: ($$$)

• “E & O” for pan-Asian cuisine in Palaio Faliro with great views from Athens & good cocktails.
• Feedέλ Asador / Angel’s tip:  Tzatziki avocado is one of the most famous dishes in this restaurant
  

  Feeδel Asador in Glyfada or Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy in Athens city center

Seafood restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Krabo” : a chic beach restaurant in the Athenian Riviera with boho vibes, delicious Mediterranean dishes, fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
• “Bluefish” and “Akti restaurant” in Vouliagmeni area (both very expensive)/ Angel’s tip: “Akti” organizes some parties as well during weekend. Make a reservation in both for a table next to the sea.
• “Papaioannou” in Kavouri, next to the sea – delicious dishes but expensive $$$$.
• “Sardelaki” in Vouliagmeni with good prices Angel’s tip: Try the fried anchovy fillet
• “Sardelaki” in Glyfada city center
• “Barbounaki” in Glyfada city center
• “Psarakia & Thalassina” in Glyfada downtown
• “Psaroulis” for top seafood in Ano Glyfada area
• “Balcony in Cyclades” with a perfect view from above in Vyronas city /Angel’s tip: Make a reservation for a table with a view and try their starters – all delicious!
• “Psarades” in Palaio Faliro
• “Alargino” in Argyroupoli
• “Xypolētos” for amazing high quality seafood in Loutsa.
• “Nicolas tis Schinoussas” in Glyfada beach for more elegant vibes.
• “Labros Restaurant” with spectacular view in Vouliagmeni.
  

  Balcony in Cyclades in Vyronas

Fine dining: ($$$$)

• “Matsuhisa Athens” next to the sea for excellent Japanese cuisine
• “Ithaki Restaurant Bar” for seafood in Vouliagmeni with breathtaking views.

Other cuisines: ($$)

• “Etien” in Voula and Glyfada for great pizza and pasta
• “Peccati Di Gola” for pure Italian in Glyfada city center
• “Il Trovatore” and “Matagliati” in Palaio Faliro town
• “The Eatalians – Mario & Luigi” for excellent Italian food in Ilioupoli city
• “Ramino resto” and “Vincenzo” for Italian as well in Glyfada city center
• “Aperitivo – Pizza bar” for mainly Italian in Glyfada city center
• “Mejico” if you are looking for tasty Mexican food in Argyroupoli
• “Amigos” for Mexican food in Glyfada city center (much better quality  than “El Catrin” close by)
• “UVA Wine Resto Bar- Spritzeria” and “Peninsula” in Vouliagmeni
• “Tokyo Joe” for Japanese in Vouliagmeni & Glyfada city center
  

For Brunch: 

• “Rey pablo” in Voula
• “Oven” in Glyfada and Voula
• “Soleto restaurant bar” in Glyfada city center
• “Oh Mama” in Glyfada city center
• “Geluk” in Ilioupoli city
• “La Linda Bakery & Café” in Glyfada downtown

Angel’s tip: Don’t miss Amarandos in Saronida for the best ice cream!

Beach bars in Athenian Riviera: 

Angel’s tip: The souther you get in Athens (far from Piraeus), the better and cleaner fyi.

• • Dot beach vibes in Voula Angel’s tip: There is a nice evening party on Sundays during summer here starting at 18:00.
  • Bloom Project in Voula
  • Krabo in Kavouri Angel’s tip: There you can find the famous restaurant with delicious food and good parties.
  • Kavouri beach with the local taverns
  • Astir beach. Angel’s tip: Elegant and expensive place to be. You can book online in advance to secure your spot.
  • The Royal beach in Vouliagmeni
  • Vouliagmeni Lake in Vouliagmeni
  • Yabanaki in Varkiza
  • Althea beach in Agia Marina
  • Tahiti beach bar in Lagonisi
  • Grand resort Lagonisi hotel with entrance fee.
  • Hawaii Beach Bar in Saronida
  • Thymari Con gusto in Thymari beach
  • FreezBe Beach Bar in Charakas beach
  • Kape beach in Sounio is not organized but beautiful
  • Sounio beach Angel’s tip: You can visit Aegeon beach hotel that has sunbeds and a great beach.

  

North ATHENS:

Greek restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Karpos” for modern Mediterranean cuisine in Marousi
• “Lefkes” in Galatsi town

Meat restaurants: ($$$-$$$$)

• “Hunters Room & Grill Restaurant” for great meat and other flavors in Chalandri city

Local restaurants with Greek small dishes & meze platters: ($-$$)

• “Kitsoulas” tavern in Chalandri city for Greek food and authentic relaxed Greek vibes
• “To Authereto” for authentic Greek vibes with good prices in Marousi city
• “Mistikos Kipos” and “Doukissa” in Chalandri with great wine list and interesting flavors

For Souvlaki:  ($)

• “Panerythraikos (est. 1975)” in Nea Erythraia
• “Kafteros” in Chalandri
• “Ta Souvlakia tis Lilas” in Neo Psichiko

Modern cuisine: ($$$) 

• “Psomi & Alati” for a variety of dishes and delicious burgers in Chalandri town.
• “Stoffa” in Kifisia with a terrace
• “Terroirist wine bar” in Chalandri

Seafood restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Afropsaro” in Irakleion city with exceptional service.
• “Karavidas” in Nea Ionia

Other cuisines: ($$-$$$)

• • “ALIO” in Chalandri city for great Italian dishes.

For Brunch: 

• “Enkelt Eatery Drinkery” in Chalandri
• “Papillon Bistrot Athens” in Psychiko. Angel’s tip: When I visited on a Sunday (reservation needed) there was live music and it was great, ask for it with a good table!

PIRAEUS & the rest of ATHENS: 

Greek restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “To kati allo” in Chaidari city
• “Drami” in Agia Varvara city

Meat restaurants: ($$$-$$$$)

• “Base Grill” in Peristeri
• “Thanasis 1948” in Ano Patisia
• “Steak Alive” in Korydallos, west of Athens.

Local restaurants with Greek small dishes & meze platters: ($-$$)

• “Rakadimies” , “Rakotheories”, “Raki Aman Meze” and many others in “Agias Lauras” pedestrian street in Aigaleo city.
  

For Souvlaki:  ($)

• “Nostimies” in Chaidari city
• “Lamarina souvlaki & more” next to the sea in Marina Zeas in Piraeus
• “O Giorgos” in Gounari/Nikiti corner in port of Piraeus
• “Serkos” in Palaia Kokkinia neighborhood in the fairy square
• “Polyvios” in Drapetsona for open souvlaki

Modern cuisine: ($$$) 

• “Το theio tragi punk bistro” in Petralona
• “Corks & Forks” in Piraeus
• “Hams & Clams” in Piraeus with this menu
• “Pisina” in Piraeus with a swimming pool and a harbour view
• “Schinos Bistro” in Peristeri city with a beautiful yard

Seafood restaurants: ($$-$$$)

• “Psaroskala Piraiki” in Piraeus close to the sea
• “Margaro” in Piraeus for fresh fried fish and shrimps only. Traditional Greek old tavern with delicious but extremely few options (only bread, greek salad, 1-2 fish, shrimps & crayfish sometimes) .
• “Yperokeanion” in Piraeus for locals and seafood in the center of Piraeus
• “Panorama” restaurant in Kastella in Piraeus with panoramic sea view.
• “Xypolētos” for seafood literally with the table at the beach in Loutsa. ($$)
• “Travolta” in Peristeri
• “Pirolithos Restaurant” in Ilion city
• “Piscis” in Mikrolimano in Piraeus

Fine dining: ($$$$)

• “Varoulko” in Piraeus has 1 Michelin star with excellent taste and great “value for money” prices / Angel’s tip: Make a reservation for a table next to the sea

Other cuisines: ($$-$$$)

• “ANCHO Cantina Y Coctelería Mexicana” in Piraeus for a Mexican experience
• “Enteuktḗrio” for Italian next to the sea in Piraeus.

For Brunch: 

• “Rocambolesco handmade Gelato & Brunch” in Marina Zeas in Piraeus
• “Enigma”, “Novem”, “Pasqua Rosée” in Chaidari city.
  
• “Easy Peasy” in Peristeri city.

N I G H T L I F E 

IN ATHENS

Athens is notorious for having a great nightlife scene with countless music venues, bars, and drinking joints opening their doors till morning hours. You can find bars to have fun in every single small neighborhood but there are some of them that are more popular.

Let me give you some examples:

• Syntagma, Monastiraki and Psirri areas in the city center have plenty of options. Check around Kolokotroni street too and Agia Eirini square.

Examples: Bank Job, Drahmi, Ipitou the bar, Clumsies, The 7 Jokers, 6 dogs, Drunk Sinatra, Bless me Father, The Bar in front of the bar. Juan Rodriguez and Barrett in Psirri are nice too.

• There are great rooftop bars with amazing views of the city & Acropolis hill. Located mainly in Monastiraki & Syntagma. Examples: A for Athens, Taratsa, Thea Terrace, Ermou 18, Ciel, Attic Urban, Anglais, City Zen, 360 Cocktail bar, etc
• Koukaki full of cute meze restaurants and bars that locals choose. Examples: Tiki bar, Bel ray, Spirtokouto.
• Exarcheia: Very vivid area with many Greeks and great bars & restaurants. Examples: Warehouse, Sousourada, Kobra, Tziz, Falaina, Gamay wine bar, Agios for very late night drinks.
• Pangrati with many bars, locals and great vibes. Angel’s tip: some great ones for drinks that locals prefer are Profitis, Agave, Hippy3, Secta, Tre Sorelle, Mpriki etc
• Petralona which is a more industrial area and you can find bars like Line, Epi tis Dexamenis, Opupa Epops, Klouvi etc
• Piraeus: Another huge area of the capital next to the sea as the main port of Greece is here. So many incredible options for all the tastes. Examples: Tony’s, Rockfellas, Charlotte.
• Kerameikos (Gazi) where you can find bouzoukia (with live music & Greek singers) and night clubs (like Lohan) apart from the usual bars. Examples: Beauty killed the beast, Kerameio, Momix. Angel’s tip: A great one for drinks and cabaret show with impressive artists is “Parfait”, I really enjoyed it!
  

  Vouliagmeni area

• Chalandri: In the north side of Athens is full of options as well. Examples: Darling, Mockingbird’s bar, White monkey, etc
• Glyfada city and Vouliagmeni close to the sea, vivid throughout the year and crowded during summer months. Examples of bars: Pere Ubu, Mosaiko, Opus, Caretta, Rumors, etc
• Nea Smirni area with many bars around the central square. Example: New Habits, Epitokio, Rusty Grail.

AWARDED bars: There are some lists with the internationally-awarded bars in the world and you can find now some of them in Athens city!

1. Line – in Petralona town

• Ranked #6 in the world (for 2024)
• Industrial-chic bar with house-made drinks like strawberry wine
• Super creative and modern
  

  Line in Petralona

2. Baba au Rum – in Monastiraki area (close to Syntagma)

• Ranked #17 in the world (for 2024)
• Huge rum selection & tropical cocktails
• Cool mid-century tropical vibe

3. The Clumsies – in Syntagma(heart of Athens)

• Former top 10 in the world and no.47 for 2023
• Relaxed, stylish bar with unique cocktails
• A true Athens classic and used to have the title of “Legend of the World’s 50 Best bars”

4. The Bar in Front of the Bar – in Plaka/Syntagma

• Hidden gem, speakeasy style – no. 98 of best bars worldwide
• Creative menu that changes often
• Subtle, intimate atmosphere

5. Barro Negro – in city center close to Syntagma

• First “tequileria” in Athens
• Specializes in tequila, mezcal, and Paloma cocktails
• Great for something different

Athens is amazing, nightlife is great and Greek food one of the best worldwide!
This list is always updated with honest, personal favorites.

If you disagree with something let me know in order to taste & visit it again ! Why not? Things change…

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IG: explorewith.angel

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