Welcome to Travels Unfiltered. Today we are highlighting the top 15 restaurants and food experiences in Athens, Greece. From traditional tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine to innovative eateries pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this comprehensive guide will ensure that you savor every delicious moment in the gastronomic capital of Greece.
Before we begin, if you're wanting to save money on restaurants and dining experiences while travelling we recommend downloading The Fork app. They have a wide range of restaurants around the world offering up to 50% off their menus. Get an extra $10 off by using the code 8353FDD9 when joining! Download the app here.
Starting off at number 15 we recommend Krinos for the best authentic Greek dessert experience. Krinos is famous amongst the locals for serving the best loukoumades. Loukoumades are small deep fried donut balls covered in honey and sprinkled in cinnamon and are best served and eaten hot. Trust us when we say this needs to go on your bucket list if it isn’t already!
Coming in at number 14 we recommend Maltagliati for the best fresh pasta in Athens. At Maltagliati you can pick from a range of traditional fresh pastas including fettucine, linguine, casarecce, maltagliati and ravioli. If pasta isn’t your thing, they have a range of amazing appetizers and desserts which we highly recommend checking out.
Coming in at number 13 we recommend To Koulouri Tou Psirri. This is a 24-hour bakery which is known to serve the best koulouri in Athens. A Koulouri is a traditional Greek delicacy which can be described as a savoury or sweet bread ring sprinkled with sesame seeds, similar to a bagel.
Coming in at number 12 we recommend Dinner In The Sky. This is a thrilling dining experience that involves feasting on a 6-course meal in a revolving restaurant suspended in the sky. Choose between a lovely sunset dinner or city lights dinner, while experiencing Athens’ amazing aerial views and photo opportunities.
At number 11 we recommend taking a food tour in the city, explore the local delicacies, cafes, markets, delicatessens and more with an expert. Sample local treats like sweet donuts, Greek bread, regional cheeses, local wine, freshly brewed coffee and more! You can find our favourite Athens Food Tour here.
Coming in at number 10 we recommend Kostas for the best souvlaki in Athens. Kostas has been serving the best souvlaki to Athenian locals for over 65 years. They use only the freshest ingredients and the highest quality meats. We highly recommend checking them out!
At number 9 we recommend Kapetan Mihalis for the best mezedes in Athens. This is basically Greece’s version of a tapas bar. From noon to midnight, the kitchen serves up home style meals using traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients. They specialise in Cretan food, cooked traditionally, just like the way their grandmothers once did.
Coming in at number 8 we recommend Hill Athens for a meal with a view. Hill Athens has one of the most amazing views in the city, look out to the Acropolis while enjoying modern Greek cuisine. The menu is specially designed by award winning chef Dimitris Dimitriadis and includes a blend of comfort food and traditional tastes.
At number 7 we recommend Nancy’s Sweet Home. Nancy’s Sweet Home is Athen’s most famous dessert café and is the perfect place to find delicious chocolate pies, southern kazan dipi and kiounefe, mastic creams, and much more. Check out their display fridge for an amazing arrange of desserts!
At number 6 we recommend Blue Fish Restaurant. The menu features the best Mediterranean seafood Athens has to offer while you dine with a breath-taking sea view of the Aegean. We recommend dining at night, as they have all of the water lights turned on so you can see all of the fish swimming around you.
Coming in at number 5 we recommend To Kati Allo. Known for it’s homely Greek cuisine and old-time allure, this family-run restaurant is in a great location, right beside the Acropolis Museum. Regardless of its proximity to the city’s tourist hot spots, it stayed a firm favourite amongst the local Athenians.
At number 4 we recommend Yali Restaurant. Yali’s waterfront restaurant is an amazing place to enjoy delicious fresh seafood, fish and summer specialities right on the sea. Yali only uses the freshest and finest ingredients to offer the most amazing meals with a pretty amazing view.
Coming in at number 3 we recommend Geros Tou Moria. This traditional Greek tavern has been serving customers for over 90 years. The menu includes a range of amazingly tasting traditional Greek foods but what’s even more amazing is the ambiance and vibe of this place. Spend a few hours with the locals, singing and dancing to live Greek folk music, and take in an authentic Greek experience.
At number 2 we recommend Ariston for the best pastries in Athens. Ariston has been serving delicious traditional pastries since the early 1910s. There is a wide range of savoury and sweet pastries available to try in their 50s style bakery, but their Kourou cheese pie is their most popular product. All of their items are made with fresh ingredients and are extremely affordable with the average cost being just under $4 per pastry.
Finally at number 1 we recommend Strofi for a great meal with an even greater view. Operating since 1975, this restaurant has been a popular favourite amongst a range of celebrities. Dine on their perfectly situated terrace while enjoying amazing views of the Acropolis. Their menu includes delicious traditional Greek dishes which we can’t get enough of.
As we conclude our exploration of the top 15 best restaurants and food experiences in Athens, Greece, we hope you're feeling inspired to embark on your own gastronomic adventure in this incredible city. From the tantalizing aromas of souvlaki on the bustling streets to the exquisite flavors of Mediterranean delicacies in elegant dining rooms, Athens truly offers a culinary experience like no other. Whether you're seeking traditional Greek dishes or avant-garde culinary creations, Athens has something to delight every palate. So, grab your appetite and let your taste buds guide you through the diverse and mouthwatering food scene of this historic city.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and recommendations for your foodie escapades in Athens. From the ancient ruins to the vibrant culinary scene, this city has a way of capturing your heart through its flavors. So, take your time, savor every bite, and create unforgettable memories as you embark on a gastronomic journey through Athens, Greece. Opa!