Gluten-Free Athens Guide

If you thought sticking to gluten-free dishes in Athens meant you’d miss out on classics like moussaka, kebabs, and gyros, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that’s not the case. Nowadays, more restaurants in the city are working to accommodate guests with dietary requirements. 

This has made finding food that’s both tasty and gluten-free in Athens, Greece, easier than ever, something that many celiac travelers on my Athens food tours have also remarked on. In addition to gluten-free restaurants, you’ll find that many supermarkets have sections dedicated to wheatless foods.

The city is home to some stellar eateries with terrific gluten-free options; these are my must-visits.

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Athens

Greek Stories

Greek Stories in Makriyianni is a haven for gluten-free travelers. I came here after spending an afternoon in the Acropolis Museum, which happens to be less than a minute’s walk away!

At first, I had no idea it was such a popular spot for gluten-free food in Athens, as I was mostly drawn to the bustling al fresco dining area and quaint white tables.

This place has some seriously amazing options for guests with celiac disease. You’ll have your pick between a host of Mediterranean staples, from Greek salad to pita bread stuffed with grilled meats. I went for the penne pasta with aubergine, tomato sauce, oregano pesto, and feta.

Although it sounded like there were quite a few components, they came together beautifully. The pungent, herby pesto and zingy tomato sauce packed so much flavor, while the chewy pasta and tender aubergine were more mellow. I loved the salty edge the feta brought to the dish.

Greek Stories (€€) – Makrigianni 19-21, Athina 117 42, Greece – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Oroscopo Restaurant

Photo credit: Oroscopo Restaurant

In the Pangrati area, few places can contend with the selection of gluten-free dishes available at Oroscopo Restaurant.

It’s among the slickest and most stylish restaurants in the area, with its glass-covered patio and sophisticated, warm green and black interiors. The tall ceilings and wall-spanning mirrors made the indoor area feel huge and added to the vibrant atmosphere.

There was a wide array of Greek and European options, most of which could be made using gluten-free ingredients. Their seafood menu was calling out to me, especially the grilled octopus with fava purée.

Each forkful of firm octopus had a subtle sweetness that tasted heavenly with the mix of nutty fava purée, briny capers, and caramelized onions. I was treated to some complimentary ice cream for dessert, which was a memorable and very welcome surprise!

Oroscopo Restaurant (€€) – Antinoros 42-44, Athina 161 21, Greece – Open every Monday to Thursday from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 2:00 pm to 11:30 pm, Saturday from 1:30 pm to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

Trattoria

Photo credit: Trattoria

I came across Trattoria in Plaka when I was researching gluten-free spots in Athens to take a friend of mine. Ever since, it’s been one of the first places I’ve suggested to anyone visiting the city with gluten intolerance.

Trattoria serves a blend of Greek and Italian dishes, and I love how the decor reflects that. The timeless wooden chairs, warm color scheme, and cobbled outdoor area would be as fitting in Santorini as they would be on the streets of Florence!

Though I struggled to decide between the risotto and kleftiko, I decided to go for the kleftiko, as it’s not every day that I find this slow-roasted lamb dish on a menu.

This meat was incredibly tender. Its robust, grassy flavors were enhanced by the juiciness of the peppers and tangy onions it was cooked with, all of which were tightly packed into a parchment wrapping.

Trattoria (€€) – Farmaki 4, Athina 105 58, Greece – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Gluten-Free Bakeries and Cafes in Athens

Nudie Foodie

Photo credit: Nudie Foodie

If you’re in the Psyrri neighborhood, a visit to Nudie Foodie is a must. Not only do they whip up some delicious gluten-free meals, but the cafe, in general, is a lifesaver for anyone worried about specific allergens.

Even with its pale green walls and elevated ceilings, the cafe had such a homely vibe and aesthetic with pink floral touches and pine green paneling.

Everything at Nudie Foodie is gluten-free. Although it’s not strictly a vegan restaurant, there are a bunch of dairy-free dishes in addition to all the fully vegetarian options. I stopped in for some brunch, and my eyes immediately went to the waffles when I saw the menu.

Each heart-shaped waffle was golden in color, with a crispy exterior that melted in my mouth. They were dusted with icing sugar and mouthwatering chocolate syrup and served with luscious ice cream, fleshy peaches, and creamy bananas.

Nudie Foodie (€€) – Eschilou 42, Athina 105 54, Greece – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Marinos Kosmas – A Gluten-Free Pastry & Bakery Project

You’ll need to get a little out of the city for this one, but I promise it’ll be worth it! Marinos Kosmas is located near Zografou, and it’s where I came across a slew of fully gluten-free sweet snacks from Greece and beyond.

Between the bold wall art and the never-ending selection of baked goods, my eyes didn’t know where to look when I walked inside. There aren’t many places to sit down here, but I was more than happy to munch on my purchases from the sidewalk.

I spotted some savory options here, too, like spanakopita and fresh baguettes, but I was much more interested in the sugary alternatives. Seeing as I was in Greece, it felt fitting to go for some baklava.

The filo pastry was flaky and lightly crunchy, and the saccharine syrup on top balanced the warm, toasted flavors from the earthy walnuts inside. Had you told me this delightful dessert stuck to the original wheat recipe, I’d never have questioned you!

Marinos Kosmas – A Gluten-Free Pastry & Bakery Project (€€) – Leof. Mesogeion 78Α, Athina 115 27, Greece – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

iFeel

Photo credit: iFeel

iFeel in Psyrri has all the dreamy brunch dishes you can imagine, from healthy yogurt bowls to eggs Benedict. Best of all, many items are available with celiac-friendly substitutions, like gluten-free bread.

Inside, iFeel is snug and elegant, with brick walls and golden lighting. However, I was eager to make the most of the sunshine, so I stuck to the equally lovely terrace area that was tucked right along a buzzing Athenian street.

I’d been craving crepes for a few days but quickly changed my mind when I got here and saw the thick, American-style pancakes. For toppings, I stuck to classics like maple syrup, walnuts, and berries.

Nothing compares to warm, airy pancakes, and these ones weren’t too sweet or filling. Although I’m partial to decadent toppings now and again, I enjoyed keeping it simple, in this case, with toffee-like maple syrup, tart strawberries, and mild, chopped walnuts.

iFeel (€€) – Karaiskaki 33, Athina 105 54, Greece – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am, and every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 am.

Conclusion

With this round-up of exceptional restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, dining gluten-free in Athens, Greece, won’t leave you restricted to meat, veggies, and French fries! Get ready for a visit filled with wheat-free takes on traditional Greek food and international favorites.