An Essential Guide to Restaurants in Athens

The Greek capital is among the finest destinations in Europe for foodies hoping to embark on an epicurean adventure. All that aside, in a city so revered for its remarkable Greek and global-inspired dining experiences, it can be tricky to know which eateries are worth prioritizing.

Naturally, anyone familiar with the city will have their own opinion about which restaurants are worth visiting in Athens. After years of running my foodie experiences in Athens, though, I’d like to think I’ve got a pretty good idea of the top spots!

Get ready for a rundown of the top restaurants in Athens, Greece, that you absolutely need to visit.

Go-To Neighborhood Eateries

We believe the most memorable meals in Athens are found in the residential pockets where the menus are written for locals. Our selection focuses on restaurants that source their ingredients from the central Varvakios market every single morning. We value the integrity of chefs who refuse to compromise on the quality of their feta or olive oil. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Spondi Restaurant

Photo credit: Spondi Restaurant

One of the most in-demand Michelin-star spots in Athens, Spondi Restaurant near Panathenaic Stadium is the place to go for Mediterranean-style fine dining. Spondi has been a feature on the Michelin guide for over two decades, speaking volumes about the quality of the food here!

I sat in the sophisticated but cozy stone indoor area. As gorgeous as it was, I couldn’t help but think that sitting in either of the two picturesque courtyards would be incredible if the weather was onside. No matter where you sit, though, you can expect impeccable service.

The tasting menu focused on Greek cuisine but with a slew of creative and global influences to keep things fresh and contemporary. There were also some fantastic Greek wines, and I was particularly fond of the assyrtiko, a dry white with plenty of acidity and crisp citrus notes.

Of the eight exquisite courses, the deliciously meaty and mild monkfish was the showstopper for me. It was served with spicy Kampot pepper, tart, slightly bitter ponzu and beer sauce, and tangy onions, all of which elevated the fish’s delicate flavors. 

Spondi Restaurant (€€€€) – Pirronos 5, Athina 116 36, Greece – Open every day from 7:30 pm to 12:45 am.

Dionysos Zonar’s

Photo credit: Dionysos Zonar’s

For sublime food at any time of day and views of the Acropolis in downtown Athens, it doesn’t get much better than Dionysos Zonar’s on Philopappos Hill. 

I swung by this oh-so-chic eatery to grab some brunch and was one of the few lucky customers to secure a seat alongside the huge windows. Having the Acropolis as the backdrop for any meal is pretty special, and I can imagine it’s even more magical here at night.

As much as I love Greek food, I like to mix things up now and again, so I opted for the eggs Benedict infused with truffle. 

This is a dish that I typically find quite indulgent as it is, but the addition of umami truffle and sweet brioche bread took it to the next level. The eggs were perfectly runny and paired well with the smokey veal ham and garlicky spinach.

Dionysos Zonar’s (€€€€) – Rovertou Galli 43, Athina 117 42, Greece – Open every Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am, closed every Tuesday.

Sushimou

Photo credit: Sushimou

You might be taken aback to find an Asian restaurant on this list, but Sushimou has some of the finest Japanese food I’ve ever tried! An exciting addition to the Athenian food scene, Sushimou is situated close to Syntagma Square and is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.

The simplistic Japanese wooden decor set the scene as soon as I went inside. It was so compact, making the entire experience feel unique and intimate.

I’d heard all about the omakase-style dining offered here. Omakase translates to ‘I’ll leave it up to you,’ leaving the chef to serve you his choice of raw fish and rice-based dishes. It was my first time sampling otoro, a fatty cut of bluefin tuna, and it blew me away.

Even as a long-time lover of seafood, I’d never tried a piece of fish so rich and buttery, and each mouthful was accompanied by sticky and subtly salty rice.

Sushimou (€€€) – Skoufou 6, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open every Monday to Friday from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm, closed every Saturday and Sunday.

Karamanlidika

Photo credit: Karamanlidika

If it’s your first visit to Greece, I think Karamanlidika near the Central Market is one of the finest restaurants in Athens to get acquainted with classic Greek fare.

It’s a cross between a traditional taverna and a no-frills deli, with displays full of cold cuts and local cheese lined up right next to rustic tables and stone walls.

The menu focused more on hearty Greek dishes and some Turkish-style offerings rather than street food staples like gyros and souvlaki. I was initially leaning towards the meatballs or lamb kebab before a group of us decided to share the Athenian version of a French charcuterie board.

I really underestimated how delicious this would be, and I wished I’d ordered some hot sujuk, a fermented beef sausage, and savory pastrami all for myself! Not to be overshadowed by the meat, the cheese was just as tasty, particularly the crumbly feta and caramel notes from the graviera.

Karamanlidika (€€) – Evripidou 52, Athina 105 52, Greece – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Selected Authentic Kitchens

We have curated a list of spots that showcase the regional diversity of Greek cuisine, from Cretan specialties to Northern flavors. These kitchens offer a representative taste of the archipelago and the mainland without having to leave the city center. We find that the best restaurants are those that maintain a balance between tradition and thoughtful modern presentation. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Tavern Klimataria

Photo credit: Tavern Klimataria

Tavern Klimataria in Psyrri is another spot I often recommend to first-time visitors, as it’s a mishmash of Mediterranean fare, dancing, and live music.

As an American, I found the experience here to be such a blast from start to finish! I got here just as the band was setting up and browsed through the menu from my old-school courtyard table while listening to them warm up.

By the time my grilled aubergine starter arrived, the band was in full swing. The music was fantastic, but even the lively Greek tunes couldn’t distract me from the earthy, charred aubergine and herbaceous olive oil dressing.

For my main course, I went for the pork knuckle, which was even juicier and more flavorful than I’d expected. The meat was so tender, while the skin was crispy and contrasted with the consistency of the soft, fluffy potatoes.

Tavern Klimataria (€€) – Pl. Theatrou 2, Athina 105 52, Greece – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Symposio

Photo credit: Symposio

Offering affordable all-day dining and an extensive Mediterranean menu, I think that Symposio could be a contender for one of my favorite restaurants in Athens, Greece.

Nestled in the heart of Plaka, Symposio isn’t your typical Greek taverna. The interior is sleek and polished and its boujee pink seats, textured wallpaper, and high ceilings caught my eye as I was walking by.

Feeling a little hungry, I ventured inside and was met by some of the warmest, most welcoming staff I’d encountered in the city. My server picked out some menu highlights for me, and the seabream sounded especially appetizing.

This filet of fish had gentle, clean flavors and a firm but flaky texture. It arrived on a bed of light, zingy mustard sauce and tabbouleh salad. The finely chopped mix of peppery parsley, sharp tomatoes, cool mint, and nutty bulgur was refreshing and added some zest to the dish.

Symposio (€€) – Apollonos 22, Athina 105 56, Greece – Open every Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm, and every Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Athens’ Dining Etiquette

We recommend arriving for dinner after 9:00 PM if you want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of an Athenian evening. It is customary to share several “mezedes” (small plates) as starters before moving on to the main courses or “kyrios piata.” We find that the concept of “filoxenia” or hospitality is deeply ingrained, so do not be surprised if a small dessert is offered. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is a kind gesture that is always appreciated by the staff.

Provenance of Ingredients in Athens

We emphasize that the foundation of Athenian cooking is the extraordinary quality of produce from the Peloponnese and the Aegean islands. The volcanic soil of Santorini and the olive groves of Kalamata provide flavors that are integral to the local restaurant experience. We believe that knowing where your honey, cheese, and vegetables originated adds a necessary layer of appreciation to the meal. Supporting restaurants that highlight these regional producers helps preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Greece.

Conclusion

The beauty of the Athenian culinary world is in its diversity, as I’ve savored meals from fine dining establishments just as much as from casual taverns. As someone who’s visited several dozen eateries in the city, I think these are truly some of the top restaurants in Athens, Greece!