The 5 Best Romantic Restaurants in Athens

Between savoring sublime Greek flavors in candlelit settings and watching the sun go down over the Acropolis, date nights in Athens are in a league of their own.

Athens has so many romantic restaurants, each blending delicious food with an intimate ambiance. No matter which one you choose, prepare for a magical and memorable dining experience. Needless to say, these aren’t typically the type of places I include in my Athens food tours!

If you’ve been searching for the perfect romantic restaurant in Athens, these spots are sure to wow your other half.

V1935 Roof Garden

Photo credit: V1935 Roof Garden

Located between Plaka and Syntagma Square, V1935 Roof Garden is a stunning spot specializing in Italian cuisine and a handful of other Mediterranean favorites.

Despite its gorgeous tiled terrace and elegant monochrome decor, it’s quite the hidden gem compared to some other spots on this list. At first, I was a little worried that I’d find it too chilly here after the sun went down, but fortunately, there were plenty of heaters dotted around the patio.

I was dying to get my hands on some hearty Italian fare, so I breezed past the appetizers on the menu and went straight to the pasta offerings. After noticing that the carbonara here stuck to the traditional recipe, I was instantly tempted to try it.

The flavors of the savory guanciale and grassy pecorino jumped out at me from the first taste, and I loved how the rich egg yolk clung to each strand of silky spaghetti. There was a subtle hint of black pepper, which added a touch of heat that gradually built up with each bite.

V1935 Roof Garden (€15-€22, ~$16.20~$23.70) – Voulis 29, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open every Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Vassilenas

Photo credit: Vassilenas

Well-regarded across Athens for its take on Greek food with some European influences, Vassilenas lies right outside Pangrati. It takes romance to another level with its matte black interiors decorated with wall-mounted lighting and delicate table settings dressed with flowers.

Fine dining is the focus here; it goes beyond just a meal; it’s an entire foodie experience. From the extensive wine list with a bunch of Greek favorites and a few imported brands to a signature tasting menu to add some excitement to your date night, you and your other half will be in safe hands.

I have yet to try the tasting menu here myself since I opted for the à la carte when I visited, as the orzo pasta with prawns sounded too good to resist.

I hadn’t had orzo pasta in a while, but this dish sure did ignite my love for it again. It was slightly tender with some nutty notes complemented by the sweet prawns, minty pepperiness of the basil, and tanginess from the tomato.

Vassilenas (€24-€95, ~$25.90~$102.60) – Vrasida 13, Athina 115 28, Greece – Open every Monday to Friday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm, and every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Electra Roof Garden

Photo credit: Electra Roof Garden

Electra Roof Garden is a rooftop restaurant in Plaka that has a real charm to it. I’ll never forget walking out into the dining area for the first time and seeing the view of the Acropolis; I was completely blown away.

Besides having one of the best views of the Greek capital, Electra Roof Garden’s real allure is in its charming setting. The dining area features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and rustic wooden tables with ornate glassware.

I came to Electra Roof Garden for a special occasion, and we were provided with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. After one glance, the risotto with tuna sausage caught my attention.

Being outside of Italy, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious it was. Each mouthful was delightfully creamy with a salty kick, and the tuna added a satisfying, rich, and oceanic element.

Electra Roof Garden (€26-€42, ~$28.10~$45.40) – Navarchou Nikodimou 18-20, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open every day from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Sakura Sushi & Steak House

Photo credit: Sakura Sushi & Steak House

Fancy a bit of surf & turf Japanese style? Then you’ve got to hit up one of my beloved romantic restaurants in Athens, hiding away in the Panormou district, Sakura Sushi & Steak House.

Authentically Japanese with a modern Greek twist, to say this place is adorable would be an understatement. Between the pretty pink flowers hanging from the ceiling and the ornate mirrors spanning the walls, you’ll be swept away by the romantic vibe of this place as soon as you arrive.

While the sound of steak did seem pretty appetizing when I came here for a couples’ night out, the Red Dragon option for the special rolls section won me over.

Made up of cucumber, eel, avocado, and red tobiko, I had never tasted sushi like this. I was amazed by the blend of flavors and textures, including the crunchiness of the cucumber, the eels’s smokiness, the buttery avocado, and the slightly spicy red tobiko.

Sakura Sushi & Steak House (€8-€25, ~$8.70-~$27 (menu prices hidden, but I found a receipt from a past customer) – Doukissis Plakentias 73, Athina 115 23, Greece – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

CTC Urban Gastronomy

Photo credit: CTC Urban Gastronomy

If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation at CTC Urban Gastronomy in the Metaxourgeio area, your date will be one big success.

This Michelin-star restaurant had been on my radar for months; I saved it for one night when I wanted to take my significant other out. Let’s just say we both fell in love with the place, the minimalist outdoor setting, the giant trees taking center stage, and the sophisticated decor; we’d go back in a heartbeat.

After ordering a glass of Domaine de Sulauze, a French wine, our dishes from the 11-course tasting menu started to arrive. Honestly, every plate was divine, but the calamari with pesto stays with me to this day.

The tagliatelle was boiled in tomato water and mixed with fresh basil, pungent garlic, rich pine nuts, and velvety beurre blanc. This mix added a flavorful punch to the sweet, tender calamari.

CTC Urban Gastronomy (flat rate €105, ~$113.40) – Plateon 15, Athina 104 35, Greece – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Conclusion

There are some exquisite romantic restaurants in Athens offering breathtaking views, high-quality food, and cozy environments. For romantic dinners, few cities in the world can compare to the allure of the Classic City.