A Food Lover’s Guide to Vegan Food in Athens

Like in many European cities, the variety of vegan options in Athens is steadily growing. Not only are there plenty of vegan-friendly eateries with plant-based versions of traditional Greek dishes but there are also numerous restaurants offering international-inspired vegan fare.

The city’s culinary landscape has changed quite a bit between my first visit and the beginning of my Athens food walks. In the past, vegan options were few and far between in just a handful of restaurants, but now, so many spots are solely dedicated to serving quality vegan food.

If you’re vegan, Athens has some incredible foodie spots you need to try!

Our Guides’ Favorite Plant-Based Spots

We are excited to share how the traditional “Lenten” diet of Greece makes Athens an ideal destination for vegan travelers. Our team has identified the modern kitchens that are creatively reimagining classic meat dishes using only plant-based ingredients. We look for chefs who highlight the incredible diversity of Mediterranean pulses, grains, and wild greens. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Bamboo Vegan

Photo credit: Bamboo Vegan

Bamboo Vegan is a quaint vegan cafe near the Akadimia area that stocks a hefty selection of delectable plant-based grocery store items.

There’s just a small cluster of tables inside this dark green, plant-filled eatery, all of which were full when I got here. However, I’d been told all about their incredible sandwiches, so I was happy to get one for takeaway.

I went for the tofu ciabatta and couldn’t resist picking up one of the spinach pies I spotted near the counter. This was the sandwich of dreams, as the smoky flavors of the firm tofu and smooth mayonnaise countered the zesty tomato slices and tart arugula.

Although I came here specifically for the sandwiches, I was equally fond of the pie. It was filled with mild chopped spinach and a generous amount of crumbly vegan cheese. My favorite part was the pastry, which was as flaky as a croissant but with subtle savory notes.

Bamboo Vegan (€) – Zoodochou Pigis 36, Athina 106 81, Greece – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Vegan Beat Athens

Photo credit: Vegan Beat Athens

Having been told this place was one of the top vegan restaurants in Athens, I, of course, had to come and check it out for myself. Vegan Beat Athens is a quick walk from Syntagma Square and boasts some savory street food-style dishes.

This is a casual, no-frills spot with limited seating inside and out, but let me tell you, it’s worth visiting whether you manage to find a table or not. The bright green and white-colored indoor area is simple and understated, and the warmth of the staff gives it a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.

On the menu were vegan versions of classic Greek dishes and Mediterranean favorites. I thought about going for the Greek salad with vegan feta or a kebab but seeing as their vegan gyros is their most loved item, it felt wrong not to try them on my first visit.

It consisted of all of the key components of a standard gyro, including fluffy pita bread, crunchy cabbage, fresh tomatoes, and cool tzatziki. In this instance, the meat was switched to tender mushrooms, which added plenty of umami and woody flavors.

Vegan Beat Athens (€) – Perikleous 56, Athina 105 60, Greece – Open every day from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Go-To Naturally Vegan Classics

We believe that dishes like “Gemista,” “Fava,” and “Briam” are the original plant-based masterpieces of the Greek culinary tradition. These recipes have sustained the local population for centuries and remain staples in almost every traditional taverna across the city. We value establishments that treat seasonal vegetables with the same reverence usually reserved for grilled meats. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Mama Tierra

Mama Tierra is a charming vegan haunt in Akadimia. They’ve got another location near the Acropolis, but this branch tends to be a little more chilled-out.

The decor choices are reminiscent of old-school Greek styles, but the guys here have given the traditional blue-and-white aesthetic a modern edge. At the same time, the array of terracotta-colored plates and wooden finishes keep it classic.

Between veggie-packed soups and tempting plates of hummus and falafel, the extensive selection of vegan dishes here was fantastic. When I asked the server for some suggestions, she recommended the vegan moussaka without hesitation.

I was unsure whether it would pack the same punch without the beef and béchamel sauce, but the meaty black beans and coconut milk more than made up for it. These substitutions complemented the layers of buttery potato, zingy tomato sauce, and sweet eggplant.

Mama Tierra (€€) – Greece, Akadimias 84, Athina 106 78, Greece – Open every day from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Winners Vegan

Photo credit: Winners Vegan

Set inside the Niki Athens Hotel in Plaka is Winners Vegan, a plant-based spot with a delightful menu of international dishes. 

The interior was a mix of sophisticated furnishings and a soft brown color scheme but with quirky touches like bright pink signage and stylish hanging lights. Between the decor, friendly staff, and super cool vibe, I was already quite impressed with this place.

I was mostly drawn to the Asian fusion options on the menu, particularly the tempeh and quinoa protein bowl and the pad Thai. As a lover of Thai food, I couldn’t look past the prospect of silky noodles, fresh herbs, and shredded vegetables.

There was so much going on with this dish! A hearty serving of earthy buckwheat noodles was on the bottom, contrasting the cashew’s creaminess and the crispy carrots and zucchinis. As for the sauce, it was a yummy blend of sour lemon, bitter tahini, and hot cayenne pepper.

Winners Vegan (€€) – Nikis 27, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Selected Sustainable Eateries

We have curated a list of contemporary cafes and restaurants that focus on organic produce and minimal environmental impact. These venues reflect the growing consciousness in Athens regarding the ethical and ecological benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. We find that the intensity of the volcanic soil in Greece gives the vegetables a flavor profile that needs very little adornment. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Happy Blender

Photo credit: Happy Blender

Happy Blender is among the most buzzing brunch eateries in Monastiraki. After spending the morning at the nearby Acropolis Museum, I swung by to try out one of their smoothies or juices.

I’d planned to get my order to go but had a peak at the bright, tropical-inspired dining area and decided to pull up a seat. I took a quick look at the food menu and instantly knew I had to try something. 

This place is a dream for veggies and vegans, from the lentil and chickpea burgers to the dairy-free ice cream. My sweet tooth was becoming difficult to ignore, and I kept going back to the pancakes and waffles. Ultimately, I chose peanut butter, strawberry, and banana pancakes.

Starting with a refreshing and spicy apple, carrot, and ginger juice made me feel a little better about the feast I was about to have! To my surprise, the pancakes were light and airy, meaning I could savor each bite of fragrant strawberries, creamy bananas, and rich peanut butter!

Happy Blender (€€) – Ifestou 39, Athina 105 55, Greece – Open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Veganaki

Photo credit: Veganaki

Veganaki lies near the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus beside the Makriyanni district, making it conveniently located but less crowded than the slightly more central spots.

It’s the perfect place to get some refuge from the busy streets or, in my case, when I visited, the unrelenting heat! While it looks relatively modest from the outside, the interior is made up of tall ceilings, bold, color-block wallpaper, and ample seating.

Not only is the menu entirely vegan, but it’s also got an excellent line-up of gluten-free options. I was looking for something that was on the lighter side, so I opted for the avocado pita.

Despite being listed as an appetizer, it made for an ideal lunch. The warm pita tasted freshly baked, while the inside was packed full of smooth avocado slices, lemony hummus, crisp cucumber, and a dash of tangy sweet chili sauce.

Veganaki (€€) – Athanasiou Diakou 38 (38, Athina 117 43, Greece – Open every day from 9:15 am to 11:45 pm.

Sustainability of Vegan Food in Athens

We find that choosing plant-based meals in Athens is one of the most effective ways to support local biodiversity and reduce your carbon footprint. Many vegan spots in the city source their ingredients from small, organic farms in Attica and the Peloponnese, ensuring a short supply chain. We encourage visiting “Zero-Waste” cafes that prioritize bulk sourcing and use biodegradable packaging for their takeaway orders. These choices help protect the fragile Mediterranean ecosystem while supporting the regional agricultural network.

History of Athens’ Vegan Food Scene

We view modern Athenian veganism as a return to the “Nistisimo” or fasting traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church. For over 180 days a year, traditional Greeks follow a diet that excludes most animal products, leading to a wealth of inventive plant-based recipes. We find it inspiring that what began as a religious practice has evolved into a vibrant and contemporary food movement in the capital. Embracing vegan food in Athens is a way to reconnect with the ancient and resourceful spirit of the Greek kitchen.

Conclusion

Even as someone who doesn’t typically follow a plant-based diet, I have to admit the vegan restaurants in Athens, Greece, seriously impressed me. In fact, it might just be the most underrated spot in Europe for animal-free eats.