A Local’s Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

Over the last few years, the variety and standard of vegetarian restaurants in Athens has surged. Fantastic veggie-centered eateries continue to pop up in different corners of the city, offering endless food options for meat-free diners.

The rise of vegetarian food in the Greek capital led me to create veggie-inclusive alternatives for my foodie excursions in Athens. This allowed me to open up plant-based visitors to traditional Greek cuisine, which, as you may know, isn’t typically considered overly vegetarian or vegan-friendly!

In this article, I’ll give you a rundown of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Athens that you have to try!

Our Guides’ Favorite Green Eateries

We take pride in showing that the Greek “Lenten” tradition is the original vegetarian success story of the Mediterranean. Our team has identified the modern kitchens that are elevating these ancient vegetable-forward habits into a contemporary dining experience. We look for menus that celebrate the natural flavors of the garden without relying on heavy substitutes. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Avocado

Photo credit: Avocado

Nestled between Syntagma and Plaka, Avocado is easily one of the most prized vegetarian restaurants in Athens. I’d been recommended this place time and time again, but it took me a few visits to the city to finally stop by.

From the get-go, I felt right at home here. The staff members couldn’t have been more upbeat, and the narrow, pale-green dining area felt snug and comfortable.

I knew their vegetarian options would be incredible, but I didn’t expect them to be this good. Wholesome soups, fresh smoothies, and sweet potato vegan burgers were just some of the appetizing menu items. They even had gluten-free versions of American-style desserts like key lime pie!

The tempeh curry noodles jumped out at me right away. There was plenty of kick from the hot Thai-style soup, which was packed with chewy noodles and umami tempeh that soaked up all of the flavors.

Avocado (€€) – Nikis 30, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Baba Ghanoush

Photo credit: Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush is a must-visit eatery for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern grub, tucked away in the Pangrati neighborhood.

The vibe here is super low-key, and there were just a few high-top tables inside and a small shaded outdoor patio.

Whenever I’m dining in a place like this, I usually go for classics like hummus with pita bread or falafel wraps. However, I was determined to branch out a little. In the end, I went for the vegan burger, which came slathered in the restaurant’s namesake dip.

The creamy baba ghanoush and its earthy tahini and smoky eggplant flavors boosted the mildness of the sweet potato and quinoa patty. I loved the extra crunch from the pickled cabbage and raw onions and how fresh and light the bun was.

Baba Ghanoush (€) – Empedokleous 25 – 27, Athina 116 35, Greece – Open every Monday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Indian Haveli

Photo credit: Indian Haveli

Whenever I’m looking for a change from Greek food, Asian restaurants are often my top choice. Indian Haveli, close to both Monastiraki and the Acropolis, is fast becoming a favorite of mine.

The interior here made me feel like I was a million miles away from Athens, between the warm orange walls, colorful Indian paintings, and chunky furniture.

They do have some meat-based dishes, but their vegetarian options are what I know them for. I knew I wanted something comforting and satisfying, and the paneer butter masala fit the bill.

Every mouthful of the dense, gently spicy masala sauce was so rich and filling, yet even when I was filling up, I couldn’t stop myself from having more! It was bursting with flavors from the blend of tomatoes and onions, while the soft paneer balanced it with its milky notes.

Indian Haveli (€€) – Leof. Andrea Siggrou 12, Athina 117 42, Greece – Open every day from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Selected Modern Veggie Hubs

We have curated a list of creative bistros that are reimagining the Athenian food scene through a purely vegetarian lens. These venues focus on the incredible diversity of Greek pulses, from the fava of Santorini to the giant beans of Prespes. We find that the most authentic experiences occur where the chef’s passion for the land is reflected in every colorful plate. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Cookoomela Grill

Photo credit: Cookoomela Grill

When I first started visiting Greece, meat-free souvlaki wasn’t on my agenda. That was until my veggie friend introduced me to Cookoomela Grill in Exarcheia, now one of my most loved vegetarian restaurants in Athens.

There are hardly any seats in this casual spot, but I was more than happy to feast on my lunch from the lively streetside where Cookoomela Grill is situated.

Most of their souvlaki is made from mushrooms, and I was very keen on trying the barbecue version. It had plant-based ingredients for all the souvlaki components, including thick vegan mayo and tangy vegan cheese.

The marinated mushrooms, slightly sweet barbecue sauce, and salted fries were wrapped inside a warmed, fluffy pita. Although the barbecue sauce was a little out of the ordinary, it added a host of unique flavors to the dish.

Cookoomela Grill (€) – Themistokleous 43, Athina 106 83, Greece – Open every Monday to Thursday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am, closed every Sunday.

Los Vegans

Photo credit: Los Vegans

Right by the artsy Metaxourgeio area is a chic bistro serving some of the tastiest vegan food in the city. If you’re on the hunt for animal-free international or Greek food, you have to pay a visit to Los Vegans.

I could gush about the interiors here all day! It was a mishmash of aesthetics and design styles. Every nook and cranny featured a mix of country-style furnishings, antique ornaments, oversized plants, and slow, glowing lights.

The menu is made of mostly vegan options, with street food-style dishes like gyros and kebabs being some of the stand-out dishes I spotted. Seeing as I was looking for something on the lighter side, I chose the Greek salad.

On a summer’s day in Athens, there’s nothing as revitalizing as a serving of crisp, juicy cucumbers, zesty tomatoes, and tart onions. It was topped with some sour lemon juice, smooth olive oil, and vegan feta, which was as salty and crumbly as its dairy counterpart.

Los Vegans (€€) – Plateon 37, Athina 104 35, Greece – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 pm, Friday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am, and every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am.

History of Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

We view the vegetarian roots of Athens as being deeply tied to the philosophical and religious history of the Mediterranean. Many ancient schools of thought advocated for plant-based diets, a practice later adopted by the Orthodox Church for over half of the calendar year. We find it fascinating that most “traditional” Greek meat dishes were historically reserved for rare celebrations, making vegetables the true daily staples. This legacy ensures that vegetarian diners in Athens are participating in a deeply authentic and ancient way of eating.

Athens’ Veggie Etiquette

We suggest exploring the “mezedes” section of any menu, as many of the most iconic Greek small plates are naturally vegetarian by design. It is common to ask for the “ladera” of the day, as these dishes are often the freshest items coming out of the kitchen. We find that sharing plates is the best way to sample the wide variety of cheeses, dips, and wild greens available. A friendly request for “nistisimo” food will let the staff know you are looking for dishes free of animal products in the traditional style.

Conclusion

If you’re worried about spending your vacation searching for vegetarian restaurants in Athens, I hope this article has put your mind at ease! The Greek capital is much more vegetarian-friendly than many people expect, which is evident from the caliber of these must-try spots.