How about a little trip to Athens? The Polis that gave birth to the philosophy, art and culture that influenced the entire western world. Temples, theatres, museums, the Greek capital can satiate the most refined intellectual appetites. But for the real appetite? Don't worry, Athens, with its 4,000 years of culinary tradition, its genuine and decisive flavours and spices, will be able to offer you healthy and tasty dishes at affordable prices.
Want some examples? Here you go!
1 - Souvlàki
Surely the most famous Greek dish, available both in restaurants and from street hawkers.
Souvlàki is a skewer of slow-cooked pork, chicken or lamb. In the capital it is also known as Kalamaki, try it and you will not be disappointed.
Recommended for: Lunch and Dinner
Average cost: 3 Euro
Main ingredients: pork, chicken or lamb (but also has other variations)
2 - Moussaka
Moussaka is the Greek cousin of aubergine parmigiana. It may have less tomato sauce, but you won't miss it, thanks to the addition of cinnamon, onions, minced meat, and especially the final layer of cream!
Recommended for: Lunch and Dinner
Average cost: 10 euros
Main ingredients: cinnamon, aubergines, minced meat, onions, potatoes, butter, flour and cream
3 - Pastitsio
The parallels with Italian cuisine continue. Pastitsio is very reminiscent of the baked pasta our grandmothers used to prepare: several layers of pasta with minced meat, tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of cheese to finish. Lunch is served!
Recommended for: Lunch
Average cost: 10 euros
Main ingredients: pasta, minced meat, sauce and cheese
4 - Stifado
Stifado is a succulent stew prepared mainly with beef, rabbit or lamb. The spices, olive oil and wine give it a strong and intense flavour, also suitable for those who do not like to eat too spicy. Recommended for those with a strong stomach, and those who are not afraid of having oniony breath.
Recommended for: Dinner
Average cost: 12 Euro
Main ingredients: Chopped meat, onions, chopped tomatoes, red wine, nutmeg, allspice berries, olive oil, pepper
5 - Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata is a creamy aubergine sauce baked in the oven and then blended with Greek yoghurt. It is good both as a side dish and as a main course served with bread croutons. If you have never tried it, you are obliged to remedy the situation.
Recommended for: lunch and dinner
Average cost: 7 euros
Main ingredients: Aubergines, Greek yoghurt, oil, salt, pepper and mint
6 - Savoury Choriatiki
Could we have missed out on the very popular Greek salad? The original name is Choriatiki Sal ata and it is the perfect combination of taste and lightness. Traditionally it is served as a side dish with Moussaka, but don't worry, no one will look at you wrong if you decide to combine it with other main courses.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Average cost: 5 euros
Main ingredients: Feta, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, black olives, onions, oregano
7 - Tiropita
Tiropita is the traditional Greek cheese cake. An exquisite speciality made with feta cheese, eggs and freshly chopped mint, sandwiched between sheets of filo pastry to which yoghurt is added, Greek yoghurt of course. The queen of any self-respecting Greek breakfast.
Recommended for: Breakfast
Average cost: 1.20 euro
Main ingredients: Feta, eggs, Greek yoghurt, phyllo dough
8 - Pita Gyros
The Greek answer to the kebab? The Pita Gyros! This is pork loin cooked on long skewers and cut into shreds, served inside a roll of Pita, a round, flat Greek bread (a slightly more substantial flatbread). A purely street speciality, to be enjoyed while admiring the Athenian skyline.
Recommended to: always
Average cost: 3 euros
Main ingredients: Pork and pita
9 - Spanakopita
Considered the sister of Tiropita and similar in appearance (phyllo pastry sheet), it is in the filling that Spanakopita is at its best. Spinach, spring onions and pepper give it a stronger flavour and although they make it less suitable for breakfast, they make it a good starter or a convenient snack to enjoy on the street.
Recommended for: Snack, Appetiser
Average cost: 2 euros
Main ingredients: Feta, spinach, filo pastry, egg, spring onions, dill, black pepper
10 - Baklava
A dessert of Turkish origin, famous for bewitching countless sultans. Greek Baklava takes the form of endless layers of phyllo dough arranged one on top of the other, garnished with honey and dried fruit. Are you worried about sugar levels? You are in Athens, may your diet rest in Hades!
Recommended for: breakfast, dessert
Average cost: 2 euro
Main ingredients: phyllo dough, honey, dried fruit
Where to eat in Athens: best restaurants, clubs and street food
What are the best areas for lunch/dinner in Athens? Undoubtedly, the area around the Agora and in particular Adrianou Street where you can find many small restaurants with panoramic views. Also highly recommended are the areas around Plaka and Monastiraki, which are very popular with locals.
1 - Cinque Wine & Deli Bar
Description: Intimate and cosy wine bar in the centre of Athens, with top quality products.
Speciality: traditional charcuterie and cheese boards, plus a wide range of locally produced wines.
Average price: from €10.00 per person
Address: Agatharchou 15 - Get directions
2 - Thes - Greek Creative Cuisine
Description: A restaurant specialising in traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist, in the Monastiraki district.
Speciality: Souvlaki
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: Taki, 16 - Get directions
3 - Efcharis
Description: Tavern with a spartan interior, recommended for its typical dishes and friendly staff.
Speciality: Moussaka
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: Adrianou, 49A - Get directions
4 - SMAK
Description: A small place dedicated to Greek street food, ideal for a lunch stop/snack while visiting the city.
Speciality: Penirli
Average price: from €4,00 per person
Address: Romvis, 21 - Get directions
5 - Aleria
Description: Classy restaurant located in a beautiful renovated period building with a typically Greek menu.
Speciality: fresh fish dishes
Average price: from €35.00 per person
Address: Megalou Alexandrou, 57 - Get directions
6 - Ergon House
Description: very original place, there is both a restaurant and an Athenian emporium, with fruit, vegetables, fish, all zero km.
Speciality: grilled fish
Average price: from €15.00 per person
Address: Mitropoleos 23 - Get directions
7 - Nikitas
Description: one of the locals' favourite places, old-fashioned tavern with a mouth-watering moussaka
Speciality: Moussaka and meat skewers
Average price: from €20.00 per person
Address: 19 Agion Anargyron Street Psirri - Get directions
8 - To Staki Tou Elia
Description: family-run tavern, informal atmosphere and traditional cuisine
Speciality: lamb chops
Average price: from €20.00 per person
Address: Thessalonikis 7 - Get directions
