I have been coming to Athens for 10 years now and one of the things I love most about the city is the vibrant and accessible gastronomy scene. Athens is THE street food capital of Europe where you will eat well and that too at reasonable prices. The diversity of cuisine , from Greek to Middle Eastern to Indian food means you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and also vegetarians are well catered to here. Here’s my list of my favorite restaurants to eat in Athens that showcase the very best of the city’s gastronomy scene. Will keep updating this post so keep it bookmarked for future visits!
1. Tis Theatrou to Steki
Address: Theatrou 7, 105 52 Athens (Historic Centre, behind Varvakios Market)
This is probably my favourite place to eat in Athens and I am kinda loathed to share this one but it is too good not to share. A slap-up workers’ canteen on a narrow stretch of rocky pavement at the back of the central market of Athens , Tis Theatrou serves some of the most authentic and affordable Greek meze in the city. This is where locals come for honest, home-cooked food at very reasonable prices. Plus the family that run this place are some of the nicest people you will meet.
What to Order here
Try their fava bean purée (€3.50)— creamy, smooth, and so good. Zucchini balls with tzatziki (€4) — crispy and smother it in the garlicky tzatziki dip. ( Do not go out on a date after eating this , unless he/she loves garlic like you do . I love the butter beans in rich tomato sauce (€3) — comfort food at its finest and also their cod croquettes in garlic mashed potato (€5) Marinated anchovies is a winner here too.
Order on the side, a carafe of house wine (€2.50) or one of the local beers for €1.50.
2. Aylak Politiki Kouzina
Address: Emmanouil Benaki 73, Athina 106 81
A nice Greek restaurant nestled in the heart of Exarchia, ( perfect for people watching ) Aylak Politiki Kouzina specialise in Turkish Kurdish cuisine, small plates with great Vegan options. Excellent Fava Bean puree, zucchini balls, Hummus and Beetroot salad, Kofte is delicious and the star of their menu for me is the dakos salad from Crete. traditional barley rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, and olive oil. Plates start around €5, making it an excellent value for the quality you receive plus a large beer starts around €3.50
3. Souvlaki: O Thanasis & Kostas
Souvlaki is the ultimate everyday comfort food for Greeks, 3pm or 3am, These two legendary establishments have perfected the art of the most iconic street food dish.
O Thanasis
Address: Mitropoleos 69, Monastiraki, 105 55 Athens
An institution since 1964, O Thanasis sits right on bustling Monastiraki Square. Despite the constant crowds of tourists, the food and service are impeccable.
Why I Prefer Thanasis: The potatoes inside the souvlaki is my idea of food heaven. This simple addition transforms a good souvlaki into a great one.
Cost: €3.50
Kostas (O Kostas)
Address: Pentelis 5 (intersection with Mitropoleos), Plaka/Syntagma, 105 57 Athens (Note: Recently moved to Filellinon 7, Syntagma Square)
Operating since 1950, this tiny storefront has been perfecting their recipe for over seven decades. Kostas serves straight-up souvlaki the same way they always have: pork, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and a dash of chili, all wrapped in a beautifully dry, grease-free pita. They serve till stocks last so go early to avoid disappointment.
4. Falafellas
Address: Aiolou 51, 105 51 Athens
When you’re craving something different from traditional Greek fare, Falafellas delivers with really nice falafel rolls at very reasonable prices ( starts from €4 )
5. Feyrouz
Address: Karori 23 & Agathonos 1, 105 51 Athens (Monastiraki/Psyri)
The best place for Middle Eastern food in Athens, hands down. Run by a family with roots in Antakya, Turkey, Feyrouz is named for its matriarch and mastermind in the kitchen. The menu draws inspiration from Balkan food of Istanbul and broader Levantine traditions.
My favorites dishes here include their lahmacun wrap — flatbread with spiced meat rolled up with vegetables is so good!
Plus their chicken casserole with cinnamon and curry -I have dreams of this dish. The family has also opened a dessert spot across the street, so you can finish your meal with authentic Turkish kanafeh. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the owners are incredibly friendly.
6. Potato King
Address: Agios Filippos 7 (Filippoy 7), Monastiraki, 105 54 Athens
If you love potatoes, this is your temple. Potato King elevates the humble spud to an art form with creative combinations and a mind-boggling array of house-made sauces (22 to choose from!).
Signature Items include their potato fries with cheddar and bacon on top- €4.70 Small portion: €7.50, large portion of fries: Add €1.50)
7. Atlantikos
Address: Avliton 7, Psyri, 105 54 Athens
The best place for seafood in Athens, period. Plus, it’s really affordable considering the quality. Atlantikos is a local favorite tucked away on a small side street in Psyri.
Start with small appetizers like their excellent Greek salad , fava puree and then proceed onto mains like the grilled seabass , fried calamari and spaghetti with shrimps- all knockout items. Everything you will eat here is wonderful. Plus, the house wine and beers are affordable too, making this a wonderful meal. The restaurant is small and popular, so expect to wait during peak hours but it’s absolutely worth it. No reservations are accepted.
8. Canteen of Karagiorgi
Address: Karagiorgi Servias 2, 9th Floor, Syntagma, 105 62 Athens
A great rooftop bar restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis that feels like a secret hideaway in the heart of the city. Located on the 9th floor of what looks like an office building, this impromptu canteen has been serving a simple menu- Greek salad, burgers, Bifteki (Greek-style meatballs) ,omelette with french fries, meatballs plus feta and graviera cheese . You can treat yourself to raki ( €2.50—500ml) or half a litre of red or white wine ( €3 ) – what more can you want? It’s only open during weekdays and office hours, so plan accordingly. No signs point to this place — you just have to know it’s there.
9. Dyo Dekares Oka
Anastasiou Zinni 29, Athina 117 41
Our penultimate stop is an expert in home-cooked Greek classics at one of the coziest tavernas you will find in Athens. If you want to visit a typical Athenian tavern, Dyo Dekares Oka is the place, with guitars and snapshots of Greek music on the walls. Run by three brothers, the tavern feels more like a gathering of friends and family and you are being welcomed into their home. The brothers have kept alive their family recipes and culinary traditions so this as Athenian as it gets. We are treated to a delicious homemade moussaka, eggplant roasted in the oven with feta, marinated chickpeas and tzatziki.
10. Emagie
Address: Thoukididou 76, Alimos, 174 55 Athens (on the Athenian Riviera)
When visiting the beach of Alimos on the Athenian Riviera, Emagie is an absolute must. We discovered this gem 2 years ago and fell head over heels in love with their food. Highlights of our meal was the seafood linguine ( all their pasta dishes are top notch ) the Shrimp saganaki -rich, tomatoey, and decadent with plenty of feta crumbled upon the rich sauce. Plus their octopus in vinaigrette was tender, flavourful and wonderful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget per day for eating at these restaurants?
You can eat extraordinarily well in Athens on a very modest budget. If you’re eating at the places mentioned in this guide, expect to spend around €15-25 per day per person for three satisfying meals. A typical day might look like: souvlaki for lunch (€2.50-3.50), a meze meal at Tis Theatrou to Steki (€10-15), and falafel or potato fries for a snack (€3.50-5). Even adding drinks and the occasional seafood splurge at Atlantikos, you’ll rarely spend more than €30 per day.
Do I need to make reservations at any of these restaurants?
Most of these spots don’t accept reservations at all — they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The exceptions are Emagie, where calling ahead is recommended during peak times. For popular spots like O Thanasis, Kostas, Atlantikos, and Falafellas, expect queues during lunch (1-3 PM) and dinner (8-10 PM) hours. Your best strategy is to arrive slightly off-peak or simply embrace the wait as part of the authentic Athens experience.
Are Athens restaurants vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Greek cuisine naturally features many vegetarian options. Tis Theatrou to Steki offers excellent fava bean purée, zucchini balls, and butter beans. Falafellas is entirely vegetarian/vegan. Feyrouz has plenty of plant-based Middle Eastern options including lentil soup and salads. Even at the souvlaki places, you can get vegetarian wraps. MINIBAR and Atlantikos have vegetarian meze options, and Potato King can customize dishes without meat. Just remember that tzatziki contains dairy, so specify if you want vegan options.
Do Athens restaurants accept credit cards, or do I need cash?
The smaller, more traditional spots like Tis Theatrou to Steki, Kostas, O Thanasis, and Falafellas to the more established restaurants like Atlantikos, Feyrouz, and Emagie all typically accept cards, but it’s always wise to carry cash. Greek ATMs are widely available, and having €20-50 in cash will ensure you don’t get into a pickle when it comes to payment.
What are the typical opening hours of restaurants in Athens?
Most traditional tavernas and street food spots in Athens open for lunch service around 12:00-13:00 and stay open until late (22:00-01:00). However, there are important exceptions:
- Kostas (O Kostas): Closes around 18:00 (6 PM), so it’s a lunch-only spot
- Tis Theatrou to Steki: Closes at 18:00 (6 PM) on most days
- Canteen of Karagiorgi: Only open weekdays during office hours (roughly 12:00-18:00)
- Feyrouz: Open Monday-Saturday, 12:00-22:00; closed Sundays
- Atlantikos: Open daily, 13:00-01:00
Always check if you’re planning to visit on a Sunday or public holiday, as some places may be closed.
Is tipping expected at restaurants in Athens?
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Greece. The standard practice is to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service. At casual spots like souvlaki stands and takeaway places, tipping isn’t expected. At sit-down restaurants like Atlantikos, and Emagie, leaving €1-5 depending on your bill is considered polite. Service charge is not automatically included in bills at these restaurants.
Which restaurant should I visit first?
Start with O Thanasis or Kostas for your first authentic souvlaki experience — it’s quintessentially Greek and helps you understand what all the fuss is about. Then head to Tis Theatrou to Steki to experience traditional Greek meze in a local setting. These two will give you the perfect foundation to appreciate the rest of Athens’ food scene. Save Atlantikos for when you’re ready for a proper seafood feast, and Emagie for a beach day on the Athenian Riviera.