Quick answers — eating in Athens
- Best restaurant overall
- Spondi
- Best value
- Tzitzikas kai o Mermigas (€25-€45 | $28-$50)
- Strongest cuisines
- Greek, French, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Moussaka, Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Spanakopita
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. High season (spring/autumn) may require even further foresight.
Booking well in advance is essential for top-tier restaurants, especially those with Acropolis views. Dress codes range from smart casual to elegant, with jackets often recommended. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15% for exceptional service. Dinner typically commences around 8:00 PM, with many establishments serving until late.
Greek
Best Greek restaurants in Athens
Greek kitchens keep it ingredient-first: olive oil, fish off the day boat, vegetables, and a long lunch rather than a rushed dinner.
Botrini's
One MICHELIN StarModern Greek / Mediterranean · Chalandri · €120-€180 | $130-$200
Ettore Botrini
Chef Ettore Botrini brings a dynamic and theatrical approach to modern Greek cuisine. His tasting menus are an engaging journey of textures and intense flavors, often with playful presentations that belie serious culinary technique. The restaurant, located in Chalandri, offers a chic, minimalist setting that complements the innovative dishes beautifully.
Order: My Grandmother's Ragù; 'The Sea Inside' (seafood preparations)
Hytra
One MICHELIN StarModern Greek · Koukaki · €100-€150 | $110-$165
George Katsanis
Perched on the 6th floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre, Hytra offers contemporary Greek cuisine with an emphasis on local produce and innovative interpretations of traditional dishes. The experience is elevated by panoramic views of the Acropolis, making it a spectacular choice for a special occasion. The cooking is thoughtful, light, and sophisticated.
Order: Slow-Cooked Lamb with Smoked Eggplant; Athenian Salad with Cretan Graviera
CTC Urban Gastronomy
One MICHELIN StarModern Greek · Kolonaki · €130-€190 | $140-$210
Alexandros Tsiotinis
CTC presents an immersive gastronomic narrative through its tasting menus, focusing on Greek ingredients interpreted with creativity and technical mastery. The intimate setting encourages focus on the culinary journey, which often unfolds with delightful surprises and balanced, complex flavors. Chef Tsiotinis' approach is both personal and globally inspired, yet distinctly Greek.
Order: Reconstructed Moussaka; 'The Journey' (seasonal degustation)
Soil
One MICHELIN StarModern Greek / Farm-to-Table · Pangrati · €110-€160 | $120-$175
Tasos Mantis
Soil is a true farm-to-table experience, with much of its produce sourced directly from Chef Mantis's own organic garden. The menu celebrates the purity of ingredients, showcasing a profound respect for nature and seasonality. The cooking is refined yet soulful, delivering a genuine taste of Greek terroir within an elegant, minimalist setting in Pangrati.
Order: Beetroot Tartare with Smoked Eel; Garden Vegetables with Fermented Grains
The Zillers
One MICHELIN StarModern Greek · Syntagma · €90-€140 | $100-$150
Pavlos Kiriakis
Set atop a neoclassical building, The Zillers offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis and a refined take on modern Greek cuisine. Chef Kiriakis crafts dishes that are visually stunning and deeply flavorful, employing contemporary techniques to elevate classic ingredients. The elegant rooftop setting perfectly complements the sophisticated dining experience.
Order: Scallops with Cauliflower and Yuzu; Lamb Saddle with Artichoke and Black Garlic
Jerár
MICHELIN SelectedModern Greek · Thissio · €80-€120 | $90-$130
George Kavazis
Jerár offers a sophisticated yet approachable take on modern Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and imaginative presentations. The restaurant's charming terrace provides a delightful setting, often with partial views of the Acropolis. Dishes are vibrant, well-balanced, and reflect a deep understanding of Greek culinary heritage.
Order: Tuna Tartare with Avgotaraho; Orzo with Seafood and Saffron
Pharaoh
MICHELIN SelectedModern Greek / Live Fire · Exarchia · €70-€110 | $80-$120
Manolis Papoutsakis
Pharaoh is a distinct culinary experience centered around a wood-fired oven and traditional Greek flavors, interpreted with contemporary flair. The cooking style emphasizes elemental techniques and high-quality local produce. The atmosphere is bohemian and relaxed, offering an authentic, yet refined, dining experience that stands out in the Athenian scene.
Order: Wood-Fired Octopus with Fava; Whole Fish Baked in Clay
Tzitzikas kai o Mermigas
Bib GourmandTraditional Greek · Syntagma · €25-€45 | $28-$50
A bustling and authentic taverna that consistently delivers excellent traditional Greek dishes with generous portions and a lively atmosphere. It's renowned for its fresh ingredients and classic flavors, making it a superb choice for experiencing local cuisine without breaking the bank. The friendly service and vibrant energy contribute to its enduring popularity.
Order: Moussaka; Lamb Chops from the Grill
French
Best French restaurants in Athens
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Spondi
Two MICHELIN StarsModern French / Mediterranean · Pangrati · €180-€250 | $200-$270
Aggelos Lantos
An enduring beacon of Athenian fine dining, Spondi offers exquisitely refined French-Mediterranean cuisine within a serene, romantic setting. The cooking is precise, elegant, and deeply flavorful, utilizing top-tier ingredients. Its two distinct dining areas, one more formal and one a charming courtyard, provide a sophisticated culinary escape in the heart of the city.
Order: Wild Turbot with Celeriac and Black Truffle; Foie Gras Terrine with Fig and Balsamic
Hervé
One MICHELIN StarContemporary French / Asian · Pangrati · €120-€180 | $130-$200
Hervé Pronzato
Hervé Pronzato’s eponymous restaurant delivers a unique fusion of French technique with pronounced Asian influences, creating a distinctive culinary voice in Athens. The intimate setting, coupled with a tasting menu format, allows for a focused and highly personalized dining experience. Expect bold flavors, creative presentations, and unexpected ingredient combinations.
Order: Kobe Beef Tataki with Ponzu; Duck Foie Gras with Miso and Mirin
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Athens
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Nolan
Bib GourmandJapanese-Greek Fusion · Syntagma · €40-€70 | $45-$75
Sotiris Kontizas
Nolan presents a unique and highly popular fusion of Japanese and Greek flavors, spearheaded by Chef Sotiris Kontizas. The dishes are creative, comforting, and remarkably balanced, offering a fresh perspective on both cuisines. Its relaxed, contemporary ambiance and excellent value for money make it a consistent local favorite and a must-visit Bib Gourmand.
Order: Nolan's Smashed Cucumbers; Miso-Marinated Cod with Tzatziki
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Athens
Kostas Souvlaki
Legendary spot for classic Greek souvlaki, featuring perfectly grilled pork skewers wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki. Expect a line, but it moves fast. Approximately €3.00-€4.00 per souvlaki.
Bairaktaris
A historic taverna in Monastiraki Square, famous for its gyros and traditional grilled meats. It offers a lively atmosphere and hearty portions, perfect for a casual, authentic Greek meal. Main dishes around €10-€15.
Bougatsa I Thessalonikios
Specializing in bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry with various fillings. Try the creamy semolina custard version (sweet) or the cheese/minced meat (savory). Excellent for breakfast or a quick snack. Around €3-€5.
Koulourades
Ubiquitous street carts and small shops selling fresh koulouri, a circular sesame-crusted bread ring. It’s a quintessential Athenian breakfast or snack, simple, delicious, and incredibly cheap. Approximately €0.80-€1.50 per koulouri.
Falafellas
A beloved spot for delicious, freshly made falafel wraps and portions. Their falafel is crispy, flavorful, and served with a generous array of fresh toppings and sauces, perfect for a quick, satisfying bite. Wraps around €4-€5.
Local dishes
What to eat in Athens
Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek casserole featuring layers of sautéed eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb or beef) in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with a thick, creamy béchamel sauce, baked until golden. Find excellent traditional versions at family-run tavernas across Athens, particularly in Plaka.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki consists of small pieces of grilled meat (pork, chicken, or lamb) skewered and often served in a pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and sometimes fries. It's a ubiquitous and affordable street food. Look for dedicated 'souvlatzidika' for the most authentic experience.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a refreshing dip made from strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes dill or mint. It's a staple accompaniment to many Greek dishes, especially grilled meats and pita bread. You'll find it on almost every taverna menu.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a savory Greek spinach pie, featuring a delicious filling of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, encased in crispy, flaky phyllo pastry. It's a popular snack or light meal, available at bakeries (Psomi & Alati) and cafes throughout the city.
Greek Coffee (Ellinikos Kafes)
Greek coffee is a strong, unfiltered coffee, brewed in a small pot called a briki, leaving a thick layer of sediment at the bottom. It's traditionally served in small cups and enjoyed slowly. Best savored at a traditional kafenio, particularly in neighborhoods like Plaka or Anafiotika.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small, fluffy Greek doughnuts, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then generously drizzled with honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon, and sometimes topped with chopped nuts. They're a delightful sweet treat. Head to Lukumades on Aiolou Street for a modern take.
Fasolada
Fasolada, often called the 'national food of the Greeks,' is a hearty and wholesome white bean soup. It's typically made with dried white beans, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and a rich tomato broth, seasoned with olive oil and herbs. Find it at traditional 'mageireia' (cookhouses) like Oinomageireio Epirus.
Kolokythokeftedes
Kolokythokeftedes are delicious Greek zucchini fritters, made with grated zucchini, feta cheese, herbs like mint and dill, and sometimes a hint of onion, pan-fried until golden and crispy. They make a fantastic appetizer or meze, often served with a side of tzatziki. Widely available at tavernas.
How to book a table in Athens
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. High season (spring/autumn) may require even further foresight.
- · Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Always check their specific cancellation and no-show policies.
- · Consider booking for lunch at starred establishments; it often offers a similar culinary experience at a more accessible price point, and reservations might be easier to secure than dinner slots.
- · Familiarize yourself with the restaurant's no-show policy. Many high-demand venues charge a significant fee (often the full tasting menu price) if you fail to cancel within their stipulated timeframe.
FAQ
Athens restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Athens?
Spondi in Pangrati is the benchmark table — Modern French / Mediterranean, led by Aggelos Lantos, two michelin stars, around €180-€250 | $200-$270 per person. Order the Wild Turbot with Celeriac and Black Truffle; Foie Gras Terrine with Fig and Balsamic
Where is the best Greek restaurant in Athens?
Botrini's in Chalandri is the Greek table to book in Athens (€120-€180 | $130-$200 per person). Other strong options: Hytra, CTC Urban Gastronomy, Soil.
Where is the best French restaurant in Athens?
Spondi in Pangrati is the French table to book in Athens (€180-€250 | $200-$270 per person). Other strong options: Hervé.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Athens?
Nolan in Syntagma is the Japanese table to book in Athens (€40-€70 | $45-$75 per person).
Where can I eat well in Athens without spending a fortune?
Tzitzikas kai o Mermigas is the best-value table on this list at roughly €25-€45 | $28-$50 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Kostas Souvlaki, Bairaktaris, Bougatsa I Thessalonikios.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Athens?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or tables with views. High season (spring/autumn) may require even further foresight. Many top restaurants require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups. Always check their specific cancellation and no-show policies.
What food is Athens famous for?
Moussaka, Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Spanakopita, Greek Coffee (Ellinikos Kafes) — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Moussaka is a classic Greek casserole featuring layers of sautéed eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb or beef) in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with a thick, creamy béchamel sauce, baked until golden. Find excellent traditional versions at family-run tavernas across Athens, particularly in Plaka.
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