5 Best Restaurants in Athens Greece: My Favorite Eateries & Hidden Gems
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One of my favorite things about traveling is trying all of the amazing foods that countries have to offer. And I have to say, Athens did not disappoint! Wandering the street of Athens, popping in and out of restaurants and cafes, each offering something unique and different, I loved every bite I took! In this guide, I will be sharing all of the best restaurants in Athens Greece that I tried, why I loved them, and why I would return to them in a second, so that you can enjoy every bite that Athens has to offer as well.
Introduction: Best Restaurants in Athens Greece
Visiting Athens for me was much more then visiting the museums, the Acropolis, the day trips from Athens I took, it was also about the incredible food, that I still think about today. Whether you are looking for a hidden gem, or a Michelon star restaurant, or some cozy and chill, I will dive into the best restaurants in Athens Greece that helped to make my trip even more memorable. Now, let’s dive in!
Best Restaurants in Athens Greece: My Personal Picks & Insights
1. Tzitzikas & Mermigas
One of the first meals I had when I got to Athens was at Tzitzikas & Mermigas. I remember this vividly, because after I had dinner here, I was immediately obsessed with Tzitziki sauce and basically put it on everything I ate on this trip. It’s basically like the ranch of Greece.
The staff in the restaurant were extremely friendly, the service was great, and the olive and peper basket you get as an appetizer was delicious. I ordered the pork chops with double cooked potatoes, and they were literally the best pork chops that I had ever eaten. And they tasted even better dipped in Tzitziki sauce.
Between the location, the authentic food, and the amazing staff, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Pro Tip: Remember Europeans eat later than those in the U.S. This restaurant doesn’t’ open until 1pm for lunch, and if you want to go for dinner, make sure you arrive before 8pm to bet the dinner rush.
2. Spondi
If you are celebrating something special or just looking to treat yourself to a Michelin-star restaurant, then I would highly recommend having dinner at Spondi. I am a sucker for a restaurant with a good ambience, and Spondi not only has an amazing menu, but their moody ambience and the staff, are top tier.
I had the red shrimp caviar, which was incredible and lamb, which was cooked to perfection. This restaurant was one of the best I ate at while in Athens, and I would highly recommend that you make reservations and enjoy an amazing dinner.
Pro Tip: Since this is one of the best restaurants in Greece, reservations book fast and you will absolutely need them in order to get a table here.
3. Ama Lachi stis Nefelis
One of the best local Athens restaurants that I ate it was Ama Lachi stis Nefelis. Ironically enough, I found it on accident as I was walking around, because I noticed how many locals were in there. There was no fleshly sign out front, noone standing outside begging you to come in, no colorful menu with 100 items on it, just a simple menu written on a board, lots of friendly locals, and a welcoming group of servers, that invited me in like I was family having dinner at their house.
You can’t find this restaurant on Google, but you can find them on Facebook, and I feel like they are a true hidden gem. I spent a few hours in here chatting with locals, swapping stories, and they really made me feel like family and not like a tourist. Highly recommend!
Pro Tip: Because this restaurant isn’t a tourist trap, you will get “local” pricing, enjoy great company, and feel right at home.
4. CTC Urban Gastronomy
If you are looking for a restaurant with more of an artsy and energetic vibe, then you will absolutely love CTC Urban Gastronomy, located in the Gazi district. This restaurant is fun, modern and is on the rooftop, which offers great views of the city.
Not only is the atmosphere and vibe of this restaurant energetic and lively, but the menu is super innovative, in my opinion. I had a delicious lobster-corn soup, a desert that was made with avocado, and I felt like not only was the ambience elevated, but the food and service was too.
For something a bit different, I booked dinner at CTC Urban Gastronomy, in the artsy Gazi district. The venue is on a rooftop, vibe is modern, plates are inventive (think lobster-corn soup, avocado dessert) and the setting overlooks city lights. It’s among the featured restaurants in Athens Greece for foodies seeking elevated cuisine with atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Ask for a seat near the window for the best city views and enjoy your meal and incredible views.
5. Varvakios Agora
If you are looking for a great local lunch spot, then Varvakios Agora is the perfect restaurant for you. I actually had lunch her twice, because it was so good. There is something about the fresh seafood, olive oil, and amazing Greek food, that I couldn’t get enough of.
Varvakios Agora was one of my favorite restaurants, and I could’ve honestly eaten here every day, and been totally fine with that. This restaurant is located in Athens’ central food market and is honestly a great spot to pop in and enjoy some fresh and authentic Greek food.
One lunch I ventured into Varvakios Agora, Athens’ historic central food market, to soak in the aromas of fresh fish, olive oil, and produce. Then I popped into a small taverna next door for grilled octopus and white wine. It reminded me that some of the best meals in Athens Greece are the spontaneous ones you stumble into. Travel guides highlight the market and surrounding tavernas as essential for food lovers.
Pro Tip: The best time to eat lunch here is between 1pm-2pm after the tourist lunch rush.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in Athens Greece
Athens is a safe and fantastic city to visit year-round, with lots to see and do, but the one thing I don’t want to sell you short on, is the amazing restaurant options. Athens offers of variety of restaurants for all palettes, and you cannot go wrong visiting any of these restaurants I have dived into in this blog. Dining in Athens as a solo female traveler was an amazing experience and I hope this guide on the best restaurants in Athens Greece encourages you to explore and try all of the amazing food options that this incredible city has to offer.