DoDo
E.N. Story
More
Tips
Hotel
Entertainment

Food

Where to eat in Athens

Food in Athens is a matter that will not give you a hard time at all, as there are more than 5,000 restaurants, taverns, fast food stores, bakeries and take-away stations! There is a quite wide range of options, while during the last few years the scene of the city has been enriched with various new cuisines, which daily gain big fans. But the city also loves vegetarians, as apart from Vege-restaurants, the other restaurants have also adjusted their menus in order to satisfy this group. For a full meal with wholesale wine you will pay 16-20€ per person, while for a fast food sin around 2-3€. Do not leave Athens without having tried the amazing meats, fish (from the clean waters of the Mediterranean), the horiatiki (village) salad (especially in the summer), the authentic taramosalata, the Greek feta cheese and, of course, the famous Kamalaki wrapped in pita bread!

Important: a) Quality/traditional flavors you will mainly find in areas such as Agia Paraskevi, Korydallos, Paleo Faliro and Nea Smyrni b) The “taverna” that you will come across everywhere is the Greek folk restaurant that serve exclusively Greek cuisine. The atmosphere in taverns is friendly and the flavors have aspects of the sea, the mountain and the fruitful land of Greece.

Simul Gastronomic Situ

Simul Gastronomic Situ is located in a quiet neighborhood of Kolonaki, a few meters away from the Megaro Moussikis (Concert Hall) metro station. Athens’ gastronomic jewel is housed in a semi-underground, beautifully decorated space. In there, the famous chef Nikos Thomas, manages to combine ingredients in a unique way that takes dishes to another level and excites the palate! The products used are of the finest quality, while the menu is adjusted according to the season and the inspiration of the well-traveled chef. Portions are satisfying in quantity and the staff is very subtle and willing to attend to whatever you might need. Simul Gastronomic Situ offers a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience in very reasonable prices, proving that luxury and good food are not only for the lucky few. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: everything is excellent, so…everything!
Our order: 1 Beef tartare, 1 Coq au vin (rooster with wine), 1 Steamed mushrooms, 2 Glasses of wine, 1 Chocolate mousse.
Cost: €€€

Total score: ?????

Rakor

Rakor is in the area of Kerameikos, outside the tourist trite of the capital and offers a first-class chance to get in touch with the Greek cuisine. It is housed in a traditional space, in which you will only meet locals who love good food. The dishes served might sound familiar, yet they surprise with the interesting combinations of ingredients and the excellent raw materials, from all over Greece. It is also worth highlighting that everything is hand-made, from broths, marmalades, sauces, dips, creams, aromatic butters, even the home-made ketchup that accompanies burgers! The very good quality-price ratio, satisfying portions and friendliness of service compose the triptych that makes Rakor one of the must-eat places in Athens. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: the soups, as well as anything that the Chef recommends!
Our order: 1 Soup of the day, 1 Kavurma, 1 Kebab, 2 Beers, 1 Chocolate tart.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ?????

Karamanlidika tou Fani

Karamanlidika tou Fani is probably the most famous shop in Athens. It is a combination of a quaint tavern and an old-school butcher shop, as you can taste as well as buy the fine viands that adorn its windows. The eastern appetizers, as well as the fresh products, make it a wonderful choice for some tsipouro/ouzo with some good company. Prices are in line with the products’ quality, variety is quite wide and the spicy appetizers take you on a journey to the depths of the East. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: the soups, as well as anything that the Chef recommends!
Our order: 1 Karamanlidiko parmak kebab, 1 Beef Kavurma, 1 Karamanlidika pastrami-pie bites, 2 glasses of tsipouro, 1 Baklava.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ?????

Frankie

Frankie is a great choice for anyone who wants to taste fresh pasta, pizza and more. It is located in Kolonaki, in the most “high society” area of Athens, inside a well-kept and beautifully decorated space. The dishes’ quality, as well as the excellent service, instantly put you in the store’s mood. The A-class products combined with the wonderful setting compose delicious dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner. Portions are satisfying, while prices are totally reasonable considering the quality of the dishes. It is important to note that it is divided in smokers’ and non-smokers’ areas, and thus giving the chance to families with small children to also visit it. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: their fresh pasta!
Our order: 1 Pizza, 1 Pasta, 1 Wild mushrooms, 2 Aperol Spritz.
Cost: €€€

Total score: ????

Telis

Telis carries a long-standing tradition, as he has been serving his famous pork chops for over 40 years. The shop is in the area of Psyrri, outside the tourist trails and it is simple and traditional, with old-school decoration. In mr. Telis’ tavern they only serve chops, fries, tzatziki, grilled feta and salad, which are more than enough to satisfy your palate and appetite. Service and politeness are at average levels, but when you try the delicious chops with the heavenly, fresh tzatziki you will forget everything else. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: their pork chops, of course!
Our order: 1 Serving of pork chops, 1 Serving of tzatziki, 1 Beer.
Cost: €€

Total score: ???

Pizzeria Dei Fratelli

Pizzeria Dei Fratelli has been steadily running on the pizza race, as it has a notable course for many years. Outside the tourist paths, in the area of Nea Smyrni, they serve pasta, pizzas and amazing Italian appetizers, inside a nice and clean space. Pizzeria Dei Fratelli’s strongest allies are knowledge, fresh products and amazing dough (old secret recipe). Prices are at reasonable levels and service is great. Added to the restaurant’s list of advantages are the wide variety and filling portions. Recommended (R)

Tip: Bear in mind that portions are rather large!

Our suggestion: all their pizzas!
Our order: 1 Pizza Genovese 30cm, 1 Foccacia, 1 Glass of white wine, 1 Bottle of water.
Cost: €€

Total score: ????

A little Taste of Home

The time has come to get A little Taste of Home. The restaurant is located in Gazi, very close to the metro station, and it is a favorite hangout for Athenians. In a delightfully decorated and bright space, A little Taste of Home serves nice dishes from all over the world. Tastes might not be what you are used to, but they blend together perfectly. Portions are satisfying, service is polite, while the smells from the kitchen introduces you at once with the game of flavors from all over the world. Do not forget to make reservations, as the restaurant is almost always full. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the stew with shrimp!
Our order: 1 Stew with shrimp, 1 Chicken Korma, 1 Bottle of water.
Cost: €€€

Total score: ????

Mani Mani

The Mani Mani restaurant is located in the city center, close to the Acropolis Museum and the metro station. It is housed on the first floor of a neoclassic building, in a space different than any other restaurants, which reminds more of the inside of a home. The variety of dishes is pretty limited and prices are somewhat high compared to the city’s average and also considering their quality. And as far as service is concerned, it is also at average levels. Nonetheless, portions are satisfying in quantity and cover the needs of the visitor, for a filling lunch or dinner. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: the chicken noodles!
Our order: 1 Mixed salad with chicken, 1 Chicken noodles, 1 Glass of wine.
Cost: €€€

Total score: ???

Fast Food

Elvis

Is Elvis alive? Conspiracy theories about the King of rock n’ roll might be many, but there is another King Elvis living in Athens! The famous kalamaki-shop “Elvis” counts many years in the field and has shops in two locations (Kerameikos & Pangrati). It is famed for the juicy and delicious kalamaki and affordable prices. At Elvis, you will not find a great variety of meats, only kalamaki, kebab and chops, all grilled on coal. His kalamaki (as the rest of the options) are well-cooked, with little fat and accompanied by fresh fries and bread. So…Has Elvis left the building?
Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: their kalamaki!
Our order: 3 Kalamakia, 1 Serving of French fries, 1 Pita bread.
Cost:

Total score: ????

Thanasis

Thanasis is one of the most well-known kebab-shops in Athens. It is located in the heart of the city, on one of the most tourist pedestrian streets, which leads to the Monastiraki square. With a history of over half a century, Thanasis wins over Greeks and non-Greeks alike, with his delicious kebab, which is offered in servings or in the form of a sandwich. It may be totally tourist-friendly, but it is a great option for fast and cheap food. Prices are reasonable and quality of the kebab decent. Get a table and prepare for a meal with some people-watching. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: the tasty kebab!
Our order: 2 Pitas kebab.
Cost:

Total score: ???

Breakfast

Yoleni’s

The Yoleni’s family offers one of the most high-quality breakfasts (and more than that) in Athens. Based on pure Greek products, they have created delicious and special dishes. Among them are the slow-cooked eggs that are served with salmon, tsigareli, spetsofai, in the form of strapatsada and as the nest of Benedict. Visitors can also enjoy flavors like freshly-baked pies, coffees, freshly-squeezed juices, sandwiches, incredible cakes and tarts by the chef Dina Nikolaou. Also, on the first floor you will find the steak restaurant with meats of exquisite quality. Enjoy wonderful delicacies from all over Greece and do not miss out on buying some of the quality products, of local producers, that are sold in the deli store of the ground floor. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: Everything!
Our order: 1 Salty pie, 1 Eggs Benedict, 1 Tart, 1 Salad, 2 Beers.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ?????

Telaro

The pleasant break in the center of Athens has a name and it is Telaro. The shop is located in the heart of the city, on the pedestrian walkway of Aeolou, and it is easily accessible. Telaro offers terrific breakfast, snacks, salads and light meals, made with excellent raw materials, while it is the ideal environment for you to relax or do some work. The space is smoke-free, clean and very quiet and the staff is subtle and willing to attend. Portions are quite large and of good quality, with variety and flavors being on high levels. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: Everything!
Our order: 1 Salad, 1 Strapatsada (eggs with tomatoes), 1 Bruschetta with feta cheese, 1 Bruschetta with pear, 2 Beers.
Cost: €€

Total score: ?????

Thessaloniki at Psyrri

Reaching the square of Psyrri you see the sign bougatsatzidiko Thessaloniki stou Psyrri (meaning bougatsa-shop Thessaloniki at Psyrri)! You think to yourself, same old story, they sell the name but not the taste! However, this shop beats the odds, as it offers the tastiest bougatsa in Athens. The phyllo is prepared in front of you, then comes the filling and off to the oven…Not even in Thessaloniki will you find this! The shop offers a variety of freshly-prepared pies, bougatsa of every kind and sandwiches, and in combination with the coffee it provides a must-eat Thessalonikian breakfast. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: Everything!
Our order: 1 Spinach pie, 1 Bougatsa with cream, 2 coffees.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ?????

Spiti Mas

What would be better than some breakfast at Spiti Mas (Our Home)? The original shop is located in the area of Psyrri and exudes a strong sense of home. Taking into account the decoration with the bed, as well as the wonderful hospitality, it will quickly make you feel at home and enjoy your breakfast. The dishes are made with high quality materials, while portions are more than filling. The amazing Koulaki sandwich, the tasty omelets and the yoghurt with fruit/cereal will fill you with energy and strength for a great start. So, breakfast at your home, my home or Spiti Mas. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The delicious Koulaki sandwich!
Our order: 1 Freddo espresso, 1 Tea, 1 Combo breakfast, 1 Koulaki sandwich.
Cost: €€

Total score: ????

Brigante La Cucina del Quartiere

Brigante La Cucina del Quartiere is in the heart of Athens, close to the Syntagma Square. But this does not make it a tourist destination, quite the contrary! Its interior space is simple and traditional. Brigante La Cucina del Quartiere makes for a pleasant surprise when it comes to breakfast, as they serve only Italian breakfast delicacies and great coffee. All products are fresh and are prepared every morning by the owner. Service is polite and willng to attend, while prices are at reasonable levels. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the fresh paninis!
Our order: 1 Brigante Spicy, 1 Chocolate croissant, 1 Cappuccino.
Cost: €€€

Total score: ????

iFeel Cafe Restaurant

The iFeel Cafe Restaurant is at the square of Psyrri, in one of the quaintest and busiest neighborhoods of Athens. The shop has pretty decoration and offers nice breakfast flavors, in limited options. It is usually full, but if you find a table available you can drink your coffee and enjoy some people-watching and the neighborhood’s rhythm. Finally, service, as well as prices, are at average levels. Meh (M)

Our order: 1 Cappuccino, 3 mini croissants, 1 Fresh orange juice.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ??

Solo

If you are looking for a quick take-away breakfast, then Solo is a good choice. It is next to the Hellenic Parliament building and has a variety of breakfast delicacies, with satisfying taste and at reasonable prices. If you happen to come across it, do not miss out on its chicken-pie. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: Its tasty chicken pie!
Our order: 1 Chicken pie, 1 Koulouri, 1 Cappuccino.
Cost:

Total score: ???


The texts depict objectively and honestly everything that we saw and encountered during our stay, at the specific time period that we visited them. Travelen holds no responsibility for any possible changes regarding prices, decorations, service, change of management or anything else that you might find different during your visit. It is also worth mentioning that our review/opinion pertains ONLY to shops that we have visited.