Plaka is Athens’ most touristy neighborhood — and for good reason. It’s charming, historic, and steps from the Acropolis. But finding good food here requires knowing where to look.
Here are the best restaurants in Plaka that locals actually recommend, plus tips for avoiding the tourist traps.
Quick Picks#
| Restaurant | Best For | Price | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Kafeneio | Traditional taverna | €€ | Authentic |
| Tzitzikas kai Mermigas | Reliable modern Greek | €€ | Casual-nice |
| Scholarchio | Historic, great meze | €€ | Lively |
| Saita | Hidden local gem | € | No-frills |
| Dionysos Zonar’s | Acropolis views | €€€ | Upscale |
Price guide: € = Under €15 | €€ = €15-30 | €€€ = €30+
The Tourist Trap Problem#
Let’s be honest: Plaka has plenty of mediocre restaurants targeting tourists. Here’s how to spot them:
Red flags:
- Aggressive hosts trying to seat you from the street
- Photo menus in multiple languages
- “Authentic Greek” claims with frozen ingredients
- Prime location but empty tables when Greek restaurants are full
- Prices 30-50% higher than surrounding areas
Good signs:
- Greeks eating there (especially families)
- Menu in Greek first
- Staff that doesn’t chase you
- Busy at 9-10 PM (Greek dinner time)
- Recommendations from locals, not TripAdvisor top 10
Best Traditional Tavernas#
1. To Kafeneio#
A genuine neighborhood taverna that somehow survives in tourist-heavy Plaka.
What’s good: Homemade dishes, good wine list, authentic atmosphere Must try: Lamb with artichokes, moussaka, local wines Price: €15-25 per person Vibe: Traditional, no-fuss, feels like old Athens
Location: Epicharmou 1, Upper Plaka
2. Scholarchio#
One of Athens’ oldest tavernas (since 1935), serving excellent mezedes in a lively atmosphere.
What’s good: Mezedes (small plates), wine from the barrel, live music some nights Must try: Tzatziki, grilled octopus, fava, barrel wine Price: €15-25 per person Vibe: Traditional, boisterous, Greek social eating
Location: Tripodon 14, Plaka
3. Saita#
A hidden local favorite — tiny, no-frills, and serving some of the best home-cooked food in Plaka.
What’s good: Daily specials, traditional recipes, incredible value Must try: Whatever the daily dish is — trust the kitchen Price: €8-15 per person Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall, cash only, authentic
Location: Kidathineon 21, Plaka
Warning: Very small. Go early or expect to wait.
Best Modern Greek#
4. Tzitzikas kai Mermigas#
Modern Greek cuisine done well. Reliable quality, good service, reasonable prices for Plaka.
What’s good: Updated Greek classics, good wine selection, consistent quality Must try: Moussaka, grilled meats, Greek salad with proper feta Price: €20-30 per person Vibe: Casual but nice, popular with both tourists and Greeks
Location: Mitropoleos 12-14, near Syntagma edge of Plaka
5. Glykis#
Modern taverna with creative Greek dishes and excellent mezedes in a relaxed setting.
What’s good: Small plates, seasonal ingredients, natural wines Must try: Grilled vegetables, lamb chops, regional cheeses Price: €25-35 per person Vibe: Relaxed, foodie-oriented
Location: Angelou Geronta 2, Plaka
Best for Acropolis Views#
6. Dionysos Zonar’s#
The classic Acropolis view restaurant. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, the view is incredible.
What’s good: Unobstructed Acropolis panorama, upscale dining Must try: Come for drinks and the view; food is secondary Price: €40-60 per person Vibe: Upscale, special occasion, tourist-oriented
Location: Rovertou Galli 43, across from Acropolis
Honest take: You’re paying for the view, and it’s worth it once. The food is fine, not exceptional.
7. Strofi#
Long-standing taverna with Acropolis views and better food than most view-restaurants.
What’s good: Traditional Greek with decent quality, rooftop terrace Must try: Grilled meat, stuffed tomatoes Price: €30-45 per person Vibe: Traditional upscale, Greek families celebrating
Location: Rovertou Galli 25, near Acropolis
Best Value / Budget#
8. Paradosiako#
Traditional taverna with fair prices and honest Greek cooking.
What’s good: Classic taverna food, generous portions, reasonable prices Must try: Moussaka, pastitsio, grilled lamb Price: €12-20 per person Vibe: No-frills traditional
Location: Voulis 44a, Plaka edge
9. Palia Taverna tou Psara#
Historic fish taverna in a great location. Better value than most seafood spots in Plaka.
What’s good: Fresh fish, mezedes, location Must try: Grilled fish (priced by weight), seafood mezedes Price: €20-35 per person (fish can add up) Vibe: Traditional, outdoor seating
Location: Erechtheos 16, Plaka
Best for Special Occasions#
10. Electra Roof Garden#
Hotel rooftop with sophisticated dining and stunning Acropolis views.
What’s good: Views, upscale atmosphere, special occasions Must try: Tasting menus, Greek wines Price: €50-80 per person Vibe: Romantic, elegant
Location: Electra Palace Hotel, Navarchou Nikodimou 18
Best for Quick Bites#
11. Kostas (Nearby in Syntagma)#
Not technically Plaka, but a 5-minute walk — the best souvlaki in central Athens.
What’s good: Perfect pork souvlaki pita Price: €3.50 Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall, standing only Hours: Opens 10:30 AM, closes when sold out (usually 3-4 PM)
Location: Plateia Agias Irinis 2
12. Ariston (Nearby)#
Classic bakery for tiropita (cheese pie) and other Greek pastries.
What’s good: Tiropita, spanakopita, bougatsa Price: €2-4 per item Vibe: Quick grab-and-go
Location: Voulis 10, near Syntagma
What to Order in Plaka#
Classic Dishes to Try#
- Moussaka — Layered eggplant, meat, béchamel
- Pastitsio — Greek pasta bake
- Souvlaki — Grilled meat skewers
- Horiatiki — Greek salad with real feta
- Dolmades — Stuffed grape leaves
- Grilled octopus — Simple, perfect
Drinks#
- Barrel wine — House wine from the barrel (cheap, drinkable)
- Ouzo — Anise spirit, drink with water and mezedes
- Greek coffee — Strong, sip slowly
Ordering Tips#
- Share mezedes (small plates) instead of individual mains
- Ask what’s fresh or recommended today
- Greeks eat late — 9-10 PM is normal dinner time
- Tipping: Round up or 5-10% is appreciated
Plaka Dining Tips#
Timing#
- Lunch (1-3 PM): Quieter, good for quick stops
- Early dinner (7-8 PM): Mostly tourists
- Greek dinner (9-11 PM): Livelier atmosphere, locals appear
Reservations#
Not usually needed for casual tavernas. Upscale spots and rooftop restaurants should be booked, especially weekends.
Dress Code#
Casual is fine everywhere. Slightly dressed up for rooftop dining.
Payment#
Cash preferred at traditional tavernas. Cards accepted at modern restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is Plaka expensive for eating out?#
Compared to residential Athens neighborhoods, yes. Expect to pay 20-30% more. But it’s not outrageous — a good taverna meal is €15-25 per person.
Are there vegetarian options in Plaka?#
Yes — Greek cuisine has excellent vegetarian dishes: stuffed vegetables, fava, Greek salad, cheese pies, grilled vegetables, bean soups.
What’s the best time for dinner?#
9-10 PM for the authentic Greek dining experience. Earlier if you want a quieter meal.
Should I make reservations?#
For casual tavernas, no. For rooftop restaurants and fine dining, yes — especially weekends and summer.
The Bottom Line#
For authentic taverna experience: Saita or To Kafeneio — genuine Greek cooking without tourist-trap pricing.
For reliable quality: Tzitzikas kai Mermigas — consistently good, no surprises.
For Acropolis views: Strofi has better food than most view restaurants. Dionysos Zonar’s if the view matters most.
For quick and cheap: Kostas (souvlaki) or any bakery for tiropita.
Hungry for more? Check out our guides to best souvlaki in Athens and rooftop restaurants.
