Athens is one of Europe’s most underrated food cities. Beyond the souvlaki and moussaka (both excellent), you’ll find creative modern Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, outstanding street food, and culinary traditions stretching back millennia.
Here’s where to eat in Athens — organized by neighborhood and dining style.
Quick Navigation # What You Want Where to Go Street food (souvlaki) Monastiraki, Syntagma Traditional tavernas Plaka, Psyrri, Koukaki Modern Greek Kolonaki, Psyrri Seafood Piraeus, Glyfada Rooftop dining Monastiraki, Plaka Budget eats Exarchia, Central Market Fine dining Kolonaki, Syntagma Eating by Neighborhood # Monastiraki & Syntagma — The Central Hub # Best for: Street food, quick eats, rooftop bars
Every visitor to Athens eats souvlaki. But most eat it at mediocre tourist spots with inflated prices and disappointing pita.
Here’s where locals actually go for the best souvlaki in Athens — the places with lines out the door at 2 AM and generations of Athenians who won’t go anywhere else.
Quick Overview: Top Souvlaki Spots # Restaurant Neighborhood Price Best For Kostas Syntagma €3.50 Classic pork souvlaki O Thanasis Monastiraki €4.00 Kebab Elvis Psyrri €4.00 Late night Bairaktaris Monastiraki €4.00 Tourist-convenient, decent To Kati Allo Pangrati €3.50 Local neighborhood vibe Hoocut Syntagma €4.50 Gourmet pork belly Lefteris o Politis Exarchia €3.50 Student favorite Ta Karamanlidika Psyrri €5.00 Deli-style experience First: Souvlaki vs. Gyros — What’s the Difference? # Before we dive in, let’s clear up the confusion:
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+
