Taste Athens

Athens tavernas.Eat where Athens eats.

Food is the fastest way into this city. Come hungry.

Good to know: most small tavernas only open in the late afternoon, and the majority are closed on Mondays. Heading out on a Monday? Pick “Open on Monday” below.

Grilled octopus, tomatoes and feta served on a rustic Athens table

Dinner like a local

Late, loud, shared. Nobody rushes you out.

I want…

Trays of koulouri and phyllo pastries in an Athens bakery

Our taverns

30 places — walk in weekdays; Friday to Sunday, pre-booking is the safer bet

Stou Valesa

Local favourite

A classic neighborhood spot with a friendly, lived-in atmosphere. Known for comforting Greek meat dishes and a laid-back “come as you are” vibe.

Agias Sofias 91, Nea Smirni 171 23

Koutouki Kalypso

Local favourite

A cozy, family-style tavern with homemade flavors and generous meze plates. Feels like visiting someone’s warm Greek home.

Pentelis 41-43, Paleo Faliro 175 64

Seafood Antonia

Local favourite

A simple, honest seafood spot focusing on fresh daily catch. Expect crisp fried fish, ouzo, and a relaxed atmosphere. Very generous portions and always delicious. It`s the midweek`s to-go place.

Isminis 36, Kallithea 176 74

To Zembereki koutouki

Local favourite

A rustic koutouki with delectable portions and a true old-Athens feel. Great for traditional flavors, raki, and lively evenings. The decoration is to die for.

Solomou 92, Moschato 183 45

The Trikyklo

Local favourite

A cozy, neighborhood tavern with a bit of bohemian charm. Mouth-watering mezes, warm lighting, and a welcoming, relaxed crowd.

Pitheou 34, Athina 117 43

Cafe Stairs

Local favourite

A small, friendly spot perched on stairs. Mediterranean bites, iced coffee, and a quiet neighborhood feel, right where you need it the most, in the very heart of the city.

Akamantos 2, Athina 118 51

Sourtouko

Local favourite

A lively meze spot with bold flavors and a fun atmosphere. Expect sharing plates and plenty of character. Usually gathers lots of young people.

Leof. Chrisostomou Smirnis 47, Vironas 162 32

L.draft Beerstreet

Local favourite

Craft-beer oriented spot with street-style character. Relaxed atmosphere, very delicious dishes, and a social vibe.

Chrisostomou Smirnis 124, Moschato 183 45

Motosako

Local favourite

A playful, alternative tavern, for when we don`t feel like cooking. Meze-style dishes, easygoing atmosphere, and a local crowd.

P. Tsaldari 157, Kallithea 176 76

The Grilli's Koutouki

Local favourite

A charming grill koutouki that instantly feels like a village escape in the middle of the city. Fascinating atmosphere, hearty dishes, and a nostalgic warmth that makes every visit memorable.

Anaxagora 7, Tavros 177 78

Radiourgies

Local favourite

A creative, modern-meze tavern with youthful energy. Colorful plates, upbeat vibes, and a fun alternative crowd.

Kilis 33, Athina 118 52

Dyo Dekares I Oka

Local favourite

A beloved classic with generous portions and a nostalgic feel. Best homemade food around many areas.

Anastasiou Zinni 29, Athina 117 41

Psarokastella

Local favourite

A cozy ground-floor fish tavern at the bottom of a block, offering a warm local vibe. Fresh, well-prepared seafood and a simple, welcoming atmosphere that feels genuinely neighborhood-authentic.

Skra 19, Pireas 185 33

ΧΗ.ΜΑ.

Local favourite

A modern tavern with an elevated rooftop space that opens in the warmer months. Great prices for the quality and service, offering a relaxed yet slightly upscale dining feel.

Vallianoy & Theotoki 1, Alimos 174 55

Andreas Fish tavern Ouzeri

Local favourite

A long-standing local favorite known for fresh fish in areas where is hard to find. Includes plenty of vegan options. Simple, friendly, and rooted in authentic Greek seafood culture.

Themistokleous 18, Athina 106 78

Diporto

Local favourite

One of the oldest basement koutoukia in Athens, hidden under the central market with no sign outside. No menu — you eat whatever the kitchen cooked that morning: chickpeas, bean stew, grilled sardines, and house retsina straight from the barrel. Lunch only, and worth every step down the stairs.

Sokratous 9 & Theatrou, Athina 105 52

Rozalia

Local favourite

A historic Exarcheia tavern known for its garden courtyard and warm atmosphere. Rich amazing dishes and the garden slays! It`s a must.

Valtetsiou 59, Athina 106 81

To palio koutouki Nea Smyrni

A traditional koutouki serving old-school charcoal grilled meat and house wine. Warm, nostalgic, and perfect for long winter evenings with friends (fireplace is on).

Metamorfoseos 20, Ag. Dimitrios 171 23

O Giatros Tis Peinas

A vibrant grill spot near the center, famous for its huge charcoal window where the meat cooks in full view. Casual, aromatic, and perfect for anyone craving freshly grilled meat right off the fire.

Ilia Iliou 59, Athina 117 44

Ristorante Atlantikos

A seafood-focused eatery blending Greek flavors with Mediterranean touches. Bright, fresh dishes and a clean, coastal mood, next to the most crowded square of Athens.

Avliton 7, Athina 105 54

Avli

Seeing the door from outside you would never guess. A charming courtyard tavern with a peaceful, homey atmosphere. A true hidden gem.

Ag. Dimitriou 12, Athina 105 54

Tzitziras kai Mitziras

A decades-old tavern in a neoclassical house in Palaio Faliro, with a leafy courtyard that feels like summer all year. Homemade Greek dishes from across the country — moussaka, special kebab, Cretan dakos — cooked with fresh local ingredients. Warm, hospitable, and rooted in tradition.

Alkionis 77, Palaio Faliro 175 62

The Greco's Project

A modern Greek restaurant offering fresh takes on classic dishes. Trendy, upbeat and ideal for any time of the day. And yes, souvlaki is still a thing.

Mitropoleos 5, Athina 105 57

Tavern Jimmy

A well-known central grill spot serving big, affordable plates that always hit the spot. A reliable favorite that never disappoints.

Konstantilieri 2, Vironas 162 31

7Monks Beer Garden

A beer-focused hangout with hearty bites and a casual outdoor feel. Ideal for relaxed nights with friends and cold draughts. Very cool atmosphere inside and out.

Marinou Geroulanou 57, Argiroupoli 164 52

Gynaikeion Kafeneion

A warm, home-style kafeneio with an old-town charm. Everything is home cooked, friendly hosts, and cordial laughs around. Made by women for women.

Xenofontos 85, Kallithea 176 73

Menites

A laid-back neighborhood tavern serving classic Greek fare. Unpretentious, friendly, and ideal for evening meals with friends and a glass of wine. Usually gathers a lot of youth.

P. Tsaldari 207, Kallithea 176 76

Lolos

A classic Greek psarotaverna serving fresh small plates and ouzo pairings. Relaxed, friendly, and full of traditional charm. It`s a very lively spot especially after 5 pm

Geor. Olimpiou 5, Athina 117 41

Sfika

An old-school spot with authentic Athenian personality. Known for meze, wine, beers and a warm, familiar atmosphere.

Str. Kontouli 15, Athina 117 42

Fish Tavern The Lighthouse

A traditional seaside-style tavern known for generous portions and fresh catch. Breezy, friendly, and ideal for seafood lovers who enjoy a casual coastal vibe.

Akti Themistokleous 234, Pireas 185 39