After six visits to the Greek capital, we’ve tried out a lot of cafés and restaurants in Athens and had our fair share of experiences—both good and bad. Most visitors to Athens are only in town once, which is why the lure of a quick sale often takes precedence, and quality sometimes falls by the wayside. Just sitting down somewhere because it looks nice from the outside can quickly backfire.
Athens really has it all: from international cuisine like pizza and pasta, to Greek fast food such as pita gyros and souvlaki, all the way to gourmet spots and taverns serving traditional Greek fare. The true gems of Athens’ restaurants, however, are hidden away from the main tourist streets.
Tom & Ella
As diverse as Athens’ dining scene is, there are unfortunately also tourist traps lurking. These include misleading menus, unexpected minimum spending requirements, opaque per-kilo pricing for fish, and dishes that suddenly appear on the bill even though no one ordered them. Added to this is the aggressive solicitation of potential guests right outside the door by many Athens restaurants.
The selection is huge, which certainly has its advantages, and prices for standard dishes are surprisingly low. Tzatziki for 4 euros, moussaka for 10 euros, and Greek salad for 9 euros are not uncommon. As a couple, we’ve had dinner in Athens for as little as 35 euros, including wine. Where else in an European capital can you find that?
Don’t worry, we’ll help you navigate the scene and present our personal recommendations for Athens restaurants, cafés, and bars right here.
Athens Map: This map includes all of Athens’ highlights, 64 must-see spots, insider tips, and shopping, 4 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 34 restaurants & cafés. Ideal for vacation planning and on-site navigation. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PC/Mac. Click here to use it now: Go to the Athens Map
Restaurants & Cafés in Monastiraki
A for Athens
Probably the most famous rooftop bar in Athens is located in the hotel of the same name on Monastiraki Square. From the top floor, you have a full 360-degree panoramic view of the illuminated Acropolis of Athens, the Old Town, and the sea of houses stretching all the way to Piraeus. The cocktails are top-notch, the prices are on the higher side, and a reservation is highly recommended, especially in the evening. A must-visit for us every time we’re in Athens!
A Little Taste of Home
A cozy restaurant across from the Stoa Poikile that combines Greek classics with Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Tagine, chicken korma, and baba ganoush sit peacefully alongside moussaka on the menu. The quality and presentation of the dishes reminded us of the cuisine on the island of Tinos. However, it’s much more affordable there. Expect to pay around 30 to 35 euros per person here, and it’s best to make a reservation in advance—it’s worth it.
Lartecono DaVinci Gelato
If you need a treat after hours of strolling through the Old Town, you’ll find it at this ice cream shop on Adrianou Street. The selection of flavors is downright overwhelming, ranging from classic pistachio to unusual Greek creations. Not the cheapest ice cream in Athens, but definitely one of the tastiest.
Restaurants & Cafés in Plaka
SENSE Rooftop Restaurant
If you’re looking for a truly upscale dining experience in Athens, head to the eastern part of Plaka for this elegant restaurant, which offers one of the city’s most beautiful panoramic views of the Acropolis. The dishes are served as a seasonal menu and blend Greek traditions with modern techniques. Prices are on the higher side, but every detail is perfect, from the presentation to the final dessert. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
To Kafeneio
Tucked away from the tourist crowds in a quiet side street is this charming tavern, which has been popular with locals and connoisseurs alike for years. The menu is concise and changes with the seasons; everything tastes simply delicious, and the prices are pleasantly down-to-earth. It’s the perfect alternative to the chic rooftop restaurants in the neighborhood.
Drunky Goat
A cozy wine bistro on a side street between Plaka and Syntagma Square. The decor alone is worth a visit—the paintings featuring goat portraits are one-of-a-kind! Wines from various regions around the world, indigenous grape varieties, and a menu that changes with the seasons. To go with it, there are small, creative dishes made with local ingredients. A wonderful spot for a relaxed evening of wine away from the usual tourist spots.
Restaurants & Cafés in Psyrri
Bandiera
Right in the heart of Psyrri’s bustling scene, not far from the famous Little Kook, you’ll find this down-to-earth spot serving Greek cuisine just like your mother-in-law would: big portions, fresh ingredients, and prices that make you wonder if they’ve made a mistake. No fancy fusion cuisine, no Instagram-style presentation—just good Greek food in a cozy atmosphere. For us, Bandiera is definitely one of the best restaurants in Athens.
Greek Menu: Wondering what traditional dishes Greece has to offer and what the so-called meze or mezedes are all about? Then take a look at our article: Typical Greek Cuisine
Not So Bar Athens
One of the most laid-back bars in Psyrri. The bartender won us over immediately with his taste in music: the best of the late ’90s and early 2000s, paired with creative cocktails mixed with great attention to detail. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual; here you’ll meet more locals than tourists. Perfect for a casual nightcap after dinner.
Usurum Brunch & Cocktails
A laid-back café-bar in the heart of Psyrri with a covered courtyard that invites you to linger for hours. In the morning, Eggs Benedict and pistachio pancakes beckon; in the evening, Usurum transforms into a cocktail bar serving creative drinks. A spot that shows why Psyrri is the city’s trendiest neighborhood.
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Restaurants & Cafés in Syntagma/Ermou
Feyrouz
A small Athenian bistro somewhere between Monastiraki, Psyrri, and the Syntagma district that serves Levantine street food. Here you can get lahmacun, homemade pide, red lentil soup, and hummus for just a few euros. For us, one of the most affordable and best street food experiences in Athens. If you’re looking for a break from Greek food, enjoy people-watching on the street, or need something to go, this is the perfect spot.
Geco Athens
Upscale all-day restaurant on Lekka Street, not far from Syntagma Square, located in the Gatsby Hotel (View on Booking.com*). The interior is regularly and elaborately redesigned with fresh flowers, creating a new wow factor every time. Chef Panagiotis Flakas serves creative, high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, occasionally accompanied by live music and DJ sets in the evenings. It’s a real experience even just for cocktails. Reservations recommended!
Noel Bar
On Kolokotroni Street near Syntagma Square, hidden behind an unassuming facade, lies a cocktail bar that looks like it stepped out of a Wes Anderson film. Velvet, chandeliers, and whimsical details are everywhere; the atmosphere is intimate and almost theatrical. The bartenders know their craft, and the cocktails are correspondingly creative—though not exactly cheap. A special place for a special evening.
The Clumsies
This Athens bar on Praxitelous Street regularly makes the list of the 50 best bars in the world, and you can feel it right away. From the outside, you’d just walk right past it, but inside, a perfect blend of laid-back Athenian cool and world-class mixology awaits you. In addition to cocktails, there are also solid burgers and creative bar snacks. It gets really crowded on weekends, but it’s more relaxed during the week.
Restaurants & Cafés in Koukaki
Mani Mani
One of the highest-rated restaurants in the Acropolis area, and for good reason. The cuisine is inspired by the Mani region of the Peloponnese: slow-braised rooster, smoked Siglino pork, and spicy country sausages feature on a small but well-curated menu. This Athens restaurant is somewhat tucked away on the first floor of a residential building on Falirou Street in the Koukaki neighborhood and is very popular with locals. Prices are relatively fair for the quality; reservations are recommended.
Little Tree Books & Coffee
Just a few steps from the Acropolis Museum lies this delightful book café, which feels like a little oasis in the urban jungle. Inside, books are stacked up to the ceiling; outside, you can sit under shady trees and enjoy your cappuccino in peace while the crowds of tourists stream past toward the Acropolis. The homemade sweets and hot lemonade are legendary. Perfect for a relaxing break between sightseeing stops.
Restaurants & Cafés in Thiseio
Hill Athens Rooftop Restaurant
This spot in Thiseio is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Athens. There are tables along the promenade, but the highlight is definitely the rooftop terrace (reservations required!). You’re practically at eye level with the Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, with the Acropolis shining in the background. The Mediterranean cuisine matches the view, and the prices are correspondingly upscale. It’s a magical place, especially at sunset. Reserving a table is a must, especially during the summer months.
With all the great restaurants in Athens and the thought of delicious Greek cuisine, is your mouth watering? How about a culinary stroll through Athens’ Old Town or a street food tour through Monastiraki? Click the link to learn more from our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the guided street food tour in Athens*
→ Here you’ll find more useful articles and Athens travel tips:
FAQs about Athens Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
Which neighborhood is best for dining in Athens?
You’ll find the widest selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars in Monastiraki and Psyrri. Plaka has many chic spots with views of the Acropolis, though at slightly higher prices. For authentic Greek cuisine away from the tourist crowds, check out Koukaki or Thiseio, where the locals themselves like to dine.
How expensive is dining out in Athens?
Compared to other European capitals, Athens is still quite affordable. A gyros pita from a street stand costs about 3 to 4 euros, and dinner at a good taverna ranges from 15 to 20 euros per person. Of course, you’ll pay more at Athens’ upscale rooftop restaurants, but even there, prices remain lower than in Paris or London.
Do you need to make a reservation at restaurants in Athens?
Reservations are usually not necessary at simple taverns and cafés. However, for the popular rooftop restaurants and upscale spots in Plaka and Monastiraki, we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for evenings and weekends. Athenians love to dine out themselves, and the best seats with a view of the Acropolis fill up quickly.
What should you definitely try in Athens?
In addition to classics like souvlaki, moussaka, and tzatziki, you should definitely try loukoumades (Greek honey balls), fresh bougatsa (semolina pudding in puff pastry), and a koulouri (sesame ring) from a street vendor. And very important: always order a Greek coffee (Elliniko) or a freddo cappuccino to finish—the Athenians’ favorite drink.
When do Athenians have dinner?
Greeks eat much later than we Germans do. Dinner in Athens rarely starts before 9 p.m., and on weekends it’s often not until 10 p.m. If you go to a restaurant at 7 p.m., you’ll find almost nothing but tourists there. For an authentic Athenian vibe, we recommend adapting to the local rhythm and kicking off the evening with a drink at a rooftop bar before heading out to eat.
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