Restaurants in Athens

Restaurants in Athens appear in many different structures and possess diverse selections. From truly authentic to “touristy”, the restaurants cater to the customers’ desire. The touristy restaurants are typically clean and provide great customer service. Although the prices tend to be steep, customers get what they pay for as the restaurants serve what tourists most desire. Restaurants closer to the waterfront tend to be the most expensive. 

 

The restaurants the locals frequent are a great option for visitors. Here tourists can find great Greek food at great prices, delivered in an authentic local atmosphere. Restaurants in Athens are most commonly called “Tavernas” or “Fish Tavernas” if the main item on the menu is seafood. Below is a list of possible restaurant choices in Athens as well as some of the most popular dining areas the city has to offer: 

Location: Themistokleous & Akadimias Street, Athens

Description: The first Petrino restaurant was constructed in 1990 in one of the most stunning traditional buildings in Athens. While dining in this restaurant, one’s imagination can lend itself to traveling back to an ancient time, which was magnificent in splendor. The atmosphere is warm and hospitable, and blends tradition with modernity. Guests have fondly given Petrino the nickname “The Garden of Eden”, due to the running streams of water and swimming pool in the restaurant’s natural environment. The prices are reasonable and the cuisine excellent. The nostalgic atmosphere leaves guests not quickly forgetting this great dining experience.

Location: 3 Andronikou St, Athens, Greece

Description: The Aristera-Dexia opened its doors in 1999 and since then has attracted young Athenians with its incredible cuisine. Guests enter the restaurant by walking a glass catwalk that peers down onto one of Athens’ most massive wine cellars. The meals are delicious as the Santorini-born chef prefers seafood and infuses traditional recipes with Thai, Japanese, and Italian flavors. Reservations are required and stylish attire preferred. 

Location: 14 Deligeorgi, Athens, Greece
Description: Varoulko is heralded by many as being the best place in Athens for seafood. If you enjoy the element of surprise, this restaurant is perfect for those most daring as the chef serves guests with his daily special, depending on what was caught fresh that morning. Popular dinner entrees include crayfish with sun-dried tomatoes and monkfish livers with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. The appetizers are truly appetizing and range from mullet roe dressed with honey and served with cinnamon-spiced cauliflower puree or crab salad with mango, leeks and grapes. Guests should be careful to make reservations in advance as this is a very popular spot.

Location: Zappeion Gardens, off of Amalias Ave., Athens, Greece

Description: Aigli is a popular chic bistro and a favorite with wealthy Athenian families. Located in the beautiful Zappeion Gardens, guests can appreciate pastries in the mornings or appetizers of oysters in the evening.

Location: 12 Dimokritou St, Athens, Greece ·

Description: Kiku is known for being the best Japanese restaurant in Athens. The restaurant prides itself in offering flawlessly fresh, stunningly presented sushi and sashimi. Popular dishes include: noodles with shrimp, chicken teriyaki, local bonito, sea bass, Japanese dumplings, and cuttlefish. If you plan to come to Kiku in the winter, reservations are essential.

Location: 5 Pyrronos, Varnava Square, Athens, Greece

Description: This sophisticated restaurant is found in a 19^th-century townhouse, with a courthouse perfect for strolling through after dinner. Spondi features contemporary continental cuisine with possible entrees including salmon and black ravioli with leeks and shrimp. Other popular dinners include tender lamb with couscous, raisins, and cumin or artichoke casserole with duck. 

Location: 22 Timoleondos Vassou Street, Andromeda Athens Hotel, Athens, Greece

Description: The White Elephant specializes in Polynesian food, with Chinese and Thai accents. Relax in leopard-print chairs as you enjoy the signature spring rolls; these crispy, five spice-seasoned rolls have truly become a work of art. Some of White Elephant’s most popular dishes include sweet-and-sour chicken with macadamia nuts and plum sauce, quail salad, Thai ribs, and marinated salmon with spinach and ginger cream. Be sure to call ahead as reservations are necessary.

Location: Alsos Evangelismos, Athens, Greece

Description: Boschetto offers mouth-watering Italian food in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant uses fresh pasta and more popular dinners include scallops with artichokes, olives, and tomato confit, grilled buffalo with a flavorful sauce, or shrimp cannelloni. Reservations are required at Boschetto.