Where to Eat in Athens: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 11, 2018 Harland Bartelt

Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.
Things to do in Athens

1. Aleria

57 Megalou Alexandrou | Metaxourgeio, Athens 104 35, Greece Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Valet Parking, Accepts Credit Cards Greek, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$345 - HK$408 +30 21 0522 2633
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 995 reviews

Aleria

The restaurant is a perfectly restored villa from the early years of the previous century. The decor strikes the perfect balance between luxury and ambience, creating an atmosphere which is quite formal but still unpretentious, cozy and elegant. The restaurant's creative cuisine has been awarded many times and promises to impress you with a brilliant parade of re-synthesized Greek cuisine The chef Gikas Xenakis is one of the best proponents of the New Greek Cuisine movement which now attracts the most talented chefs in Greece. His philosophy is one that combines a calm but confident control of the modern cooking techniques with his memories of traditional home food cooked with the best and freshest ingredients that the sea and land of Greece offers. At Aleria you will enjoy Greek fine dining in wonderful surroundings in what is considered as one of the best value for money restaurants.

Reviewed By KGB777 - Singapore, Singapore

I came here to try the 7 course degustation menu with matching wine, priced very reasonably at around 100 Euros. The food was fantastic, with a lot of care taken in the presentation. The wines perfectly complemented each course and the staff spoke reasonable English. Only downside was that I was hoping to also have the cheeses at the end, but after waiting more then 20 minutes they still hadn't turned up, even after chasing a few times. So I decided not to have the cheese. But despite that one negative this was still a great place and well worth a visit.

2. Lithos

Aisopou 17 | Psirri, Athens, Greece Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$196 +30 21 0324 7797
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Lithos

Lithos is a Greek Tavern operating since 1996 Taste excellent greek food Located in the heart of Athens, area Psiri- (Historical Center of Athens) A convenient locatiion in the heart of Athens, next to Monastiraki , Ancient Agora and bordering with Plaka. It is a neighborhood of contrasts harmoniously blending the old with the new and rapidly turning into the Soho district of Athens near Monasteraki section of Athens Lithos Tavern is : Only few Blocks away from the Metro station Monastiraki and Only few blocks from Train station Thisio. Lithos serves from 5:30 PM at night until 12:00 AM in the evening every day Sunday serves noon from 13:00 open throughout the year. In the warmer months, you have the choice to either enjoy your dinner outside on the boardwalk Live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and noon ---------------------------------------------------------------- For private functions and business meeting of any occasion and time of day, further to the main restaurant we have one unique separate dining area (Mesogeios). This neoclassical building (Mesogeios)was built in 1896 Our private dining room Mesogeios Is situated next to Lithos door . The room has its own bar and seats up to 65 guests for, lunch or dinner. ----------------------------------------------------------------

Reviewed By Emma Y

It was our first meal in Greece. Chilling atmosphere and beautiful music. The location is not very close to Acropolis but it’s easy to find.
Kostas was very attentive and knowledgeable. We order a Kavourmas as our starter. It is a traditional beef dishes with cheese and bell pepper. For the main course, we order lamb, mussels, and shrimps. The portion was more than enough we couldn’t finish, even though it’s amazingly delicious.
Would definitely recommend if someone wants to enjoy a Greek night.

3. Oineas Restaurant

Aisopou 9, Athens 10554, Greece Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$78 - HK$196 +30 21 0321 5614
Excellent
79%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Oineas Restaurant

The restaurant " Oineas " ,established in 1999, embodies all the tradition and the air of another bygone era described as " the good old days " of the historical city of Athens. Placed at the neighborhood of Psyrri our restaurant aims to maintain the memories, that all we, the Greeks, had from our childhood . Good food is our main concern, with our menu consisting of traditional Greek recipes prepared in a modern and fresh way combining small gourmet touches . The desserts , are hand-made, prepared daily by the Mother of the owner, Christina Korda . The famous "ravani", a traditional greek type of cake soaked in syrup is served with kaimaki ice cream , leaving a last sweet taste to accompany you on the way home . The name "Oineas", is the name of an ancient greek king, who is supposed to be taught the culture and mystical values of life by the god Dionysos himself. It was chosen as the name of our restaurant because of our love for good wine , which flows in abundance as we have our own homemade House Wine both red and white. You should also, try the traditional greek drinks Ouzo, and Tsipouro, while you will be enjoying our unique tidbits, or else, the tradition greek "mezedes, made from fresh ingredients. The store has been decorated by the collection of antiques that Mr Angelos has being collecting for over than 40 years ,consisting of old advertisements , memorabilia , products of the era of the old Athens of the 50's, 60's and the 70's and all these kind of small objects are displayed throughout the store . It really is a small museum, and the antiques are unique and collected with great difficulty and fumbling . It is above all, a family business , a restaurant that is basically our home, the ornament and the result of chronic work, and dedication. We used all our good taste , our love of good company and established this restaurant for the pleasure it gives to us, having beautiful people enjoying their meal and drink, with good company at our place. We hope that we will see you soon!

Reviewed By Abears - Destin, Florida

The servers were very friendly. We did get there late (they are open I think until 11:30/midnight). The food was delicious. We had the Prawns. The oven roasted lamb. Tzatki (order bread separately) and stuffed mushrooms (yum!!!)
One thing I noticed - even here - is they try to get you to order everything at one time. I’ve read (and we proceeded this way) is its okay to order and take your time. So we would order an appetizer and wait awhile. Etc. so as not to be rushed.

4. Funky Gourmet

13 Paramithias Street | Salaminos, Kerameikos, Athens 104 35, Greece Parking Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Mediterranean, European, Greek, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$1,742 +30 21 0524 2727
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Funky Gourmet

Reviewed By Sinisa D - Belgrade, Serbia

Last couple of years I tried to have dinner in this place but somehow I always come in wrong time when they are on holidays. Luckily this time I made it :).
In the meantime they earned another star.
This place is amazing. The food was excellent, even more than excellent. Presentation of the food was super creative and feast for your eyes and mouth :). The stuff is very nice and take excellent care about guests.
It is not the type of sterile Michelin restaurant, but rather place with the soul. The menu is excellent with 14 dishes. It takes time to enjoy it but it is worth it.

5. Oroscopo

Antinoros Street 42-44 | Plateia Caravel Hotel, Athens 161 21, Greece Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$141 - HK$243 +30 21 0723 8567
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Oroscopo

Specialized in Modern Greek, Pizza & Pasta, tastes, at all times with the freshest ingredients being used and the passion for food in a combination with the wine list full by a variety of Greek labels, Oroscopo Restaurant can satisfy even the most demanding customer.

Reviewed By jackie w

Oroscopo is so far the best restaurant I visited in Athens. Food is simply delicious, super-friendly service and very reasonable price.

6. Scala Vinoteca

Sina 50 | Anagnostopoulou, Athens 106 72, Greece Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, European, Greek, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$337 - HK$534 +30 21 0361 0041
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 529 reviews

Scala Vinoteca

Wine Restaurant / Modern Brasserie / European Mediterranean cuisine / Creative Gastronomy / Fine Dinning

Reviewed By Mixalhs20 - Berlin, Germany

We had the Athens Wine Week Dinner and it was very good, particularly the wine pairing. A great experience was the Malagousia from Samotraki, an of-the-beaten-tracks wine displaying the typical blossom scent of Malagousia, but also an unexpected minerality and complexity on the palate. I knew Gentilini's Robola and the Muscat dessert wine from Samos already, but I was not aware of how well these wine go with the food that they were paired with. The (too young and therefore still a bit too oaky) Santorini wine also was an interesting choice. The food was great, beautifully arranged and displaying a great range of aromas, which were greatly harmonising with each other..
The ambiente is modern and a bit cool, but nevertheless cosy due to the very pleasant lighting, the music IMHO a bit too mainstream, but that's a matter of taste. Staff was attentive and affectionate, prima inter pares being the sommelière: extremely competent in her job and amiable as a person.

7. ta5f Taverna

Dioharous 31, 16121, Kessariani, Athens, Greece Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch +30 21 0723 7885
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 142 reviews

ta5f Taverna

Reviewed By Kevin B - Dallas, Texas

Our tour guide brought us here because we wanted a non-touristy food experience. We couldn't have asked for a better place! From the moment we came in, the owner greeted us like family and showed us what was on the menu. He made some recommendations and everything we ate was fresh and delicious. We felt like locals and I wish we had a wonderful little neighborhood place like this in Dallas.

8. Feyrouz

Karori 23 and Aiolou, Athens 10551, Greece Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Free Wifi Lebanese, Fast Food, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$16 - HK$39 +30 21 3031 8060
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 321 reviews

Feyrouz

Feyrouz is the new arrival in the Athenian street food scenery,with many different influences from Syria and Libanon,to Konstantinopolis and Greece based on handmade doughs with many traditional and original recepies from middle east to mediterranean.

Reviewed By f n - Athens, Greece

Mediocre food and really rude people. It seems that the sudden success made the owners and clerks of this establishment really arrogant. Their quality is steadily deteriorating. There are a couple of shops around the corner that are far better in quality.

9. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Sokrates 1 | Evripidou 52, Athens 105 52, Greece Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Greek, Delicatessen, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$39 - HK$141 +30 21 0325 4184
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Grocery · Restaurant · Fromagerie · Charcuterie “Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani” brings you the traditional tastes of Byzantium & Cappadokia, right on your table. At Fromagerie you may buy from our carefully selected collection of aged greek cheese. At Charcuterie you may taste the awarded “Sary” cold cuts. At Grocery you can select from a variety of exceptional gourmet, PDO and PGA food products of small scale, Greek producers. At Restaurant, our Menu includes aperitifs, salads, cheese & ham varieties, cold & hot dishes and desert, accompanied by a selection of distilled beverages and wines of local grape varieties. Fish lovers will enjoy Greek cured or smoked fish of high quality, such as anchovies, sardine, eel, trout, salmon and sturgeon. Specialties include traditionally cured, seasoned and aged ham, pastirma, sujuk, prosciutto, sausages, pastrami, PDO & aged cheese and extra-fine olive oil.

Reviewed By ladinks - Valencia, CA

Got here at 5pm on a Saturday, line out the door. Small cozy setting. We were seated next to another couple. Server brought home made bread and some cured meat with small cheese cubes. We had the stuffed grape leaves, Kavourmas (beef with potatoes and peppers) and an eggplant dish. All were fantastic! Dessert was complimentary. Some type of orange puree with whipping cream? Delicious. Would have gone back but it was our last night in Athens. Not to be missed.

10. Dinner in the Sky

Iakchou | & Voutadon, Technopolis of Athens, Athens 11854, Greece Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, European, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$1,303 - HK$1,303 +30 694 539 6509
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 899 reviews

Dinner in the Sky

An extraordinary culinary proposal is ready to welcome you in the center of Athens. Can you imagine a "flying" table of 22 guests that lifts you up to 50 meters above the ground offering a once in a life time experience? Can you imagine getting the view from the sculpturally lit Acropolis to the surrounding Mountains, from the sea to the Athenian cityscape? Give yourself, your beloved ones, your friends or your colleagues this extraordinary present that combines gastronomy food inspired by the Greek tradition, breathtaking views, delicious local wines and memorable moments! Are you going to miss this chance?

Reviewed By Katherine D - LaGrange, Georgia

This is a wonderful way to see the sunset in Athens. The city is lit up and the ruins are illustrated beautifully. Your views change because the table is in continuous slow circular motion. I would highly recommend seeing the city like this. I am...MoreThank you very much for taking the time to post a review on your Dinner in the Sky experience. We are very pleased to read that despite your fear of heights you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the level of service provided by our team.

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