While plenty of people head to Athens — and Greece in general — to explore the ancient ruins and soak up the sun, the city's delicious food scene is a solid reason alone to book a flight and a hotel room.
Whether you're building your Greece itinerary before you travel, or if you're simply keen to grab a few restaurant ideas once you reach the capital, we've put together a guide to the best restaurants in Athens based on the SIMOVO team's experiences and expert opinions from travellers across the web.
If you're looking for tavernas, modern cuisine, street food, or rooftop dining, it's time to dig in and see what's on offer across Athens.
Athens food scene overview
Athens has a pretty unique food scene — while it certainly plays host to authentic, traditional Greek food, there's been an explosion in street food vendors and modern twists on classic cuisine over the past few years.
There's a really nice balance between modern, creative spins on Greek favourites and street food on the go — meaning if you're expecting the same old moussaka and gyros everywhere you go, think again.
It's all the more reason to prepare ahead of time by looking up some of Athens' most popular restaurants and reading what people have to say about them online. We recommend checking out TripAdvisor, though do take negative reviews with a pinch of salt and make sure you read the full context — there's a lot of bias out there.
Greece as a nation is very much all-in on dining as a social experience, so expect cosy tavernas and modern but super-social spaces where you can get together and enjoy meze. There are still plenty of romantic and private spots too — but while exploring Athens, we implore you to go all-in on the local food scene and leave the temptation of fast food firmly behind.
Best restaurants in Athens
Based on our own experiences and reviews from experts across the web, here's a collection of the best restaurants in Athens we think you should check out as a priority. Even if you're not a big foodie, it's still worth sampling authentic Athenian cuisine and mixing things up a little.
[numbered title="Traditional Tavernas" pill="Family & meze"]Cosy, family-run spots focused on shared meze and al fresco dining. The complete opposite of fast food — relaxed, warm, and one of the best ways to experience Greece.[/numbered] [numbered title="Modern Greek Restaurants" pill="Creative twists"]Contemporary takes on traditional Greek flavours — familiar dishes viewed through a fresh lens, with menus that balance innovation with authenticity.[/numbered] [numbered title="Rooftop Restaurants" pill="Panoramic dining"]The best way to combine Athens' incredible views with exceptional food and service. Inside behind glass or out on the verandah — the views are worth it either way.[/numbered] [numbered title="Street Food Spots" pill="Eat on the go"]Authentic Greek food while you sightsee. Head to Monastiraki for the best selection, Plaka for traditional options, or Syntagma for something quicker.[/numbered]Traditional Greek tavernas
Athens is well-loved for its traditional tavernas — family businesses that focus on shared meze, cosy atmosphere, and great al fresco dining. It's the complete opposite of fast food or chain restaurants, and a breath of fresh air for most travellers.
Here are a few Greek tavernas in Athens that strike a chord with lots of visitors:
Modern Greek restaurants
The best modern Greek restaurants don't do away with the old for the sake of the new. They dip into traditional Greek flavours and popular dishes while adding curious new twists — meaning you can still expect the delicious dishes you might have sampled at a street food vendor, but with a completely fresh viewpoint.
Here are three modern Greek dining establishments in Athens that have picked up lots of fans at home and abroad:
Rooftop restaurants in Athens
Given that there are so many wonderful sights across the city, combining dining and drinks with al fresco views in Athens makes perfect sense. You'll find plenty of establishments that go all-in on panoramic dining — whether you choose to stay inside behind glass or take your food on the verandah is entirely up to you.
These three rooftop restaurants in Athens have picked up great reviews not just for the views, but for the cuisine and service too:
Street food spots in Athens
If you'd prefer to eat on the go or want to sample authentic food while sightseeing, Athens has you well covered. Given that vendors come and go, we're more inclined to recommend specific areas where you can explore authentic options on the move.
Specifically, we recommend trying traditional options across Plaka, or if you'd prefer something a little faster, check out Syntagma. Monastiraki, however, tends to be the place to be if you're a foodie in search of street food treats. And if you're cooking your own meals, head to the central food market at the Varvakios Agora — even if you don't buy a thing, it's worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.
What food to try in Athens
For an in-depth look at the best cuisine across the region, check out our Greek food guide. Otherwise, keep your eyes and taste buds peeled for the following dishes while you tour Athens.
- Traditional gyros and souvlaki — whether in pita or on skewers.
- Moussaka — a classic dish layering aubergine with meat and béchamel.
- Spanakopita — traditional spinach pies, available from bakeries and vendors across the city.
- Local seafood — try the calamari, anchovies, and mussels (known here as mydia).
- Pastitsio — delicious baked pasta with béchamel.
And make sure you sample the world-famous yogurt and coffee — if you have room, that is!
Tips for dining in Athens
The best advice we can give is to just get out and explore Athens' food scene as much as you can. Here are some extra dining tips worth keeping in mind:
[tip title="Book ahead — popular spots fill up fast"]Always reserve a table in advance, especially if you're travelling in a group. The restaurants listed in this guide pack out quickly during tourist season, particularly at peak dining times in the evening.[/tip] [tip title="Eat late to experience Athens at its best"]Dinner time in Athens is usually as late as 9pm to 10pm. Book your table for late in the evening and you'll experience the city's dining scene at its most social and authentic — arriving at 7pm will often mean sitting in a nearly empty restaurant.[/tip] [tip title="Embrace social dining in tavernas"]Athens' taverna culture is very much people-friendly and built around sharing. While there are plenty of private restaurant spots across the capital, lean into the meze experience wherever you can — it's one of the best things about eating in Greece.[/tip] [tip title="Ask for tap water — it's safe and cheaper"]Tap water in Athens is safe to drink, and asking for tap water at your table is always cheaper than paying for the bottled variety. There's no need to spend extra on bottled water when dining out.[/tip] [esim flag="🇬🇷" label="Greece" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£9" href="/products/greece" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Athens without roaming charges[/esim] [faq] [q]What are the best restaurants in Athens?[/q] [a]Athens offers a fantastic range of dining experiences across traditional tavernas, modern Greek restaurants, and rooftop venues. Highly rated options include MIRONI and Taverna Saita for traditional meze, Hill Athens and Grande Dame Athenian Tavern for modern Greek cuisine, and Elysium, Metropolis Roof Garden, and Couleur Locale for panoramic rooftop dining. Always check current TripAdvisor reviews before visiting.[/a] [q]What is a Greek taverna?[/q] [a]A taverna is a traditional Greek family restaurant focused on shared meze — small dishes served communally, enjoyed in a relaxed, often al fresco setting. Tavernas are typically family-run, affordable, and very social. They are the heart of Greek dining culture and one of the best ways to experience authentic Athenian food.[/a] [q]What is the best area for street food in Athens?[/q] [a]Monastiraki is widely considered the best neighbourhood for street food in Athens — it has the widest selection and the most energetic atmosphere. Plaka is excellent for traditional Greek options in a more scenic setting. Syntagma suits faster, on-the-go eating. The Varvakios Agora central market is also worth visiting even if you are not buying, purely for the atmosphere.[/a] [q]What food should I try in Athens?[/q] [a]The must-try dishes in Athens include traditional gyros and souvlaki (in pita or on skewers), moussaka (aubergine, meat, and béchamel), spanakopita (spinach pie), local seafood including calamari and mussels (mydia), and pastitsio (baked pasta with béchamel). Greek yogurt and coffee are also essential. For a full guide to Greek cuisine, see our Greek food guide.[/a] [q]When do people eat dinner in Athens?[/q] [a]Dinner in Athens is eaten late — most locals do not sit down to eat until 9pm or 10pm, and restaurants often do not fill up until that time. Arriving for dinner at 7pm or 8pm will usually mean an empty room. Book your table for late in the evening to experience the city's dining culture at its most authentic and social.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Greece?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO Greece eSIM is one of the most practical additions to any Athens trip. At £9 for 10GB over 30 days, it lets you research restaurants on the move, check TripAdvisor reviews, navigate between neighbourhoods, and stay connected throughout your stay — without roaming charges when you get home.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇬🇷" label="Greece" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£9" href="/products/greece" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Athens without roaming charges[/esim]
