When you travel to the historic city of Athens, you’ll definitely want to pair seeing the Acropolis with an exploration of Greek cuisine. In this guide, our local expert shares the best restaurants in Athens at every price point. So, whether you’re looking for hearty Greek favorites, a fine dining experience, or restaurants with killer views, there’s something for you on this list.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our guide to Athens for more planning resources, our top Athens tours for an easy way to see the best of this historic city, plus the best Greek dishes to try.
Top 10 Places To Eat in Athens
If you’re in Athens, you’re about to be in foodie heaven! Mediterranean cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world and if you haven’t already, now’s the time to try it! You’ll eat quality food at affordable prices in the popular center of the city as well as in the suburbs. You’ll also have the option to splurge a little on a gourmet dining experience. There’s a bit of everything in the city of the ancient Greeks.
On this list of the best restaurants in Athens, you’ll find a mix of restaurants at different price points from € to €€€€. The list contains award-winning restaurants, traditional taverns, and famous gyros restaurants. We’ll introduce you to the best restaurants in both the center and suburbs of Athens.
If you love food and travel, you’ll love going on a local food tour! How does a guided walking tour with stops to eat authentic Greek dishes sound? If you’d prefer to make your own Greek dishes, how about a cooking class with a view of the Acropolis? Check out our Athens food tours.
Not ready to book a tour? Explore our Athens Guide for more resources.
Varoulko Seaside Restaurant
€€€ | Michelin Star | Marina Views | For Seafood Lovers | Outdoor Seating
Located in Piraeus, Varoulko Seaside Restaurant has an elegant atmosphere with beautiful views of the Mikrolimano Marina. With its Michelin star and gourmet Greek dishes prepared under Chef Lefteris Lazarou, you’ll certainly enjoy a fantastic dining experience.
The specialty here is seafood, and you can expect delicious dishes made with top-quality fresh ingredients, all presented beautifully. It’s what you’d expect from a restaurant that’s been continuously awarded a Michelin Star and Greek Cuisine Awards from 1993 to 2020.
If you’re vegetarian, you also have plenty of options, including dairy-free and gluten-free dishes. There’s no better restaurant for seafood lovers than Varoulko in Athens. And the seafront views don’t hurt.
Address: Akti Koumoundourou, 54
Yi
€€ | Vegan | Outdoor Seating | Relaxed Ambiance | Healthy Option
Yi restaurant has taken its name from the way we pronounce the Greek word Γη meaning “Earth”. It’s a plant-based café and restaurant with a cozy ambiance, lovely decor, and terrace seating. Located not far from the sea in Glyfada, it’s a great place to come after a walk on the beachfront.
The restaurant offers diners delicious vegan and raw-vegan dishes cooked with fresh Greek products. And you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy a meal here. After your main dish, don’t skip the incredible desserts based on seasonal fruits. Yi is also a great option for a quick snack, a vegan smoothie, or a coffee. This is the best restaurant in Athens for vegans.
Address: Gr. Labraki, 69
Check Out Our Best Food Tours of Athens
Top Rated Tour
Athens Cooking Class with Dinner and Rooftop View of the Acropolis
From delicious baked spanakopita to classic tzatziki sauce, join this cooking class to prepare authentic Greek recipes with an expert chef. With stunning views looking over the Acropolis, enjoy a 3-course dinner of your creations on this memorable experience in the Greek capital. Bring home the recipes and show your newfound culinary skills, along with amazing photos of the food and views.
(5)
Starting at €71
Likely to Sell Out
Athens “Locals” Food Tour in Monastiraki
Explore the gastronomic world of Athens through the city’s central market. Enjoy homemade pastries, authentic wines, cheeses, honey-soaked donuts and much more. Your local guide will lead you through the best spots in the lively Monastiraki neighborhood for a delicious experience in Athens.
(8)
Starting at €68
Not ready to book a tour? Explore our Athens Guide for more resources.
GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar
€€€€ | Rooftop Garden | Acropolis Views | Fine Dining | Cocktail Bars
If you’re looking for a touch of elegance and luxury on your trip to Athens, head to the restaurant of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Located in the center of Athens, you’ll enjoy a rooftop dinner with a breathtaking view of the Parthenon. It’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy a fine dining experience after a long day of sightseeing.
Here, award-winning chefs prepare special dishes based on greek products. They offer excellent wines to accompany your meal. If you have enough time in the morning, this is a great place to come for breakfast under the lovely Athenian sun.
Address: Vasileos Georgiou, A1
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Acropolis Guide for more resources.
Fuga Restaurant
€€€ | Garden Setting | Tropical Cuisine | Cocktails
At Fuga, you’ll enjoy a sharing-style menu of what they describe as tropical cuisine with Asian, Latin American, and Mediterranean influences. It’s set in a beautiful garden in the center of Athens—a verdant oasis where you’re sure to relax.
You’ll experience a unique blend of cultures and flavors here. Their philosophy is high-quality and ethically-sourced produce. If you’re looking for a relaxing meal in a lush setting, definitely give Fuga a try. They also have a small terrace with great views and creative cocktails.
Address: Megaro Mousikis, Vas. Sofias & Petrou Kokkali, 1
Balthazar
€€€ | Gardens | Trendy Hangout | Mediterranean Cuisine | Cocktail Bar
Balthazar is a trendy spot set in an 1897 neoclassical mansion with beautiful gardens. It’s a fantastic place to come and enjoy a cocktail on a summer’s evening.
Run by chef Christoforos Peskias, you’ll get to try traditional gourmet dishes alongside sushi and other delicious finger foods. Come with an appetite or come to enjoy the vibe with a cocktail. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy an evening at Balthazar. It’s a cool place in Athens with awesome decor, a big bar, and a menu to satisfy any foodie.
Address: Tsocha, 27
Platanos Tavern
€€ | Traditional Greek Cuisine | Outdoor Seating | Family Friendly
If you visit Athens, you can’t leave without having your lunch or dinner at Platanos Taverna. Since 1932, a lot of famous people have visited this restaurant, such as Kostis Palamas, Marika Kotopouli, and Henry Miller, among others. Located in Plaka, it’s a great place to try authentic Greek cuisine.
Choose from traditional homemade dishes like mousaka, horiatiki salad, fresh seasonal fruits, and greek desserts like karidopita. Don’t hesitate to ask for a glass of tsipouro or ouzo. But be careful, this is not your typical shot! Drink it slowly and savor this traditional Greek dining experience.
Address: Diogenous, 4
Bairaktaris
€-€€ | Hearty Greek Cuisine | Outdoor Seating | Family Run Taverna
This is our favorite traditional taverna in the heart of Athens. After shopping in popular Ermou Street, this is a great place to come and eat hearty Greek dishes with a bustling vibe. Located near Monastiraki Square, you’ll get to people-watch, listen to street performers play music, and admire the Church of the Pantanassa.
Above all, Bairaktaris offers traditional and authentic souvlaki, gyros, and kebabs—all must-try dishes when you visit Athens. Everyone makes a stop here for food, whether it’s to take away or eat in. Don’t forget to try souvlaki with gyros!
Address: Mitropoleos, 71-88
Gaston
€€ | Outdoor Seating
Gaston in Nea Smyrni is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy lunch in a cozy and elegant setting. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this café-restaurant offers guests a retreat to enjoy a morning coffee with a sweet treat or lunch in the sun.
Expect tasty greek dishes, such as fresh salads, light starters, pizza, and other main dishes. You can also combine your lunch with your favorite drink or cocktail why not, you’re on holiday!
Address: 25th Martiou, 15
Popular Athens Tours
Top Rated Tour
Skip the Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum
Towering above the modern city of Athens, explore the ancient forum home to the relics of Classical Greece. From the world’s oldest theatre to the iconic Parthenon, the Acropolis is a beacon of civilization and philosophy. Head back in time to the time of Plato and Socrates on this Skip-the-Line tour.
(5)
Starting at €80
Likely to Sell Out
Athens “Locals” Food Tour in Monastiraki
Explore the gastronomic world of Athens through the city’s central market. Enjoy homemade pastries, authentic wines, cheeses, honey-soaked donuts and much more. Your local guide will lead you through the best spots in the lively Monastiraki neighborhood for a delicious experience in Athens.
(8)
Starting at €68
Not ready to book a tour? Explore our Athens Guide for more info.
Mystikos Kipos
€€ | Garden Setting |
In Chalandri, a northeast suburb of Athens, you’ll find a magical place: Mystikos Kipos or “Secret Garden” in English. Surrounded by the scent of the lemon trees and the jasmine in the garden, you can count on a lovely dining experience.
The highlight of this restaurant is its creative gourmet food. The dishes may seem simple but guests always leave pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the food here. Try the quinoa with broccoli, smoked mackerel, and salad with rocket and peach. Mystikos Kipos has quickly become a favorite for those who have discovered this hidden gem.
Address: Karaoli Dimitriou, 21
To Kafeneio
€ | Outdoor Seating | Classics | Local Institution
To Kafeneio is in the shadows of the Acropolis and a great choice for lunch after visiting the Acropolis or Acropolis Museum. The restaurant is located on a quiet street, so you can eat either al fresco or indoors. They serve all of the classic delicious Greek dishes, so you are bound to come away full and happy!
Address: Epicharmou 1
Not ready to book a tour? Explore our Athens Guide for more info.
Where To Stay in Athens
A great hotel at a great price has become the norm in this internet era. Our article explains what areas are the best in Athens, so you can get a great deal in the perfect location!
We ate at Bairaktaris tonight for our first night in Athens! My 11, 9 and 7 year old all loved it as much as my husband and I did! Wonderful recommendation and exactly what we were looking for! The hotel also recommended it, but we were already planning on going!
Thanks for the kind comment. Happy Travels!