O Platanos

O Platanos Review

Set on a picturesque pedestrianized square, this is one of the oldest tavernas in Plaka (established 1932)—a welcome sight compared with the many overpriced tourist traps in the area. A district landmark—it is set midway between the Tower of the Winds and the Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments—it warms the eye with its pink-hue house, nicely color-coordinated with the bougainvillea-covered courtyard. Although the rooms here are cozily adorned with old paintings and photos, most of the crowd opts to relax under the courtyard's plane trees (which give the place its name). Platanos is packed with locals, who flock here because the food is good Greek home cooking and the waiters fast and polite. Don't miss the oven-baked potatoes, lamp or veal casserole with spinach or eggplant, fresh green beans in savory olive oil, fresh grilled fish, and the exceptionally cheap but delicious barrel retsina. Open for lunch.