17 Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece

Pharaoh, awarded with the Michelin Bib Gourmand, serves soulful, ingredient-driven Greek fare, with an emphasis on wood-fire cooking. Chef Papoutsakis channels “cucina povera” into vibrant dishes built from pristine, hyperlocal ingredients—think slow-cooked lamb, artichokes cooked in creamy staka butter, stewed chestnuts and grilled greens with manouri cheese. The vibe rides on positive energy, but a stripped-back cool reigns, too: minimal decor, playful vintage touches, and a killer vinyl soundtrack that sets a laid-back, buzzy tone. A fantastic selection of natural wines flow freely, curated to spotlight organic and biodynamic vineyards across Greece.

Daphne's is one of the most exclusive (and at times priciest) food destinations in Plaka, but the food is worth it. The Pompeian frescoes on the walls, the fragments of an ancient Greek building in the garden, and the tasteful restoration of the Neoclassical building in terra-cotta and ocher hues also contribute to a pleasant and romantic evening. The refined Mediterranean and Greek dishes (such as the baby rooster with lemon-oil sauce, tender lamb wrapped in vine leaves, rabbit stew, and the traditional moussaka) help make this one of the area's classic stops for a high-end experience.

Although it's named after one of the world's most exotic destinations, this restaurant is almost provincially Greek in its ingredients but postmodern in culinary attitude. In a neighborhood that's especially à la mode among artists from all over, the neo-traditional element is played up for its unpretentious and familial charm, but don't fool yourself, this place is decidedly "in."

Choose among classic specialties at this old-fashioned mezedopoleio (restaurant serving mezes) founded in 1932: fresh fish grilled or fried, delicately flavored pastas, delightful seafood and traditional meat dishes. Try the cheerful barrel red or ouzo, fine companions to your meal. The decor is no-nonsense ouzeri, with marble tables, dark wood, and framed memorabilia. It's a favorite of attorneys, politicians, and local office workers. A new branch of this eatery has recently opened at Mitropoleos 34, in Central Athens, with the same menu but a more modern interior.

An unassuming yet high-profile and nicely renovated taverna, this classic restaurant recently celebrated a century of opening, and its devotees enjoy simple, traditional yet top-quality Greek food. From cabinet ministers, diplomats, and actors to intellectuals, its repertoire of loyal diners fills out the place at lunch and dinnertime, but always with a low-key vibe. The appeal is simple: skillfully prepared, flavorsome traditional Greek classics such as moussaka (layered eggplant and ground beef in fluffy béchamel sauce), and memorable side dishes like sweet shrimps in a homemade mayonnaise. The menu adapts daily to what's fresh at the open-air market with mainly ladera-style specials cooked in olive oil.

A stripped-back space where fire takes center stage and Greek produce gets the spotlight it deserves. The menu changes often but expect things like fried zucchini flowers, grilled panzanella with charred veg, or line-caught fish kissed by flame. The ambience could be defined as somewhere between a Cretan village feast and a postpunk listening session.

Once a very well-kept secret, today Avli fills fast, so waiting a little for a table is pretty common. Bear in mind it's hard to find, but if you do walk past its inconspicuous entrance, you'd be missing out on uniquely satisfying small plates and bottomless carafes of barrel wine. Dining here remains a unique experience in a village-like backyard that is nothing like the rest of Athens. Foreign artists and Greek business people alike find refuge here, especially when they want to take the afternoon off and indulge a little.

Small metal tables line either side of a steep pedestrian road leading from across the St. George hotel right under Lycabettus down to Dexameni Square, where one can peek through the glass to see the ancient Roman aqueduct. Throughout the year the greenery-surrounded café serves coffee, refreshments, and meze dishes to a chatty, vibrant crowd of all ages and styles. On the square you'll also find Cine Dexameni, one of Athens's old open-air cinemas that operates throughout the summer, and a playground.

It's the savvy locals' treasured secret—and one of Athens's oldest tavernas—where everyone wandering around Omonia Square has been welcomed through the years. Owner-chef Barba Mitsos keeps everyone happy with his handful of simple, delicious, and dirt-cheap homemade dishes, from the always exceptional horiatiki (Greek salad) and buttery gigantes (giant beans in tomato sauce) to saucy boiled meats with vegetables and tiny fried fish. Wine is drawn directly from the barrels lining the walls. As for decor, the feeling is authentic 1950s Athens. There is no sign on the door: just walk down the staircase of this corner Neoclassical building.

Housed in a cool, airy building with modern and traditional touches, this lively example of a neo-taverna serves mama's cooking but infused with Gazi's creative energy. Regional specialties, great barrel wine served in lovely carafes, and a familial atmosphere make dining here a pleasure. Warning: when the neutral-tone interior gets busy, it gets almost psychedelically loud. Thankfully, there are outside tables on the street where you can dine in good weather.

On a picturesque pedestrianized square, this is one of the oldest tavernas in Plaka (established 1932). Although not as great as it was during its glory years when intellectuals and artists sat here sipping retsina until the early hours, it's still well worth a stop. It is a district landmark—set midway between the Tower of the Winds and the Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments. Most of the crowds prefer to relax under the courtyard's plane trees (which give the place its name) rather than dine inside the cozy dining room, at least when the weather is pleasant. Locals come here because the food is good Greek home cooking. Don't miss the oven-baked potatoes, lamb or veal casserole with spinach or eggplant, the stuffed squid, and the cheap but delicious barrel retsina. It's also open for lunch.

Classic and modern Greek tastes with Mediterranean influences are served with gusto and finesse. Whether you're after a well-grilled, juicy steak or a hearty pasta dish, a fresh crisp salad, or fresh local fish, you're bound to enjoy the homestyle offerings at this quality place. Tables line the decorated exterior along steep Ploutarchou Street though year-round there are also seats indoors.

Founded way back in 1898, this is one of the few remaining Plaka tavernas serving reliably good food with excellent Acropolis views. It doesn't draw the same crowd of locals as in the past, and it doesn't just serve fish, as the name suggests; rather, you'll find simple tasty entrées such as rooster in wine sauce, arnaki pilino (lamb baked in clay pots), moussaka, grilled meat, and wild mushroom risotto.

Stop in to taste some artfully tasty pittes (pies) to go that are made without using yeast in a wood-burning oven. Since 1981, the bakery (which now has three branches in Athens and one in Vienna) uses its own stone mill to grind the grains used in the pies, which have a perfectly crisp, buttery pastry, and comforting fillings made with high-quality ingredients. Try the creamy feta cheese or spinach pie, and grab a loaf of sourdough bread stuffed with feta and tomato for later.

Kebab lovers rejoice! Since 1964 this family-run souvlaki restaurant serves juicy, grilled meat concoctions as portions, accompanied by pittas and fries, or wrapped in pitta with tzatziki (garlic, yogurt, and cucumber sauce) or a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Sides include classics like Greek salad, grilled peppers, fried saganaki cheese and hand-cut fried potatoes. Just two minutes' walk from Monastiraki square (and less than 10 from Syntagma), this lively place makes a great stop for indulgent and flavorsome food made with quality ingredients and served with an authentic smile. 

A Kolonaki institution, this bistro-style traditional restaurant is slightly fancier and more costly than the normal mezedopoleio, with cloth napkins, candles on the tables, and walls decorated with writings by its famous patrons. The menu centers on delicate Greek classics (such as lamb with lemon or roast suckling pig) but also some international fare. The service is warm and professional and the clientele includes politicians and diplomats on their lunch break. For the freshest dishes, ask the waiter for the day's specials.

A favorite of tourists and locals alike, Vyzantino is directly on Plaka's main square—good for a reasonably priced, well prepared, and traditional bite (like stewed meats such as beef stifado, baked lamb, and stuffed tomatoes) with a front seat to all the action.