Eat like a local in Athens
Authentic Flavors, Local Secrets, and Where to Find the Best Bites in the City
Athens is a city bursting with history, culture — and incredible food. While you’ll find plenty of restaurants catering to tourists, the real magic lies in eating like a local. From bustling food markets to hidden tavernas and late-night souvlaki spots, here’s your guide to discovering the true taste of Athens.
🥙 Street Food Classics
Souvlaki & Gyros
No trip to Athens is complete without grabbing a fresh souvlaki or gyro from a neighborhood grill house. Look for spots packed with locals — they’re often the tastiest and most authentic. Try it with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and crispy fries wrapped in warm pita.
Where to try it: O Kostas (Syntagma), Lefteris o Politis (Omonia)
Koulouri
A classic Greek street snack, koulouri is a sesame-crusted bread ring — crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect with a coffee in the morning.
Where to try it: Vendors in Monastiraki and Thissio
🍽️ Traditional Tavernas
Hidden Gems in Plaka & Psyrri
Wander the backstreets of Plaka or the bohemian district of Psyrri and you’ll stumble upon cozy, family-run tavernas. Expect slow-cooked lamb, oven-baked moussaka, and grilled seafood served with house wine.
Top picks: Taverna Klimataria, Oineas, Scholarchio
Meze Culture
Eating meze is a social experience — small plates meant for sharing. Think grilled halloumi, fava, dolmades, and spicy soutzoukakia.
Best areas: Exarchia, Petralona, and Pangrati
🍷 Local Markets & Food Halls
Varvakios Central Market
This bustling central market is where locals shop for the freshest produce, meats, fish, and spices. Stroll through the aisles for an immersive experience — and stop at one of the tucked-away eateries for a hearty local lunch.
Tip: Try a bowl of traditional tripe soup (“patsas”) or a lamb stew at one of the market’s canteens.
Food Halls & Urban Gastronomy
Newer food halls and modern Greek delis offer curated experiences that blend tradition with creativity.
Where to go: Ergon House, Heteroclito Wine Bar, or Athens Central Market Street Food
🧁 Sweet Treats & Coffee Culture
Loukoumades
These golden, bite-sized donuts are drizzled with honey and cinnamon — and absolutely addictive.
Must-visit: Lukumades (Aiolou Street)
Greek Coffee & Freddo Espresso
Start your day the Greek way with a strong cup of Greek coffee or join locals in sipping an iced freddo espresso at a sidewalk café.
Where locals go: Kora Bakery, TAF Coffee, or Kokkion (for artisan ice cream!)
🥂 Evening Bites & Late-Night Eats
Mezedopoleia & Ouzeries
As the sun sets, head to a mezedopoleio (meze restaurant) for slow dining over raki or ouzo. It’s the Greek version of tapas — relaxed, flavorful, and social.
Try: Karamanlidika tou Fani, To Kafeneio
Late-Night Street Food
If you’re out enjoying Athens’ nightlife, end your evening like a true Athenian — with a late-night gyro, tyropita (cheese pie), or bougatsa (custard pie).
🌿 Vegan & Modern Greek Cuisine
Athens is also a great city for plant-based and modern food lovers. Many classic dishes like fava, gigantes (giant beans), and ladera (vegetables cooked in olive oil) are naturally vegan.
Try: Avocado, Cookoomela Grill (mushroom gyros!), or Peas Vegan Café
Final Bite
To truly experience Athens, follow the scent of grilled meats, the chatter of locals in a busy taverna, and the clatter of dishes being shared among friends. Eating like a local isn’t just about the food — it’s about connection, tradition, and savoring every moment.