There are cities where food is just something you have to deal with, and there are cities where food becomes the main event. Athens is definitely one of the latter. People here do not simply eat, they gather around tables, share stories, linger over wine, and truly enjoy their meals. If you are visiting and wondering where to begin your food journey, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat in Athens. Each place on this list brings something special to the table, whether it is comfort, creativity, or just really excellent flavours.
ΛΙΝΟΥ ΣΟΥΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΙΑ
The name is long and may be a challenge to pronounce, but the food here speaks clearly. Nestled in a quiet street in Psyrri, ΛΙΝΟΥ ΣΟΥΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΙΑ lets its food do the talking. The setting is modern and warm, with shelves of excellent wine bottles and soft lighting, but the dishes are full of imagination. Expect grilled fish with citrus, ultra fresh oysters, creative vegetable combinations, and incredible pita bread made right there.
What makes this place stand out is how much care goes into everything. Ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced, and the staff genuinely seem to care that you enjoy your experience. The surroundings are just as great, with plenty of antique stores and edgy boutiques. If you are looking for one of the best places to eat in Athens that feels like a local’s secret, this is a must.
Lyra Restaurant
If you find yourself wandering through the centre of Athens and craving authentic Greek food, Lyra Restaurant is a must-stop. Found along the flower filled steps of Plaka, just under the Acropolis, this restaurant is easy to fall in love with. Lyra combines the traditional and the most modern elements of authentic Greek cuisine both in its ambiance as well as in its tastes.
The interior is unassuming and modest, adorned in the colours of the Old Athens to reflect the cuisine’s character. Every dish looks beautiful, but it never feels too fussy. The portions are generous, and the wine list is full of Greek labels you will want to explore. Lyra is one of the best places to eat in Athens if you want both authenticity and flavour on the same plate.
The Makers Athens
It might look like a café for creative types at first glance, but The Makers Athens is more than a pretty place to sit with a flat white. It is a café, a restaurant, and a shop all in one, and somehow it works. The coffee is strong and smooth, but the food is what makes this place really shine. Every dish is done with care, and there is nothing here that feels ordinary.
For a relaxed meal in a creative space, The Makers Athens is one of the best places to eat in Athens. You will find colourful salads, satisfying toasties, and all kinds of fresh, flavourful bites. The concept store adds a unique touch; you might end up admiring the plate your breakfast is served on and find out you can buy it. Make sure to make a reservation or prepare to wait! This is a popular spot among locals.
Kosta Souvlaki
Sometimes the best meals are the ones that keep it simple. Kosta Souvlaki has been serving the same thing for years, and people keep coming back for more. There is no menu on the wall, no fancy presentation, and no extra sauces. You get pork souvlaki wrapped in fresh pita with just a dash of salt and lemon. That is it. And that is all you need.
Located in the busy Agias Irinis Square, the shop is tiny, with just a few stools and a long line of regulars. Most people eat standing up or perched on the edge of the square, and nobody seems to mind. The meat is grilled perfectly, the pita is warm and fluffy, and the price is more than fair. For an honest, straightforward taste of Athens, Kosta Souvlaki is without a doubt one of the best places to eat in Athens.
Tzitzikas kai Mermigas
With a name that means “The Cicada and the Ant,” Tzitzikas kai Mermigas already sets the tone: playful, a bit quirky, and proudly Greek. This place is a favourite with both locals and travellers who stumble upon it while exploring the area near Syntagma Square.
The menu is full of familiar Greek staples like tzatziki, meatballs, grilled halloumi, and slow cooked beef, but there is a touch of creativity in how they are put together. Dishes come out quickly, hot and hearty, and perfect for sharing. The space feels relaxed and welcoming, with shelves lined with olive oil bottles, tins, and old photos that give it the feel of a lively pantry.
The prices are fair, the portions are generous, and the mood is always cheerful. If you are after one of the best places to eat in Athens for a meal that feels both traditional and a little bit fun, Tzitzikas kai Mermigas will absolutely hit the spot.
