A guide to some of the best restaurants in Athens

When it comes to eating out, Athens offers plenty of options, from Greek classics to Michelin-starred dishes and fusion cuisines, but knowing where to go is key for a truly memorable dining experience.
Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in town:

Spondi

Located right behind the Panathinaiko Stadium, Spondi has long been a reference for fine dining lovers, attracting both local and globetrotter gastronomes with its culinary delights. It was the first restaurant in Athens to be awarded a Michelin star back in 2002 (which became two a few years later), in addition to entering the prestigious Grande Table du Monde. The food is an ode to French cuisine, with one of the restaurant’s signature dishes being the tartare of langoustine with Petrossian Daurenki caviar, while the cellar is stocked with over 1300 wines. The dining space is cozy and intimate, with stone walls, exposed-brick vaulted ceilings and low lighting, and in the summer guests can also dine in a lovely courtyard.

Papadakis

Papadakis is the reign of chef Argiro Barbarigou, who is considered the grande dame of Greek cuisine. Her restaurant is renowned for the exquisite seafood dishes that draw on the Cycladic culinary tradition, particularly the kakkavia soup, which is said to be the country’s oldest fish soup, and the octopus stew served with thyme honey and sun-dried tomatoes. The menu offers also a few meat-oriented dishes such as beef mpiftekia (meatballs). With a central location in the heart of Athen’s Kolonaki district, Papadakis welcomes guests in a bright dining room with crisp white tablecloths accented by fresh flowers and large windows overlooking a tree-lined street. Some outdoor seating is also available.
 

 

GB Roof Garden

The GB Roof Garden is the perfect spot for Mediterranean-inspired al fresco dining, serving fresh flavorful dishes accompanied by exceptional views over the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Part of the luxury Hotel Grande Bretagne, this restaurant serves gourmet dishes prepared with the finest local produce and the herbs from the rooftop garden. Fish plays a big role on the menu, alongside excellent grilled meats and a daily special pizza straight from the wood-burning oven. Desserts are prepared by Arnaud Larher, one of France’s top chocolatiers, and the restaurant has also an excellent cocktail bar.

Hytra

Hytra is another fantastic rooftop restaurant that offers excellent food and stunning panoramic views over Athens. It’s located on the top floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre, in the city’s financial district, and boasts trendy interiors as well as a fabulous summer terrace. The seasonal menu features traditional Greek flavours and the finest locally sourced ingredients, skillfully combined into delicious and visually attractive dishes that won the restaurant a Michelin star. As well as a la carte offering, there are also 8- and 14-course tasting menus with wine, juice or cocktail pairings.

Taverna tou Oikonomou

Those looking for a truly authentic Greek dining experience should make a beeline for Taverna tou Oikonomou, a no-frills restaurant that first opened its doors in 1930s and now is one of Athens’ most popular eateries. The menu largely comprises traditional home-style Greek recipes, from roasted lamb and stuffed cabbage leaves, to baked aubergines and beef stew, to wash down with rounds of local wine, ouzo and the house tsipouro spirit. The setting is a charming yellow building in the neighborhood of Petralona, with some outdoor seating space under the olive trees. 

Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis

 

Located in an old school building in the vibrant neighborhood of Exarchia, Ama Lachei is a restaurant specialized in Greek cuisine. On the menu are old-school favorites served meze-style (e.g. in small dishes to share) that include pureed fava, lamb kebab, Greek salad, along with various types of wines and local spirits. Inside the atmosphere is cozy and cheerful, with high ceilings and black and white photos from the old school archive on the walls, while outside there’s an enchanting garden with lemon trees and colorful flowers where guests can dine in the summer. 

Fita

Traditional Greek cuisine with a modern, creative twist is served at Fita, an exciting new addition to Athen’s food scene. It’s located in the residential area of Neos Kosmos and features simple interiors with industrial-inspired elements like exposed concrete and large windows, warmed up by the use of wooden chairs and marble tables. Chef Fotis Fotinoglou’s menu changes daily based on what is available at the market each morning, and the ingredients are used in inventive combinations to produce unique dishes like Greek sushi (tuna wrapped in vine leaves) and okras served with deep-fried parrotfish.

 

I Kriti

I Kriti is an authentic corner of Crete hidden inside a quiet arcade in Athens’ Exarchia neighborhood. Dining here is no quick thing, as service can be rather slow at times, but it’s all part of the experience, which entails friendly Cretan hospitality and excellent, traditional food. The menu takes visitors on a journey through the culinary delights of the island, with delicious treats such as saganaki (fried feta in phyllo pastry, served with honey and sesame seeds), fried olives and stewed snails. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal but getting a seat can be a problem, especially over the weekend, so booking is recommended.