What to Eat in Athens, Greece: A Complete Guide of Local Foods, Unique Restaurants, & Fun Culinary Experiences

If you’re wondering what to eat in Athens, Greece, get ready for a trip full of awesome rooftops and unforgettable meals. This city is severely underrated, and we believe it's well worth a visit - not just for its history, but for its incredible food and drink scene.

Athens is packed with everything from stylish bars and Instagrammable cafes to traditional tavernas and fun food tours.

Whether you’re after a quick souvlaki, a stunning view of the Acropolis, or unique food and drink experiences, this guide will show you exactly where to go and what to try while exploring Greece's lively capital.

Athens Food Guide: A Complete Overview

Before diving into what to eat in Athens and the best places to eat and drink, it helps to get a sense of what Greek cuisine in the capital is really like. Athens’ food scene is rooted in tradition but also buzzing with modern creativity, making it one of the most exciting cities in Europe to eat your way through.

Here’s a guide to meals, dishes, drinks, and experiences you won’t want to miss while in Athens.

What is Athens’ Cuisine Like?

Athens’ cuisine is a mix of traditional Greek staples, Mediterranean ingredients, and influences from the Middle East and Balkans. Expect lots of fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, grilled meats, and seafood. Meals are usually built around sharing, with meze plates, breads, and spreads like tzatziki, fava, and melitzanosalata.

You’ll also notice how seasonal ingredients shine, from ripe tomatoes and cucumbers in summer to hearty legumes and stews in winter. Dining in Athens is as much about the atmosphere as the flavors, so get ready for some of the best meals of your life.

Athens’ cuisine combines traditional Greek staples with fresh, local ingredients. Olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes, grilled meats, and seafood are at the center of most dishes. Herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary add some bold flavor, and cheese like feta and graviera appear in everything from salads to baked dishes.

Street food, home cooking, and fine dining all coexist in Athens, allowing all types of travelers to enjoy eating and drinking their way through Greece's capital.

What is the Most Popular Food in Athens?

Athens is best known for dishes for its grilled meats, fresh seafood, and incredible pastries. Meze plates, dips, and breads are also central to the eating experience, know matter what you eat for your meal. Most meals are also paired with local wines or ouzo, and are perfectly enjoyed on rooftop with the Acropolis as a backdrop.

What is the Signature Dish of Athens?

The most iconic Athenian dish is souvlaki. These skewers of marinated meat, typically served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, are everywhere and loved by locals and visitors alike. Gyros use shaved meat, and are a great on-the-go option.

Another must-try is moussaka, a layered eggplant, potato, and minced meat dish with béchamel sauce, the ultimate Greek comfort food.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Athens?

Yes, tap water in Athens is safe to drink, though it may taste different due to mineral content. Many locals prefer bottled water, but filling a reusable bottle from taps in restaurants and hotels is common and a great way to be a more eco-friendly.

What to Eat in Athens, Greece: Meals & Dishes

Now you know a bit about what to expect in terms of Greek cuisine. So let's explore exactly what to eat in Athens, Greece!

What to Eat in Athens for Breakfast

Breakfast in Athens is typically simple but flavorful. Pastries, bread, cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruit are common, but since it's a cosmopolitan city you can also find other international options in trendy cafes such as avocado toast or Eggs Benedict. 

Local specialties include bougatsa, a sweet or savory pastry, and koulouri, a sesame-covered bread ring sold by street vendors. If you love eggs for breakfast, then try strapadsada which is scrambled eggs in a tomato sauce with feta and peppers.

Coffee is a must, with Greek coffee, frappé, and freddo espresso as the most popular options. Many local cafes also serve pastries or toast for a light morning meal, but now there are also SO many great brunch-style cafes that you can find a really wide variety of breakfast options throughout Athens.

What to Eat in Athens for Lunch

Lunch in Athens is usually the main meal of the day for locals. Grilled meats, seafood, and meze plates are common, often served with fresh salads, pita, or bread. 

Restaurants near the coast or markets are especially popular at lunchtime, and the typical time for lunch is between 12 and 3 pm. Many restaurants close for a few hours afterward, reopening later in the evening for dinner.

Many popular restaurants (like Avli) that open for lunch get crowded quickly, so we recommend getting there really early if you want a table since they they can fill up quickly.

 What to Eat in Athens for Dinner

Dinner is often enjoyed later in Athens, usually around 8 or 9 pm, sometimes closer to 10. Meals can include grilled meats, fish, hearty stews, or mezze shared with friends and family. 

Dining terraces with views of the Acropolis or city skyline are popular, or you can alternatively opt for a rooftop drink at sunset, and then head elsewhere for dinner.

What to Eat in Athens: Dishes & Drinks

Now that you know what meals look like in Athens, let's take a deeper dive into the specific dishes you should try while you're there.

Appetizers to Try in Athens

• Tzatziki: Yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and olive oil.
• Tirokafteri: Spicy feta dip.
• Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Melitzanosalata: Roasted eggplant dip.
• Fava: Yellow split pea puree with olive oil.
• Spanakopita: Spinach and feta pastry.
• Kolokithokeftedes: Fried zucchini balls
• Keftedes: Meatballs typically served with a tomato sauce and sometimes with fries.

Main Dishes to Try in Athens

• Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of pork, chicken, or lamb served in pita.
• Gyro: shaved meat served in pita with tzatziki, tomato, and onions.
• Moussaka: Eggplant, potato, and minced meat casserole with béchamel.
• Grilled Octopus: Often served with lemon and olive oil.
• Gemista: Vegetables like tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Psari Plaki: Baked fish with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

Desserts to Try in Athens

• Loukoumades: Honey-soaked fried dough balls.
• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry with nuts and syrup.
• Galaktoboureko: Custard-filled filo pastry with syrup.
• Kataifi: Shredded filo pastry with nuts and syrup.
• Karithopita: traditional walnut cake

Drinks in Athens

• Greek Coffee: Thick and strong, served in a small cup.
• Frappe or Freddo Espresso: icy coffee options, perfect for summer.
• Ouzo: An anise-flavored aperitif.
• Matiha: An herbal liqueur made from the sap of Mastic trees.
• Local Wines: Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, and other regional varieties.
• Tsipouro: Strong distilled spirit, often served with meze.

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The Best Restaurants & Bars in Athens

Now that you know what to eat in Athens, Greece, and what the over cuisine and meals look like, let's guide you to some of the best eateries in town.

Where to Eat in Athens

If you're looking for some great restaurants in Athens, then you're in luck! We made it our mission to seek out the best places to dine, and are excited to shar4e them with you.

This city has everything from cute Instagrammable cafes and cozy tavernas to fine dining and stunning rooftop bars with Acropolis views.

We spent day and night eating and drinking our way around the city, and found so many incredible bars and restaurants that we actually created a separate guide for this part of our Athens food guide!

Unique Culinary Experiences in Athens

Athens has plenty of fun ways to experience Greek cuisine beyond just its bars restaurants. Here are some unique food and drink based activities you won't want to miss out on.

 Join a Greek Cooking Class

Greek cuisine is one of the best in the world, and taking a cooking class allows you to learn all about how to make some of their incredible dishes. Connect with locals, sip some wine, and whip up some delicious meals to enjoy and take back the recipes home with you.

 Explore Wine Bars

Taste local Greek wines in stylish bars, with options for guided tastings that explain the history and flavors of the region.

 Create Your Own Wine Workshop

If you're a wine lover, then you won't want to miss out on this unique experience. You'll get to learn about different blends, and then make your very own wine with a custom label - it's fun, interactive, and one of the best souvenirs you could ask for!

 Wine & Food Pairing

 Visit Distilleries

Beyond wine, Athens is famous for some great local liqueurs. Learn about and sample ouzo, tsipouro, Mastiha, and other local spirits at historic or modern distilleries in the city for a fun and unique activity.

Here are three different tastings you can sign up for at Brettos:

 Greek Honey Tasting

Join the Greek Honey Tasting Tour where you will taste 5 of the top Greek honeys from all over the country. Along with the tasting you'll learn about different types of honeys, as well as the production methods and enjoy a food pairing.

 Greek Oil & Herbs Tasting

Athens is also known for its excellent herbs and olive oils, making this another great activity for those looking to enjoy local flavors and take some great souvenirs home to their kitchen.

Alternatively, you can swap the herbs for wine in your tasting, so we've linked both of those options below.

 Explore the Local Markets

If you're looking wondering what to eat in Athens as a local, then you won't want to miss out on the different markets. Varvakeios Market is the main hub for fresh produce, meats, fish, and spices, and you can also find smaller ones as well. 

Try local fruits, cheeses, or grab a quick snack from street vendors on your own, or join a market tour for a more immersive group experience.

 Guided Food Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy the incredible food and drinks in Athens is by going on a guided food tour. Join a local expert through Athens’ markets, tavernas, and neighborhoods allowing you to taste the city like a local.

There are so many great food tours you can join, no matter what kind of foods or drinks you're looking for. They even have a great vegan food walking tour!

 Go Bar-Hopping

When we were in Athens we made it our goal to check out every cool bar that Athens had to offer. We dedicated our entire Sunday to bar hopping, and found so many great ones that we decided to even do two other nights hopping from one bar to the next.

From creative cocktails and beautiful decor to live music and nightclubs, the bar scene needs to be on your list of things to do in Athens.

 Join a Pub Crawl

Don't want to go to the bars alone or would you rather join a fun group of travelers? Then a pub crawl is an excellent way to experience some of the best bars in Athens and have a fun night out. We even found one that includes unlimited drinks and VIP nightclub access!

 Traditional Greek Show with Dinner

This is the perfect combo for dining and entertainment. You'll get to savor Mediterranean dishes at a historic taverna while enjoying vibrant dancers perform traditional Greek folk dances.

 Enjoy the Cat Cafe

We went to a cat cafe in Seoul, and it truly was one of the most fun things. But this cat cafe in Athens is totally next level. You get to sip wine, paint, and play with kittens - it truly is a dream activity, and definitely one to add to your bucket list!

 Fishing Trip with Seafood Meal

If you love seafood, and you love being out on the water, then this is for you! You'll get to explore the stunning coast while catching your own fish, and having a delicious seafood lunch.

 Take a Culinary Cruise

Athens has some great sailing opportunities, from sunset dinners in the evening, to gastronomic cruises in the morning. This is the perfect way to enjoy the sea and a delicious meal, with plenty of amazing options to choose from.

 Truffle Foraging & Wine Tasting

This unique tour brings you the best flavors of the Europe, with delicious truffles and local wines. Go truffle hunting deep in the forest, taste delicious recipes, and finish off with a wine tasting and charcuterie.

What to Eat in Athens, Greece: FAQ

Now you have all of the information you need for what to eat in Athens, Greece, and where to find the best culinary experiences. In case you missed anything though, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've found across the internet.

Athens Food Guide: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Now you have everything you need to eat and drink your way through Athens. Here’s a quick recap of the highlights from our guide:

• Athens’ cuisine blends traditional Greek dishes with modern twists and Mediterranean flavors.
• Many dishes feature fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local vegetables.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink, though some locals prefer bottled water.
• Greece is famous for its wines and spirits, and Athens has plenty of local options to sample.
• Ouzo and Mastika are popular drinks, and don’t miss a chance to try a locally crafted cocktail in one of the city’s rooftop bars.
• While there isn’t a single national dish, signature dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and gemista are must-tries.
• The Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri neighborhoods have the highest concentration of restaurants, cafés, and markets.
• Central markets, like the Varvakios Agora, are famous for fresh produce, meats, and unique Greek delicacies.
• Hidden gem tavernas can be found tucked away in narrow streets and quieter neighborhoods.
• There are plenty of unique food and drink experiences in Athens, from cooking classes to rooftop wine tastings and guided foodie walking tours.

What's Next?

Now that you know what to eat in Athens, Greece, we're sure you're ready to explore more of what this great city has to offer.

Other than our Athens Rooftop Guide and Athens Restaurant Guide, we also have some other Athens guides to look forward to such as:

• The Best Things to Do in Athens
• How to Get to Athens
• Athens Complete Travel Guide

Here are some other Greece Guides we have that you can also check out:

• The Best Things to Do in Santorini
• Visiting the Blue Domes of Santorini
• The Best Photo Spots in Santorini
• The Best Time to Visit Santorini
• Santorini Complete Travel Guide
• Thessaloniki Travel Guide
• Chania, Crete Travel Guide

...and more coming each week!

So now that you know what to eat in Athens, Greece, we're sure you're ready to plan more of your trip! There are so many great things to see and do in this famous city, and we're excited to share more of it with you.

Want to learn more about exploring Athens and other destinations in Greece? We have a lot of other Greece travel guides for you to check out, as well as more coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly article updates, and for exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

Excited about traveling to Athens but don't want the work of planning it all? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, scoring you affordable flights, the best accommodation options, and specially-curated itineraries. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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