What to Eat in Athens

Athens is an incredible city known for its incredible history, stunning natural beauty and, of course, the tastiest Mediterranean cuisine. With its mix of traditional Greek dishes and modern Mediterranean fusion, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe. But with so many delicious dishes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to eat in Athens.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best local dishes to try while in Athens and where to find them. So you can easily decide what to eat in Athens and have the full Athenian culinary experience!

Classic Greek Dishes to Try in Athens

The most iconic dishes in Athens (and across Greece) are the classic recipes made up of simple yet flavorful ingredients that have been staples in the Greek diet for centuries. Here are some of the most traditional dishes to try:

• Souvlaki: One of the most well-known Greek dishes globally, souvlaki is pork or chicken served on a skewer and usually served with a pita. It’s also often served with a variety of other accompaniments and sauces such as tzatziki (a yogurt-based sauce) or hummus.
• Moussaka: Another must-try dish in Athens, moussaka is a hearty casserole made of layers of eggplant and seasoned ground beef topped with béchamel sauce. It’s served hot and is a great comfort food option.
• Yemista: Yemista are essentially stuffed vegetables—usually tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and/or onions—filled with a savory mix of herbs and rice and then baked in an oven.
• Dolmades: These tasty little treats are vine leaves filled with a mixture of aromatic herbs and rice. They can be served cold or warmed up, depending on your preference.
• Gyros: Gyros are essentially the Greek version of the traditional doner kebab, consisting of thin slices of pork, beef, or chicken served on pita bread with tomato, onion, and tzatziki.

Other Greek Classics To Try in Athens

If you’re looking for some additional classic Greek dishes to try in Athens, here are a few more that you’ll want to sample:

• Saganaki: A Greek classic that’s utterly unique, saganaki is a fried cheese dish that makes a great appetizer. It’s made with either cow’s milk feta or sheep’s milk kasseri cheese, which is then lightly battered and fried until golden brown.
• Spanakopita: Another popular Greek appetizer is spanakopita, a savory pastry made of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese.
• Koulourakia: Koulourakia are traditional Greek cookies made with butter, sugar, eggs and flour. They usually have an orange-flavored glaze and are often shaped like twisted or braided sticks or rings.
• Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough with butter and nuts (usually walnuts), then topped with a sweet syrup or honey. It’s commonly served as a dessert after meals.
• Galaktoboureko: A creamy custard dessert made of filo dough and scented with lemon or orange zest and cinnamon, then baked and drenched in syrup for the perfect finishing touch.

Where to Eat in Athens

If you’re looking for the best place to eat all the delicious Greek foods mentioned above, there is no shortage of good restaurants in Athens. Here are some of the top spots to sample local cuisine:

• Do Eat Athens: This restaurant focuses on serving up traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. It has an extensive menu featuring classic dishes like souvlaki and spanakopita as well as some original creations like garlic feta mashed potatoes.
• Ekpliktirio: Located in an old liquor store in Exarchia Square, Ekpliktirio specializes in traditional Greek delicacies like moussaka and dolmades. They also offer an impressive selection of fresh salads and side dishes.
• Galaxias Fish Taverna: This little fish taverna near the edge of the city offers up the freshest seafood dishes along with a selection of classic Greek dishes like moussaka and dolmades.
• Ouzeri Tou Valakis Tavernaki: This seaside taverna is known for its time-worn stone terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea and hearty Greek fare featuring local ingredients like olives, feta cheese, wild greens, and seafood.

If you’d like to try some traditional Greek cuisine but don’t have time to dine out in Athens, you can also join one of the many Athens Traditional Greek Food & Walking Tours. On these tours, you get to experience a taste authentic cuisine straight from local Athenian cooks who have been keeping traditional recipes alive for generations. You’ll also get great insider tips on local restaurants and food hotspots from your tour guide as well!

Conclusion

So as you can see, Athens has no shortage of delicious classic Greek food to sample while you’re here. Whether you decide to enjoy one of the many traditional dishes at one of the city’s best eateries or explore local cooking firsthand on an Athens Traditional Greek Food Walking Tour, you won’t regret sampling some of the best food Greece has to offer!

If you’re looking for something delicious to eat while in Athens, make sure you check out one (or all!) of these amazing restaurants and tours!