Best Restaurants in Athens to Suit Every Craving

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern culture. From exploring the Acropolis and its majestic Parthenon to wandering the lively streets of Plaka and savoring sunsets at Lycabettus Hill, Athens offers a rich blend of archaeological wonders and urban charm.

Beyond its historic allure, Athens is also a city bursting with flavor. In this guide, we explore the best places to eat in Athens, whether you’re craving affordable traditional fare, innovative vegetarian dishes, a romantic view of the Acropolis, or a Michelin-starred tasting menu. No matter your taste or budget, Athens has something unforgettable to offer every food lover.

And if you’re in town with suitcases or shopping bags, consider leaving them at Qeepl, a luggage storage service available at convenient points across the city. You’ll be free to roam from rooftop bars to ancient ruins, without carrying anything but your appetite.

What Should You Know About Food in Athens?

The best food in Athens reflects the city’s layered history and Mediterranean soul. Traditional Greek cuisine emphasizes olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, cheese, seafood, and grilled meats. You’ll encounter time-honored dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, gemista (stuffed vegetables), and the creamy-rich tzatziki accompanying warm pita bread.

In recent years, Athens has also embraced fusion and modern Greek gastronomy. A new generation of chefs is reimagining classics while remaining rooted in local ingredients. Whether it’s a humble gyro or a 12-course degustation menu, Athenian cuisine is defined by balance, simplicity, and flavor.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Athens

Athens is one of Europe’s best cities for eating well on a budget. Here are five spots where you can enjoy delicious meals without spending more than €10–€15 per person.

1. Kostas

Just a short walk from Syntagma Square, Kostas is a no-frills souvlaki spot that’s been serving juicy pork and beef wrapped in warm pita since 1950. Each wrap is topped with tomato, onion, parsley, and a tangy red sauce made with yogurt and paprika.

Souvlaki costs only €3, and the line often stretches down the street. Grab one and head to the nearby National Garden for a scenic and satisfying lunch break.

2. Feyrouz

Near Monastiraki, Feyrouz is a family-run kitchen that blends Greek, Middle Eastern, and Turkish flavors. You’ll find flaky lahmajoun, spicy chickpea wraps, and aromatic rice bowls with tahini and pickled veggies.

Most dishes are €4–€7, and the quality is astonishing for the price. After eating, you’re steps away from Ermou Street for shopping or the Ancient Agora for a cultural stroll.

3. Hoocut

Located in Agias Irinis Square, Hoocut is a modern take on the classic Greek pita wrap. Five acclaimed chefs teamed up to deliver high-quality gyros made with freshly baked bread and locally sourced meats.

Wraps cost around €5, and you can enjoy your meal at a standing bar or take it to-go as you explore nearby Psiri, one of Athens’ trendiest districts.

4. Diporto

This underground taverna near Athinas Street Market has no sign, no menu, and no frills—but it’s one of the most authentic dining experiences in the city. Diporto serves whatever’s fresh that day: chickpea stew, sardines, and homemade wine served in tin cups.

A full meal costs €8–€12. It’s cash-only, and seating is communal, but the ambiance is pure Athens—raw, real, and unforgettable.

5. Falafellas

Tucked near Aiolou Street, this popular falafel kiosk serves one of the best street-food meals in central Athens. Go for the large wrap, packed with crispy falafel, grilled eggplant, hummus, and tomato.

Prices range from €3.50 to €5.50, and the line moves fast. Take your wrap to nearby Mitropoleos Square or wander through the Roman Agora just minutes away.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

Athens is a paradise for vegetarians thanks to its ancient plant-forward cuisine. These five places go beyond the typical Greek salad to offer innovative and satisfying meat-free meals.

1. Avocado

Just steps from Syntagma Square, Avocado is one of the city’s pioneering vegetarian restaurants. The menu includes globally inspired dishes like vegan lasagna, Thai green curry, and macrobiotic bowls, all made with organic ingredients.

Main dishes are €10–€16, and the serene atmosphere provides a welcome break from downtown bustle. It’s also conveniently located near Hadrian’s Arch and Zappeion Gardens.

2. Mama Tierra

Near Omonia Square, Mama Tierra offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired vegan cuisine. Standouts include lentil moussaka, vegan gyros, falafel platters, and dairy-free tzatziki.

Meals cost €8–€14, and the interior is sleek yet cozy. After lunch, take a walk toward the National Archaeological Museum, just a 10-minute stroll away.

3. Cookoomela Grill

A tiny eatery in Exarchia, Cookoomela specializes in vegan souvlaki. Their mushrooms are marinated and grilled until juicy and packed into pita with potatoes, sauces, and pickled veggies.

Wraps are €4–€6, and the creative spin on a Greek classic is worth the visit. The area is also home to murals, bookstores, and bohemian cafés perfect for exploring afterward.

4. Yi

Located in Glyfada, this upscale vegan restaurant uses seasonal produce to create elegant, nourishing dishes like artichoke risotto, vegan “cheese” plates, and raw desserts.

Prices range from €15–€25 per dish, and the sophisticated setting makes it ideal for dinner after shopping or beach hopping on Athens’ southern coast.

5. Peas Vegan & Raw Food

A quirky vegan café in Koukaki, Peas serves smoothie bowls, raw wraps, soups, and desserts. Their jackfruit souvlaki is a customer favorite.

Dishes cost €7–€12, and you’re just a short walk from the Acropolis Museum or a hike up Filopappou Hill for spectacular city views.

Romantic Restaurants in Athens

Few cities blend history, elegance, and ambiance as effortlessly as Athens. These five restaurants offer unforgettable experiences for couples.

1. Orizontes Lycabettus

Perched atop Mount Lycabettus, Orizontes offers breathtaking views over Athens, especially at sunset. The Mediterranean menu features grilled fish, beef fillets with truffle mash, and seasonal Greek specialties.

Mains range from €25–€40, and a table on the terrace feels like dining in the clouds. Ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the summit and arrive in style.

2. Sense Restaurant

Located on the rooftop of the AthensWas Hotel, Sense offers refined Greek cuisine with panoramic views of the Acropolis. Expect dishes like lamb with smoked eggplant, or sea bass with fennel and citrus foam.

The tasting menu is €85, or order à la carte with mains from €25–€35. After dinner, stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitou, the city’s most romantic pedestrian path.

3. Hytra

Set on the terrace of the Onassis Cultural Centre, Hytra offers modern Greek tasting menus under the stars. Its Michelin star ensures a high-end experience without pretension.

Tasting menus start at €78, and the ambiance—chic lighting, soft music, Acropolis views—makes it ideal for anniversaries or proposals.

4. Kuzina

With its rooftop tables overlooking the Temple of Hephaestus, Kuzina blends historic views with contemporary Greek cuisine. Dishes include slow-cooked lamb, grilled squid, and chocolate soufflé with mastiha ice cream.

Mains cost €20–€35, and the location in Thisseio offers easy post-dinner walks along the Ancient Agora or toward Areopagus Hill.

5. GB Roof Garden

On top of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, this luxurious rooftop restaurant delivers sweeping views of the Parthenon, elegant décor, and refined Mediterranean cuisine. Expect dishes like foie gras with quince or lobster risotto.

Mains range from €30–€50, and the champagne list is extensive. Dress up, take your time, and toast to Athens under the stars.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Athens?

Yes, Athens is home to a growing number of Michelin-starred establishments. According to the Michelin Guide’s official website, there are 12 Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens as of 2025. This includes one two-star restaurant and eleven one-star venues, with several also recognized for their commitment to sustainability through the Michelin Green Star.

Here are three of the most notable:

• Delta (2 stars): Located inside the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Delta is Athens’ only two-star Michelin restaurant. Chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos deliver a futuristic dining experience that marries Greek culinary heritage with avant-garde technique. Tasting menus range from €190–€250, and the restaurant also holds a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices. It’s a perfect choice after exploring the SNFCC parklands or opera house.
• CTC Urban Gastronomy (1 star): Situated in Kerameikos, this sleek and atmospheric spot is led by Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. His modern Greek tasting menu showcases bold creativity—expect dishes like sea urchin with citrus foam or lamb with smoked aubergine. Menus are priced around €105–€130, and it’s just a short walk from the vibrant Gazi nightlife district.
• Pelagos (1 star): Inside the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel on the Athenian Riviera, Pelagos offers refined seafood-forward cuisine inspired by the Aegean. Chef Luca Piscazzi presents elegant plates such as sea bass with artichokes or cuttlefish ink risotto. Tasting menus start at €120, and dining here pairs beautifully with a beach day or sunset at nearby Vouliagmeni Lake.

Athens continues to thrive as a culinary destination, with Michelin-starred kitchens joining a vibrant local food scene that stretches from ancient markets to cutting-edge rooftops. Whether you’re in the mood for street eats or haute cuisine, the city serves up unforgettable experiences—one bite at a time.