11 Must-Try Foods and Drinks in Athens

Traditional cuisine holds a significant place in the dining landscape of Athens and Greece overall. The deep appreciation for time-honored recipes means many family traditions remain untouched, even in restaurants. However, a new wave of contemporary chefs has emerged, carving out their own niche amidst the rich culinary history.

The ancient Athenians were innovators – they gave us theater and democracy, and now you can see that spirit reflected in their culinary scene. Bold chefs are pushing boundaries with modern Greek and fusion dishes that focus on individual flavors rather than the communal dining typical of traditional Greek meals.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the classic dishes, then explore their modern interpretations. Here’s a guide to the top dishes and drinks you should try in Athens, along with the best places to savor them.

Pick up a kolouri for your morning meal

Bread plays a central role in Greek breakfasts, and nothing epitomizes this better than a kolouri—a crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside bread ring coated in sesame seeds. These treats are vegan, which might surprise some, as much of Greek cuisine is plant-based (more on that later). You can find kolouria at bakeries and street vendors, with locals enjoying them on their way to work or school.

Explore the delicious realm of filo pastry pies

For a heartier breakfast option, try a filo pastry pie. Indulge in comforting cheese pies (tiropites), filled with a mix of feta, ricotta, or halloumi. The flavor can vary from salty to tangy, depending on the cheeses used. If you prefer a savory bite, opt for one packed with halloumi. For a zesty kick, a feta-filled pie is your best bet.

A delicious spinach and cheese pie, known as spanakopita, is a fantastic (and addictive) way to incorporate greens into your diet. If you have a sweet tooth, you might prefer kolokithopita, a fragrant pumpkin pie infused with cinnamon.

Where to sample them: Athens is filled with excellent bakeries, but a great place to start is Takis Bakery in the Koukaki neighborhood, a family-run establishment for three generations. Alternatively, visit The Bread Factory in Metaxourgeio for a grand bakery-patisserie experience.

Experience authentic Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is another staple breakfast choice—and it’s budget-friendly, too. If you’re shopping at a supermarket, look for the trusted brand Fage. Keep an eye on the fat content; 2% offers a creamy texture, while 5% is exceptionally rich. Enjoy it plain, with fresh fruit, or drizzled with Greek honey.

Understand the distinction between souvlaki and gyros

Athens is also home to the casual souvlaki bar. For a quick vocabulary tip, souvlaki means 'skewer,' referring to grilled skewered meat. Gyros, on the other hand, describes meat cooked on a rotisserie and sliced into thin pieces. In Athens, you can enjoy both souvlaki and gyros, served in a pita wrap or plated as (meritha).

While the herbs and spices used in souvlaki and gyros are quite similar, the real difference lies in their textures. Opt for souvlaki if you crave juicy meat chunks; choose gyros for tender, shredded pieces.

Where to sample them: Achilleas in the Neos Kosmos neighborhood is a beloved spot for a quick pork or chicken souvlaki or gyros wrap. For a sit-down meal, visit O Kostas.

Elevate your meal with a yogurt kebab

Athens is renowned for its yogurt kebab, featuring fluffy pita topped with grilled ground lamb, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh tomato sauce. If you're not too hungry, sharing one between two is a great option, as restaurants typically serve generous portions.

Where to enjoy it: O Thanasis in Monastiraki is a beloved casual spot among locals. Here, your meal is accompanied by filoxenia—the essential Greek tradition of offering warm hospitality to guests.

Savor seafood by the sea

Don’t miss the seafood in Athens, especially in Palaio Faliro, a charming seaside neighborhood about 5km (3 miles) from the city center. If you spend a few nights in Athens, it's definitely worth dining at one of the waterfront seafood restaurants, with views of luxury yachts in the marina.

Restaurants here feature a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine. Enjoy dishes like grilled red mullet, fried whitebait, pickled octopus, and feta-stuffed calamari. After your meal, take a leisurely evening stroll to aid digestion. During the warmer months, you might see people roller-skating along the esplanade or playing beach volleyball.

Where to dine: Both NOPFresto and Nisos are spacious seafood restaurants located right by the water. They offer a variety of classic and modern Greek dishes, along with some international options.

Discover a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options available here

Contrary to popular belief, Greek cuisine is rich in vegetarian and vegan options. Must-try dishes include kolokithokeftethes (crispy zucchini fritters), vlita (boiled greens drizzled with lemon and olive oil), fasolakia (green bean and potato stew), and fakes (a nutritious lentil soup).

Where to enjoy it: Yiasemi is a charming two-story bistro with seating that flows onto the streets of Plaka in central Athens. This eatery specializes in seasonal small plates, making it an ideal spot to dine before or after a visit to the Acropolis, just a short 10-minute walk away.

Cool off with a frappe

The Greek frappe is coffee at its finest—a creamy iced beverage perfect for summer. Customize it to your taste: choose sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium sweetness), or gliko (sweet). You can also add gala (milk) and/or a scoop of pagoto (ice cream).

Indulge in the beloved dessert ekmek kataifi

Look out for ekmek kataifi, a stunning three-layer dessert. It features a base of syrup-soaked shredded filo pastry, topped with rich vanilla custard, and finished with sweet whipped cream and nuts. This classic dessert is sure to delight any crowd.

Various versions of ekmek kataifi can also be found in Turkey and the Middle East. In Turkey, for instance, it's served as a bread pudding topped with clotted cream.

Make sure to try some lukumades before you go

These light, airy fried doughnut balls are typically drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon, but you'll also find more creative variations around town, filled with lemon curd and chocolate praline.

Where to find them: Lukumades has branches in both Monastiraki and Vougliameni.

Savor your drinks with a stunning backdrop

At night, the Parthenon illuminates central Athens like a divine treasure. Numerous spots, including various rooftop cocktail bars, offer fantastic views of this iconic landmark.

Indulge in ouzo, Greece’s famous spirit—perfect for those who enjoy the flavor of licorice. If that's not your preference, try mastika, a sweeter, aromatic spirit made from the resin of mastic trees. Many bars offer innovative cocktails featuring these spirits.

Where to enjoy a drink: 360 Cocktail Bar is one of the top places to admire the Parthenon, providing an almost perfectly centered view.