Athens can be considered one of the most important gastronomic capitals of Europe, with her vast array of choices for locals and visitors.  This suggests correctly that the Greeks have a tradition of food.  In Athens there are countless restaurants which satisfy every taste and pocketbook.  There are so many, in fact, that you can’t decide what to try first.  In Athens you will find flavors from all over the world, not just Greek.  The latest trends include post-modern taverns and restaurants which combine beloved traditional Greek dishes with modern gastronomic compositions.

 

 

Your first taste may well be souvlaki from one of the many souvlaki places in Monastiraki.  Don’t miss the kebabs at Thanasis (Monastiraki Sq.). 


In Psyrri, there is a wide selection of meze restaurants.  Almost all of them are open starting at noon, and most have music on the weekends.  The old underground place “Ta Bakaliarakia,” which looks like it came out of an old black and white movie, is a cult favorite.  Their specialty is cod.  At 41 Kydathinaion St., in Plaka.  Don’t miss the excellent meze at the historic “Athinaikon” (2 Themistokleous St. and Panepistimiou St.).  After your shopping trip in the hottest parts of the city, like Kolonaki, you’ll be hungry:  stop in at “Prytaneio” (7 Milioni St., Kolonaki).  The best place in Ghazi is the “Kitrino Podilato” (116-118 Kerameikou St., and Iera Odos, Ghazi).  For fast food, forget ‘fast food’ and try a traditional cheese pie from a bakery.

 

Other Choices:
For Italian cuisine, head to Sale e Pepe, one of the best Italian restaurants, with a large wine celler.  It is located at 34 Aristippou St., in Kolonaki. 

How to get there:

From the Evangelismos Metro station, go up Marasli St. to Aristippou St, and turn left.  A few meters down you will find it on your right.

Mamacas:  Greek family-style food in a lovely atmosphere.  Located in Ghazi, a little beyond the cultural center “Technopolis.” Call for reservations:  210-346-4984.  http://www.mamacas.gr

How to get there:

From the Thiseio Metro stop (electric railway), go down Ermou St to the end (it’s a pedestrian street at this point), until you get to the cultural center “Technopolis.”  From there, go straight on Voutadon St. and you will see it on your left.

Interni:  For fusion of Mediterranean cuisine by an Italian chef, Interni is a stylish restaurant that will impress you.  It is located in the center of the city, at 152 Ermou St.  Call for reservations:  210-346-8900.  http://www.internirestaurant.gr