The best restaurants AThens & The Attica

A few steps from Gazi Square, in an alleyway that retains the charm of old Athens, the starred chef K. Alexopoulos offers a gastronomic cuisine inspired by Greek, Spanish and Latin American flavors. Housed in a typical house dating from the last century, this "gastrotaverna" will surprise you with, among other things, sea bass with citrus fruits, black pork with leeks grilled with ashes, tartar served on a marrow bone, or Basque cheesecake. The bill is high, but the quality-price ratio is undeniable. Menu varies according to the season.

A famous tavern located a few minutes walk from Flisvos, in Palaio Faliro, for more than 50 years and well worth a visit. It is often fully booked on Sundays at lunchtime: the locals flock there. A no-frills establishment, it's all about quality and good humour. Known for its juicy grilled meats, you'll be sure to try the grilled chicken chops. Some delicious traditional stewed dishes (stew, fish soup, meatballs, spinach pie, etc.) are also offered.

From the glassed-in dining room of Nissos, one has the impression of being on a Greek island. With a full view of the Saronic Sea, this gastronomic mezzedopoleio offers a menu inspired by the flavors coming directly from the sea: grilled octopus and sardines, fried small fish, seafood, crab with small Greek pasta, spaghetti with lobster or shrimp, etc. A very good address to enjoy a beautiful sunset at the time of the aperitif or the meal, right next to the marina of Palaio Faliro.

Koulouri is the Greek street food par excellence. It is a small bread wrapped in sesame seeds, in the form of a large bracelet! A healthy and effective appetite suppressant, it has been satisfying munchies at any time of the day for many years. The "Koulouri de Psirri", the best in town, has been produced for over fifty years according to the secret recipe of E. Papageorgiou, the owner of this bakery. More than 7,000 rolls are produced every day! Other delicacies are also offered: cheese rolls, raisin rolls, etc.

Located in the port of Mikrolimano, it is the perfect place to eat fresh fish in front of the sea: on the terrace or inside, you feel like you are on an island. Zefyros, which has been around for 80 years, has managed to reinvent itself while remaining faithful to the quality of the raw materials and the heritage of traditional cuisine: taramossalata (a dish with smoked cod eggs), rice pilaf with mussels, shrimp risotto, stuffed squid... The menu of fresh fish and shellfish is varied: lobster, prawns, sea bream, red mullet, sole, among others, are offered.

This restaurant is located in a small pedestrian street, absolutely quiet and well shaded. One returns there gladly to taste, among other things, fried anchovies, squid, sardine fillets or red mullet and whiting cooked over the fire, fish soup (depending on the arrival)... The dishes and salads are always fresh and the French fries are home-made. Friendly atmosphere. Pleasant service. Very good quality-price ratio. A little more expensive for the price per kilo of fresh fish but it remains affordable for all.

The Thessalia Tavern has been offering specialities of traditional Greek cuisine and others inspired by Italian cuisine since it opened its doors in 1978. Also known for its grilled meats and fresh fish, the establishment is a reference for the locals, but the crowds are especially heavy at weekends when customers arrive from Athens. In summer, nothing beats a meal under the large plane trees in its inner courtyard. The house offers advantageous menus for two people, to be ordered with your eyes closed.

An unmissable, fresh and stylish ouzomezzedopoleio, established in Piraeus since 1999. It is a very popular establishment that brings together lovers of good food based on fish, shellfish and seafood. The octopus krassato (with wine) from the island of Chios is to die for. Not to mention theatherina, a homemade pastry with small fish. Among the specialties, opt for the saganaki (fried breaded cheese), spaghetti with lobster, dumplings with octopus, steamed mussels or mussels with tomato sauce and feta ..

At Hermanos, you'd think you were inside a Mexican bourgeois house. The stained glass windows decorate the ceiling, the tables are hand painted, plants have found their place in large terra cotta pots. The chef, P. Maragos, continues to introduce his customers to Mexican cuisine by offering the best fajitas and tortillas in the city and, above all, the speciality of the "forty secrets", the poblano mole (chicken with chili and chocolate). Really a superb Mexican cuisine and a staff that is always polite and helpful.

Tavern, established since 1967 in the heart of Psiri Square, renowned for the quality of its grilled and homemade dishes. At the beginning, its clientele was limited to the artisans living in this traditional neighborhood of Athens, but very quickly, the establishment became an unusual place for the Sunday meal of the locals. On the terrace, on the pedestrian street, or on the sidewalk along the church yard, you can enjoy your meal without being hustled. Among the dishes: grilled calf's liver, fried cheese, soutzoukakia... and homemade fries.

Located near Aghias Irinis Square, this establishment is very well known for the quality of its grills (grills are going well at lunchtime!). The meat chosen by the kitchens is of first quality, the salads are fresh, and, a fact important and rare enough to be emphasized, the fries are not frozen. We therefore recommend To Paradossiako for its excellent value for money and its fast and impeccable service. Perfect for a quick but tasty lunch break. Possibility to take home the dishes.

Located right next to Kaissariani (or Anagenniseos) square, this small mezzedopoleio is known for the quality of the dishes offered, prepared with good fresh products. It offers really tasty dishes. The menu also includes stews, fried fish and shellfish and very good grilled meats. Try the dumplings with fresh tomato, eggplant salad with walnuts, cheese and honey flutes: the variety is great and the prices are a very good surprise! Friendly atmosphere and efficient service.

Located in the heart of the Kolonaki neighborhood and a stone's throw from the Evangelismos metro station, on the first floor of a 1960s bourgeois building, this tiny tavern offers family-style dishes that defy the neighborhood's chic bistros and restaurants. People flock here for its meatballs, soutzoukakia (the great classics), moussaka or pork simmered in lemon sauce with leeks and celery. Dishes for vegetarians too. Variable menu. Excellent value for money. To take away or to eat on the spot.

The success of this mezzedopoleio, since its opening in 2012, is due to the creativity of its chefs and the quality of the raw materials. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes from the traditional Greek gastronomic cuisine, revisited and enriched with subtle zest of modernity and originality. A place where you can enjoy good food, with an honest quality-price ratio. The freshness of the proposed salads and the fantasy with which traditional Greek ingredients are mixed will surprise you. Reservation is highly recommended.

The Diporto tavern assures above all a trip back in time and in authenticity. The tavern of the "cursed" of the past, frequented by poets of the interwar period, has reopened its doors for the pleasure of Athenians who appreciate the true values of life. The food is traditional but delicious, and the house wine is excellent. In the summer, a few tables under the bougainvilleas promise a charming moment. It is a cult address and an absolute mustto discover an authentic face of Athens.

Housed in a typical Plaka house with 400 years of history, this cafe-restaurant is the meeting point of the Athenians, especially during Sunday lunch. The establishment, perfectly restored and functional, keeps the atmosphere of the old Plaka without giving in to caricature and without compromising the quality of the dishes offered. In winter, the fireplace promises convivial moments in the interior room, while in season you can sit in the small alley in front of the restaurant. An address that deserves a visit.