The best restaurants Central Greece

Away from the noise of the square, in the main street of Sparta, this small unpretentious restaurant offers a tasty cuisine as well as a small indoor garden in a quiet area. Pork cooked with fresh vegetables (green beans, eggplants) is excellent such as baked pork with potatoes, lamb in lemon and fresh oregano sauce, steamed meatballs and local chicken with cheese and onion. The lamb chops are also very good! The welcome is charming and the prices moderate.

In a small courtyard of Kalamata, this tavern is one of the more appraisals of the buildings. The grannies in cuisine concoct succulent light meals: eggplants roasted with feta, kayianas (a dish containing eggs, of tomato and feta), liver of beef, dandelions cooked with gray beans (mavromatika)... An address to be tested!

40 m northwest of the Roman forum, this real institution since 1952 awaits you at the corner of Bit Pazar (flea market filled with restaurants and bars for students). In a now modern setting, we prepare here the traditional Balkan tripe soup (pastas) supposed to cure hangovers, but also typical Greek dishes to choose yourself in front. The tzouzoukakia (meatballs in tomato sauce) were among the best in the country. Fast service, terrace on the street

Founded in 1914, this tiny tavern, emblematic of Ano Poli, is now run by a young and dynamic team. Grandmother's style dishes (pork neck with mashed pork and cooking juices) and Anatolian recipes: a long, super strong green pepper to accompany fresh cheeses, cumin falafels, etc. All this can be enjoyed while sipping tsipouro under a pleasant arbour (heated terrace in winter). You can end with a coffee on the panoramic roof of the Little Big House hostel (100 m above) or at the other good tavern, Stassi, on the square below.

In Tsinari (from the Turkish çinar, "plane tree") there are three of the most pleasant restaurants in the city: Tsinari (the oldest tavern, dating from 1905), Pritanio and the Rediviva cooperative. The latter is distinguished by its cuisine made from 100% local and often organic products. Succulent mezzés with varied textures, a fantastic selection of Greek cheeses enhanced with onion confit or wild herbs, rustic dishes with Mediterranean influences (Jewish recipes from Thessaloniki, borrowed from the Maghreb, etc.). Terrace

A mezzedopoleio in the center of the city that has been bringing Athenians together for more than 25 years to enjoy the delicious dishes of traditional Greek cuisine and top quality fish and seafood. A popular meeting point for aperitif dinners that last until midnight, the establishment is sometimes full as early as 11:30. It is therefore advisable to make reservations before going there. Ideal for a break after visiting the archaeological museum, a few meters away. Dishes for vegetarians. Excellent value for money.

While in Athens, don't miss this tavern where you can discover the authentic flavors of Greek and Anatolian cuisine. In a welcoming setting, you will taste the best lamb chops of Athens, grilled on a wood fire, succulent dishes, good wine in a pitcher. Among the dishes: hounguiar, tomato fritters, liver with basil and wine, and home-made desserts. A very good address.

In a green setting, this lounge café-restaurant stands out from the crowd and offers an authentic atmosphere in full agreement with the food and drinks served. One comes here for the quality of the menu and the moments of relaxation and conviviality, in the middle of flowerbeds, under the pines and the plane trees. Warm bar, aesthetic restaurant, the whole of this establishment reflects good taste. Impeccable service. A very good address which deserves the turning.

With a full view of the Evoikos golf course, and just a few meters from the Marathon tumulus, this green family tavern is the most flowery in the area! Established in 1959, it offers the opportunity to relax with your feet in the water while tasting delicious dishes. Its speciality: large fresh fish. The traditional Greek stews, salads and dishes are the business of Isidora, the manager. Her husband and children prepare the shellfish, small fish and seafood. A very good kitchen, a very good address which is worth the detour.

An elegant and intimate restaurant near the central pedestrian street of Patras. The dishes are refined and you can feel the Italian influence of Patras during the tasting: small steaks with baked potatoes and yoghurt cream, risotto with courgettes and gorgonzola, mushrooms cooked in the oven with goat cheese and wild pork sausages... The wine cellar is also well furnished. Pleasant atmosphere. We chose meat and scallops and both dishes were excellent.

Without this bistro, Kolonaki would not be this chic neighborhood in the center of the Greek capital. Le Rosé has just opened its doors at the intersection of a small pedestrian street and the very quiet Kapsali street and is already one of the must-see places in Athens. Characterized as a "special bistro" by its owners, it offers only cold dishes and the pastry of the day: salads, sushi, ceviche, carpaccio, tartar, poke bowl, caviar! The list of wines is very neat. Very good address for an aperitif or a cocktail

This "mezedopoleio" is aptly named since it literally means "stop". Ideal for us, it's a small dreamy terrace where you can take a break, have an aperitif and eat a few mezzes before going to Igglis, a few steps further up. However, it is often a place to linger for supper. The small plates (of tarama, fava, meatballs, gavros...) stack up in the middle of the raki carafes. For the hungriest of hungers, the liver plates are excellent. You have to go together to share as many small dishes as possible.

Located just a few steps from the Palais de Galère complex, this restaurant takes its name from its specialty: (pommes) frites! But not just any fries. The chef of a well-known fish restaurant has opened his own restaurant dedicated to street food. And street food doesn't mean fast food. Here, every dish is meticulously prepared and laid out: the fries are cooked in three stages, and topped with cheese, herbs and other toppings. The burgers are also excellent. Try the crème brûlée for dessert.

A 1950s bourgeois mansion, completely renovated, a decor to feel at home, an atmosphere to be at ease, the restaurant-bar Su Casa is an oasis in the heart of Glyfada. The establishment's starred chef, inspired by the sea, offers a gastronomic and succulent menu. The wine and cocktail list also attracts a loyal clientele, especially around 6pm. A highly recommended address. Reservation is recommended especially if you prefer tables set up in the garden.

Tucked away in a quiet alleyway away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Sebriko's discreet terrace and storefront make it hard to miss. And yet, the establishment is renowned as one of Thessaloniki's best addresses, and has been for over 20 years. Guests come here to enjoy classic Greek dishes, prepared with care and featuring local, fresh, seasonal produce. Fish, meat, ravioli, desserts... everything is good, the prices are right and so is the service.

In this tavern, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the excellent local cuisine. Vassilis, its owner, breeder and cheesemaker, is the guarantee of the quality of its products. Then there is Sofia, which prepares its specialities that attract the locals: pork with small onions, puff pastry with peppers, rooster in wine and so on... At the end of the meal, a small dessert will be very kindly offered to you. For anyone passing through Kefalari and not wanting to go out to eat, it is a sure thing, a very good and tasty solution.

In the central square, the two brothers Thanasis and Nikos have been serving grilled meats, salads and some Greek dishes to tourists for about thirty years. As a bonus, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Ancient Corinth. These restaurateurs are very friendly and offer good food, especially skewers. Tables are set up in the shade on the square but you can also sit on the roof terrace, for a breathtaking view of the archaeological site. The owner also offers some renovated rooms.

This is an all day bar-restaurant, the most fashionable in Porto Rafti. The magnificent view of the Aegean Sea is in perfect harmony with the decor and the general atmosphere of the establishment. The menu consists of Mediterranean cuisine. You can also enjoy snacks, a good brunch, salads and desserts. The wine and drinks list is varied and quite affordable. The evenings, often very lively, offer the opportunity to refresh yourself by the sea, in season, with a good cocktail in hand or around the fireplace in winter.

The Ippirotis is a renowned mezzedopoleio that has been a meeting point for the locals for over 45 years. From its shaded veranda overlooking the sea, it offers a beautiful view of the peaceful golf course of Porto Rafti and also provides customers with a few tables on the beach under the tamarisk trees and umbrellas. The cuisine is a little standardized, but it is still good and the fish is caught on the day. There is a choice between traditional Greek cuisine, grilled fresh fish and several mezzedes (dishes).

Xatheri, in familiar Cretan language, means "authentic"... Thanks to their unconditional love for their island of origin, the two owners of this restaurant have succeeded in creating an establishment in Kaissariani where you can enjoy authentic Cretan specialities. Most of the raw materials come directly from the island: cheeses, "staka" butter, honey and even herbs such as diktamo which grows only in Crete and, of course, tsikoudia (raki). The atmosphere comes alive during the evening thanks to the Cretan musicians.

Since 1975, this family-run tavern has been serving traditional dishes and specialities from the region. In winter around the fireplace or in season on the terrace, you can enjoy homemade dishes, grills and mechouis. Very popular with the locals, this tavern owes its reputation to the quality of the raw materials and the know-how of the owner, who offers juicy and tasty grilled meats over the coals, to die for! The wine by the pitcher is also of very good quality. Generous portions. Warm welcome.

I Trata is a well known tavern on the beach of Nea Makri and has been open since 1981. We come here for its dishes based on fresh fish, shellfish and seafood; we recommend the very masterful grilled octopus. Let us add to the description a beautiful shaded terrace, thanks to the beneficial presence of mulberry trees, which offers a full view of the sea. Among the mezzedes of the house, give priority to marinated anchovies and wood-fired eggplant salad. A good traditional table.

One of the oldest taverns in the region, known for the quality of its dishes and raw materials. The fish are always fresh, the tarama salad is exceptionally good, the eggplant salad is a delight. In season, taste the crab salad. If you want to avoid large charcoal fish, because of their price, you can enjoy the fried small fish and red shrimp. The list of mezzedes is quite varied and of a reliable quality. It is advisable to book in order to settle by the sea.

Modern and elegant, located near the beach of Loutraki Casino, and almost half an hour from the center of Athens, this restaurant offers very good Mediterranean and traditional Greek cuisine. The menu, based on fresh products, changes according to the season. When the weather is good, you can sit in the well-kept garden under the trees. The organic wine of Nemea is one of the assets of this establishment. The salads are copious and the dishes are prepared on a daily basis. Friendly atmosphere.

This starred restaurant, one of the best Greek restaurants, is located at the Mikrolimano yacht harbour, offering a magnificent view of the sea and the opportunity to taste exquisite dishes made from fish, shellfish and seafood. The establishment owes its reputation to L. Lazarou, one of the first Greek chefs to have revolutionized the country's cuisine by offering dishes whose flavour is due solely to the sea and the love that the chef and his team have for him. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Established in 1932, this restaurant is known for the simplicity of its recipes and dishes and owes its duration over time and its reputation to the freshness of the fish that come every day from the island of Cyclades, Naxos. The motto being "simplicity is king", the restaurant, formerly frequented by Onassis, continues to respect its loyal customers by offering dishes that are not very elaborate but overflowing with tastes and flavours. Don't miss lobsters and crustaceans, or fish, grilled with remarkable know-how.

In the heart of Gazi, this establishment is very popular with locals, especially young people, thanks to its mezzedes and its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's picturesque and family friendly. The inner courtyard where the colourful tables line up is a small oasis far from the noise of the neighbourhood. But the interior is not bad either, especially with its pretty wall paintings on the stairs and upstairs. Among the dishes on offer, the stuffed potato and Gazohori salad are to be enjoyed. The quality of raki and rakomelo is very good.

Excellent gelateria kept by two Romans! One would think in Italy, the perfumes are varied and delicious. Cones are also home-made.

This restaurant is eccentric in the centre of Thessaloniki, in the fish taverns area. It is on the beach, in a setting facing the sea. This is the FISH tavern where all the pick of the region comes from dinner. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and many politicians in the country come to taste a delicious fish. However, in August, tables are being stormed and prices are still very high.

A very pleasant gastronomic experience, with dishes such as bone marrow with lemon, olive oil and curry, goat dumplings with pistachios or steamed skate with orange zest. There's no doubt about it: this restaurant offers a Greek cuisine more refined than the classic taverns! We also come here to taste octopus in red wine and miso sauce or lamb with fennel and Chalkidiki olives. The chef and owner, Sofoklis Yiagtzoglou, is really very talented and inventive!

Located opposite the shore and close to Lake Voulaigmenis, this classic tavern, opened since 19989, is ideal for fresh fish and seafood. Come at midday to enjoy the view.

A beautiful address on the seaside, with an exceptional view of the Rio-Antirio bridge. A holiday resort for Athenians or Greeks from other regions, the atmosphere is friendly. A la carte, dishes combining traditional flavours and Italian influences. We liked the arugula salad with dried tomatoes, pine nuts and goat cheese from the region, linguine with mushrooms and parmesan, keftedes (meatballs in the oven) with a yogurt sauce. And what about chocolate desserts... a real delight!

A restaurant slightly set back from the beach, with incredible flavors, impeccable service, a very good tsipouro and very affordable prices. Good quality food in the kitchen with a menu narrowed down to a few classics. Fresh seafood, variety of starters, relaxed atmosphere. The place is nice, but beware, in summer, you absolutely have to reserve to find a table! The service during peak hours is maybe a bit random, but we are on vacation, patient, and that's the price of success...