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$$ | Syntagma |
Visit the elegant Aeglí Zappiou, an excellent spot for a classic Greek coffee experience. Nestled among fountains and flowering trees next to the Zappio Exhibition Hall in the National Garden, it's an ideal spot to sample a fresh dessert or some haute cuisine, or watch a movie at the open-air Cine Aegli next door. Adjacent to this café is the noted Cibus restaurant, which offers a special degustation menu of modern Greek cuisine every Wednesday evening (reservations recommended).
Zappio Megaro, Athens, Attica, 11557, Greece
Known For
- Good desserts
- Great coffee
- Views of open-air Cine Aegli next door
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$$$ | Metaxourgeio |
Restaurants, including this multiple award-winning Michelin-starred gem of Neoclassical design and inventive Mediterranean cuisine, are the reason Metaxourgeio's profile went up. As soon as you arrive in the beautiful garden, lit with fairy lights and scattered with statuettes and other creative decor details, you'll want to stay for hours; the winter dining area indoors is very elegant too, but not as uplifting. Chef Gikas Xenakis's cooking is a serious candidate for notoriety. Currently there are two types of tasting menus, "earth & sea" or "garden & nature," with a choice of four, five, or six dishes. There is also an excellent wine pairing menu available, but if you prefer to choose your own there is a wide-ranging wine list.
Megalou Alexandrou 57, Athens, Attica, 10435, Greece
Known For
- Inventive gourmet tasting menus
- Beautiful garden setting
- Fresh Greek ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$ | Psirri |
Facing hoary and merchant-packed Abyssinia Square, this timeworn but exceptional eatery is popular with locals who want home-cooked traditional food with heavy Asia Minor influences and endless servings of the excellent barrel wine and ouzo. Diners love to settle within the elegant glass-and-wood interior to sample mussels and rice pilaf, wine-marinated octopus with pasta, fresh garden salad, or any of the dips. Little wonder so many head here to relax after a day of shopping at the nearby flea market. A newer rooftop addition offers spectacular Acropolis views. Another plus: during the winter months, music is often in the air—on weekend afternoons, you can enjoy live accordion performances sometimes accompanied by the piano.
Kinetou 7, Athens, Attica, 10555, Greece
Known For
- Delicious spinach-enriched moussaka and Soutzoukakia
- An air of nostalgia but with style
- Live music on weekend afternoons
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted, Tues.–Sat. 11–1, Sun. 11–7
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$$$ | Thissio |
Kuzina may be sleek, dazzlingly decorated, and moodily lit, but it's not just a pretty face. The food—especially the inventive seafood and pasta dishes—is among the best in Athens, standing out on touristy Adrianou. The main room soars skyward, glittering with birdcage chandeliers and factory ducts, with a vast oak-covered gray bar set below a spotlit wall lined with hundreds of wine bottles. The menu (refreshed a couple of times a year) showcases newfangled and alternative Greek dishes with traditional touches like the tasty chicken fillet with confit of cherry tomatoes, graviera (a gruyère-like Greek) cheese, and spinach rice or Asian influenced plates like the light black cod marinated in a miso. Cocktails are to be relished on the rooftop terrace, blessed by very drinkable views of the Acropolis. If you can tear yourself away from that, visit the Porta art gallery on the second floor.
Adrianou 9, Athens, Attica, 10555, Greece
Known For
- Head chef Aris Tsanaklidis
- Great pedestrianized location
- Scenic rooftop for delicious drinks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Makriyianni |
Mani Mani is a creative restaurant featuring recipes inspired—and made mostly with ingredients that are sourced—from the southern Peloponnese's Mani region. It strikes the perfect balance between unpretentious sophistication and heartiness. The food and extensive regional wine list take center stage, and its comforting dishes sweetly scream "village," with the chef adding delicate new fruity or spicy touches and embracing organic products from small farms. Located in a converted Neoclassical residence, the decor is modern and clean, serving as a thoughtful metaphor for the restaurant's philosophy.
Falirou 10, Athens, Attica, 11742, Greece
Known For
- Authentic Peloponnesian cuisine
- Farm-to-table ingredients
- Good wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Gazi-Kerameikos |
This is a fresh and hip arrival in the Athenian dinner scene, with a refreshing attitude of improvising the menu according to which top quality ingredients are available at the time, what the chef and his team feel like experimenting with and, of course, the season they're in.
Paramithias 11, Athens, Attica, 10435, Greece
Known For
- Top quality ingredients and dishes
- Modern, trendy decor
- Memorable cocktails
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$$ | Kolonaki |
An unassuming yet high-profile (and recently renovated) taverna-style restaurant, this restaurant has devotees (since 1923) who enjoy simple, traditional yet top-quality Greek food. From cabinet ministers, diplomats, and actors to intellectuals, its repertoire of loyal diners fills out the place at lunch and dinnertime. The appeal is simple: skillfully prepared, flavorsome Greek classics, mostly ladera (casseroles cooked in an olive oil and tomato sauce), moussaka (layered eggplant and ground beef in fluffy béchamel sauce), and memorable side dishes like succulent crayfish meat in a mayonnaise-based sauce. The menu adapts to what's fresh at the open-air produce market.
Xenokratous 19, Athens, Attica, 10675, Greece
Known For
- Excellent traditional Greek cuisine
- Familial atmosphere
- Sophisticated clientele
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and mid-Aug. No dinner Sat.
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$ | Exarcheia |
Step out of Kallidromiou Street in edgy Exarcheia and find yourself in a large, lovely courtyard full of little tables and abundant greenery. Ama Lachei has gained a loyal following for its decently priced, delectable Greek dishes always made with a fanciful flourish and with bona fide ingredients. You'll find scrumptious regional cheeses; seafood appetizers such as orzo pasta with Kozani saffron and tiny shrimps; succulent meats and sausages; and plenty of vegetarian options such as the makarounes Karpathou (a traditional handmade pasta from Karpathos island) with rocket and myzithra cheese. Do like the Greeks, and accompany them with a gratifying choice of regional wines and tsipouro (the local firewater), then linger on with your parea (group of friends) until late at night. Every day there are five to nine new daily specials.
Kallidromiou 69, Athens, Attica, 10683, Greece
Known For
- Large selection of fish, meat, and vegetable mezedes (small plates)
- A good choice of regional wines
- Verdant courtyard setting
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$$$ | Syntagma |
Famously known as Zonars until falling into new ownership recently, Athenee is one of Athens's most established and elegant restaurant-cafés, where a multitude of international film stars, academics, and politicians have sipped their coffee since 1939. The plush decor, elegant atmosphere and sophisticated crowd create a feeling of nostalgic old-style luxury combined with modern urban liveliness. Throughout the day Athenee caters to all culinary desires, offering plush brunches, modern Greek dishes, exciting varieties of sushi, mouthwatering pastries, and perfectly mixed cocktails.
Voukourestiou 9 & Panepistimiou, Athens, Attica, 10671, Greece
Known For
- A long and glamorous history; it's a cultural institution
- Delicious pastries
- A perfect location for business chats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sunday
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$ | Syntagma |
For such a tiny spot in a narrow street just off Syntagma Square, this small but stylish vegetarian favorite has many devoted fans. The veg and vegan comfort food appeals to health-conscious diners who appreciate the friendly atmosphere and internationally focused menu. Options include mock burgers, pizza, and heartwarming curries. Its nutritious juices, teas, and smoothies helped start a juice bar trend in the capital. Big hits are the Margherita pizza, vegetable curries and stir-frys, and the forest mushroom burger.
Nikis 30, Athens, Attica, 10557, Greece
Known For
- Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
- Delicious smoothies and juices
- Macrobiotic and gluten-free options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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$ | Monastiraki |
Run by the same family since 1879, this is an almost legendary souvlaki eatery in Monastiraki Square. After admiring the painted wine barrels and the black-and-white stills of Greek film stars and politicians who have lunched here, go to the window case to view the day's magirefta (stove-top-cooked dish, usually made earlier)—possibly a delicious pastitsio. Or sit down and order a popular gyro or kebab platter.
Monastiraki Sq. 2, Athens, Attica, 10555, Greece
Known For
- Traditional kebabs and gyros
- Historic setting
- Simple food for reasonable prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Plaka |
Daphne's is one of the most exclusive (and at times priciest) destinations in Plaka. The Pompeian frescoes on the walls, the fragments of an ancient Greek building in the garden, and the tasteful restoration of the neoclassical building in terra-cotta and ocher hues also contribute to a pleasant and romantic evening. The refined Mediterranean and Greek dishes (such as pork with celery and egg lemon sauce, fricassee of melt-off-the-bone lamb with greens, rabbit stifado and the traditional moussaka) help make this one of Athens's better restaurants.
Lysikratous 4, Athens, Attica, 10558, Greece
Known For
- Refined Greek cuisine based on quality produce
- Exclusive surroundings
- Excellent Greek wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Makriyianni |
This famous, historic restaurant just happens to be the spot where movies are often filmed because of its astounding location, looking out to exquisite views of the Acropolis, and it has been an idyllic dining spot for the world's glitterati for decades. Today's plush, renovated establishment serves high-quality, traditional Greek and international dishes with a creative twist. You'll be able to choose from sea bass fillet with fennel risotto, zucchini, and lemon; slow-cooked lamb with orzo; or moussaka with a goat milk béchamel. You can still get traditional Greek appetizers like stuffed vine leaves and grilled octopus. Desserts are similarly international in scope, from baklava to chocolate soufflé.
Rovertou Galli 43, Athens, Attica, 11742, Greece
Known For
- Exclusive ambience
- Magnificent Acropolis views
- A mix of Greek and international food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Syntagma |
With a skillfully-curated modern Greek-Mediterranean menu of haute cuisine dishes and an excellent wine list, this classic restaurant on the rooftop of the legendary Grand Bretagne hotel makes for an idyllic fine dining experience. Premium meats, hand-picked seasonal ingredients, and the freshest fish are served. Add to that some of the most stunning 360-degree views of the city under the twinkling sky and abundant greenery all around and you're sure to enjoy a stellar dinner.
Vas. Georgiou 1A, Athens, Attica, 10564, Greece
Known For
- Fantastic city views, including the Acropolis
- Creative and flavorsome gourmet dishes
- A stylish VIP crowd
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$$ | Gazi-Kerameikos |
Housed in a cool, airy building with modern and traditional touches, this lively example of a neo-taverna serves mama's cooking but infused with Gazi's creative energy. Regional specialties, great barrel wine served in lovely carafes, and a familial atmosphere make dining here a pleasure. Warning: when the neutral-tone interior gets busy, it gets almost psychedelically loud. Thankfully, there are outside tables on the street where you can dine in good weather.
Konstantinoupoleos 70, Athens, Attica, 11854, Greece
Known For
- Traditional home-style favorites like slow-cooked lamb and stuffed grape leaves
- Lively atmosphere great for groups of friends
- Excellent house wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Kolonaki |
Located on the rooftop of the St. George Lycabettuys hotel, this restaurant offers some of the most jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of the city as well as high quality dishes. Upon enetering the restaurant guests are immediately faced with a wall of photos presenting all the celebrity guests who have dined here. Arrive at sunset and start with a cocktail as you look out to the Acropolis and the sea behind it, a truly breathtaking view. The menu is based on Greek-Mediterranean ingredients, recipes, and tastes and the food is sophisticated and generally pleasing but not as remarkable as what your eyes will feast on.
Kleomenous 2, Athens, Attica, 10675, Greece
Known For
- Stunning panoramic views
- Fine dining with good service
- Elegant ambience
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$ | Gazi-Kerameikos |
Athenians have been known historically as meat lovers, but they are beginning to discover the merits of creative, sophisticated, and delicious vegetarian cuisine. The popularity of this bistro attests to the fact with a modern and playful layout that includes a charming back garden and a seasonal menu packed with guilt-free, nutritious vegan and vegetarian choices. The food here offers a wealth of taste bud-pleasing flavors. Try the Greek salad on a rusk made from carob, topped with almond "goat" cheese, and sip the lemonade with turmeric, agave, and cayenne pepper. The restaurant eagerly explores all avenues in healthy, trendy cuisine.
Dekeleon 23, Athens, Attica, 11854, Greece
Known For
- Raw vegan homemade cheeses
- Fresh, crispy salads and vegan burgers
- Gluten-free and raw options
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$$ | Monastiraki |
In the city's main shopping district, the compact but modern Melilotos offers a large variety of refreshing, quick-bite options based on traditional Greek dishes with influences from other cuisines. The menu offers a large array of dishes at reasonable prices. Grilled meats, wholesome salads, Greek pastas, macrobiotic and vegetarian options, as well as quality coffee and dessert are all on the menu.
Kalamiotou 19, Athens, Attica, 10560, Greece
Known For
- A modern take on traditional Greek
- Healthy options
- Reasonable prices
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$$ | Kolonaki |
Inspired in its decor and the names of the dishes on the menu by old Hollywood glamour, this was Athens's first farm-to-table restaurant. Having received several awards over the years for its top quality ingredients—mainly organic and sourced from small producers—as well as its great service and many healthy comfort-food options, it's also set up in Kifissia and Mykonos. The all-day restaurant has an easy-going and upbeat urban ambience and serves creative as well as classic modern Greek, Mediterranean, and North American-inspired cuisine to suit all tastes, moods and dietary requirements. You can head here for a full brunch, lunch, or dinner or order a great bottle of wine accompanied by several appetizers to share with friends. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss out on the dairy and sugar-free olive oil ice cream, which comes in several indulgent flavors.
Omirou 60, Athens, Attica, 10672, Greece
Known For
- Top quality ingredients put together in a flavorsome way
- Many healthy, tasty choices for vegans and vegetarians
- Excellent brunch menu
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$$ | Syntagma | Mediterranean
A recent addition to the trendy Syntagma nightlife scene, Noel is the kind of bar-restaurant that people talk about with a smile on their face. The casual and modern Mediterranean menu is wide ranging and internationally oriented, including everything from pizzas to pastas to chicken curry. Its bold "holiday" theme is bolstered by a high-ceilinged interior decorated with exotically dark Italian Renaissance art juxtaposed with in-your-face Christmas-inspired glee in the form of twinkling lights and feel-good tunes. The avant-garde cocktail menu is inspired by dramatic figures like the Lord of Lombardy.
Kolokotroni 59B, Athens, Attica, 10562, Greece
Known For
- Cheerful holiday theme
- Excellent and innovative cocktails
- Brunch