Greek cuisine has evolved over its thousands of years of history to be as unique as it is today. With influences from the Middle East and Italy, Greek food is as interesting as it is tasty, combining common Mediterranean ingredients with Greek specialities. No matter how adventurous your taste buds might be, there is surely something on this list that will satisfy your Greek cravings!
Gyros
One of Greece’s most popular dishes, gyros (pronounced yee-ros) are made of veggies, sauce, and meats wrapped in warm pita bread, simple wraps that make for either a great meal or a quick snack on the go. With a variety of meats freshly grilled on a rotisserie, gyros are the best for the least adventurous, and a great way to kickstart your Greek food journey.
Located in the popular shopping district of Ermou Street, Savvas has a wide selection of affordable Greek dishes, including pork and chicken gyros. What makes this restaurant truly special is its rooftop bar, which offers a fantastic, unobstructed view of the Acropolis. So be sure to stop by to grab a gyro or two, along with some drinks, as you enjoy one of the best views in the city.
For the vegetarians and vegans out there, fret not, as Cookoomela Grill offers delicious mushroom-based gyros that come with a wide range of sauces, including vegan mayo and sugar-free BBQ sauce, all homemade. Even if you are a meat lover, you should still try a gyro from Cookoomela Grill, whose aim is to help the environment, not just through plant-based dishes, but also in using recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Savvas:
Ermou 91, Athina 105 55
Monday - Sunday: 9am - 4am
Cookoomela Grill:
43-45 Themistokleous, Athina 106 83
Monday - Thursday: 1pm - 11pm
Friday - Sunday: 1pm - 12am
Spanakopita
Pastries and pies play a big part in Greek cuisine, and one of these pastries is Spanakopita, a flaky phyllo pastry filled with cooked spinach. This simple but delicious pastry makes for a great snack that is healthy but also filling, sure to leave you full and satisfied.
While Spanakopita can be found in most bakeries in Athens, why not pay a visit to Creme Royale? This cafe not only produces traditional Greek pastries, but a whole range of baked goods, with both the savoury and the sweet to satisfy your taste buds. The cafe also has a great selection of drinks and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot for a hearty breakfast, a great lunch, or a quick meal to-go.
Address: Athinas 37, Athina 105 54
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am - 6pm
Saturday: 6am - 5pm
Moussaka
Moussaka is another famous Greek dish, a baked casserole made with layers of ground lamb meat and sliced eggplant, topped with a thick layer of golden and crusty bechamel sauce. Moussaka is not an everyday meal for Greeks, so be sure to try this festive dish in one of Athens’ many great restaurants.
If you would like to taste some of the best Moussaka in Athens along with other tasty Greek dishes, book a table at Liondi. This restaurant has a wide selection of traditional Greek food, including fresh seafood and even some pasta. If you want a truly authentic Greek meal, this is the place to go.
Address: Makrigianni 19, Athina 117 42
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 10pm
Souvlaki
Grilled meat on a skewer. That is all Souvlaki is, so simple yet so tasty. You can eat them as is, on the stick, or you can do it like the Greeks do and eat them wrapped in pita. Although similar to gyros, the meat in gyro pitas is shredded, while the meat in souvlaki pitas are cubed.
O Kostas is a small, family owned store that sells great grilled meats, with both souvlaki and gyros pitas available. This store is popular amongst the locals, so be prepared for long queues, but the store’s special spicy tomato sauce that is added to each pita makes it worth the wait. Just be sure to get there early though, because the store closes once all the meat has run out, and with it being so popular, the store usually closes by 3pm!
Want to enjoy Souvlaki straight off the skewer? Visit Kalamaki Kolonaki, a sit-down restaurant located in the upscale Kolonaki area. Other than the traditional meats of chicken and pork, this restaurant offers more diverse options, including turkey breast, salmon and ribeye. You don’t have to worry about eating too much meat either, as there is a selection of salads to create a well-rounded meal.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
O Kostas:
Pentelis 5, Athina 105 57
Monday - Thursday, Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm
Friday: 9.30am - 2.30pm
Kalamaki Kolonaki:
Ploutarchou 32, Athina 106 76
Monday - Sunday: 1pm - 12am
Loukoumades
It’s always good to end your meal with dessert, so here are some sweet treats. Loukoumades are Greek donuts, made from fried dough usually in the shape of a ball, covered in honey, cinnamon, and a light sprinkle of nuts or seeds. These sinful delights will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Opened in 1923, Krinos has been serving loukoumades for more than 90 years. Top up your meal with a slice of custard pie, or a side of soft-serve ice cream, and you’ll be in sweet heaven in no time.
Ktistakis is another store that produces loukoumades, and that is all they sell. What makes the ones sold in this store so special is that the honey syrup isn’t just on the outside, but the soft dough inside has absorbed it too, making each bite a sweet explosion. You’ll be grateful for the cup of water provided with each purchase, because you’re going to need it to wash down all the syrupy goodness.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Krinos:
Aiolou 87, Athina 105 51
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8:30am - 9pm
Ktistakis:
Sokratous 59, Athina 104 31
Monday - Friday: 9am - 8.30pm
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Greek cuisine is unique and delicious, and you should try at least one of the dishes to really complete your trip to Athens. Wherever you are in the city, you’ll definitely be able to find eateries which offer some of the best authentic Greek food.
