An Athens Local's Culinary & Nightlife Guide

Join me as we embark on a culinary odyssey through the labyrinthine streets of Athens, where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the scent of olive oil and fragrant herbs. From traditional Greek meze — featuring an array of dips, cheeses and grilled meats — to succulent seafood caught fresh from the Aegean Sea, prepare to indulge your senses in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

But beyond the delectable dishes themselves lies the heart and soul of Athens' food culture — the spirit of camaraderie and conviviality that permeates every meal shared among friends and family. So come, immerse yourself in the warmth of Greek hospitality and let the magic of Athens' food scene captivate your palate and your heart.

TRADITIONAL GREEK RESTAURANTS

• Omorfi Poli (+30 210 3220094) - Greek mezze restaurant in Monastiraki with live music on the weekends.

• Lyra (+30 210 3229727) - In the Plaka neighborhood, Lyra, staying true to its melodic name, offers daily a culinary journey accompanied by live music.

• Kuzina (+30 210 3240133) - Enjoy modern Hellenic cuisine, ambiance and divine views from your rooftop table.

• Oikeio (+30 210 725 9216) - Quirky casual eatery with a large menu of traditional Greek dishes.

• Kalamakia O Elvis (+30 21 0345 5836) - Arguably the best souvlaki in Athens.

• Hoocut (+30 210 3240026) - Quality gyro spot with multiple locations.

• Ergon House (+30 21 0010 9090) - All day restaurant that’s also a classic European deli-style market and cava.

• Mavro Provato (+30 210 7223466) - Casual meat-forward restaurant in Pangrati.

• Stamatopoulos Tavern (+30 210 322 8722) - Nestled in a courtyard in Plaka where you will enjoy delicious Greek authentic dishes and live music.

MODERN GREEK RESTAURANTS

• Zurbaran (+30 210 7238334) - Restaurant/bar with a blend of modern and traditional flavors.

• Cookoovaya (+30 210 723 5005) - Every ingredient has a place and a purpose at Cookoovaya.

• Aleria (+30 210 5222633) - Modern Greek cuisine tasting menu with a fine dining ambiance.

• Simul (+30 210 722 4737) - A vintage bistro serving up Greek dishes as well as an acclaimed tasting menu.

• Vezene (+30 210 7232002) - Greek-inspired regional dishes.

• Gorlomi (+30 210 7251855) - Italian fine comfort dining in Kolonaki.

• Spondi (+30 210 7520658) - An atmospheric Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Athens.

• Drakoulis - A meat experience in an upbeat environment that transforms by night with electronic music vibes.

INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

• Izakaya (+30 210 7257776) - Japanese sushi bar in Kolonaki.

• Nolan (+30 210 3243545) - Comfort food inspired by the street food of Vietnam, from classic fried chicken to your grandmother’s beans.

• Birdman (+30 210 3212800) - An intimate, no-fuss-no-frills, Japanese bar and grill.

• Zuka (+30 210 3638174) - Pan-Asian cuisine with entertainment.

• Gallina (+30 210 923 7425) - New Italian-inspired restaurant in Athens' Koukaki neighborhood.

• Tekila (+30 210 3232482) - Cocina Mexicana.

Restaurants on the Athenian Riviera

• Papaioannou (+30 211 1001117) - Serving up a careful curation of fine fresh fish and seafood along with local ingredients, giving shape to dishes of pure Greek flavors and colors.

• Krabo (+30 210 8963309) - A music-filled seaside restaurant where you can enjoy signature cocktails or a delicious meal.

• BlueFish (+30 210 9671778) - Romantic fish restaurant in a privileged location by the sea.

• Ithaki Restaurant (+30 210 8963739) - Seafood restaurant in an incredible ambiance perfect for special occasions.

• BeefBar (+30 210 9670700) - From grilled to street food-style to raw, discover the best meats from all over the world in a unique setting.

• Matsuhisa Athens (+30 210 8960510) - Home of the world-famous Nobu cuisine.

• To Gnision (+30 210 8951131) - Join the locals here for a delicious kebab dinner at amazing prices.

• Amigos (+30 21 0898 3167) - Mexican food with salsa dancing on Thursday nights.

• Huracan (+30 21 0894 0080) - This new fancy venue in Glyfada serves Nikkei cuisine, which is a combination of Japanese and Peruvian gastronomy.

• Divan (+30 21 5550 5313) - This acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, located in the heart of Glyfada, offers the best flavors of the east: Turkey, Lebanon and Persia.

NIGHTLIFE DESTINATIONS

• The Clumsies - Rated one of the World’s Best 50 Bars for its long list of crafted cocktails.

• Baba au Rum - Acclaimed rum cocktails in a fun atmosphere.

• Draxmi Bar Athens - Small local bar with great music.

• Wild Poppies - Pan-Asian tapas restaurant turned club with a DJ every night.

• Balthazar - Trendy bar also serving food and sushi in a beautiful 19th-century mansion.

• Koukos the Bar - Cafe turned bar with a DJ in Monastiraki.

• Couleur Locale - A vibrant rooftop bar in the center of Athens.

• By the Glass - An exquisitely designed wine bar serving over 500 wines.

• Brettos - Traditional Greek spirits in the heart of Plaka.

• Island Club & Restaurant - On the cliffside of the riviera with breathtaking views, dance the night away at one of Athens’ hottest night spots.