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Athens’ best food & drink

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

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A Greek sesame bread ring koulouri (greek bagel) held in front of Athens' main shopping street

Last updated: 24 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

Athens is famous for the diversity of its culinary offerings; from simple ouzerias, where meze are served with glasses of ouzo, to Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing the New Greek Creative Cuisine, which serves traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

What to try

Street food is one of the city’s major culinary pleasures; snack on souvlaki (meat skewers with pita bread), various pittes (filo pastry pies) such astyropittes (cheese pies) spanakopittes (spinach pies) or zambonopites (ham pies), and koulouria (dough rings with sesame seeds, sometimes stuffed).

For a sweet treat, try loukoumades (deep-fried dough rings with cinnamon and honey) – they’re the city’s favourite.

Although snubbed by many, try the local retsina wine, an Attica staple since ancient times.

Also see John’s round-up of traditional Greek foods you must try in Greece.

The dining scene

For the full spectrum of culinary experiences, try one of the small tavernas in Koukaki or Petralona, a fish taverna at Mikrolimano in Piraeus, and one of the more expensive restaurants at Chalandri or Kifissia.

For more upscale eating, chefs such as Lefteris Lazarou – the first Michelin-starred chef in Greece – and Ettorie Botrini are the hottest tickets in town. For the ultimate culinary treat, Spondi was the first two-starred Michelin establishment in Greece.

Recommendations

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Brettos

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

Patrons of Brettos bar smile at the camera. The bar behind them is lined with rows of multicoloured bottles up to the ceiling

Pop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens, for a shot of ouzo or mastic liqueur. The cosy interior, lined with multi-coloured bottles and barrels, dates from 1909.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Fresko

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

Frozen Yogurt served with topping with fruit and chocolate in paper white cup, on wooden counter

Before you visit the Acropolis, cross from the metro exit to Fresko (Dionysiou Areopagitou 3) and order a tub of frozen Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit.

Best for ages 4+

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Mikrolimano

Mikrolimano, Central Greece, Greece

Mikrolimano

An amphitheatric harbour – and the best-looking spot in Piraeus – with shoulder-to-shoulder fish tavernas where you can taste the day’s catch.

Best for ages 18+

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O Kostas

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

A Greek souvlaki made with pita

As you walk around Monastiraki, pass by Plateia Eirinis and join the queue outside Kostas, the most famous hole-in-the-wall souvlaki-seller in Athens, with its secret-recipe tomato sauce.

Best for ages 13+

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Psomotiri

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

Food shelf with mediterranean herbs and jam in the local market

The best shop in town to stock up on organic Greek foodstuffs. Psomotiri at Kato Patralona Metro station sources produce directly from small businesses all over Greece.

Best for ages 13+

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Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

The exterior of Karamanlidi restaurant

A timewarp step into Athens’s past culinary traditions, this tiny yet popular ouzeri at the corner of Sokratous and Evripidou has slightly expanded its menu, but not its cramped space.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Duration: -

Who to go with: organised tours

17

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Athens Street Food Walk

Athens

Athens Street Food Walk

Immerse yourself in the best Greek street food while exploring Athens and hanging out where the locals do, ending with a final amazing photo souvenir! Join our small-group food tour around the best street food haunts of the city. • Kick off your foodie adventure at a pie shop to taste traditional spanakopita pie made on spot with the freshest ingredients. • Sample the best Greek street food, souvlaki/gyro and peinirli - our boat-shaped pizza with melting cheese and cold-cuts. • Taste our local beer OR wine and liqueur • Savour delicious desserts, Greek doughnuts with ice-cream and honey-drenched desserts with paper-thin phyllo. • Visit the main shopping district and check out the hippest neighbourhoods in Athens, St. Irene square and Psyrri. • Visit an old bakery to discover the source of fresh and warm bread sesame rings, found in every food stall around Athens. Are you a vegetarian? No worries! We can accommodate you in every food spot, just let us know beforehand.

Price: €52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [131 ratings]

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Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens

Athens

Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens

Eat your way around Athens with a local foodie who will show you the local hot spots. Discover the authentic Greek cuisine, sample traditional Greek foods like olives and olive oil, honey, cheese, meats, Greek coffee, sesame bread, famous street foods and more in legendary local stores! Along the way, learn everything about Greek culture, the eating habits of modern Athenians and everyday life in the city!

Price: €59

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [43 ratings]

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Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour

Athens

Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour

What about exploring the city through the ultimate food discovery experience? Discover the city at a relaxing pace with our local expert who will share your love for delicious dishes and tasty products. Indulge yourself into a culinary journey during which you will you’ll get to know the people who create the culinary story of the city. You will taste regional specialties, try the best street food and discover secret gastronomic gems. IMPORTANT NOTE Meeting point and places/tastings may be different in evening tours on weekdays and also weekends (some places/delis and also the food market are closed). In these cases, they are replaced with other options ensuring that you 'll still enjoy plenty of Greek food, snacks, lunch, drinks, dessert, Greek coffee etc! Please inform for any special food restrictions. Guide fully vaccinated. Location: Downtown Athens Duration: 3.5 hours. Maximum No. of participants: 10 Language: English, Spanish, Greek

Price: €60

Min age: 5

Rating 4.96 / 5 [306 ratings]

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The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Athens: 6 or 10 Tastings

Athens

The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Athens: 6 or 10 Tastings

Eat your way through Athens' culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 6 or 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price: €62

Min age: 1

Rating 4.54 / 5 [346 ratings]

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Small-Group Greek Traditional Food Tour around Athens with Tastings

Athens

Small-Group Greek Traditional Food Tour around Athens with Tastings

Discover the most authentic, fresh traditional Athenian food in non tourist and hidden spots of the City! Food and places you may not find alone! We visit local streets to see,taste and shop for cheese,cured meat,fruits, Greek sweet and spices in markets full of colour,scents and noise. We sample olives,oil and honey from a farmer and barrel wine made onsite of the taverna. We enjoy two meals with meat and seafood,one at a locals meze bar and one in the market,and we drink Greek coffee with a sweet. On tours starting after 4pm or on Sunday, markets are shut so we visit two local tavernas and eat traditional food with ouzo,raki and local barrel wine. We visit a spice shop and see the Greek area for night life and eat a sweet pie. Many tastings offered including 2 sit down meals on both tours as you learn about Greek culture. You will meet many local people during this experience! Vegetarian and gluten free options offered. Discounted childrens rates. Licence number EOT-0259E70000815901

Price: €64

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [852 ratings]

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Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour

Athens

Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour

Taste your way through Athens on a small group tour. Let your guide lead you through the twisting streets of the city to 10 carefully selected specialty food shops, and sample the finest olive oil, cheese, cured meats, sweets, spices, tapas and Greek souvlaki. All tastings are included. Discover the flavors of Athens, one bite at a time.

Price: €67

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [538 ratings]

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Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens

Athens

Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens

Step off the beaten track and awaken your senses on a 4-hour food walking tour in Athens, taken at a time that suits your schedule. Walk through Monastiraki Square and the central city market, Varvakios Agora, to spend a half-day. Your tour leader will explain the stories and the origins of the local food while you will taste and drinks at some of the best local foodies places.

Price: €69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [1899 ratings]

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Athens For Foodies: More Than A Greek Food Tour

Athens

Athens For Foodies: More Than A Greek Food Tour

Discover the Greek culinary culture on a 4-hour walking tour around Athens' food scene. Let your local guide lead you through the best food spots the historical city has to offer and indulge in 15 different tastings of local flavors. Browse through the vibrant Athens Central Market, visit local shops, bakeries, traditional taverns, and restaurants and taste your way through Athens like a local!

Price: €69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [435 ratings]

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Athens Small-Group Food Tour

Athens

Athens Small-Group Food Tour

Experience the magic of Athens through your taste buds on this irresistible food tour! Stroll down the historic streets of Athens, immersing yourself in the rich flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. From the crispy, flaky layers of 'bougatsa' to the heavenly sweetness of 'loukoumades' - fried doughnut balls dripping with honey - your palate will be delighted with a wide range of local delicacies. Savor rusks, olives, fresh veggies, and the iconic souvlaki, all while exploring the vibrant Varvakeios food market and discovering Greek herbs and spices. With a small-group setting limited to just 16 people, you'll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable host. There are two tours to choose from. One starts at 9:30am and is a 3hr tour and one starts at 11:00am and is a 2hr tour.

Price: €69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [600 ratings]

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Athens Street Culture & Food, off-the-beaten path, afternoon

Athens

Athens Street Culture & Food, off-the-beaten path, afternoon

- 3h duration, starting & ending point at a centrally located metro station, Kerameikos station (blue line) - Small-group tour, limited to 16 people, for a more personalized and super fun experience! - A variety of street food and quick drinks to stimulate your senses while visiting the “pioneers” of alt-entertainment in Athens - Experience Athens like an Athenian!

Price: €69

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [63 ratings]

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Athens Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour

Athens

Athens Gourmet Food Small Group Walking Tour

Explore the food markets of Athens on a 4-hour walking tour and taste some of the delicious treats on offer. Start with a traditional Greek breakfast of koulóuria (sesame bread rings), and then make your way to a century-old pastry shop to sample loukoumades (Greek donuts) and custard-filled filo squares. Enjoy local pies and cheeses at authentic Greek bakeries. Next, wander through the meat and fish market, the living monument markets of the city. Try dark roasted coffee to one of the older coffee roasters downtown. Enjoy some local wine, organic produce olive oil and honey, seven-year-old aromatized vinegar, and the world-famous Greek yogurt produced at family farms at a small shop that sells fantastic gifts for your friends back home. Wander down Evripidou Street, scented by herbs. Visit a local tavern and explore mezedes plates (local tapas). Then end your culinary exploration by enjoying the famous Greek souvlaki with chicken or pork gyros (Vegetarians are welcomed).

Price: €72

Min age: 0

Rating 4.99 / 5 [123 ratings]

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Athens Greek Food Tour

Athens

Athens Greek Food Tour

Join us on a delicious journey around Athens through the city’s most foodie neighbourhoods and experience Greek gastronomy at its best. Our small-group (~12 ppl) ensures ultimate personalisation, flexibility and safety. - Start off at a deli to taste amazing local products, like Greek olive oil, olives, honey and cheeses. - Enjoy a small plates meal shared in the middle learn about Greeks' way to get together and have fun! Taste an array of different meze, like dolma, kefte and assorted dips. - Visit a family-run restaurant to savour authentic, comfort Greek cuisine, served with a local drinks in a cosy environment. - Satisfy your cravings with finger-licking local desserts and a special-flavoured local product found exclusively in Greece! Vegetarians rejoice! There are options for you in every spot.

Price: €75

Min age: 6

Rating 4.91 / 5 [438 ratings]

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The ultimate food tasting tour of Athens Greece-small group

Athens

The ultimate food tasting tour of Athens Greece-small group

In this tour we will to introduce you to the full spectrum of the Greek cuisine, from breakfast to dinner and everything else in between, including delicacies that you wouldn’t normally have the chance to try. The route is speciallly designed to take you through and around the heart of Athens, giving you the opportunity to explore all of the notable sights of Athens, as well as experience the different vibes that each neighboring district possesses. We aim to provide you with all that Athens has to offer in this one tour!

Price: €76

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [244 ratings]

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Athens Private Food Tasting Tour

Athens

Athens Private Food Tasting Tour

Experience the best travel stories for yourself! Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this Lonely Planet Experience powered by Urban Adventures. Savor delicious Greek foods that will tantalize your taste buds during this 2.5-hour food tasting tour of Athens. You’ll voyage on foot and discover the 'big five' of Greek cuisine, including licorice-flavored ouzo, classic feta and olives, smooth olive oil and sesame seed–crusted rings of 'koulouri' (bread). Plus, your guide will take you to a local delicatessen, where you’ll meet the owner and uncover the hidden secrets of Athenian eats.

Price: €139

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [41 ratings]

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Small-Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night

Athens

Small-Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night

How about a unique, authentically Greek culinary experience that will leave you full of delicious food and fond memories? Explore Athens by night and the gastronomic gems it offers with the help of our foodie-expert guide. Admire the impeccable view of Athens under the dimming lights, eat up the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, indulge in a wine-tasting of 4 local Greek varieties, and end your night with delicious local ice cream!

Price: €149

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [260 ratings]

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Private Athens By Night Food Tour & Wine Tasting of 5 Varieties

Athens

Private Athens By Night Food Tour & Wine Tasting of 5 Varieties

If a unique, personalized, authentic Greek culinary experience is what you're after, then you're in for a treat! Meet our local foodie guide and begin a private night pursuit of Athens' offbeat food gems. Taste the best traditional dishes the city has to offer and customize your tour to suit your desires and preferences, making your evening unforgettable! To top it all of a wine-tasting of 5 local varieties is waiting for you at the end of your tour!

Price: €180

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [69 ratings]

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Learn the Art of Phyllo: Private Cooking Class in Athens

Athens

Learn the Art of Phyllo: Private Cooking Class in Athens

Learn to make hand-made phyllo pies in a local Athenian home. Christina is passionate about baking traditional phyllo pies using a technique she first learned from her grandmother. After attending culinary school, Christina perfected the phyllo technique by working in a local bakery where she expertly created a wide variety of phyllo pies from scratch. Christina will teach you to make phyllo dough in her kitchen and how to construct a flaky, savory pie. After your pie has baked you will sit at Christina's table and share a meal of her inventive, seasonal Greek dishes. This experience offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn to cook one of Greece's best known dishes with a local expert. You will get a real glimpse in to modern Greek life and learn about the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations of home-cooks.

Price: $224

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [18 ratings]

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Athens

Central Greece, Greece

Athens parthenon lit up at night

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.

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