Discover Athens: A Culinary Journey

Traditional food has a stronghold on Athens’ dining scene and Greece as a whole. Widespread respect for classic dishes means that family recipes often remain untouched, even at restaurants. However, contemporary newcomers have also found their voice amidst this tradition.

Ancient Athenians were creators – the very people to thank if you’ve ever been to the theater or voted in an election – and you’ll find innovation on the food front too. There are daring chefs serving modern Greek and fusion dishes that cater more to individuals than the typical share plates Greek cuisine is founded on.

Get to know the classics first, and then enjoy them in modern forms. Here are the best dishes and drinks to sample in Athens, and where to find them.

Grab a kolouri for breakfast

Bread is a dominant category of Greek breakfast. Simplicity is found in a kolouri, a crisp-shelled, soft-centered bread ring covered in sesame seeds. These are vegan, as is much Greek food to many people’s surprise. Kolouria (plural) are available at bakeries and street vendors – you’ll see Athenians eating them on their commutes to school or work.

Delve into the Glorious World of Filo Pastry Pies

If you’re after something more substantial for breakfast, go for a filo pastry pie. There are comforting cheese pies (tiropites) filled with feta, ricotta or halloumi, often mixed together. These can range from salty to tart, depending on the cheeses used. If you’d prefer something more sour, a feta-dominant pie is your best option.

A spinach and cheese pie, called a spanakopita, is a sure (and moreish) way to get your greens in. Those with a sweet tooth might opt for a kolokithopita – an aromatic pumpkin pie spiced with cinnamon.

Try Real Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is another quintessential breakfast option – and an affordable one, too. If you’re purchasing yogurt from a supermarket, the brand Fage is a trusted go-to. Take note of the varying levels of fat; 2% is creamy, while 5% is over-the-top creamy. Enjoy it on its own, with some fruit and/or a drizzle of Greek honey.

Learn the Difference Between Souvlaki and Gyros

Athenians also invented the casual souvlaki bar. A quick language lesson: souvlaki means “skewer,” which refers to skewered meat cooked on a grill. Gyros classifies meat cooked on a rotisserie and shaved into small pieces. In Athens, you’ll find both souvlaki and gyros, served in a wrap (pita) or open on a plate (meritha).

Generally, the herbs and spices used in souvlaki or gyros are similar – the difference lies in their textures. If you want to bite into juicy chunks of meat, choose souvlaki. Conversely, if you prefer thinner shreds of meat, opt for gyros.

Take It to the Next Level with a Yogurt Kebab

Athens is famous for its yogurt kebab, where fluffy pita bread is topped with pieces of grilled ground lamb, a serving of Greek yogurt, and fresh tomato sauce. If you’re not super hungry, consider sharing one of these between two people, as restaurant portions can be generous.

Indulge in Seafood by the Ocean

The seafood in Athens is not to be missed, particularly in Palaio Faliro, a seaside neighborhood about 5km (3 miles) from the city center. If you have a few nights in Athens, it’s worth dining at one of its waterfront seafood restaurants, set against a backdrop of luxury yachts.

Restaurants here offer a mix of traditional and modern Greek dishes. Dive into grilled red mullet, fried whitebait, pickled octopus, and feta-stuffed calamari. Follow your meal with a night-time stroll to aid digestion. In warmer months, you may see people roller-skating on the esplanade and playing beach volleyball.

Enjoy Vegetarian and Vegan Food, Which Is Aplenty

Greek cuisine is brimming with vegetarian and vegan options, despite common perceptions of it being meat-dominated. Must-try dishes include kolokithokeftethes (fried zucchini fritters), vlita (boiled greens in lemon and olive oil), fasolakia (green bean and potato stew), and fakes (an iron-rich lentil soup).

Refresh with a frappe

The Greek frappe is coffee in one of its most divine forms; an iced, creamy summer favorite. Order it to your liking: either sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium sweetness), or gliko (sweet). You can also add gala (milk) and/or a scoop of pagoto (ice cream).

Dig Into the Iconic Dessert ekmek kataifi

Keep an eye out for ekmek kataifi, an impressive triple-layered dessert. It features a base of syrupy shredded filo pastry, topped with decadent vanilla custard, and crowned with sweet whipped cream and nuts. This old-school dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Don’t Leave Without Getting Some lukumades

These airy fried doughnut balls are traditionally covered in honey syrup and cinnamon, but adventurous versions filled with lemon curd and chocolate praline can also be found around town.

Enjoy Your Drinks with a View

At night, the way the Parthenon glows atop central Athens is breathtaking. There are many venues to admire this landmark, including an array of rooftop cocktail bars.

Sip on ouzo, Greece’s most renowned spirit (if you enjoy a taste of licorice, you’ll likely enjoy ouzo). If that’s not your preference, try mastika, a sweeter, musky spirit made from the resin of mastic trees. Many bars creatively incorporate these spirits into inventive cocktails.