Athens, Greece — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Athens, Greece
Restaurants
Expensive
Jimmy and the Fish
Overlooking the delightful harbor of Mikrolimano, in Piraeus, this excellent fish restaurant offers a refined ambience indoors and a rather more informal, breezy atmosphere at the waterside tables outside. Discreet waiters, clad in hallmark blue and white aprons, serve discerning diners ranging from shipping magnates to Orthodox priests. Reservations recommended.
Akti Koumoundrou 46, Piraeus
Tel: 210 412 4417.
Website: www.jimmyandthefish.gr
Pil Poul
Serving modern French cuisine on a romantic Acropolis-view roof terrace through summer, and in opulent dining rooms with sweeping curtains through winter, Pil Poul is one of Athens' most romantic restaurants. Since November 2009, the kitchen has come under the auspices of young Greek chef Kostakou Athinagora, who creates delicacies such as côte de veau served with wild mushroom sauce and gnocchi.
Apostolou Pavlou 51, Thissio
Tel: 210 342 3665.
Website: www.pilpoul.gr
Spondi
Frequently cited as Athens' top restaurant, Spondi occupies a vaulted stone cellar, with subtle lighting and neo-baroque furnishing. In summer, there are tables outside in a pretty courtyard. The menu features fusion cuisine, with an abundant use of aromatic herbs and spices. It was awarded its second Michelin-star in 2008. Reservations recommended. No lunch.
Pyrronos 5, Pangrati
Tel: 210 756 4021.
Website: www.spondi.gr
Moderate
To Kouti
To Kouti (meaning 'the box') is located close to the Monastiráki antique market. The interior comprises lofty space with ochre-painted walls, wooden floors and marble-top tables. The menu features colorful salads and creative meat dishes. It is possible to come here just for coffee or a drink and in summer there are tables outside.
Adrianou 23, Monastiráki
Tel: 210 321 3229.
Tzitzikas kai Mermigas
Tucked away behind Syntagma Square, on the edge of Pláka, Athenians like to retreat to this informal eatery for a long slow lunch. Serving modern Greek cuisine, it is known throughout town for its delicious chicken with mastiha as well as colorful creative salads. The décor is shabby chic with wooden furniture and shelves lined with bottles and retro tinned foods.
Mitropoleos 12, Syntagma.
Tel: 210 324 7607.
Website: www.tzitzikas-mermigas.gr
Vyzantino
A welcome retreat from the city heat, Vyzantino has outdoor tables hidden away among the pine trees on Strefi Hill, in Athens' student quarter, Exarhia. By definition a mezedopoleio, it serves a delicious selection of meze (small platters of appetizers) ranging from htapodi (octopus) to keftedes (meatballs). Decorated with fairy lights in the evening, it makes a romantic open-air dinner venue in summer. Open May-October.
Lofos Strefi (Strefi Hill), Exarhia
Tel: 210 330 1744.
Website: www.vyzantinotoustrefi.gr
Cheap
Fasoli
In bohemian Exarhia, this funky eatery, decorated with tiny fairy lights, offers creative Mediterranean specialties including a good range of pasta dishes, colorful salads, and tasty main such as peppered steak or chicken with thyme and lemon. The reliable house wine is served by the carafe.
45 Emmanuel Benaki, Exarhia
Tel: 210 330 0010.
Sardelles
In the trendy nightlife district of Gazi, this unpretentious eatery specializes in down-to-earth Greek seafood. Favorites such as charcoal-grilled sardines (after which the restaurant takes its name), bakaliaros (fried cod) and seasonal salads are served in a minimal-chic dining room, or at outdoor tables on the street through summer.
Persefonis 15, Gazi
Tel: 210 347 8050.
Thanasis
A classic place to stop for souvlaki kalamaki (shish kebab) served with pitta bread and chips, Thanasis is popular with locals and gets unbelievably busy, especially at weekends. The atmosphere is fast and chaotic but traditional and fun. Tables both indoors and out, just around the corner from the Monastiráki metro station.
Mitropoleos 69, Monastiráki
Tel: 210 324 4705.
Nightlife
Athens has a lively nightlife scene that takes place in the hundreds of bars, tavernas and clubs, as well as in the streets. The most 'happening' area of town is Gazi, thanks to the opening of Kerameikos metro station, which has made it infinitely more accessible. Closer to the center, Psirri caters for more mainstream tastes. To rub shoulders with the Athenian elite, try the upmarket area of Kolonaki. Or for a drink under the stars with an Acropolis view, head to the open-air cafés lining Apostolou Pavlou in Thissio and Adrianou near Monastiraki. Other vibrant areas include Exarhia, Syntagma and Thissio.
Bars
Hoxton
The most popular bar in Gazi by far is Hoxton, a former warehouse converted into an industrial-chic lounge-bar.
Voutadon 42
Tel: 210 341 3395.
Mommy
Those in search of something colorful should check out Mommy, a glamorous bar-restaurant with 1970s décor and a young, rich, trendy clientele.
Delphon 4
Tel: 210 361 9682.
Website: www.mommy.gr
Soul
Soul in Psirri tops the league in terms of atmosphere, with a cocktail bar, lounge and restaurant in a stunning courtyard with deep red walls and lush planting, plus a dance floor upstairs.
Evripidou 65
Tel: 210 331 0907.
TAF
Located in a side street behind Monastiraki metro station, TAF opened in summer 2009 and scored instant success with its contemporary art exhibitions and funky bar set in a courtyard garden.
Normanou 5
Tel: 210 323 8757.
Website: www.theartfoundation.gr
Clubs
Balux
During summer, most of the big clubs move out to the beach - names to look out for include Balux in Glyfada.
Posidonos 58
Tel: 210 894 1620.
Website: www.asterascomplex.com
Island
Island in Varkiza is another club by the beach to look out for in summer.
Sounio Avenue
Tel: 210 892 5000.
Website: www.islandclubrestaurant.gr
Venue
Athens' clubs change names and venues frequently, but many of the liveliest clubs are located in Gazi - a current favorite is Venue.
Pireos 130
Tel: 210 341 1410.
Website: www.venue-club.com
Live Music
Athinon Arena
Many of Greece's top bouzouki stars play at Athinon Arena in Gazi, a large 2,500-seat concert hall.
Pireos 166
Tel: 210 347 1111.
Website: www.athenspantheon.com
Gagarin205
Rock music enthusiasts might prefer the more informal Gagarin 205, staging live concerts.
Liosion 203-205, Atiki
Tel: 210 854 7601.
Website: www.gagarin205.gr
Halfnote Jazz Club
For the best jazz in town, visit Halfnote Jazz Club in Mets.
Trivonianou 17
Tel: 210 921 3310.
Website: www.halfnote.gr
Stoa Athanaton
To hear authentic rembétika (blues sung by immigrants from Asia Minor who came to Greece in the 1920s), try the Stoa Athanaton, an atmospheric venue in the arcade inside the Central Market.
Sofokleous 19, Central Market
Tel: 210 321 4362.
