SpondiCity/Region: Athens
Voted the best restaurant in Greece by the 'Athinorama' Golden Chef's Hat Award for six consecutive years, Spondi may drain your wallet but it will fill your stomach and still leave you wanting more. Operating from a charming 19th Century townhouse with an open courtyard, the venue has a sense of grandeur tempered by friendly service.
ByzantinoCity/Region: Athens
This long-running taverna is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Situated in the Plaka, Athens's premier food destination, Byzantino is known
for producing authentically Greek cuisine at a reasonable price. Oven cooked dishes are best enjoyed while fresh over the brunch hours, and evening diners will enjoy a feast with meat and fish off the grill.
Address: Kydatheneon Street
Taverna Tou PsirriCity/Region: Athens
A popular eating secret is Taverna Tou Psiri on Aiskilou Street, just up the street from Platia Iroon; hard to find but well worth the search. Delicious paidakia (lamb chops), keftedes (meat balls), broccoli and cauliflower salad are accompanied by the warming sounds of rembetika, 1920's music of the brothels of Piraeus.
Address: 12 Aiskilou Street
MeidaniCity/Region: Athens
This grand estiatorio can only be appreciated by daylight& because it's closed at night. The Meidani specializes in Greek oven dishes, but the menu is exhaustive and sure to provide something to strike your fancy. Clean, air conditioned with friendly and efficient staff.
Address: 3 Sokratous Street, corner of Evripidou Street
AristonCity/Region: Athens
A lifesaver for travelers with a tight budget, Ariston offers large pastry food with generous filling and has been doing so for over 90 years. It is a favored stop for a quick lunch, providing speedy service with a healthy variety.
Address: Voulis Street
GiouvetsakiaCity/Region: Athens
Those looking to enjoy something delectably Mediterranean (but less pricey) will find Giouvetsakia, situated in the Plaka area, a welcome place for respite. A small family-run business, the restaurant specializes in its own Giouvetsi pasta and offers a complimentary fruit dish after any meal.
Address: 144 Adrianou and Thespidos Streets
O GlikisCity/Region: Athens
This ouzerie (the Athenian equivalent of a winery) will make for a good social outing at night for the young and 'young at heart'. By day, O Glikis is quiet and quaint, the perfect spot to enjoy some coffee and read the paper.
Address: Corner of Geronda and Eperidou Streets
VlassisCity/Region: Athens
An extremely popular choice with the local crowd, with reasonable pricing and delicious foods. Order a platter of starters for a diverse sampling of Mediterranean cuisine, or treat yourself to mouth-watering souvlaki.
Address: 8 Paster Street, Ampelokipi
VaroulkoCity/Region: Athens
This pricey psarotaverna charges decidedly modern prices for its innovative take on traditional dishes. Offering seafood with a uniquely Greek twist, Chef Lefteris Lazaro creatively combines various Greek wines and olive oil in his exquisite creations. Situated in the city center, with a striking view of the Acropolis, this is affluent dining at its best.
Address: 80 Piraios Street
