Five of the Best Restaurants in Athens

Okay, the magnificent places that make up the best restaurants in Athens in 2022 obviously weren’t around when Plato, Aristotle, Socrates and the rest were doing their thing, but that isn’t going to stop us from drawing lines from thought to stomach.

After all, eating as much as humanly possible is one of the very best things to do in all of Greece. The capital is home to some wonderful restaurants, delicious and charming in equal measure, spread across the many neighborhoods of Athens.

1. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Why go? For the traditional Greek deli experience.

This Byzantine pastomageireio, a tavern and deli in one spot, is set in a neoclassical house. Expect an array of Greek cheeses and cold cuts in the deli. The restaurant serves traditional regional dishes, like fried aubergine and zucchini in a Cappadocian sauce or saganaki cheese served with a dried meat called pastourma, beef sausage and eggs.

2. Klimataria

Why go? For traditional Greek food, music and dance.

This family-run taverna has been going strong since 1927, offering evenings packed with Mediterranean food, music and dance – a combination Greeks love. The tis oras – a grilled meat platter – is what you should go for. It includes biftekia, grilled meat patties seasoned with spices, as well as lamb and pork chops. Plus, considering Klimataria translates as ‘grape vines’, it’s no surprise the wine served here is always excellent.

3. Strofi

Why go? To dine with superb views of the Acropolis.

The view of the Acropolis from Strofi’s roof terrace is one of the most impressive in town. The menu is astounding too; expect traditional Greek dishes, including meze such as smoked aubergine and a cooling, smooth tzatziki. A classic main is a roast lamb stuffed with Greek cheese.

4. Orizontes

Why go? For fine dining on Athens’s most scenic terrace.

Perched on Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest peaks in Athens, the views from Orizontes are god-level. Sit outdoors come sunset – with the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea and the entire city sprawled below – and you’re guaranteed to feel like you’re dining on Olympus. The restaurant is equally acclaimed for its food: Mediterranean dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce. Go for the pork tenderloin with vegetables in feta cheese, honey and sesame if it is on the menu. It’s rich, moreish and will blow your mind.

5. Hytra

Why go? To try some of Greece’s most distinctive flavours.

Greek cuisine is always elegantly presented at this Michelin-starred restaurant on the sixth floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre. The dishes are created with wild herbs, fresh vegetables, meat and seafood sourced from nearby. A multi-course menu encourages anyone new to Greek cuisine to indulge in its most distinctive flavours through dishes like sea bass carpaccio and orange-scented pork. There’s an array of imaginative desserts.