If you travel with food in mind, Athens deserves to be on your radar. The capital city of Greece, Athens is home to an abundance of popular Greek foods. While several Greek islands are known for their cuisine, none quite compares to the culinary scene in the capital. Whether you’re searching for the best fine dining restaurant for a fancy meal out, a casual cafe or “taverna” serving local street food, or perhaps even an idyllic roof garden Athens has it all. With such a variety of authentic Greek food and drink on offer, your only dilemma will be deciding what to order.
Here are some of the best foods to eat in Athens, to leave you feeling inspired.
A foodie in Athens: what food is Athens famous for?
If you’re looking to sample authentic Greek food, there’s no better place to be than Athens. Make it your mission to sample these traditional Greek dishes during your stay – and don’t stop there! Look for long lines of locals trailing out of restaurant doors, ask locals for recommendations, and research the best of Greek cuisine ahead of your trip. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I’m sure you’ll be able to add to it!
Souvlaki
Thought to have originated in Athens, souvlaki is a must-try Greek dish when visiting the capital city. Named after the Greek word for “skewer”, souvlaki consist of meat (usually pork or chicken, although lamb and beef may sometimes be used) threaded onto skewers, and cooked on a grill. Usually, the meat will be served alongside pitta bread or on an open plate (“meritha”), accompanied by Greek yoghurt, onions, and tomato.
Kolouria
Start your day in Athens with a traditional kolouri. A crisp, round circle of bread studded with sesame seeds, kolouri are a popular breakfast choice throughout the city. They are almost identical to Turkish simit, commonly referred to as Turkish bagels.
Find them at local bakeries and food vendors across the capital.
Gyros
Gyros are often linked to souvlaki but, in fact, there is an important difference between the two. Whereas souvlaki consist of chunks of meat grilled on skewers, gyros consist of thin shavings of meat (usually lamb or chicken), cooked on a rotisserie grill. Gyros are not dissimilar to Turkish doner kebabs, although the latter tend to use beef or lamb.
Kolokythokeftedes
Often served as a vegetarian alternative to traditional gyros, kolokythokeftedes aren’t quite as world-renowned as their meat counterparts, but they’re still just as popular within Athens.
Pan-fried fritters of grated zucchini or courgette mixed with fresh mint and/or dill and, sometimes, feta cheese, kolokythokeftede are usually paired with tzatziki and served as part of a cold mezze selection.
Dolmades
Another popular Greek vegetarian dish, dolmades are little parcels formed by stuffing cabbage or vine leaves with rice, fresh herbs and seasoning. Sometimes, minced beef or pork will be added to elevate the dish for meat-eaters.
Greek yoghurt
No foodie trip to Athens is complete until you’ve tasted authentic Greek yoghurt. Although this is available throughout Greece, it’s thought to have originated in Athens, at the famous Fage company. The higher the fat content, the creamier the yoghurt will be. Serve with local honey, Corinthian raisins and/or fresh fruit for a tasty, cooling breakfast, snack or dessert.
Giaourtlou kebab
Love Greek yoghurt, and kebabs? Enjoy the best of both worlds with a Giaourtlou kebab. Seasoned ground lamb kebabs lay atop pillowy pitta bread, bathed in full-fat Greek yoghurt and drizzled with tomato sauce.
Keftedes
Meat-lovers seeking to cut back on carbs should give keftedes a go while in Athens. Traditional Greek meatballs made using minced lamb or beef along with a handful of basic ingredients, these are often served with salad and/or fries on the side.
Loukoumades
Traditionally, these golden balls of fried doughnut dough are drizzled with honey syrup and cinnamon, but you’ll find more creative contemporary twists dotted around the city too, with fillings like pistachio praline and chocolate sauce.
Where to stay in Athens
One of the best places to stay in Greece for foodies and first-time visitors, Athens offers a variety of accommodation ranging from from budget camping sites and one-star hotels, to private apartments, swanky five-star resorts and luxury suites Athens.
Consider your budget and any personal requirements and/or preferred amenities, before choosing where to stay.
Be aware that, as of 2024, tourists will need to pay a fee of around IDR 150,000 – just over £7.50 – when checking into a hotel in Greece.
Which Greek foods do you recommend eating in Athens? Leave a comment to let me know.
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