Food is always a good idea. Especially when you travel abroad, tasting meals from different cultures in local restaurants is one of the best ways to explore the area, feel the city vibe, and indulge into the country’s culinary traditions.

We all know that Greece is famous for its warm sun, magnificent nature, and ancient history. But it is also famous for its food! Visiting Athens is a great chance to try some of the best meat dishes the town has to offer to both locals and travelers.

Whether you are looking for something more traditional or you want to try new-age Greek cuisine, this town is here to give you what you fancy. If you are a so-called meat lover, then you’ll be pleased to read that this article has been written for you! The reason? We have gathered a list of restaurants you must try while in Athens, providing you with some of the biggest meat appreciation moments.

So don't waste any more time! Read our list and find out more about our suggested 6 + 1 restaurants in Athens that every meat lover will deeply appreciate.

1. LICHNION

It’s like time froze in this small, detached house in Panormou. Lichnion is an old-fashioned, warm, humble tavern best known for its beef burgers. The family that runs the place is always polite and ready to serve you dishes that taste like home. A must-have of the catalogue is the special burger which is filled with tomato and pepper. You can also try the lamb ribs, chicken ribs, and liver foam. At this beautiful old Athenian aesthetics tavern, prices are also very reasonable plus if you choose to sit in the garden, you can pet the cats who pass by.

Address: Louizis Riankour 17, Panormou

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 19:00-00:00, Sunday 12:30-18:00

Interested in tasting authentic Greek Street food?

2. TO STEKI TOU ILIA

This traditional Greek tavern lying in the heart of Athens is the perfect place for those who want to try Greek comfort food. Those who have experienced its dishes insist that the lamb chops being served are out of this world. Everything is freshly made with love and staff is always happy to hear and assist you with your order. Food arrives quickly and always smells amazing. A great little hidden gem in Thisio offers a beautiful view far away from traffic and the tourist areas, an atmosphere filled with friendly vibes, and a menu based mostly on meat choices. To Steki tou Ilia awaits you! Enjoy the original Greek way of eating.

Address: Thessalonikis 7, Athina

Opening hours: Mon – CLOSED, Tue-Thu 17:00-01:00, Fri 17:00-00:00, Sat 13:00-00:00, Sun 13:00-01:00

Read also: Best Traditional Greek Desserts and Where to Try Them in Athens (part 2)

3. BRUTUS

Maybe it’s time to talk about Kolonaki! For those who have never been there, this is a district that you either love or hate. But in the end, Kolonaki has its own legacy that fascinates the world, attracting many visitors who want to experience it. Meat lovers have also an extra bonus: Brutus Tavern, a modern space with a glam rock aesthetic and a strong presence of red and gold details that offers a series of delicious meat dishes. Brutus is considered a very Instagrammable place so have your phones in hand! You can start your lunch with mini burgers and crust which is a signature dish (a meat pie with mushrooms and cream cheese). For your main dish, you can choose among classic steak options and Black Angus, or you can have the softer Blackmore Wagyu rib eye.

Address: Leventi 3, Athina

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 19:00-00:00

Read also: Eating in Athens: Exploring Petralona Neighborhood

4. TELEMACHOS

An Athens-awarded meat and wine restaurant welcomes its visitors always with positive energy, smiles, and politeness. A simple but classic place that respects meat and knows the best ways to offer it. The professionalism of the staff is beyond doubt and the vibe is so cozy. This is a place where you can find people of all ages just enjoying good food and wine. If your road leads you to Telemachos restaurant, don’t forget to order beef tartare, dry-aged steaks, rib eye, and liver.

Address: Panepistimiou 10, Athina

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 16:00-00:00

Interested in experiencing the local Greek cuisine?

5. THANASIS 1948

The oldest tavern in Athens is not only famous for its big history but also for its unique and fantastic options for meat dishes. In 2019, Thanasis 1948 won the award for Meat Specialist of the Year. So now you know that if you love meat and you are in Athens there is a destination you can’t miss out! Thanasis 1948 is located in Agios Eleftherios and its beautiful and neat yard is the perfect place to enjoy your lunch or dinner. All those who have tried its beef dishes agree that they are all delicious and tender. Everything Thanasis 1948 offers is of high quality and full of taste. We recommend the giant souvlaki, beef burgers, rib eye, and Japanese wagyu!

Address: Konstantinou Kavafi 48, Athina

Opening hours: Mon & Sun CLOSED, Tue-Sat 18:00-00:00

6. BASEGRILL

There is so much to tell you about Basegrill, one of the first restaurants that introduced Athenians to high meat-eating. Until now, it represents the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the finest meat dishes. Among the legendary meatballs, T-Bone steaks, Porterhouse steaks, and beef liver you have the pleasure of tasting handmade cured meat products and sausages totally straight out of heaven. One visit to this restaurant will be enough to make you fall in love with its food. With a very client-oriented staff, you feel immediately comforted and ready to let yourself immerge into a magnificent experience of tastes and smells.

Address: Leoforos Konstantinoupoleos 64, Peristeri

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 13:00-00:15

Read also: The Top 10 Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Athens

+1 REMOUTSIKO

“The best meat in town”, this is the motto of Remoutsiko where Yaya Katerina has been serving food for over 40 years. The tavern is in Agios Dimitrios, a peaceful district just a few stops from Syntagma metro station inhabited mostly by families. It is the ideal place for spring and summer nights. People from all around the town are visiting this traditional Greek tavern excited to eat extra fine, well-grilled, juicy, and tender meat dishes. Those who have visited Remoutsiko insist that one time is not enough to enjoy all its goodies. From steaks to beef burgers, chops, souvlaki, and kebab you will realize that Remoutsiko is a “meat temple”.

Address: Leoforos Agiou Dimitriou 120, Ag. Dimitrios

Opening hours: Mon CLOSED, Tue-Sat 19:30-00:30, Sun 12:30 – 17:30

Traditional Greek tavern or awarded Greek gourmet cuisine? The choice is yours to make but whatever you decide, the outcome will please you to the fullest. Those places know how to satisfy even the pickiest meat lovers!

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Let us know if you liked/have tried the restaurants above and feel free to leave your thoughts with a comment below!

Words: Nellie Stathakidou