Meat is dominating the menus of the top 8 traditional Greek restaurants in Athens. Photo credit: Mironi Greek Restaurant

When you are in Athens you will want to experience all things Greek, including traditional and authentic Greek cuisine. Greek food is innovative, filled with simple ingredients, and a lot of creativity.

Traditional Greek dishes celebrate the seasons and are always made from scratch. Chefs across Athens use the freshest ingredients they can find and highlight the spices in each dish to create flavorful and memorable fare.

When visiting Athens you will be able to find restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe; some even fuse Greek and international flavors. If you look closely, though, you will find plenty of restaurants that serve traditional Greek cuisine.

Check out the top 8 traditional Greek restaurants in Athens. You will feel like you are dining with family when you step into anyone of these restaurants. But, leave your bags at a luggage storage locker in Athens so you are not dragging your things with you when you dine.

LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant

When traveling abroad you want to find a restaurant that makes you feel like you have come home. LIONDI is just the place. As soon as you walk through the door, you are enveloped in a warm hug filled with delicious aromas and friendly smiles.

The wait staff is very knowledgeable and will help you choose great dishes to try. The eggplant moussaka and shrimp saganaki are two dishes you definitely want to order. Visit their Facebook page for specials, hours, and location.

Maiandros Restaurant

Located in the center of Athens, Maiandros is a great choice for both Greek coffee and traditional local food. Photo credit: Maiandros

This traditional Greek coffee restaurant is an absolute must-try when you are visiting Athens. Located near the Adrianou Library and the Monastiraki Metro Station, this warm and inviting restaurant is a great place to relax and enjoy the delicious fare.

You will not leave Maiandros hungry! The portion sizes are quite large and the food is fresh and very tasty. Enjoy the warm fresh bread served as an appetizer and be sure to save room for the chocolate mousse for dessert.

Karamanlidika

This unusual restaurant also offers many of their cheeses and cured meats for sale in their market and you must check out the Byzantine pastry kitchen for scrumptious pastries.

While the owners still pay homage to their Middle Eastern roots, they fully embrace traditional Greek cooking as well. You will find a mix of both at Karamanlidika. Check out their menu before visiting so you know what to expect.

Sample the Karamanlidika sausages along with aged cheeses and grilled, smoked beef leg, pastrami, and soutzouki. The staff at Karamanlidika will help you choose the perfect foods to try.

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Lithos Tavern

Located in the heart of Athens in Psyrri, Lithos tavern is an inviting place filled with friendly, engaging people full of life and laughter. The traditional Greek food served here is exceptional and you will want to come back again and again.

Order the pork tomahawk steak or the lamb shank for tender, juicy dishes that will wake up your taste buds. The salmon or talagani are also great choices on the menu. If you are not very hungry, order a small cheese plate with fresh fruit.

Klimataria Tavern

Listen to live Greek music and relax in the old-warm charm of the Klimataria Tavern. The home-style cooking is delicious and filled with amazing flavors. The colorful dining room will instantly make you smile.

Klimataria Tavern is the quintessential Greek restaurant and it just may become your new favorite spot in Athens! If you are daring, try the pork knucklebones. There are also vegetarian options on the menu.

MIRONI Greek Restaurant

Grilled octopus is one of the main dishes that you must try when in Greece, and Mironi offers its tastiest version. Photo credit: Mironi Greek Restaurant

When searching for traditional Greek restaurants in Athens, you have to visit MIRONI. The service is fast and the food is simply amazing. Ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations if you are not sure what to order.

The sea bream is fresh and cooked to perfection and you must try the tzatziki or fried zucchini. If you prefer meat, try one of the kebabs. You will enjoy dining in this cheerful, bright restaurant and watching as tourists and locals sit back and relax. MIRONI is a popular place so it is best to make a reservation. You can take your chances without a reservation but you may have to wait for a table.

Spanos Tavern

This Greek tavern opened in 1981 and is one of the most celebrated taverns for its fresh meat selections. The kokoretsi or the pork kontosouvli may be a little out of your comfort zone but well worth the risk.

If you are not as adventurous with your food choices, the grilled lamb chops are wonderful and juicy. Best known for its ribs and snails, Spanos is a great place to dine. Check out their entire menu online before visiting.

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Efcharis

Head to the historic center and give Efcharis a try, located right next to Hadrian’s Gate. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! You will not be disappointed with the wide variety on their menu.

The warm, friendly staff is there to make your experience at Efcharis a memorable one. If lunching or dining, order a glass of their own homemade wine, it is flavorful and yummy.

Whether you are in Athens for business or pleasure, you still have to eat! Make the most of the experience and dine on traditional Greek cuisine. Dishes are made from scratch, filled with the freshest ingredients, and so flavorful you will be begging for more.

Check out one or all of the top 8 traditional Greek restaurants in Athens when you visit the Greek capital. You will be welcomed into each one as if you were family!