Visit the Top 8 Traditional Greek Restaurants in Athens
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
All the traditional Greek delicacies you should try in Athens in a platter. Photo credit: 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.
Read also: The Best Courtyards and Garden Restaurants/Cafés in Athens
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.
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Karamanlidika
Karamanlidika offers a wide range of cheese varieties for consumption and purchase as well. Photo credit: Karamanlidika
Do not leave Karamanlidika before trying the cured meats that they are most famous for, and especially their pastrami. Photo credit: 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
Lithos interior offers the cozy atmosphere you need for your Friday night out. Photo credit: Lithos
Visit Lithos restaurant and reserve a table outside to get the real feel of Psyrri, Athens’ liveliest neighborhood. Photo credit: Lithos
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.
Read also: Eating in Athens: Exploring Petralona Neighborhood
Klimataria Tavern
Klimataria’s decor will make you feel as experiencing the life of a Greek of the previous century. Photo credit: Klimataria
Keftedakia (meatballs) are a must-try Greek dish at Klimataria tavern. Photo credit: Klimataria
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.
Read also: The Top 10 Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Athens
Spanos Tavern
Kokoretsi is a traditional Greek dish eaten mostly during Easter, but also the go-to choice for all meat lovers in Spanos tavern. Photo credit: Spanos
Lamb ribs are a favorite meat delicacy of the Greeks and a great option for large groups to share. Photo credit: Spanos
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
Efcharis has the cutest courtyard for you to relax and enjoy flavorful Greek dishes. Photo credit: Efcharis
Feta saganaki with honey and sesame seeds is a great starter for your Greek dinner. Photo credit: 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.
Read also: Best Traditional Greek Desserts and Where to Try Them in Athens (part 2)
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!
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Visit the top 8 traditional Greek restaurants in Athens, as recommended by Truevoyagers team!
Let us know if you liked/have tried the restaurants above and feel free to leave your thoughts with a comment below!