Athens used to have traditional dining with continental menus and classic taverna dishes like moussaka. But now, Athenian chefs are changing that, making the city one of Europe’s best food destinations. This shift in dining is part of Athens’ move towards the future, with new cultural places, boutique hotels, and a thriving arts scene.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Delta:
Chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos blend avant-garde Nordic methods with local ingredients in their two-Michelin-star restaurant. Booking early is a must for one of the 12 tables, where you’ll experience gastronomic artistry.
- Soil:
Chef Tasos Mantis crafts nightly tasting menus with a mix of Scandinavian simplicity and Greek farm-to-table goodness. Each dish is a tribute to Greek farmers and fishermen.
- Akra:
Yiannis Loukakis and pastry chef Spyros Pediaditakis’ casual taverna offers breakfast baked goods, lunch meze, and hearty dinners, drawing inspiration from Thessaloniki.
- Pharaoh:
Another hit in Exarcheia, this restaurant led by a Thessaloniki chef serves up vinyl vibes, natural wines, and wood-fired delights.
- Linou Soumpasis k sia:
Industrial-chic meets traditional at this taverna where classics like kakavia shine, alongside simple yet memorable dishes like tomato salad. It even doubles as a candle shop.
- Annie Fine Cooking:
Chef Stefanos Michalis impresses with modern cuisine in Neos Kosmos, featuring dishes like mussels with pickled onion and wild garlic.
- Feyrouz:
Offering Turkish and Levantine street food with a local twist, Feyrouz brings flavors inspired by family recipes.
- Volvi:
Standout pork skewers grilled over special kermes wood from Mount Athos make this souvlaki spot a must-visit, located near Varvakeios Market.
- Birdman, Ikigai, Ekiben Kitchen:
Ari Vezené’s trio of Japanese-inspired concepts downtown offers yakitori, curated Japanese edibles, and bento railway culture-inspired food.
- In Love Again:
From the owners of Baba Au Rum, this chic spot serves designer caffeine and tiki cocktail–inspired desserts, also selling plants and handmade ceramics.
Where to Stay
- Xenodocheio Milos:
Co-owned by chef Costas Spiliadis, this 43-room hideaway boasts luxurious rooms and a seafood-centric restaurant featuring fresh fish from Greece.
- Zillers Boutique Hotel:
Named after architect Ernst Ziller, this intimate hotel in Plaka offers high-ceilinged guest rooms mixing modern and vintage styles, with Acropolis views and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Ergon House:
Owned by Ergon Foods, this boutique hotel above an Athenian marketplace offers curated minibars, cocktails by Clumsies, and cooking classes, plus a rooftop bar.
