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The Greek capital is among the many best locations in Europe for foodies hoping to embark on an epicurean journey. All that apart, in a metropolis so revered for its exceptional Greek and global-inspired eating experiences, it may be tough to know which eateries are value prioritizing.
Naturally, anybody conversant in the town could have their very own opinion about which eating places are the most effective in Athens. After years of operating my Athens meals excursions, although, I’d wish to suppose I’ve bought a reasonably good thought of the highest spots!
Prepare for a rundown of the most effective eating places in Athens, Greece, that you simply completely want to go to.
Spondi Restaurant
Picture credit score: Spondi Restaurant
One of the in-demand Michelin-star spots in Athens, Spondi Restaurant close to Panathenaic Stadium is the place to go for Mediterranean-style advantageous eating. Spondi has been a characteristic on the Michelin information for over twenty years, talking volumes concerning the high quality of the meals right here!
I sat within the subtle however cozy stone indoor space. As beautiful because it was, I couldn’t assist however suppose that sitting in both of the 2 picturesque courtyards could be unbelievable if the climate was onside. Irrespective of the place you sit, although, you may anticipate impeccable service.
The tasting menu centered on Greek delicacies however with a slew of artistic and international influences to maintain issues contemporary and modern. There have been additionally some unbelievable Greek wines, and I used to be notably keen on the assyrtiko, a dry white with loads of acidity and crisp citrus notes.
Of the eight beautiful programs, the deliciously meaty and gentle monkfish was the showstopper for me. It was served with spicy Kampot pepper, tart, barely bitter ponzu and beer sauce, and tangy onions, all of which elevated the fish’s delicate flavors.
Spondi Restaurant (€€€€) – Pirronos 5, Athina 116 36, Greece – Open every single day from 7:30 pm to 12:45 am.
Dionysos Zonar’s
Picture credit score: Dionysos Zonar’s
For chic meals at any time of day and views of the Acropolis in downtown Athens, it doesn’t get significantly better than Dionysos Zonar’s on Philopappos Hill.
I swung by this oh-so-chic eatery to seize some brunch and was one of many few fortunate clients to safe a seat alongside the massive home windows. Having the Acropolis because the backdrop for any meal is fairly particular, and I can think about it’s much more magical right here at evening.
As a lot as I really like Greek meals, I like to combine issues up from time to time, so I opted for the eggs Benedict infused with truffle.
It is a dish that I usually discover fairly indulgent as it’s, however the addition of umami truffle and candy brioche bread took it to the subsequent stage. The eggs had been completely runny and paired effectively with the smokey veal ham and garlicky spinach.
Dionysos Zonar’s (€€€€) – Rovertou Galli 43, Athina 117 42, Greece – Open each Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am, closed each Tuesday.
Sushimou
Picture credit score: Sushimou
You is likely to be bowled over to seek out an Asian restaurant on this record, however Sushimou has among the best Japanese meals I’ve ever tried! An thrilling addition to the Athenian meals scene, Sushimou is located near Syntagma Sq. and is a must-visit for culinary fanatics.
The simplistic Japanese picket decor set the scene as quickly as I went inside. It was so compact, making your entire expertise really feel distinctive and intimate.
I’d heard all concerning the omakase-style eating provided right here. Omakase interprets to ‘I’ll depart it as much as you,’ leaving the chef to serve you his alternative of uncooked fish and rice-based dishes. It was my first time sampling otoro, a fatty minimize of bluefin tuna, and it blew me away.
At the same time as a long-time lover of seafood, I’d by no means tried a bit of fish so wealthy and buttery, and every mouthful was accompanied by sticky and subtly salty rice.
Sushimou (€€€) – Skoufou 6, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open each Monday to Friday from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm, closed each Saturday and Sunday.
Karamanlidika
Picture credit score: Karamanlidika
If it’s your first go to to Greece, I believe Karamanlidika close to the Central Market is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Athens to get acquainted with traditional Greek fare.
It’s a cross between a conventional taverna and a no-frills deli, with shows stuffed with chilly cuts and native cheese lined up proper subsequent to rustic tables and stone partitions.
The menu centered extra on hearty Greek dishes and a few Turkish-style choices reasonably than road meals staples like gyros and souvlaki. I used to be initially leaning in the direction of the meatballs or lamb kebab earlier than a bunch of us determined to share the Athenian model of a French charcuterie board.
I actually underestimated how scrumptious this might be, and I wanted I’d ordered some scorching sujuk, a fermented beef sausage, and savory pastrami all for myself! To not be overshadowed by the meat, the cheese was simply as tasty, notably the crumbly feta and caramel notes from the graviera.
Karamanlidika (€€) – Evripidou 52, Athina 105 52, Greece – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
Tavern Klimataria
Picture credit score: Tavern Klimataria
Tavern Klimataria in Psyrri is one other spot I typically advocate to first-time guests, because it’s a mishmash of Mediterranean fare, dancing, and dwell music.
As an American, I discovered the expertise right here to be such a blast from begin to end! I bought right here simply because the band was organising and browsed via the menu from my old-school courtyard desk whereas listening to them heat up.
By the point my grilled aubergine starter arrived, the band was in full swing. The music was unbelievable, however even the energetic Greek tunes couldn’t distract me from the earthy, charred aubergine and herbaceous olive oil dressing.
For my most important course, I went for the pork knuckle, which was even juicier and extra flavorful than I’d anticipated. The meat was so tender, whereas the pores and skin was crispy and contrasted with the consistency of the tender, fluffy potatoes.
Tavern Klimataria (€€) – Pl. Theatrou 2, Athina 105 52, Greece – Open every single day from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Symposio
Picture credit score: Symposio
Providing inexpensive all-day eating and an in depth Mediterranean menu, I believe that Symposio could possibly be a contender for among the finest eating places in Athens, Greece.
Nestled within the coronary heart of Plaka, Symposio isn’t your typical Greek taverna. The inside is glossy and polished and its boujee pink seats, textured wallpaper, and excessive ceilings caught my eye as I used to be strolling by.
Feeling slightly hungry, I ventured inside and was met by among the warmest, most welcoming workers I’d encountered within the metropolis. My server picked out some menu highlights for me, and the seabream sounded particularly appetizing.
This filet of fish had light, clear flavors and a agency however flaky texture. It arrived on a mattress of mild, zingy mustard sauce and tabbouleh salad. The finely chopped mixture of peppery parsley, sharp tomatoes, cool mint, and nutty bulgur was refreshing and added some zest to the dish.
Symposio (€€) – Apollonos 22, Athina 105 56, Greece – Open each Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm, and each Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Conclusion
The fantastic thing about the Athenian culinary world is in its range, as I’ve savored meals from advantageous eating institutions simply as a lot as from informal taverns. As somebody who’s visited a number of dozen eateries within the metropolis, I believe these are actually among the finest eating places in Athens, Greece!
