Local food in Athens
Tourists in Athens should make it a point to taste the “sovlaki,” a local delicacy that combines grilled meat with vegetables, garlic, cucumber and wraps it in a thin slice of bread known as “pita.” It’s a mere €1 to €1.50 at the corner store and goes well with French fries and a soda. For the best sovlaki in town, head to O Thanasis at Mitropoleos 69. They also have servings of beef, chicken and lamb sovlaki.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more upscale dining fare, Athens certainly has a lot of that too.
The Athens districts of Plaka and Kolonaki are two of the most popular places for dining in the city. With rows of souvenir shops and fashion stalls, Plaka is a tourist’s delight. But Kolonaki is even more popular, with its hip and upscale shopping outlets.
Café Avissinia
The finest restaurant in Plaka is Cafe Avissinia, located at the Monatiraki neighborhood. It serves traditional Greek food with a modern and creative twist. Its interiors are chic and elegant and afford diners the luxury of dining in an upscale ambience while viewing the rough and tumble neighborhood outside right in front of the local Flea Market. Cafe Avissinia is open for lunch and dinner and boasts of an impressive Greek wine list.
To Kioupi
Kolonaki features two outstanding restaurants, To Kioupi and Filippou. Located on Platía Kolonakíou, To Kioupi is a tavern located at a basement that serves authentic traditional Greek fare at an inexpensive price. The expatriate community regularly frequents this restaurant which is fondly called "the hole in the ground" by American executives.
Filippou
Filippou is a simple tavern on the outside but it serves some of the best authentic Greek food in Athens. Located at 19 Xenokratous, it also provides a nice view of the street. Tourists can sit indoors or outdoors. However, the outside tables tend to be full during sunny weather.
Aristoteles Hotel
