Athens is not just a city of ancient ruins and vibrant neighborhoods; it’s also a haven for food lovers. With its rich culinary history and Mediterranean flavors, Athens offers an incredible variety of traditional dishes, fresh ingredients, and street food to savor. Whether you're dining at a fancy taverna or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, the food scene in Athens is bound to delight your taste buds. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to eat in Athens.
Souvlaki: Greece’s Beloved Street Food
No visit to Athens is complete without trying souvlaki, the quintessential Greek street food. This simple yet delicious dish consists of small pieces of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) skewered and grilled to perfection. Often served in a pita with fresh vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and garlic sauce), souvlaki is the perfect meal for a quick and tasty bite. You’ll find souvlaki stands all over the city, from busy tourist areas to local neighborhoods.
Gyro: A Greek Favorite with a Twist
Similar to souvlaki, gyro is another popular Greek street food that you must try while in Athens. The key difference is that gyro is made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically pork, chicken, or lamb, which is shaved off and served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. While souvlaki is often served as small chunks of meat, gyro offers a more tender, flavorful bite. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner while exploring the city’s vibrant streets.
Moussaka: A Comforting Greek Classic
For a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with moussaka, one of Greece’s most beloved dishes. This comforting casserole is made with layers of eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The rich flavors and filling nature of moussaka make it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner in Athens. You’ll find moussaka on the menu at most traditional tavernas, offering a taste of authentic Greek home cooking.
Spanakopita: A Savory Greek Pastry
A delicious snack or appetizer, spanakopita is a flaky pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. Often made in large trays and cut into squares, spanakopita is perfect for a light lunch or a quick bite while you’re on the go. If you prefer a smaller, hand-held version, try börek, a similar pastry that’s rolled into a cone shape, making it easier to eat while exploring Athens’ lively streets.
Horiatiki: The Greek Village Salad
If you're looking for a fresh, healthy dish to enjoy in Athens, the horiatiki, or Greek village salad, is a must-try. This traditional salad is made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a generous chunk of creamy feta cheese on top. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano, this dish is a perfect example of the simple yet delicious flavors of Greek cuisine. It’s refreshing, light, and packed with Mediterranean goodness.
Dolmades: Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice and Herbs
A beloved appetizer in Greek cuisine, dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. These bite-sized bundles are served cold or warm and are often accompanied by a side of tzatziki. Dolmades are a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and are commonly served at traditional tavernas as part of a meze platter.
Fasolada: A Hearty Greek Bean Soup
For a traditional, comforting dish, try fasolada, a Greek bean soup that’s often referred to as the national dish of Greece. Made with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and white beans, fasolada is a hearty, vegetarian soup that’s perfect for a filling meal on cooler days. This dish reflects the simplicity and heartiness of Greek home cooking and is a great option for those looking to experience authentic Greek flavors.
Loukoumades: Sweet Greek Donuts
For dessert, loukoumades are an absolute must-try. These small, round, fried dough balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are typically drizzled with honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon, and served warm. Often found at bakeries or dessert shops throughout Athens, loukoumades are the perfect sweet treat to end your meal or satisfy your cravings while exploring the city.
Koulouri: A Popular Athens Breakfast Snack
If you're in the mood for a light breakfast or a quick snack, try koulouri, a sesame-covered bread ring that’s popular in Athens. Koulouri is often sold by street vendors in the mornings and is enjoyed by locals as they start their day. It’s a simple, yet satisfying snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of Greek coffee. Koulouri is a great option for a casual and authentic Greek experience.
Greek Coffee: A Traditional Pick-Me-Up
No visit to Athens is complete without sipping on a cup of Greek coffee, a strong and aromatic drink that’s typically enjoyed in the morning or after meals. Made with finely ground coffee beans and served in small cups, Greek coffee is prepared by boiling the coffee in a special pot called a briki. It’s often served with a glass of water and a sweet treat on the side. Don’t forget to enjoy your coffee slowly as locals do, savoring every moment of the experience.