Eat

Souvlaki & Gyros 🍢🌯

Arguably Greece’s most famous street food, souvlaki consists of small pieces of grilled meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) served on a skewer or wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and fries. Gyros is similar but features rotisserie-cooked meat shaved from a vertical spit. It’s the perfect quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal in Athens.

Moussaka 🥘

A rich and hearty baked dish, moussaka is made with layers of eggplant, minced meat (usually beef or lamb), tomatoes, and béchamel sauce, baked until golden brown. It’s one of Greece’s most beloved comfort foods, perfect for a traditional sit-down meal.

📍 Where to try: To Kati Allo (Acropolis), Klimataria (Psiri), or Mani Mani (Koukaki)

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) 🥧

A delicious savory pie made with flaky phyllo pastry, filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It’s a popular breakfast or snack that can be found in almost every bakery in Athens.

📍 Where to try: Ariston (Syntagma), Meliartos (Ermou Street), or Takis Bakery (Koukaki)

Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters) 🥒🍽️

These crispy zucchini fritters are a popular Greek meze (appetizer), made with grated zucchini, feta cheese, herbs, and flour, fried until golden brown. They are usually served with yogurt or tzatziki.

📍 Where to try: Tzitzikas & Mermigas (Syntagma), Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (Psiri)

Loukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnuts)

Loukoumades are small, fluffy dough balls, deep-fried and drizzled with honey and cinnamon or sometimes topped with chocolate or nuts. They are a beloved Greek dessert, dating back to ancient times when they were offered to Olympic winners.

📍 Where to try: Lukumades (Monastiraki), Krinos (Omonia)

Dakos 🥗

A Cretan dish popular in Athens, dakos consists of a barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, feta or mizithra cheese, olive oil, oregano, and capers. It’s a refreshing, light dish perfect for a Greek summer meal.

📍 Where to try: Kriti (Exarchia), Oinomageiremata (Pangrati)

Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata) 🥗🍅🧀

A classic Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, green peppers, and feta cheese, all dressed with olive oil and oregano. Unlike other salads, it does not contain lettuce and is served with thick slices of feta on top.

📍 Where to try: Almost everywhere

Bougatsa 🥐

NOTE: In flavor is very similar with your pastel de nata

A flaky phyllo pastry, filled with either custard (sweet) or cheese (savory), and often topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It’s a popular breakfast or snack in Greece, best enjoyed with Greek coffee.

📍 Where to try: Bougatsadiko (Syntagma), Makedonikon (Omonia)

Fava Santorini 🌿

A smooth yellow split pea puree, typically served with olive oil, onions, and lemon juice. Though originally from Santorini, it’s commonly found in Athenian tavernas and is a great vegan-friendly option.

📍 Where to try: Seychelles (Metaxourgeio), Oinomageiremata (Pangrati)

Tzatziki 🥒🧄

A refreshing Greek yogurt dip made with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, served with grilled meats or pita bread. It’s a staple in Greek cuisine and a must-try.

📍 Where to try: Any traditional taverna!

Baklava 🍯🥜

A classic Greek dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. It’s sweet, crispy, and packed with flavor.

📍 Where to try: Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Psiri), Serbetospito (Koukaki)