The Food of Athens – Signature Meals You Need to Try in Athens, Greece

Athens, considered to be the historic heart of Greece, is not only known for its ancient cultural landmarks, but for its exceptional culinary scene as well.

I LOVE the foodie scene in Athens, with traditional dishes passed down through generations, delectable fine dining, and dangerously addictive street food offering a gastronomic experience which is as varied as it is delightful.

While you may want to visit all the incredible Greek islands to sample the unique culinary delights of Greece, you have got to start your Greek food journey in Athens, which is a city well worth visiting (in my humble opinion).

The Food of Athens – Signature Meals You Need to Try in Athens, Greece

1. Moussaka

Of all the traditional Greek dishes out there, moussaka is perhaps the most iconic and a must-try on any visit to Athens.

This quintessential Greek dish is a hearty casserole stuffed with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and potatoes, all topped with bechamel sauce.

Moussaka is served in taverns and restaurants across the city, and each outlet may give a twist to their own recipe.

The dish is a perfect example of Greek comfort food and reflects the country’s love for wholesome and hearty meals.

The best moussaka in Athens

Moussaka is a dish best cooked by Greek grandmas in their kitchens. It is very much a dish enjoyed at home, and Greeks wouldn’t often order moussaka when they go out to eat.

However, my Athenian friend told me that the best moussaka in Athens is served in Olympion (Google Maps link).

When I visited Olympion, I ordered pastitsio, which is like moussaka but with pasta in place of eggplant, and it was SO GOOD.

2. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular street food delight, as much with the locals as the tourists.

The Greek staple consists of juicy pieces of meat, grilled and served with seasonal vegetables, bread, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Souvlaki is a great and budget-friendly food to grab on-the-go, but you can also find it served in tavernas all across the city.

Best souvlaki in Athens

Souvlaki stands can be found all over Athens, and you can choose from pork, chicken, or lamb for a most satisfying culinary experience.

Every Athenian has their personal favourite souvlaki place, but Kostas (Google Maps link), is widely regarded as having the best souvlaki in the city centre.

For a sit-down meal, you have to head to O Thanasis (Google Maps link) in Monastiraki. I had one of the best kebabs of my life here, and the nightly Greek music makes for a great atmosphere.

Another great Athens restaurant that serves souvlaki is Alexandrino Pagrati (Google Maps link), where I dined multiple times on my first visit to Athens.

3. Spanakopita

This traditional Greek dish is basically a spinach pie, filled with feta cheese, herbs, and onions and wrapped in layers of crispy filo dough.

Spanakopita is perfect for a light snack. The combination of the creamy feta and earthy spinach encased in flaky pastry is irresistible among locals as well as tourists.

Best spanakopita in Athens

Spanakopita is commonly available in all bakeries across Athens. I got a great spanakopita from a local bakery in Pagrati, but if you’re looking for something more central, Pandora (Google Maps link) is said to have great spanakopita, with fresh dough made onsite.

4. Dolmades

Another classic Greek dish you must taste in Athens are dolmades, a flavour-filled delight.

Made from grape leaves, stuffed with rice and herbs and often minced meat, dolmades are cooked until tender and served with sauce or yogurt.

Dolmades can be eaten as a starter, and their tangy taste serves as a delightful side dish to any major meal.

The dish is a perfect example of traditional Greek food made from locally sourced ingredients.

Best dolmades in Athens

Just like moussaka, dolmades are best made by Greek grannies in their homes, but a close second is Karamanlidika (Google Maps link), which is famous for its dolmades (just check out the 10,000+ positive reviews on Google Maps!).

5. Greek Salad

An iconic name, probably known the world over, the Greek salad is a simple dish of local tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, olives (olives are big business in Greece), and a giant slab of feta cheese, all drizzled with EVOO and sprinkled with oregano.

All the ingredients used are fresh and sourced directly from local markets, resulting in an explosion of flavour.

A Greek salad is a necessary accompaniment to any meal and is truly the best way to relish the true flavour of Greek cuisine.

The best Greek salad in Athens

It’s impossible to order a bad Greek salad.

I must have had about 50 of them during the time I spent in Greece, and every single one of them has been exquisite. With crunchy salad, quality oil, and creamy local cheese, the ingredients make it impossible to go wrong.

6. Baklava

No culinary experience can be deemed complete without a dessert, and when it comes to desserts in Athens, you can’t miss Baklava.

Baklava is a sweet pastry, filled with chopped nuts in a layer of filo dough, and sweetened with honey syrup. It is sometimes flavoured with cloves or cinnamon to impart a warm and aromatic twist.

Along with a strong cup of Greek coffee, Baklava is the perfect way to end your culinary journey of Athens.

Food of Athens | Final Thoughts

I could go on all day about the food of Athens (in fact, I have, on many occasions!).

Greek food is one of my favourite cuisines, and Athens is home to an equal number of world-class restaurants, traditional tavernas, and lowkey eateries that all serve fantastic food.

If there’s a bad restaurant in Athens, I haven’t found it (and trust me, I’ve tried!).

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The Ultimate Greek Food Guide

Little Kook Athens (dessert shop review)

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Visiting Athens in December – A Guide

1 Day Athens Itinerary

That’s all I’ve got for today’s post, but as always, if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments section below!

Until next time,

XOXO

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