From souvlaki and moussaka to stuffed vine leaves and sweet halva, a trip to Athens includes countless delicacies for foodies.
In addition to the wonders of antiquity and a vibrant centre, Athens also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. In the Greek capital, you can enjoy the flavours of summer (especially aromatic olive oil), drink fruity wine and sip world-famous Greek coffee. But if you think you're only going to get traditional country cuisine here, you're sorely mistaken. As a modern metropolis, Athens offers foodies one thing above all: variety.
Mit ihren altertümlichen Traditionen zeichnet sich die griechische Küche sowohl durch westliche als auch östliche Einflüsse aus. Die Geschmacksnoten des Essens hängen stark von der Saison ab. Fisch und Meeresfrüchte spielen aber aufgrund der umfangreichen Küste eine signifikante Rolle, ebenso wie frisches Gemüse, das in vielen griechischen Gerichten die Hauptrolle spielt.
Zu den Gerichten, die man in Athen auf jeden Fall probiert haben muss, gehört knusprig gegrilltes Souvlaki (die traditionellen Fleischspieße), erfrischendes Dolma (gefüllte Weinblätter) und herzhaftes Moussaka aus Melanzani. Selbstverständlich darf auch Choriatiki (der klassische griechische Salat) nicht fehlen. Traditionelle Desserts tragen östliche Einflüsse und sind aus natürlich süßen Zutaten hergestellt: Baklava and Halva sind jede Süde wert.
Related: These are the best hotels in Athens
As a modern city, Athens' culinary scene is constantly evolving. In addition to traditional eateries and the (rightly) hyped street food, there are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and young eateries that make the most of high-quality regional ingredients. Foodies should definitely put these places on their list.
Sternekoch Lefteris Lazarou serviert hier kreative Mahlzeiten, inspiriert vom Meer und der griechischen Tradition. Ganz nach dem Motto “Das Auge isst mit” genießt man in dem charmanten Restaurant direkt an der Marina regelrechte Kunstwerke moderner griechischer Küche auf dem Teller.
Varoulko Seaside Restaurant
Akti Koumoundourou 54, Pireas 104 35, Greece
Tel.: +30 21 0522 8400
Web: varoulko.gr
View this post on Instagram
The newest restaurant from Celebrity Chef Sotiris Kontizas serves gourmet cuisine in an approachable way, skillfully blending the diverse culinary influences of the Greek with Japanese roots. With its cool ambience, Kontizas completely redefines the concept of fine dining in Athens and also appeals to a younger crowd.
Proveleggios
Paramithias 11, Athens 104 35, Greece
Tel.: +30 21 0523 4749
Web: nolanverse.com/proveleggios
View this post on Instagram
This hip restaurant (pronounced Phita), has been mixing up the city's culinary scene for three years with its sophisticated and budget-friendly creations. The creative pasta dishes and fresh seafood are particularly popular.
ΦΙΤΑ
Ntourm 1, Athens 117 45, Greece
Tel.: +30 21 1414 8624
View this post on Instagram
It's not just wine lovers who will get their money's worth here: the stylish wine bistros in the historic Koukaki district and in the lively, centrally located Pagrati area serve an impressive range of Greek as well as international wines and a varied selection of creative dishes. You never know what will be on the menu, but one thing is for sure - it will definitely be delicious!
Materia Prima Wine Bistro (Koukaki)
Falirou 68, Athens 117 41, Greece
Tel.: +30 21 0924 5935
Web: materiaprima.gr
View this post on Instagram
Sotiris Kontiza's first own restaurant is rightly one of the trendiest restaurants in Athens. His Greek-Japanese cuisine with French accents has made the young chef famous throughout Greece. Here you can enjoy fusion cooking at the highest level in a relaxed atmosphere.
Nolan
31-33 Voulis Street, Athens, 10557, Greece
Tel.: +30 21 0324 3545
Web: nolanverse.com/nolan
