The 10 best traditional restaurants in Athen

Homely yet modern ambience meets unique local flavours such as snails, roasted rabbit with rosemary or lamb, in a tavern inspired by Cretan culinary heritage deeply rooted in ancient times and traditions.

Since 1981, this traditional tavern in a small alley in an Athens neighbourhood has been the secret venue of meat lovers. Do not miss the finely grilled lamb chops, the well-fried kokoretsi and the succulent pork kontosouvli wrapped in tallow.

An 80-year-old traditional oenomagirion (stew and wine tavern) run by two brothers who cook and serve classic dishes such as soutzoukakia and beef stew with fried potatoes with meticulous attention to detail, adding subtle touches to their grandmother's original recipes.

This traditional wine and grocery store in Piraeus has been welcoming Athenians and tourists from all over the world since the 1920s. Delicious treats from the eye-catching refrigerator are served alongside fried liver, eggs and potatoes, meatballs and plenty of retsina.

This Greek taverna, opened in 1930 in a listed building dating from 1918, serves comforting stews and dishes that touch the soul, such as rabbit and rooster stifado, cabbage dolmades, lamb and oven-baked potatoes. Unspoilt, the epitome of classic.

One of the oldest Greek tavernas - almost 100 years old - with a lovely garden, tables by the wine barrels and hearty food. Dive in and try the giant beans dipped in homemade bread, the seasonal crispy pies, the tender lamb or pork knuckle casserole.

A recently opened »oenomageirion« (tavern with stews and wine), for those nostalgic for a bygone era and longing for home-cooked food. The menu changes according to the season, but when you come ask for the delicious cabbage dolmades and you may be in luck.

Typical mpakalotaverna (tavern and grocery store) owned by the Skylodimos family since the 1950s. Groceries, an old-fashioned fridge with delicacies and a special place to enjoy heart-warming keftedes, and horiatiki made with the best feta.

Opened in 1954, this historic tavern has a working jukebox (probably the only one in the city) in one corner and antiques and memorabilia all over the walls. Cabbage dolmades, snail stew and perfectly grilled, juicy lamb ribs are among the highlights of the menu.

An underground koutouki (small tavern) near Athens' central market that has been around for over 150 years. Few tables, but worth waiting for when it is full to try their beef stew, fava bean puree, chickpea soup or potato stew.