Where to Eat in Athens
From Rooftops to Basements
Friends visiting Athens for the first time often ask us where to eat. It depends on your tastes, your mood and your budget, of course, but we have some personal favourites we always recommend.
An Acropolis View?
If you want an impressive and romantic setting, there’s nothing better than dining with a view of the Acropolis. And there’s nowhere better to do that than the Tudor Hall, on the 7th floor of the King George Hotel on Syntagma Square. We ate there a few years ago, and weren’t at all surprised when they were given a Michelin Star in 2023. We’re saving up so we can eat there again! Details on their website.
Basement Level
There are plenty of rooftop restaurants that give you those Acropolis views, but we also love the basement restaurants you can find in the Plaka. The Plaka has been the area in Athens which has traditionally attracted tourists, as it’s an older part of the city and it definitely has its charms. However, it also has some restaurants that are squarely aimed at the tourist market, and don’t offer the best eating experiences.
One rule is never ever to eat in a Plaka restaurant where someone stands outside trying to talk you into dining there. Restaurants aimed at tourists rather than locals don’t have the best food as they know that the tourist probably won’t be coming back. We love the basement restaurants, who don’t pander to tourists and will provide you with good Greek food at reasonable prices. So if you’re in the Plaka and see a set of steps leading down into a restaurant, try it.
Old Faithful
O Platanos is also in the Plaka and seems to have been there forever. We hope it stays there, too. Tables are under the shade of the huge plane tree that gives the restaurant its name, and it’s always busy and has a great atmosphere. That’s because it’s mainly frequented by Athenians. It’s a bit more out of the way, and some friends we sent there had a bit of difficulty in finding it… but they loved it when they did! It’s very close to the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, and you can find full details on their website.
Market Value
If you want a real Athens eating experience then head for Diporto, which is in a basement beneath the Central Market. It’s where the market traders go for good, honest, fresh, hearty food, though you'll find local business people there too. If you're on a budget, it's ideal. It's at the corner of Theatrou and Sokratous, There's no phone or website so you just have to turn up and chance your luck
Greek Music
As a PS to our last newsletter about Greek music and music festivals, there’s also a music festival on Chios, which runs from July 31st to August 13th. You can read all about it on the festival website.
That’s all for this time. Till the next newsletter, then - happy travels, even if they’re only armchair ones at the moment.
Mike and Donna