Attica is the historical region of Greece that surrounds Athens, the country's capital, encompassing ancient monuments, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and verdant mountains. Home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites including the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Attica blends millennia of history with a vibrant modern city culture.
Attica's culinary identity is defined by Athens, the capital, offering one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant food scenes. Traditional Greek cuisine — grilled seafood, mezedes, slow-cooked meats, and exceptional olive oil — forms the backbone, while a new generation of Michelin-starred chefs have elevated Greek ingredients to international acclaim. The region also benefits from its coastline, with Piraeus and the Athens Riviera renowned for some of Greece's finest fresh fish restaurants.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Attica.
Souvlaki in Pita
Charcoal-grilled pork skewers wrapped in thick pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki — Athens' ultimate street food
Where to try: O Thanasis (Monastiraki) or Kostas (Syntagma)
Price: €2.50-3
Moussaka
Layers of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and béchamel sauce — the quintessential Greek comfort dish
Where to try: Any traditional taverna in Plaka or Monastiraki
Price: €10-14
Grilled Octopus
Charcoal-grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil and lemon — best eaten at a seafood taverna in Piraeus or the Riviera
Where to try: Psarras Taverna (Plaka) or Mikrolimano harbor restaurants
Price: €14-18
Saganaki
Pan-fried graviera or halloumi cheese served sizzling hot with a squeeze of lemon — addictive as a starter
Where to try: Any mezedopoleio across Attica
Price: €7-10
Taramasalata
Creamy whipped fish roe dip with lemon and olive oil — far superior to any version outside Greece
Where to try: Ta Karamanlidika or any good mezedopoleio
Price: €5-8
Kakavia (Fish Soup)
Greek fisherman's soup with fresh catch, vegetables, and olive oil — similar to bouillabaisse and best at coastal fish tavernas
Where to try: Labros (Vouliagmeni) or Piraeus fish restaurants
Price: €12-16
Loukoumades
Honey-soaked fried dough balls dusted with cinnamon — Athens' most beloved sweet street food
Where to try: Loukoumades shops in Monastiraki and the Central Market
Price: €3-5
Greek Yogurt with Attica Honey
Thick strained yogurt topped with aromatic thyme honey from Mount Hymettus — simple perfection
Where to try: Any cafe or breakfast restaurant across Athens
Price: €5-7
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Varoulko Seaside
Chef Lefteris Lazarou's Michelin-starred restaurant on the picturesque Mikrolimano harbor in Piraeus is Athens' finest seafood destination. Creative Greek seafood dishes with exceptional ingredients and stunning waterfront atmosphere.
Known for: Creative Michelin-starred Greek seafood
Akti Koumoundourou 54, Mikrolimano, Piraeus 185 33
Funky Gourmet
A two-Michelin-star restaurant in the Keramikos area offering one of Greece's most innovative dining experiences. The tasting menu deconstructs traditional Greek flavors into extraordinary contemporary compositions.
Known for: Two Michelin stars, avant-garde Greek cuisine
Paramythias 13, Keramikos, Athens 104 35
Hytra
Perched on the 6th floor of the Onassis Arts Center with spectacular Acropolis views, Hytra serves refined modern Greek cuisine by chef Tasos Mantis. The terrace is one of the most desirable dining spots in Athens.
Known for: Acropolis views and refined modern Greek cuisine
Leoforos Syngrou 107-109, Athens 117 45
Kuzina
A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant near the Temple of Hephaestus with a beautiful terrace and creative modern Greek dishes. The kitchen uses top-quality local ingredients to deliver surprising interpretations of Greek classics.
Known for: Temple views, innovative modern Greek
Adrianou 9, Thissio, Athens 105 55
Psarras Taverna
One of Athens' oldest and most beloved tavernas, operating in Plaka since 1898. Psarras has hosted artists, intellectuals, and generations of Athenians on its vine-shaded terrace. The grilled fish and octopus are legendary.
Known for: Historic Plaka taverna since 1898
Erechtheos 16 & Erotokritou, Plaka, Athens 105 56
Taverna Klimataria
A family-run Athenian taverna operating since 1927 in the Psirri neighborhood, famous for its live traditional music in the evenings, generous portions, and authentic recipes passed down through generations.
Known for: Live traditional music and classic Greek recipes since 1927
Klepsydras 5, Psirri, Athens 105 53
O Thanasis
A Monastiraki institution for over 50 years, O Thanasis serves some of Athens' most beloved souvlaki and kebabs grilled over charcoal. The outdoor tables facing Monastiraki Square are perfect for people-watching.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled souvlaki and kebabs in Monastiraki
Monastiraki Square 69, Athens 105 55
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
An acclaimed deli-taverna in the Omonia market district celebrated for its Asia Minor-inspired cuisine, exceptional cold cuts, aged cheeses, and extraordinary mezedes. The charcuterie board featuring traditional cured meats is unmissable.
Known for: Celebrated Asia Minor deli and mezedopoleio
Sokratous 1 & Evripidou, Athens 105 52
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Greek
Souvlaki
Mediterranean
Grilled Meats
Mezedopoleio
Craft Burgers
French
Japanese
Lebanese
Vegetarian
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Souvlaki
Charcoal-grilled meat skewers in pita — the quintessential Athenian street food eaten at all hours
Find it at: Monastiraki Square, Exarchia, Kolonaki, everywhere
Gyros
Rotating spit of seasoned pork or chicken wrapped in pita with tzatziki and chips — the other great Greek street food
Find it at: Every neighborhood in Athens
Loukoumades
Honey-drenched fried dough balls, often with toppings like chocolate or sesame
Find it at: Monastiraki and the Central Market area
Koulouri
Sesame-encrusted ring bread — the classic Athenian breakfast on the go, sold by street vendors
Find it at: Street vendors outside metro stations throughout Athens
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta, eaten as a snack from bakeries throughout the day
Find it at: Bakeries and small cafes across Athens
Tiropita (Cheese Pie)
Phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese, a staple morning or afternoon snack
Find it at: Bakeries and zaharoplasteion throughout Attica
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
Athens' legendary covered market on Athinas Street with separate halls for fish, meat, olives, spices, and produce — a visceral sensory experience
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-3PM
Monastiraki Flea Market
Sunday antique and food market spreading across Avyssinias Square and surrounding streets with honey, local produce, and street food vendors
Hours: Sunday 8AM-4PM (shops open daily)
Glyfada Street Market (Laiki)
Lively twice-weekly open-air market in Glyfada with fresh local produce, olives, cheeses, herbs, and honey from Attica
Hours: Tuesday and Friday mornings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Dinner in Athens starts late — most locals don't eat before 9PM and restaurants are busiest from 9:30PM onwards
Lunch is typically served from 1-4PM; tavernas may not serve full menus outside these hours
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 10-15% is standard; leaving coins on the table is common
Many traditional tavernas only accept cash — always carry euros
Ask to see the fish before ordering by the kilo; fresh fish should have bright eyes and red gills
The bread charge (kouverts) of €0.50-1 per person is standard and usually includes olives or dips
Water and house wine are very affordable — a carafe of local barrel wine is typically €5-8
Always ask what's fresh or 'what's good today' — chefs appreciate the question and will guide you to the best dishes
- Vegetarian
- Greek cuisine is very vegetarian-friendly with abundant mezedes, vegetable dishes, cheese, and legumes. Look for 'nistisima' (fasting dishes) which are traditionally vegan.
- Halal
- Halal options are available in the Omonia neighborhood and around the Central Market area. Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants are good options.
- Gluten free
- Greek cuisine has naturally gluten-free options including grilled fish and meats, salads, and many mezedes. Ask specifically about phyllo pastry dishes and shared fryers.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €5-12 per meal | Street souvlaki, bakery pies, neighborhood souvlaki shops, and laiki market food |
| Mid-range | €15-30 per meal | Tavernas, mezedopoleia, and casual restaurants with table service |
| Upscale | €60+ per meal | Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining establishments |