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Restaurants · Greece

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas

  • CuisineModern Greek
  • CategoryStreet Food
  • VibeConvivial, shared plates, modern meze energy
  • Rating★ 4.3
  • Price$$

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas—the name translates roughly as 'the grasshopper and the ant,' a reference to Aesop—is an Athens meze chain that has established itself as one of the most reliable options for contemporary Greek small-plate eating at a price point that remains accessible to a broad public.

Contemporary meze chain with fast service and quality ingredients. Multiple locations, reliable for quick authentic meals.

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas—the name translates roughly as 'the grasshopper and the ant,' a reference to Aesop—is an Athens meze chain that has established itself as one of the most reliable options for contemporary Greek small-plate eating at a price point that remains accessible to a broad public. Operating across multiple locations in Athens, the chain applies the logic of the traditional meze meal—many small dishes to be shared across the table—to a format that is faster, more consistent, and more polished than a traditional taverna while retaining the communal spirit of the original. The menu covers Greek standards with contemporary alignment: saganaki cheese flamed at the table, beetroot salad with goat cheese, lamb chops with tzatziki, and a meze trio of dips served with warm pita that functions as the standard opening. Portions are designed for sharing and the price per dish is modest enough that ordering broadly is encouraged. The multiple Athens locations—some in the commercial centre, others in residential neighbourhoods—mean the experience is widely accessible without requiring a destination trip. Service is attentive by Athens chain standards. The format works equally well for groups and couples; tables for two are designed with the shared-plate format in mind. Walk-in and online booking are both accepted.

Signature dishes

  • Meze Trio — $12
  • Saganaki — $8

Good to know

Hours
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Reservations
Walk-in or online

Location

Multiple Athens locations

37.9778, 23.7344 View on map

Highlights

  • Contemporary meze chain across multiple Athens locations with consistent quality and reasonable prices
  • Saganaki flamed at the table, beetroot and goat cheese salad, lamb chops, and meze dip trio
  • Shared-plate format encouraging broad ordering across the menu at €8–16 per dish
  • Service more attentive than a traditional taverna while retaining the communal spirit of meze eating
  • Walk-in and online reservation both accepted; suitable for groups and couples equally

Tips for visiting

  • Order the meze trio (three dips with pita) as the mandatory table opener
  • Saganaki—flame-cooked cheese—is the theatrical crowd-pleaser; order one per table at minimum
  • The shared-plate format works best with three to four dishes per two people, adding as appetite dictates
  • Multiple central Athens locations mean there is likely one near where you are staying
  • Dinner reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday at the busier central locations

Accessibility

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas locations are in standard street-level Athens commercial premises. Most locations have flat entrances from the pavement and accessible seating layouts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the name Tzitzikas kai Mermigas a reference to?

It refers to the Aesop fable of 'The Grasshopper and the Ant'—a culturally familiar Greek reference that positions the restaurant as part of the storytelling tradition.

What kind of food does Tzitzikas kai Mermigas serve?

Contemporary Greek meze: shared small plates including saganaki, beetroot salads, lamb dishes, dips, and vegetable preparations at accessible prices.

How much does a meal at Tzitzikas kai Mermigas cost?

Meze dishes run €8–16 each; a full meal for two with house wine typically costs €45–65, making it mid-range for Athens.

Does Tzitzikas kai Mermigas take reservations?

Both walk-in and online reservations are accepted. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings at the busier central Athens locations.

Are there multiple Tzitzikas kai Mermigas locations?

Yes—the chain operates multiple locations across Athens. The central Syntagma-area and Ermou Street branches are the most convenient for visitors.