It’s no surprise that Greece is a foodie paradise. Especially the capital Athens offers countless fantastic restaurants, making it tough to decide where to eat. If you want to enjoy good food in Athens, you’re certainly not limited to Greek cuisine. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. However, during my city trip to Athens, I tried to eat as much Greek food as possible—but with a modern twist.
In this article, I’m sharing the best places to eat in Athens that I got to try during my city trip. My favorite modern restaurants and eateries, from trendy breakfast spots to Bib Gourmand restaurants from the Michelin guide. Whether you’re in the mood for a smash burger or authentic Greek snacks, this list has you covered.
1. Nolan
One of my most memorable food experiences in Athens was lunch at Nolan. This Bib Gourmand restaurant blends Greek and Japanese flavors into small dishes, served as soon as they’re ready.
I say “small,” but the portions are surprisingly generous. Despite how light and fresh everything tastes, I couldn’t finish my three plates. Since the dishes are perfect for sharing, I recommend trying several from the menu.
I would definitely make a reservation if you plan to eat here. They open for lunch at 1 PM, but it gets pleasantly busier from 2 PM onwards. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors. The interior is bright, tasteful, and modern. However, most people prefer the outdoor seating for lunch.
Shortly after my visit Nolan moved into a new phase, with a different chef. So your experience (and the menu) could be different from mine, but hopefully just as good.
Address: Voulis 31-33, Athens
2. Philos Athens
If, like me, you love modern restaurants in historic buildings, you’ll want to have breakfast or lunch at Philos Athens. The rustic walls look as if they were left unfinished after a renovation, but that’s exactly what gives the place its charm. The rest of the interior has been put together with great attention to detail. Magazines on a rack, beautiful items on the shelves—every corner is perfectly photogenic.
With soft, ambient music in the background and super-friendly staff, I thoroughly enjoyed my Philos Greek Salad. Not your traditional feta salad, this one featured creamy Greek goat cheese (whose name I sadly forgot).
Address: Solonos 32, Athens
3. Ekiben Kitchen
Although I planned to focus on Greek cuisine, my first night in Athens called for something quick and tasty. Ekiben Kitchen turned out to be a great choice!
Ekiben is a small, modern Japanese restaurant that originally started as a ‘ghost delivery’ kitchen operating out of Birdman, chef Ari Vezené’s restaurant located on the same street.
It is still more of a delivery and takeaway concept than a traditional restaurant, but these days they share the space with the Japanese store Ikigai Market. If you want to dine in, it’s recommended to make a reservation. You can choose between the ‘ramen area,’ located in the store alongside the kitchen, or the ‘main dining room,’ two doors down.
While it’s fun to literally get a glimpse into the kitchen, I would recommend opting for the main dining room, which unfortunately was fully booked that evening. In the ramen area, you sit on barstools at a communal table close to other guests, and the loud music isn’t very enjoyable.
So, the ramen area isn’t the ideal spot for a leisurely dinner—I was out within an hour. Why go anyway? Because the food is absolutely delicious! Before my meal arrived, I could already hear approving “wows” and “yums” from those around me. The smash burger is one of their signature dishes—it may not look particularly special, but it tastes fantastic. The kale salad was also delightfully fresh and highly recommended.
So, Ekiben is definitely a great dining option if you’re not in the mood for Greek food or want to grab something tasty to enjoy back in your hotel room.
Address: Skoufou 15, Athens
4. Kuzina
For a dinner with a view, Kuzina is one of the best places to eat in Athens. Located near the Ancient Agora, this restaurant has a terrace on the top floor where you can dine in style from April to October, with a view of the Acropolis and the Temple of Hephaestus.
While the terrace was closed during my visit, my lunch inside was equally delightful. The beautifully renovated mansion combines old wooden floors with an industrial-chic interior. At the front of the restaurant, you sit next to the bar, while at the back you have a view of the open kitchen. If you’d rather eat outside, there’s also a terrace at street level.
They give you a tablet for the menu, but fortunately the staff still comes to take your order. The tuna tataki looks amazing and tastes just as good. Especially the orange-soy-wasabi sauce is particularly delicious. The lamb is also a standout dish.
Address: Adrianou 9, Athens
5. Cherchez la Femme
During my stay at Ergon House, I went to Cherchez la Femme for dinner, which is located across the street. The decor and the name give off a French vibe, but the menu is purely Greek. The concept is small bites (tapas-style) that you can share. While I only tried their dinner menu, it’s also said to be a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
The interior is very cozy. There are large plants and bottles of liquor on the bar, and a green wallpaper with a plant motif that matches the green marble table tops. In the background, there’s nice music, featuring well-known classics (sometimes in modern versions), making you feel as if you’re in a French restaurant.
If you’re looking for a cozy spot where you can try several Greek dishes (I loved the tarama and meat balls), definitely come here to eat.
Address: Mitropoleos 46, Athens
6. Manu
For my last night in Athens, I dined at Manu, a new seafood restaurant in the up-and-coming Kerameikos neighborhood. While a bit further from the city center, this area is packed with fantastic dining options, including the Michelin-starred CTC just around the corner.
Manu’s blue chairs, white tablecloths, and modern artwork create a stylishly Greek vibe. The menu mixes Greek and Asian influences, with dishes like sushi and gyoza, each with a unique twist.
Most dishes feature the “catch of the day,” so the offerings vary. The sushi was excellent, but the gyoza was a bit dry. Still, Manu is a great place to eat. Just plan to arrive after 8 PM (or even 9 PM) for the best atmosphere and to not sit in an empty restaurant.
Address: Meg. Alexandrou 102, Athens
7. This is Loco
Since breakfast was included at all three hotels I stayed at in Athens, I didn’t venture out for breakfast much. The exception was This is Loco, where I stopped for a delicious brunch after an early visit to the Acropolis.
Located about a 15-minute walk from the Acropolis in Koukaki, this restaurant’s modern decor, including a fun mural behind the bar, instantly lifted my mood. Alongside excellent coffee, they offer a creative all-day brunch menu. The Egg Bacon Bagel is a must-try.
Address: Falirou 47, Athens
8. Karamanlidika
I came across Karamanlidika many times as I was researching the best places to eat in Athens. And I have to agree, it’s really a restaurant you don’t want to miss.
Although Karamanlidika has been around for about ten years, it has a nostalgic charm. The interior is a nice mix of traditional and modern, with shelves filled with spices, dried herbs, and hanging cured meats, filling the space with a warm, inviting aroma. The decor feels authentically Greek, as though you’re dining with a Greek family.
The menu features many traditional dishes, often with a modern twist. Their selection of cheeses and smoked meats, prepared using centuries-old recipes, is especially noteworthy.
Address: Evripidou 52, Athens
9. Ergon House
I’ve already mentioned Ergon House in my earlier posts—it’s one of the boutique hotels I stayed at during my Athens trip. But more than just a hotel, this is a foodie haven you don’t want to miss.
Best described as a “gastronomic concept,” Ergon House combines eating, shopping, and accommodation into one seamless experience. Or as they call themselves, “a seventh heaven for food enthusiasts.” The heart of Ergon House is the agora, a modern interpretation of the traditional Greek market. Here, you’ll find an abundance of fresh ingredients, local delicacies, and beautiful Greek products. The interior has an industrial feel with high ceilings, modern wooden accents, and an abundance of plants that make the space very inviting.
Since breakfast was included, I took a seat in the restaurant in the morning and was able to choose anything from the delicious brunch menu. Loved it! Also, don’t miss the recently opened 72H Bakery and 72H Eatery (also by Ergon House) around the corner for the best artisanal bread and pastries.
Address: Mitropoleos Street 23, Athens
10. Krinos
Though my focus was on modern eateries, I couldn’t pass up a visit to Krinos. They’re famous for their ‘original’ loukoumades (Greek donuts) that they’ve been making for over a century.
These fluffy donuts, drizzled with honey-like syrup, are made fresh daily in enormous batches. You can order them at the back counter and either sit in the café or take them to go.
While the café has plenty of seating, the atmosphere is a bit dated— and not in a charming way. I’d recommend getting the loukoumades to-go and enjoying them elsewhere.
Address: Aiolou 87, Athens
11. Lukumades
Think of Lukumades as the trendier, younger sibling of Krinos, clearly aimed at a modern crowd and tourists. They offer endless topping and filling combinations for their loukoumades, making them highly customizable.
The staff here is friendly and enthusiastic, and the donuts are smaller, rounder, and filled instead of having a hole. While modern, I didn’t find them as flavorful as Krinos’ original version. I tried the classic honey and cinnamon variety for comparison but found these a bit too dense. Perhaps toppings or fillings like chocolate would suit them better.
Portions are very generous, so I recommend sharing.
Address: Eolou 21, & Aghias Irinis Street, Athens
12. Varvakeios Market
Finally, a culinary destination that’s anything but modern: the Varvakeios Market.
I mentioned this spot in my post about the best things to do in Athens, but it deserves a mention here too. Walking through the different halls with high ceilings and wrought-iron details, you really experience Greek culinary culture up close. You’ll find an extensive selection of fresh products here, from colorful vegetables and fruits to olives, cheeses, herbs, meats, and fish. While you can shop for ingredients here, there are also several small food stalls and tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes. I didn’t eat here, but I thought it was a fantastic place to visit.
Address: Athinas 42, Athens
Looking for more Athens travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Athens city guide.
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