Athens eats late, generously and outdoors. The Greek capital runs on mezze meant for sharing, chargrilled souvlaki, slow-cooked mageirefta and seafood, washed down with tsipouro or house wine. Locals skip the tourist tavernas around the main squares and head for neighbourhood spots in areas like Koukaki and Exarchia.
Below are the restaurants our local guides send friends to in Athens, hand-picked across neighbourhoods and budgets. No tourist traps, just places worth your appetite.
Where locals eat in Athens
Elvis Souvlaki
An Elvis-themed souvlaki joint where the grill does things differently – skewers served with fresh fried potatoes, lemon and bread rather than wrapped in pita. Relaxed, cheap and open late, it's the go-to after a night out in Kerameikos, best eaten on the square right outside. Go for the pork.
Panellinion Chess Coffee-House
Time seems to have stopped in this coffee-house of well over a century, where regulars nurse a Greek coffee and hunch over the chessboard set out on every table. The walls are lined with photos of famous players; strike up a game (Karpov once played here in 1992) and ask owner Yiannis for a plate of meze.
Cantina Social
A hidden bar tucked inside an old lodge, beloved by fans of alternative music from techno to indie rock. The tiny interior is a proper dancing den that goes until dawn, while the larger courtyard is perfect for a laid-back drink. There's no sign from the street, so follow the map to find it.
Avli
A tiny, rustic taverna hidden in a Psiri courtyard, running since the 1980s on simple, honest cooking – keftedes, spetzofai and a rotating board of mezedes. Loud, cheap and full of life; cash is king.
Atlantikos
One of central Athens' most-loved seafood spots, a creative little meze taverna where the menu changes daily with the catch. Democratic, buzzy and genuinely inventive – book, as it's tiny.
Skoubri
A Koukaki favourite that grew from a neighbourhood fish joint into a smart little seafood meze spot – chargrilled sardines, octopus and the day's fish done simply and well. Local, warm and reasonably priced.
Ama Laxei stis Nefelis
Set in a leafy courtyard of a former school in Exarchia, this is a gorgeous spot for modern mezedes – gourmet sausages, walnut-crusted fish, mussels with ouzo and clever vegetarian plates. Book for the courtyard on a warm night.
Diporto
A legendary unmarked cellar taverna by the central market with no sign, no menu and barrels of wine – just a handful of daily dishes like chickpea stew and grilled fish, served to market workers and in-the-know locals since the 1880s. A true time capsule.
Karamanlidika tou Fani
Part delicatessen, part meze house near the central market, celebrating the cured meats, cheeses and recipes of the Greeks of Asia Minor. Graze pastourma, sausages and small plates with a glass of wine at the counter.
Rakoumel
A warm, family-run Cretan spot in Exarchia with big-hearted food, flowing raki and rebetika live-music nights. Great small plates and a proper local atmosphere – exactly the kind of place you linger in for hours.
Klimataria
A century-old taverna on Theatrou Square serving hearty Greek classics with live rebetiko music most nights – the kind of joyous, singing-and-dancing evening that turns dinner into a party. Book and stay late.
Six d.o.g.s
A sprawling all-day cultural hub near Monastiraki – café and leafy garden by day, buzzing bar, club and gig venue by night. One of the anchors of central Athens nightlife and creativity, open year-round.
Brettos
Athens' oldest distillery, running in the heart of Plaka since 1909, its back wall stacked with a glowing rainbow of bottles. Come for a shot of house ouzo, mastiha or brandy in one of the city's most photogenic bars.
Cabezon
A relaxed, arty all-day bar in up-and-coming Kerameikos, good for coffee and a bite by day and drinks with a laid-back local crowd by night. A neighbourhood favourite off the tourist trail.
Taste Athens with a local
Book a small-group food tour, or find a place to stay near the best eating.
Athens food FAQ
What food is Athens known for?
Athens is known for sharing-style mezze, chargrilled souvlaki, slow-cooked mageirefta and fresh seafood.
Where do locals eat in Athens?
Locals tend to eat around Kerameikos, City centre, Psiri, Koukaki, away from the busiest tourist strips.
What are the best restaurants in Athens?
Our local picks include Elvis Souvlaki, Panellinion Chess Coffee-House, Cantina Social, plus more in the full list above.
Is eating out in Athens expensive?
You will find options across budgets in Athens, from casual, wallet-friendly spots to higher-end dining, so it suits most travellers.