See our list of top restaurants in Athens in random order. Find more suggestions at the bottom of this post, plus some restaurants that don’t meet the (instagram) hype. Last update: October 2025
Pharaoh
Don’t let the low score in Google Maps fool you. Pharaoh is one of the best restaurants in Athens. It was the first restaurant to introduce 2-hour slots for dining (thus the negative reviews from locals who weren’t used to eat on the clock). Greek cuisine on open-fire ovens, vinyl DJ sets, big wine list.
Reservation is needed, we recommend seating at the bar if you are two people, or on a table on the ground floor if you are a company. Avoid seating outside and on the mirror counter, it’s not very nice.
Expect to pay around 45€ – 60€ per person, depending on how much you love wine.
Seychelles
Serving delicious Greek food since 2013, this modern taverna is located in the Metaxourgeio area, in a building dated to 19th century used as a horse barn for King Otto. Friendly service, a seasonal menu and fair prices for the quantity and quality of the food.
Reservation is recommended. Indoor area is very nice with an open kitchen and big wooden tables.
Expect to pay around 35€ – 50€ per person.
Taverna Filon
Delicious Greek food in this old-school taverna that recently opened a yard right opposite the main building. It’s not in the city center so a taxi is recommended as there is no Metro in the area.
Indoor area is usually not open during the summer so the yard and the tables around the windows are your only options. Super nice owners and stuff, great wine list, real food. Reservation is recommended.
Expect to pay around 35€ – 50€ per person.
Atlantikos
Greek for Atlantic, this small fish tavern is popular among locals for it’s simple but tasty dishes and fair prices. Go there for fresh fish, salads and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget to feed the stray cats 🙂
The tavern doesn’t make reservations, and it get’s busy, especially on weekends, so expect 5′-15′ to be seated.
Expect to pay around 15€ – 25€ per person.
Mavro Provato
It means “Black Sheep” and although it’s not fancy or cool, this restaurant has been remarkably consistent with what it offers throughout the years. Very well-prepared, tasty, Greek food, excellent service, fair prices. In the area of Pagrati you will find tens of options for food but this is your sure bet.
Reservation is recommended but you can walk-in and sit immediately depending on the time of day.
Expect to pay around 25€ – 35€ per person.
Want more options? The restaurants below are in our favorites list and we visit them often.
- X Machina – Great restaurant with cool decoration and beautiful plates to share. Reservation needed, valet parking is also available at a small fee.
- Yperokeanion – Traditional fish tavern in Piraeus port – Try the pasta with anchovies
- Argoura – Fish tavern in Kallithea – Try the ceviche with roe salad, and the grilled calamari.
- Zoodochos Pigi – Meat tavern hidden in a Piraeus suburb – Reservation needed
- Travolta – Upscale fish restaurant in Peristeri suburb – Try the unique mousaka from seafood
- Giantes – Mediterenian cuisine in a beautiful garden in the cool Exarchia district
- Linou Soumpasis – Simplistic approach to the Greek cuisine. Reservations needed, a bit expensive
- AKRA – Excellent Greek restaurant in an open kitchen space. Tables are too close to each other so not ideal for big groups. Reservations needed.
- Plyta – Near to Pagrati district, this restaurant changes the meny very often. Small space indoors with tables too close to each other. Reservations needed.
- Trata – Fish tavern in the center of Athens, open since 2007. No reservations needed, sitting indoors and outdoors.
You might ask, what about these restaurants with queues outside that are in the top spots on Tripadvisor. You are probably referring to Avli, Klimataria and Karamanlidika. These businesses have been around for ages, and due to their very central location are easily accessible by tourists, thus the queues. They are instagramable, but the food is just OK. If you are in the area and your feed needs an update, drop them a visit, they are within walking distance with each other.