Morning – Breakfast in Athens
Thinking about what to eat in Athens? Most tourists who come to Athens, the first thing on their mind is of course the Acropolis, the narrow streets of Plaka and the walks in the historical center. But there is something that many discover as soon as they get here. And this is that the city knows how to eat well from early in the morning. If you want to start your day like the locals then your first choice might be a good cheese pie or a spinach pie from a traditional bakery. It may sound relatively simple, but a freshly baked pita with Greek feta is really delicious.
For those who prefer something healthier, there are many options with yogurt, honey and nuts. Greek yogurt is unlike what you find in most countries. It is richer, creamier and combines beautifully with honey and fresh fruits. Of course in Greece it is not possible to talk about breakfast without coffee. Greeks really love coffee and for that you will find a lot of options. From traditional Greek coffee to specialty espresso and cold brew. The good thing about Athens is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat well in the morning. Even a small neighborhood bakery can offer you authentic Greek flavors.
Late morning – Let’s go for Brunch
In recent years, Athens has developed into one of the most interesting brunch destinations in all of Europe. And the fact is not an exaggeration. Almost every downtown neighborhood now has shops that have raised the bar in both quality and creativity. Now, brunch is not just limited to the classic poached eggs and pancakes. You will find many creative dishes that combine Greek ingredients with modern techniques. Poached eggs on handmade bread, strappatsada with feta cheese, pancakes with Greek honey, but also many options for vegetarians.
What makes brunch so special is that it combines a relaxed atmosphere with good food. There is no rush. Most people sit for hours, drinking coffee, talking and enjoying delicious food. Areas such as Psirri, Koukaki, Pagrati and Monastiraki are among the most popular for brunch. There you will find shops that pay great attention to every detail and have managed to become known to locals as well as tourists from all over the world.
Lunch & dinner – The Greek taverns in Athens
Many visitors without knowing it, eat in more touristic restaurants and end up missing out on the experience of authentic Greek food that a good taverna can offer. So if you want to eat like the locals, look for tavernas with very good reviews on Google business, such as Robolo tavern in Athens, which has 4.9 stars out of 5, with over 1000 real reviews. There you will find dishes that have been part of Greek cuisine for decades, executed with a more creative eye, great attention to detail and fresh ingredients from the Greek land.
So what to eat in an athenian tavern? You can try main dishes such as fresh pork sausage, souvlaki, grilled liver, lamb burgers, gardouba, boiled mutton, barley with pork cheeks, Cretan skiufichta, lamb with oregano and many more unique tasting dishes. Another characteristic dish of Greek cuisine are salads. Even the village salad that most people abroad know is very different when made with real Greek ingredients. The feta cheese, olive oil and tomatoes play a huge role in the flavor.
You can eat in a Greek tavern at noon or even late at night. As the sun goes down, Athens changes character. The squares fill up with people, groups go out and food takes on a leading role. So if there’s one experience you shouldn’t miss, it’s dinner in an authentic Greek taverna. This is where the real journey to Greek flavors begins.
The secret of a Greek tavern is not only the food. It’s the whole process from the moment you enter the space. Greeks are rarely in a hurry when they eat. The dishes arrive gradually, as the conversation and mood flares, while the table remains full of food for hours. This culture of sharing is perhaps one of the most beautiful elements of Greek cuisine and something that most visitors remember for years.
