Greece » Dining in Athens

Eating out in Greece is a national pastime and a leisurely pleasure. Whether dining at a local taverna or an elegant restaurant, Greeks take their time over food. The native cuisine is delightfully uncomplicated and quite different from what's found in Greek or Cypriot restaurants abroad. Much of the cooking relies on simple seasonings and fresh meat and vegetables.

Typical dishes include fried meatballs, squash balls, octopus, shrimp, squid, cheese, olives, stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki (garlicky yogurt and cucumbers), eggplant dip, small sausages and giant beans. You can find mezedes at an ouzeri (serving ouzo, an anise-flavoured liqueur) or at a mezedopolio (serving locally produced wine or beer); both of these types of restaurants are open only during the day.

Eating out in one of the traditional tavernas (Greek restaurant) is a must for any visitor. These serve tasty Greek dishes (made from meat, seafood and vegetables). These mouth-watering appetizers are varied and can constitute a wealthy meal in them.

Numerous Greek chefs have rediscovered various regional cuisines and added a dash of sophistication to simple traditional dishes. Athens offers a selection of excellent seafood restaurants. Dinner at one of the traditional fish restaurants (such as Jimmy and the Fish) of Mikrolimano, the charming fishing harbour in Piraeus can be a very pleasant experience. Upscale fish restaurants include To Varoulko (the gourmet mecca of Piraeus), and the elegant Ithaki at Vouliagmeni Beach.

Athens also has a range of sophisticated eateries offering world-class cuisine ranging from the classic to the pioneering. Dinner at these restaurants does not come cheap, but the prices are actually quite affordable when compared to those at similar restaurants in other European capitals.