The Best Restaurants in Athens

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Athens, for any occasion.

For travelers who favor off-the-beaten path, highly local spots, Diporto is a rare glimpse of the Athens that existed long before the Michelin stars arrived. Feeding the city from its stone cellar since 1887, dishes arrive quickly and are dictated by whatever the market offered that morning. If available, order the velvety chickpea soup and deliciously fried sardines. Σωκράτους 9 και, Theatrou 10552

Ergon Athens is a foodie haven—think Eataly, but for Greek food—with a little bit of everything Hellenic. Mitropoleos 23

Guarantee is a small sandwich shop that uses high-quality ingredients in its sandwiches, salads and juices. Veikou 41

Located in the bustling Eirini Square, hoocut is where locals go for high-end souvlaki. Pl. Agias Irinis 9

A chic neighborhood restaurant, OIKEIO offers authentic Greek flavors (at good prices) to match the traditional décor. Ploutarchou 15

Stop by The Black Salami Microbakery for delicious sandwiches while exploring Athens—or for a fresh loaf of bread to complete your Grecian dinner. Zoodochou Pigis 71

In the heart of the historic center of Athens, Athénée is the place to see-and-be-seen for locals and visitors alike. Recommended by the Michelin Guide for many years, diners will enjoy not only the exquisite cuisine, but also the selection of refined cocktails and desserts. Voukourestiou 9

Down a side street in the lively Syntagma neighborhood, Birdman Japanese Bar + Grill offers a momentary departure from the city's taverna-heavy dining scene. Inspired by Tokyo's late-night izakayas and jazz kissa listening bars, this intimate Japanese yakitori pub sparks with energy quickly. Voulis 35

A modern Greek mezze restaurant, Dopios uses local products and small producers from across Greece to create beloved appetizers and mains like hummus, smoked eggplant dip, fish croquettes and seafood orzo. Skouleniou 1

With influences from Asia and the Middle East, Ex Machina serves creative cuisine with spices sourced from the Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo. Standouts include cuttlefish with yellow curry sauce and oysters with Ibérico ham and ponzu. Empedokleous 34

The expansive outdoor terrace at GH Attikos Restaurant overlooks the most iconic symbol of Athens: the Acropolis. But this isn’t a tourist trap—the traditional Greek food is a favorite of Indagare insiders. Garivaldi 7

Kapani is a cozy, modern wine bar in Metaxourgeio serving updated classics and an array of natural wines in a design-forward space (where they break out vinyl in the evenings). Chiou 29

Just steps from busy Syntagma Square, Michelin-starred Nolan is a contemporary bistro that serves exciting Japanese-Greek fusion. Voulis 31 - 33

Bringing Parisian side-street chic to Athens, Wine is Fine is the spot to go for French cuisine and natural wines in a quaint space. Vissis 6

For a taste of the islands without leaving the mainland, Akti brings neutral-toned, beach-chic Mykonos to Athens. The menu changes seasonally, but there is a consistent focus on line-caught seafood and local produce that reflects Greece’s most iconic flavors. Akti is open lunch until late, and there is a DJ—expect a young, hip crowd. Leof. Poseidonos 6

Located on the Athenian Riviera by Asti Beach, Ithaki serves high-end Asian fusion in a buzzy, beach club atmosphere. Apollonos, Vouliagmeni 166 71

Owned by the same group as Akti, Krabo serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu in an airy, beachfront space. Thespidos, Vouliagmeni 166 71

This is a favorite restaurant of many Athens’s insiders, such as Lena Korres, founder of the international beauty line. The fish dishes, like kritharoto (a Greek risotto with crayfish), are exquisite. There is no real menu, so just go with what is fresh that day. Akti Koumoundourou 54, Pireas 185 33