We’ve compiled a list of the best street food in Athens – perfect for when you just want a quick bite!
With so much to see and experience, Athens is a great city for walking and exploring on-the-go. Avoid falling into a calorie deficit by sampling some of the capital’s finest street food in and around the centre of the city.
Souvlaki for the super fans: Here you’ll get downtown Athens’ tastiest souvlaki and a piece of history, as Kostas has been part of the city’s street food story since 1946. Pork souvlakia are grilled in front of you and their famed beef patties are fermented every morning and shaped to order. Served with their signature tomato-based sauce and topped with onion, parsley and tomato cut fresh on the spot to secure its juices.
A: Agia Irini 2, Monastiraki
Iconic Kalamakia: At this legendary souvlaki spot, pork kalamakia are grilled on the coals while customers patiently wait because they know they won’t be disappointed. Usually accompanied by thinly sliced potatoes and baked bread.
A: 29 Plataion, Kerameikos
Heartwarming Levantine fare: Established in 2014, Feyrouz is family-owned and operated and serves beautifully prepared Levantine street food. Their Lahmajoun, Peinirli and soups of the day (including plenty of vegetarian options) have made them a staple in the Athenian street food scene.
A: Agathonos 2 & Karori 23, Monastiraki
Deli-style sandwiches: An Italian deli in the heart of Pangrati, Borghese focuses on sandwiches with sourdough bread and selected cheeses and cold cuts. We love the classic combinations like mortadella with peanuts, rocket, pecorino Romano and mayonnaise, as well as originals like the sandwich with fennel salami, ricotta, pickled onion and figs.
A: Archelaou 19, Pangrati
Possibly the best gyros in Athens: 8 out of 10 Athenians will probably tell you that this is the best gyro in Athens, and we like those odds. Achilleas has been serving up fresh and hot souvlaki with juicy and peppery pork gyro since 1987. The Gyros is made every day in the shop’s workshop and served wrapped in fresh oiled pita with onion-parsley, tomato and their own tzatziki. Open Monday-Friday and closes when sold out, usually by 8 or 9 in the evening.
A: 18 Spintharou, Neos Kosmos
Loukoumades since 1912: These Loukoumades have stood the test of time and still remain a favourite among Athenians. The loukoumades here are crunchy, bite-sized and release syrup into your mouth when you bite into them. Best topped with a little sesame.
A: Sokratous 59, Omonia
Dreamy profiterol: If you’re a fan of the profiterol dessert served in a bowl, this is the place for you. Freshly baked choux pastry is enveloped in velvety Madagascar vanilla cream patisserie and toppings of your choice. The perfect sugar hit while shopping with the masses on Ermou Street.
A: Diomeias 2 & Ermou 18, Syntagma
Pizza by the slice: Good, American-style pizza by the slice for those late nights in the Athenian inner-city precinct of Psyrri. Hint: ask them if there are any upcoming events on in their underground basement club.
A: Protogenous 13, Monastiraki
Souvlaki with a gourmet touch: A fabulous twist on the common souvlaki, made with pita bread that is opened on the spot from fresh, homemade dough, carefully prepared meat cooked briefly over the fire for maximum juiciness. Don’t forget to order the hand-cut potatoes.
A: Agias Irinis 9, Athens
Divinely Greek gelato with a view: Bypass the tourist traps and follow your stroll through the Acropolis with a stop at Django in the Koukaki neighbourhood. Originally from the island of Syros, the team at Django lovingly makes natural ice cream, without preservatives and additives. Made and consumed daily.
A: Veikou 15, Koukaki
Fresh sandwiches and salads: Simple ingredients thoughtfully combined to make amazingly fresh and tasty salads and sandwiches. Try the Chicken Salad with grapefruit and grated pecorino or the Guilty Pleasure with chicken schnitzel fried in clarified butter, spicy endive and ground caper mayonnaise, on a handmade focaccia. All homemade, all delicious.
A: Lekka 10, Syntagma
Cocktails in-hand: If one good thing came out of the quarantine of 2020 (and 2021) it was the concept of takeaway cocktails. Located in the center of Athens, Tyco is continuing its tradition, offering refreshing cocktails served in plastic cups to add some extra fun to your Athenian strolls. Sample their signature cocktails like Meloncholia and Peach Don’t Kill My Vibe.
A: Romvis 11, Athina
Main Image of Feyrouz by Elena Giatakou