If you want to experience the latest food trend that’s hit Athens, discover our pick of the city’s best gastro-tavernas where you’ll find creative, contemporary Greek dishes paying homage to old-school recipes. 

Using local, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, visionary chefs at these casual and cozy modern tavernas serve up memorable dishes that are designed to elevate traditional Greek cuisine.

Taverna Ton Filon

Having reopened after a decade of being shut, this no-frills tavern in Kolonos is now led by chef Yiannis Mousios and sommelier Giorgos Kontorizos, who carefully curated a food and wine menu featuring fresh ingredients and fine drops from all over the country. Think crisp white tablecloths, frilled curtains, traditional wooden chairs and dim lighting, that all come together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ever-changing menu includes dishes such as tyrokafteri with hot peppers, gigantes with spinach and galotyri, as well as a lemony goat rind with celeriac. Tip: the taramosalata is a must! 

A: Argous 66, Athens

Pharaoh 

This new eatery in Exarcheia has undoubtedly been one of Athens’ most celebrated restaurant openings over the last couple of years, thanks to its cool vibe and a satisfying menu of fresh, seasonal offerings and village-style dishes cooked exclusively using wood fire. With an open kitchen, a few tables and a large bar that serves solo diners and sets of two, menu staples include the keftedakia, the braised beef with barley and the tight- wrapped dolmadakia served with xygalo yogurt. Tip: leave room for a slice of galaktoboureko.  

A: Solomou 54, Exarcheia  

Seychelles

Known as one of the original gastro taverns of Athens, Seychelles has always been a local favourite. It has recently reopened after a revamp by Greek chefs Yannis Markadakis, Fotis Foteinoglou and Kleomenis Zournatzis. The trio has kept some signature classics such as the pastry pie filled with wild greens, artisanal Feta, and yogurt while introducing some new flavours including an osso bucco soup and stuffed onions with oxtail and raisins. Tip: as a side dish, order the homemade fries sprinkled with wild oregano. 

A: Keramikou 49, Athens 

Akra 

Greek chef Yannis Loukakis and pastry chef Spyros Pediaditakis teamed up for this impressive all-day eatery featuring a bakery rolling out a daily selection of pastries and sourdough, and a casual dining space serving smoked, grilled and roasted dishes that celebrate in-season fresh, raw produce. Standouts include whole roast courgettes filled with fish cheeks, a fish soup served in a traditional copper pot, as well as a variety of vegetables (sourced from local farms) and homemade bread grilled to perfection. Tip: keep an eye out for the decadent cream tarts topped with fresh local berries! 

A: Amynta 12, Pangrati 

To Rini

Located in a quiet street behind the Archaeological Museum of Athens, this trendy new tavern opened by chef Marina and partner Nikos, is a great spot to try traditional Greek flavours with a fresh, modern twist. Whether you come here for a casual lunch or dinner date, we recommend starting with the tomato, watermelon, local cheese and basil salad, followed by hilopites with prawns cooked in a cherry tomato confit. Tip: finish with the chamomile panna cotta drizzled with honey and pistachios from Aegina!  

A: Rethimnou 8, Athens

PHITA

With an open kitchen and industrial design, this relaxed tavern opened by Fotis Foteinoglou and Thodoris Kassavetis features a large alfresco dining space – making it a great spot to visit during the warmer months. The menu, which focuses on seafood and fish, changes daily depending on what fresh daily produce the chefs can get their hands on but can include dishes such as fava with smoked tuna and capers, tuna tartare with sea urchin mayonnaise and lime, as well as baked okra with fish. Tip: the tarama has become a hit – and for a good reason! 

A: 1 Dourm, Neos Kosmos

Louna 

A new gastro tavern opened its doors in Neos Kosmos last month, offering creative takes on Greek classics. Featuring a contemporary, retro interior with terrazzo flooring, neutral-coloured furniture and olive-green lighting, there’s also a large outdoor dining space right out the front, making it another good option to add to your list for upcoming dates in the city. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients, from grilled seafood and meat dishes to fresh salads. Tip: start with the grilled homemade bread drizzled with EVOO!   

A: Platia Xristianoupoleos 3, Neos Kosmos 

Koutsou & Co 

Freshly opened by deeply intuitive chef Argyro Koutsou, Koutsou & Co is a classic modern tavern featuring just over a handful of tables dressed in linen tablecloths and small vases filled with fresh flowers (sometimes picked from Koutsou’s parents’ garden) creating a homely vibe. With a simple yet impressive seasonal menu, dishes include rooster with kumquat and homemade fries, as well as trahana with sausage from Tinos island and manouri cheese from Sifnos. Tip: order the homemade koulouria if they haven’t sold out! 

A: 15A Xenofontos, Syntagma

Featured Image by Phita