Are you looking for the best Greek food in Athens? You have arranged to go out and the classic conversation begins with your friends. Where are we going? What are we going to eat? Shall we find a table beforehand? Someone tells about a restaurant a friend went to, someone else has heard of a very good taverna and in the end you all end up searching on your phones. If you are looking for the best Greek food in Athens, you will definitely find many options. The point is to find what you like eating.
You might want ribs and fries. You may have missed a good stew. Or maybe you just want some snacks in between and time to catch up with your friends. And that’s usually where a good outing for food is judged. If you ate as you wanted, if the service was good and if you got up from the table saying “we will come again for sure”. So before you choose a restaurant, think about what exactly you want. It will help you more than just looking at photos and ratings.
First of all, the food should be delicious
It sounds obvious, but that’s where it all starts. Think of a Greek salad, for example. You want to bite the tomato and feel the taste. It should also have tasty feta cheese, nice virgin olive oil and makes you feel like dipping some bread. The materials are well known. The difference lies in what has been selected and how it has arrived on your plate. Same with potatoes. You want them hot, properly fried and with as much salt as needed. Such a simple side dish can be enjoyed by the whole table. It can also be left almost untouched if it has arrived cold and full of oil.
In Greek food, these details matters a lot, because many dishes are based on few ingredients. When raw materials are good and the cooking is careful, you can taste it without someone having to explain the recipe to you. That’s why, when you try a tavern for the first time, order something simple that you really like. You already have a measure of comparison and you will quickly understand if the kitchen suits your tastes.
What about the appetizers?
By the time you decide on the main course, someone has already said “sure let’s have a tzatziki. Then someone says about a salad, something fried and a cheese. And just like that the table starts to fill up.
Appetizers have this good thing.. you try a little bit of everything. You might not order eggplant salad yourself, but you’ll take a bite when you see it in front of you. A nice combination to start is a salad, a salve and a hot appetizer. You have something cool, something for bread and something that is eaten hot as soon as it comes out of the kitchen.
Everyone has their preferences in tzatziki. Some want it with enough garlic, others with less. The same thing happens with cheese. If someone in the group has a hard time with spicy food, ask before you order it. Zucchini, meatballs and saganaki are always eaten hot. If everything comes together then, something will get cold. So inform the stuff how you want the dishes to be served, so that you can enjoy each one in its own time. Don’t forget that you shouldn’t get carried away by the bread, tzatziki and salad, it’s very easy to get full before the main courses even come.
Dish of the day
This is a question worth asking before you even open the catalog. You may have gone with the idea of eating barbecue and found out that there is Giuvetsi or Gemista. If it’s food you like and you have time to eat, give it a chance. Stews have a lot of work behind them. Just think of a moussaka… aubergines, minced meat, béchamel, roasting. Everything has to be done right to enjoy the food.
In Gemista, you wait for the rice to have taken on the flavor of the tomato and herbs. The peppers should be cooked, the potatoes should be soft in the pan. It’s one of those foods that can make you want to order feta, even if you didn’t even think about it at first.
Grilled meat
There are days when you simply crave lamb chops, a steak, or a burger with fries. In such cases, you should focus on the quality of the meat the tavern offers and how they grill it.
For a burger, for instance, you want it to cut easily and remain juicy. It should taste of its herbs and spices, without any single ingredient overpowering the others.
With lamb chops, the fat content and the grilling technique play the biggest role in the final result. The same applies to steak. You should tell the waiter exactly how you want it cooked right from the start, rather than waiting until it’s served only to realize it isn’t quite what you expected.
If you’re thinking of ordering a mixed meat platter, ask exactly what it includes, whether it comes with fries, and how many people it serves. That way, you’ll know what else to order for the table. Also, save some salad for the main course; it pairs perfectly with the meat, especially if you have a large spread.
How many dishes should you order?
This is usually where the group splits into two camps: someone says, “That’s enough,” while another person keeps ordering. The most practical approach is to ask about portion sizes. An appetizer might be enough for four people to share or could be finished in just two bites; the same applies to salads. Also, decide whether you’ll share everything in the middle of the table or if everyone will order their own main course. In the latter case, you’ll likely need fewer appetizers.
If you want to dine exclusively on “mezedes” (small plates), you’ll certainly need to order more dishes. Try to avoid filling the table with similar plates; if you’ve already ordered two fried dishes, a salad or an oven baked dish might be a better choice. This way, you’ll get to experience a wider variety of flavors. When in doubt, start with the dishes you are certain you want and ask how easily you can add more later. During peak hours, a second order might take some time to arrive, so it’s good to know this upfront.
How to choose the best Greek food in Athens
Start by considering the location and the type of food you’re craving. If you’re already out for a walk in the city center, a spot along your route is likely the most convenient option. If you’re planning a dedicated outing for a meal, you have more flexibility. Next, look at the menu. Are there dishes you’d like to order? Does the menu cater to the rest of your group? Are the prices reasonable given your budget? These factors will help you narrow down your choices quite quickly.
When reading reviews, look for specific details. What did others enjoy eating? How was the service? Do the reviews mention anything relevant to you, such as space for a large group or wait times? Read a few different opinions to get a more complete picture.
Photos of the dishes are also very helpful. You can get an idea of how the food is presented and whether it matches what you have in mind. Finally, give them a call if you have specific requirements. Do you want an outdoor table? Is your group of eight? Are you bringing children? Do you want to eat before a show? A quick call will let you know if the restaurant can accommodate your needs for the occasion.