To find good cuisine near me, i personaly start from the Google map and compare some restaurants in the area. I always see the menu, prices, photos from customers and some reviews. This way you will also have an idea of where you will go and what you will eat. In Athens you have many options, so it helps to think about what you want first. Something quick on your walk? A stew for lunch? Or a tavern to sit with your friends and try different dishes?
What to look for before choosing Greek cuisine
A search like… greek cuisine near me is a good start. But before you decide, spend a few minutes on what interests you the most. Start from the menu. See if it has dishes you want to eat and if the prices are within your budget. Also calculate what will go in the middle of the table, such as salad and appetizers, along with the drinks. The price of a main course alone does not tell you how much the whole table will cost. Then look at photos from different customers. You will get an idea of the portions, the serving and the space. Of course, you can’t understand the taste from a photo, but you can see if what the restaurant offers is close to what you’re looking for.
In the reviews, read exactly what they write. A reference to a specific dish, service or wait is more helpful than just stars. See if the same comments are repeated in recent reviews, without relying only on a very good or very bad experience. Finally, check the walking route and the timetable. If you want to go at a specific time or you are a large group, contact the restaurant in order to book a table. If it’s late, ask until what time the kitchen takes orders.
What is good Greek food really?
Souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad and tzatziki are a good start for someone trying Greek cuisine for the first time. But there are many more… stews, pies, legumes, oils, roasts and seafood, with different recipes from each region of Greece. The quality of ingredients and proper cooking are important even in the simplest dish. In a country dish, for example, you want delicious tomato, good feta cheese and olive oil. In a stew, you want the ingredients to bind and cook properly.
Seasonal products and raw materials from Greek producers have a place in Greek cuisine. If you are interested in the origin of any material, ask the staff. The word traditional in the catalog does not give you this information by itself.
What to order if you are trying Greek cuisine for the first time
You can start with a salad and a few “meze” in the middle of the table. Meze are smaller dishes that can be shared by the group, so that everyone can try different tastes. A rustic, some tzatziki or eggplant salad and a hot appetizer is a simple start. If you prefer something spicy, try the tyrokafteri. If you want more options, look for pumpkin meatballs, dolmades, fava beans or some pita. For the main, choose according to your appetite.
- Moussaka or pastitsio, if you want to try two well-known Greek foods. Moussaka usually has eggplant, minced meat and béchamel, while pasticcio is made with pasta, minced meat and béchamel.
- Cooked food, such as juvecchi, braised veal or lamb. Also ask about the specials of the day, because there might be something not listed on the main menu.
- Grilled, if you prefer grilled meat. See how each dish is served and what side dishes it includes before ordering more.
- Fish or seafood, if that’s what you feel like. Ask what is available and how it is cooked. If the fish is charged by the kilo, ask to know the weight and total cost before proceeding with the order.
- For something quick, there is also the souvlaki or gyros in pita. Look at the filling and the sauce that each restaurant uses, because they are not the same everywhere.
How to order if you are with friends
In Greek taverns it is common to put dishes in the middle and for everyone to taste. It’s an easy way to try more foods, especially if most people in the group have never eaten them before. For two people, for example, you can start with one salad, two starters and one main to share. Ask about portions first and top up if needed. If you choose pita, cheese and a fried appetizer, count them in the amount you order. Of course, everyone can get their own main course. The point is to order what you like. If you are still in a hurry for some reason, then say so before you order so you know what can be prepared in the time you have.
What are the options for vegans?
Greek cuisine offers plenty of meat-free choices. Dishes like briam (roasted mixed vegetables), green beans, meat-free gemista (stuffed vegetables), wild greens (horta), legumes and savory pies can easily make for a full meal. It is worth looking out for lader dishes cooked with vegetables and olive oil, on the menu. However, you need to check the full description of the dish. Giant beans (gigantes) might be served with cured meat, green beans with yogurt and a vegetable pie might contain cheese or egg. For instance, on the Robolo menu, the giant beans come with soutzouki (spicy cured sausage) and the green beans with sheep’s milk yogurt. If you are vegan, state this clearly when ordering and ask about the ingredients and accompaniments. That way, you’ll know what your options are and whether the dish can be modified.
Which areas of Athens to explore
If you are in the city center, you can start with Monastiraki, Psirri, and Plaka. If your walk takes you to Koukaki, Pagrati, or Petralona, check out the local options before deciding to head back to the center for a meal. The neighborhood alone isn’t enough to base your choice on. The same applies to a packed restaurant or seeing locals at the tables. Use the menu, recent reviews and your own preferences regarding the meal to make your decision. If you’re in the mood for mageirefta (traditional slow cooked Greek dishes), look specifically for places that serve them. If you want to sit down with friends and share mezedes (small plates), look for a tavern with options that appeal to your group. This way, you narrow your search to places that match exactly what you’re looking for at that moment.
Greek food at Robolo, in Psirri
If your stroll brings you to the Psirri neighborhood, you’ll find us at Robolo, located at 35 Sarri Street. Our menu features Greek dishes such as smoked eggplant salad, grilled flatbread with wild greens and cheeses, lamb with oregano, and handmade Cretan skioufihta pasta. You can view our menu before you visit to decide what you’d like to try and estimate the cost. Please contact us for reservations or any questions about our dishes.