There’s no better way to experience the heart of Athens than by diving into its taverna culture. From tucked-away gems in lively neighborhoods to historic spots serving up centuries-old recipes, Athenian tavernas offer more than just food; they’re places of warmth, community, and unforgettable flavor. During my time in Athens, I made it my mission to try a wide range of local favorites. Below you’ll find some of the standout tavernas I visited, each with their own character and dish worth remembering.

1. O Thanasis

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: #3 best Souvlaki in the world. Also famous for Gyros, Tzatziki and Horiatiki salad

O Thanasis is one of those places you pass by and instantly get drawn in by the authentic Greek taverna vibe. Located right in the bustling heart of Monastiraki, it’s hard to miss with its sprawling outdoor seating and lively atmosphere.

While this spot is especially famous for its Souvlakis, the real standout for me was the kebab with yogurt sauce (€10.50). The kebabs were incredibly juicy, served on a bed of soaked pita bread and generously topped with creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Every bite was rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying.

We also ordered a portion of Tzatziki (€4.80), fresh, garlicky, and exactly what you hope for, and of course tried the classic Pork Souvlaki (€9.90), which was well-seasoned and nicely grilled, but slightly overshadowed by the star-quality kebabs.

2. Scholarhio

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Moussaka, Tzatziki, Spanakopita and Keftedakia

This taverna has easily been my favorite spot to eat in Athens so far. The food quality is incredibly high, and it’s definitely not one of those tourist traps you often find in Plaka. What sets this place apart is the extensive and unique menu. It goes well beyond the usual souvlaki, gyros, and Greek salads. Every dish felt homemade and thoughtful, with flavors that really stood out.

The staff is unbelievably friendly, which honestly isn’t always the case in Athens, and the cozy patio overlooking a lively Plaka street makes it perfect for a long, relaxed meal. I may have gone a little overboard, but here are the dishes I loved most:

• Horta salad
• Tzatziki (€3.50) – simple, garlicky perfection
• Fried eggplant (€4) – light and crispy
• Balsamic-honey glazed pork (€7) – so tender and flavorful
• Boiled octopus in vinegar (€9) – fresh and delicately tangy
• Spetzofai (€7) – a hearty sausage & pepper dish with rich tomato sauce
• Meatballs (€7) – juicy and comforting

And don’t skip dessert; they served a delicious orange pie (portokalopita) on the house. A sweet ending to an unforgettable meal

3. OIKEIO

🏅 Recognitions
• Michelin: Bib Gourmand
• Taste Atlas: Souvlaki, Moussaka, Horiatiki salad, Tzatziki, Spanakopita, Yemista, Keftedakia, Saganaki and Youvarlakia

Oikeio was one of the restaurants I was most excited about and it truly lived up to the hype. It’s featured in the Michelin Guide, and you can tell why: this place strikes the perfect balance between refined execution and Greek home-cooking vibes. We were glad we made a reservation, because the restaurant was completely packed; clearly a favorite among both locals and travelers.

Here’s what we ordered:

• Tzatziki (€5) – creamy, garlicky, and fresh
• Courgette balls with yoghurt dip (€8) – crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfectly matched with the tangy yoghurt
• Pork in mustard sauce – rich and comforting, with great flavor depth
• Biftekia with blue cheese (€13) – the absolute standout for me. The sharpness of the blue cheese paired beautifully with the juicy, well-seasoned beef patties. Not something you often see on a typical Athenian menu, and a total win.

The atmosphere is warm and a little upscale, but still very relaxed (think: white tablecloths without any fussiness).

4. Avli

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Tzatziki, Keftedakia and Tirokefteri

Avli is one of those places you’d probably never stumble upon unless you’re either a local or you’ve seen it pop up on TikTok. Tucked away behind an unassuming ‘secret’ door, the entrance feels like a hidden passage, but once you’re through, you’ll find a cozy courtyard filled with people trying to score a table.

The atmosphere is lively and laid-back, perfect for a casual evening with friends. Prices are very reasonable, and the food pairs perfectly with a cold drink.

We ordered:

• Variety platter (medium €9 / large €14) – great for sharing
• Dolmades (€6) – fresh and well-balanced
• Tzatziki (€3) – creamy, garlicky, and classic
• Greek salad (€7) – simple, refreshing, and generous
• Chicken (€7) – flavorful and grilled just right
• Keftedes (meatballs) – a standout dish for us: juicy and full of herbs

While Avli does serve full meals, I’d recommend it more as a place to share some plates over drinks, rather than a formal dinner spot. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, sip slowly, and enjoy the buzz of the hidden courtyard around you.

5. Karavitis

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Tzatziki and Padaikia (#3 in the world)

Hidden behind an unassuming door, Karavitis has the charm of a classic Greek taverna, the kind of place that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades (in the best way). When I visited, the restaurant was nearly empty, but the space itself was surprisingly large, giving off the sense that it probably comes alive on weekends or warm summer nights.

I had read that Karavitis is known for its païdakia (grilled lamb chops), so of course, I had to try them and they didn’t disappoint. Juicy, well-seasoned, and straight off the grill, the lamb paired perfectly with the creamy, garlicky tzatziki (€5) I ordered on the side. I washed it all down with a glass of Greek red wine, and together it made for a simple but memorable meal.

Prices:

• Tzatziki – €5
• Païdakia (lamb chops) – €18

Karavitis is a great stop if you’re looking for authentic flavors and a break from the tourist-packed tavernas. It’s no-frills, low-key, and feels like a local secret; especially on a quiet evening.

6. Tavern Klimataria

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Fava, Bourdeto and Antzougia

Taverna Klimataria is one of the most hyped spots in Athens right now, all over social media and buzzing with popularity. Getting a reservation wasn’t easy (you have to call directly), and while I was excited to finally visit, parts of the experience felt a bit underwhelming compared to other tavernas in the city.

We had a 19:00–21:00 reservation, which I assumed was a typical dinnertime, but in hindsight, I’d strongly recommend going later (21:00 or after). During our visit, the atmosphere felt a little flat: the restaurant wasn’t at its most lively, and the music only started playing just as we were leaving. Service also felt rushed and slightly impersonal, likely due to the strict timeslots.

That said, the food was absolutely delicious; the kind of dishes that instantly reminded me why I love Greek cuisine so much. We shared:

• Grilled eggplant with olive oil, vinegar & parsley – €5.50
• Snails in tomato sauce – €9.80
• Stuffed peppers with feta, spring onion & dill – €5.80
• Lamb with potatoes – €11.50
• Tzatziki – €3.50

Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and rich in flavor. The snails and stuffed peppers were particular highlights, and the lamb was perfectly tender.

Tip: If you’re planning to go, aim for a later reservation and expect a bustling, more tourist-popular atmosphere. It’s worth visiting for the food, but timing makes all the difference here.

7. Krasopoulio tou Kokkora

🏅 Recognitions
• Taste Atlas: Saganaki, Moussaka and Fava

Located in the charming neighborhood of Plaka, Krasopoulio tou Kokkora is a classic Greek taverna that delivers on both atmosphere and authentic flavors. With its rustic setting and traditional menu, it’s a great spot to experience real Greek hospitality. I ordered the Dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves) served with a refreshing yogurt sauce (€6.50) and the Saganaki (€6.30), a perfectly crispy fried cheese dish that never disappoints. Both meze plates were rich in flavor and generously portioned, ideal for sharing or enjoying solo with a glass of house wine. If you’re exploring Plaka and searching for one of the best traditional restaurants in Athens, Krasopoulio tou Kokkora is a worthy stop.

8. Taverna Saita

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2024: #6
• Taste Atlas: Moussaka, Tzatziki and Chtapodi sti Schara

If you’re looking for a buzzing local spot to enjoy traditional Greek food in the heart of Plaka, Taverna Saita is a must-visit. This lively taverna captures the energy of Athens and serves up classic dishes with generous portions. I started with a bowl of marinated olives (€3.50), followed by their creamy, garlicky Tzatziki (€4.50), which paired perfectly with fresh bread. For the main, I ordered the grilled shrimps (€12), which were simply prepared but full of flavor, lightly charred and seasoned with lemon and herbs.

9. Katsourbos Cretan cuisine

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2024: #6
• Taste Atlas: Gamopilafo

Katsourbos was one of the first restaurants I visited upon arriving in Athens, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. This cozy Greek taverna is where I truly fell in love with authentic tzatziki; creamy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced. I started my meal with a generous portion of tzatziki (€4) served with fresh bread, followed by their standout roasted lamb with lemon and thyme. The lamb was tender, flavorful, and easily one of the best dishes I had during my entire trip to Greece. To finish, I enjoyed a huge piece of traditional baklava that hit all the right notes. If you’re looking for the best tzatziki in Athens or a top spot for lamb dishes, Katsourbos deserves a spot on your list.

10. Karamanlidika

🏅 Recognitions
• OAD Casual 2024: #6
• Taste Atlas: Keftedakia

Tucked away inside an actual butcher shop in Athens, this unique restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a twist on traditional Greek cuisine. Specializing in Turkish-Greek fusion dishes, the menu features flavors you won’t easily find in other local tavernas. We started with the delicious stuffed vine leaves (€6) and a smooth, earthy fava bean salad (€4.50). The meatballs (€10) were juicy and well-seasoned, and the pelmeni (€11), a nod to Central Asian dumplings, added an unexpected but delightful touch. To top it off, we were served a complimentary dessert: rich Greek yogurt with sweet carrot marmalade, easily one of the best surprises of the night.