THETA ATHENS

Inspiring culinary creativity under the Acropolis

Set in a picturesque pedestrian street of the city center where the bustling blend of locals and tourists meet, Theta Athens has become the all day perfect spot. Open from the early morning hours, enjoy well-brewed coffee and delightful breakfast treats and as the day progresses laze cheerfully with a refreshing signature cocktail or a glass of excellent wine or whet your appetite for some extraordinary flavors. The kitchen of Theta Athens utilizes unique raw materials to create lip smacking dishes, from salads with freshly cut vegetables and appetizers, to masterful risotti, great pinsa, platters with cheese and deli cold cuts, Mediterranean bruschetta and burgers made of 100% black Angus beef. The menu also features excellent slow cοοked recipes and authentic Greek staples, such as Moussaka to pair with good wine from Greek vineyards. You can also enjoy delicious ice creams and mouth-watering desserts throughout the day.

Extra tip: ask for the vegan dishes on the menu, that are equally elegant and tasteful.

11 Andrianou Str., Monastiraki, +302103318693, www.theta-athens.gr Fb Theta.Athens, Instagram theta.athens

3 Restaurants Which Have A Shopping Section Within

Have you ever been so excited by some dishes at a Greek Restaurant that you wished you could buy the ingredients and cook the dish at home? Now your wish can come true! Jams and delicious cold meats, cheeses from all over Greece, handmade pasta, nuts, honey, wines and spirits, all of which you can enjoy in the street as a snack, in your hotel, as a lunch or as a memorial when you go back home.

Ta karamanlidika tou Fani

The ideal place to taste tradition “meze” from all over Greece. Their products are excellent, you can dine in and/or buy some of their products. In the centre of the premises is a glass display with dozens of cold meats, cheeses, sausages and spicy sausages (soujouki), for you to choose from.

1 Sokratous & Εvripidou Str., omonia, +302103254184, Mon-Sat 12:00-23:00 (sales 08:00-21:00)

New: 119 Ermou Str., Monastiraki, +302103219119

Ergon

One of the most popular and successful chain of restaurants not only in Greece but also in London, Brussels, Miami. Here, the first foodie hotel in Athens. Ιt serves quality food but you can buy Greek products: olive oil, olives, honey, jams, pasta, sauces, syrups, herbs. Tip: Discover "Retire", a perfect terrace with Acropolis view on the last floor. 123 Mitropoleos Str., Syntagma, +302100109090, 12 pm-12 am (store hours 09:00-01:00)

Mezeklikia tis Lachanagoras

In the very heart of the main vegetable market of Athens you are going to experience something truly unique… At “Mezeklikia tis Lachanagoras” you are going to learn what the greek word “mezes” really means. Here, all the dishes are made with greek products, that you can actually buy, since this restaurant is also a delicatessen! Discover greek wines, different kind of cheese and cold cuts, beers, sauces, handmade pasta and many more delicacies. Vegetable Market, renti, +302104820020 and lemon or the «gamopilafo» (a staple of Cretan cuisine, traditionally served at weddings!). The pie of Sfakia with thyme honey and cinnamon ice cream, at the end, is a must.

47 Efroniou Str., near Caravel Hotel, +302107211161, +302107211191, www.tokaplani.gr, Fb: tokaplani, Insta: tokaplani

To Scholarchio tis Kypselis

Right on the bustling square of Agios Georgios, the “delicious” smells coming from the corner of Eptanissou street whet your appetite. The menu reveals the versatile temperament of traditional Greek food with an intriguing variety of seafood, meat and stews, plus beers and local spirits.

18 Eptanissou Str., Kypseli, +302108815820,

FB: To Scholarchio tis Kypselis, Insta: to_scholarchio_tis_kypselis

Vlassis

Plain, simple space with an “intellectual” touch, but its passion for original Greek food remains intact. Splendid cooked dishes, even better grilled & fried seafood. Closed Sun (also 8-23/8).

MEgaro MoUSIKIS:

15 Meandrou Str., Ilissia, +302107256335

Greek Creative

Greeks love their traditional homemade cuisine and renowned Greek chefs love to experiment with its recipes. What they come up with is some of the country’s most representative dishes served up “with a twist”. The finest restaurants of the Greek creative cuisine are...

Akra

When famed chefs Yiannis Loukakis and Spyros Pediaditaki joined forces to open Akra, they created quite a stir through the city. With a panorama of new-age Green cuisine, the restaurant promises dishes that reflect the limitless imagination of its founders. Some tables are set on the sidewalk, which is the perfect spot to peoplewatch in the hip neighbourhood of Pagrati. 12 aminta Str., Plateia Proskopon, Pagkrati, +302107251116

Aleria

Α yard that resembles the french countryside. Two level building, elegant decoration, one of the best menus in Greek creative cuisine, chef Gikas Xenakis. You can also relax and have a drink. Closed Sun.

METaxoUrgIo: 57 Meg. alexandrou Str., +302105222633

Ama Lachei

Once a schoolyard, Ama Lachei has become an unexpected oasis amidst the hum of the Exarchia neighbourhood, complete with a lush garden. Cool and nostalgic, the menu features quality Green dishes and mezze platters that pair with the laid-back philosophy of the place. It also has a good selection of wine, beers and spirits. 69 Kallidromiou Str., Exarchia, +302103845978

Cherchez La femme

This refined old-Athens coffee spot promises authenticity through a menu of delicious dishes that pair perfectly with ouzo. The marble tables situated under the shade of mulberry trees boast a great view of the most vibrant plateia of the city.

SYNTagMa: 43 Mitropoleos Str., +302103222020

Chrysa Chrysa

Run by the beloved chef Chrysa, this restaurant can be found in one of the quietest and most picturesque streets of Petralona. It boasts unforgettable fish and meat dishes, wonderful appetisers and desserts – as well as a wine cellar with revered Greek labels. 40 aeoleon Str., Petralona, +302130356879

Cookoovaya

Five excellent chefs (N. Karathanos, P. Koskinas, V. Liakos, S. Liakos, K. Zournatzis) have taken over the cuisine of this restaurant, making the whole city curious to try their dishes. Closed 10-17/8.

MEgaro MoUSIKIS: 2a xatzigianni Mexi Str., Ilissia, +302107235005

Fita

Though it made its debut a few months ago in an off Broadway neighborhood