Cretan culinary mastery in the heart of Athens

It is no secret; the Cretan cuisine is one of Greece’s most precious gastronomic treasures. Also, not a secret, you can get a «taste» of Crete while in Athens. Kaplani, a fine two levels restaurant at Kaisariani, and a gastronomic reference point for Athenians and visitors alike, is like a miniature painting of the island’s immense beauties, diverse landscapes and fertile soil. Top quality raw materials provided directly from the island, such as cheese, meat, wild herbs, honey and, of course, wine and spirits, wrap centuries of Cretan culinary heritage in staple dishes. You should definitely try horta tsigariasta (wild greens cooked in olive oil), the «gamopilafo» (a dish traditionally served at weddings!), or the kohlious (snails) with pasta and tomato sauce. For dessert, opt for the famous pie of Sfakia (sfakianopita) with thyme honey and cinnamon ice cream. Keeping all the above in mind, you can see why Kaplani won the 2022 and 2023 Authentic Greek Cuisine Award by the GTBB global organization.

47, Efroniou str, Kaisariani +302107211161, +302107211191 www.tokaplani.gr

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Authentic Greek bites in the colorful Agios Georgios square

Veering away from the popular streets of the historic center, you’ll find yourself roaming around the vibrant Kypseli neighborhood, one of the oldest of Athens. Right at the bustling square of Agios Georgios, the savory scents coming from the corner of Eptanissou street and its traditional “taverna”, whet your appetite and sharpen your desire for some masterfully made greek meze. Everything is fresh in here and prepared on the spot. You should definitely try the “floga” (flame) chicken, the staple “Scholarchio” salad, the kebabs and, by all means, the fries, plus beers and spirits to complement the flavors. The menu also offers an alluring variety of delicacies from the sea. From prawns and marinated anchovies to sour octopus, fried mussels and seafood pasta, each and every choice links your palate to Greece’s long sea history and tradition. Don’t get greedy with your order though; the best comes last: mastic liqueur and homemade halva with olive oil and honey.

18, Eptanissou str., Kypseli, +302108815820, Fb To Scholarchio tis Kypselis

Instagram to_scholarchio_tis_kypselis abundant selection of organic flavors, yummy simple delights, as well as original day dishes of legumes, pasta or meat, burgers and must-try bagels with salmon.

PanePistimio: 60 omirou & skoufa str., Kolonaki, +302103617201

Shakespeare in Love

The history of this 1897 stone building at Piraeus got swept away by love with the art of fine Mediterranean cuisine making. Enjoy exceptional coffee, freshly made juices and brunch in the morning and indulge in the Mediterranean breeze with ravioli with rooster and xinomyzithra cheese or grilled salmon with seasonal veggies in the evening. Over 25 labels of excellent wine and uniquely made cocktail.

3 agiou spyridonos str., Piraeus, +302104131999, s.i.L shakespeare in Love, insta: s.i.L shakespeare in Love

Theta

Located on Instagram-famous Adrianou Street, Theta is a beautiful all-day cocktail bar that offers good coffee and even better Greek and continental food. The bar also has an impressive selection of spirits, Greek wines and signature cocktails. 11 adrianou str., monastiraki, +302103318693

French Cuisine

L’ Abreuvoir

All time classic French cuisine, elegant and stylish. Enjoy the food in its beautiful garden – along side politicians and VIPs.

evangeLismos: 51 Xenokratous str., Kolonaki, +302107229106

Veri Table

An aura of elegance surrounds this authentic bistronomie that honors the philosophy of the exquisite French gastronomic tradition. Chef-patron Alain Parodi and his wife Christine will spoil you with lip smacking dishes, French cheeses and cold cuts paired with excellent French wines - on the upper floor rests a collection of 2000 fine wine labels from France mostly, but also from Greece, Italy and Roumania. You’ll find it open on Saturday noons. Closed on Sundays.

8 a. sikelianou str., neo Psychiko, +302111829109

Italian

Aglio Oglio e peperoncino

Veiled under the imposing volume of the

Avgotaraho (Grey Mullet Bottarga)

A delicacy of cured Grey Mullet Roe. Natural without preservatives, with high nutritional value and a pleasant, long-lasting aftertaste. It can be consumed in small slices as an appetizer, with freshly baked bread or with pasta.

Koulouria Delight

Incredibly crunchy on the outside with an amazingly soft and slightly chewy centre. Koulouria are delicious Greek bread rings covered with toasted sesame seeds. It is the most popular street food one can find in Greece. And with good reason! When walking the streets of Athens you can’t miss the street vendors selling these popular sesame bread rings. These famous Greek Koulouria are probably the most popular breakfast for Greeks, along with a cup of coffee. You will love them with feta cheese or Graviera and Kalamata olives as a filling snack or cutting them in half crosswise, spreading with butter, honey or jam for breakfast. Simply delicious!

sacred Acropolis rock this beautiful place of minimal chic aesthetics fuses its menu with pure Italian quintessence. Choose among an intriguing variety of Italian antipasti, colorful salads and fresh handmade pasta prepared masterfully in its kitchen and topped with traditional Italian sauces; not to mention the delightful desserts. Closed on Mondays, only at noon on Sundays.

acroPoLis: 13 Porinou str., +302109211801

Cicchetto Cantina

In the narrow streets of Syntagma you can easily find your way to delight your palate at this very cute and small “cantina” that offers a refined touch of “finger food” modernity. Bruschetta, pizzas, exquisite cold cuts and cheeses and a great variety of other Italian delicacies to enjoy with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Cheerful, relaxed and friendly ambience, the ideal “pit stop” when exploring the city. syntagma: 7 voulis street , +302160046029

Cupola

Tastes from Italy with the best Italian chef Stefano Rossi, you will be amazed by his delicious carbonara. Also try authentic Italian pizza! On the list you will find a wide variety of Greek and Italian wines. Taste delicious cocktails from the most famous bartenders in the city. Next to Panathenaic Stadium, tables outside. Open from Tue to Sat 19.00-00.30. On Sun from 13.00-19.00. 13 ephorionos str., Pagrati, +302114117444

Frankie

Borrowing the name from Frank Sinatra, Frankie stands out on one of the busiest streets of central Athens. Its menu brings the Italian finesse on a plate, with authentic Italian dishes created with regional products that emphasize its farm to table philosophy. Beautiful interior with vintage aesthetics and an open kitchen. Open daily from the morning hours for coffee, brunch or Italian snacks. Also an excellent list of Greek and Italian wine. PanePistimio: 42 skoufa str., Kolonaki, +302103647052

Pasteria (La)

Twelve restaurants all over the city. With a rich wine list and a tempting menu from all over Italy.

Maroussi the mall athens: +302106198230

KolonaKi +30210 3632032

Glyfada +302108945085

Kifissia +302108085607 nea sMyrni +302109319146

Paleo faliro +302109858880 aMbeloKiPi +302106401480 aGia ParasKevi +302106019975

Chalandri +302106854210

Kato Patissia +302102236295

School Pizza Bar

For great coffee, thin, crispy pizza, and classic cocktails, School Pizza Bar will take you back to a simpler time. The Italian restaurant is decked out with tapestries, paintings, and maps, which give it a welcoming feel right in the city centre. monastiraKi: 8 agia irini square, +302103251444

Sole Jaguaro

Inspired by his culinary wanderings around the world, chef Giovanni Scaraggi opened Sole Jaguaro, an Italian restaurant that serves new takes on classic dishes that are