What to Eat in Athens

From ancient ruins to lively squares and rooftop sunsets, Athens is a city that stirs the senses — and its food scene is no exception. Rooted in tradition and defined by seasonal ingredients, Athenian cuisine tells the story of Greece with every bite. Whether you’re tucking into sizzling souvlaki in a side-street taverna or sipping ouzo with meze in Plaka, eating in Athens is as essential as seeing the Acropolis.

If you're wondering what to eat in Athens, this guide highlights 12 unforgettable dishes that capture the essence of Greek hospitality, history and bold Mediterranean flavor.

1. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is one of the best-loved street foods in Athens. These skewers of marinated pork, chicken or lamb are grilled to perfection and often tucked into a warm pita with tomatoes, onions and creamy tzatziki. Quick, flavorful and satisfying, it’s a must-eat for visitors and locals alike.

2. Moussaka

Often called the Greek answer to lasagna, moussaka is a hearty baked dish of layered eggplant, spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef), potatoes and a creamy béchamel sauce. Each forkful offers a comforting blend of savory and velvety textures — a favorite in traditional tavernas throughout Athens.

3. Spanakopita

A flaky spinach pie wrapped in a crisp phyllo pastry, spanakopita is a staple snack or light lunch. It’s made with spinach, feta, herbs and sometimes leeks or onions. You'll find this savory pie in bakeries across the city, perfect for enjoying on a stroll through Monastiraki or the National Garden.

4. Loukoumades

Looking for something sweet? Try loukoumades — golden, bite-sized doughnuts drizzled with honey, cinnamon and sometimes chopped walnuts. Crunchy outside and pillowy on the inside, they’re one of the best foods in Athens to enjoy after dinner or as a midday treat with Greek coffee.

5. Dolmades

These delicate grape leaves are stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat, then gently steamed. Served warm or cold with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt, dolmades are a meze classic. This savory treat is a great way to explore Greece’s love for small plates and shared meals.

6. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Fresh, vibrant and iconic, the Greek salad is a meal in itself. Made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, green pepper and a slab of feta cheese, it’s finished with olive oil and oregano. No lettuce, no fuss — just raw Mediterranean goodness on a plate.

7. Kleftiko

A slow-cooked lamb dish with roots in Greek resistance history, kleftiko features fall-off-the-bone meat baked in parchment with potatoes, garlic, lemon and herbs. It’s traditionally cooked in sealed clay ovens. Today, you’ll find it in rustic tavernas offering a taste of old-world Athens.

8. Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters)

Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these fried zucchini balls are mixed with herbs, cheese (usually feta) and sometimes mint. Kolokithokeftedes are a popular vegetarian option in Athens' meze culture — usually served with a yogurt or tzatziki dip.

9. Gyro

Similar to souvlaki, but with sliced, rotisserie-cooked meat, gyro is another fast favorite. Wrapped in pita and loaded with tzatziki, fries, tomatoes and onions, it’s the kind of street food you’ll crave long after leaving Athens. Chicken, pork or lamb are common, and some spots even offer vegetarian versions.

10. Taramasalata

Creamy and briny, taramasalata is a traditional dip made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon and bread or potato. It’s often served as part of a meze spread and pairs beautifully with crusty bread and chilled ouzo. Its subtle smokiness and rich flavor make it one of the most unique things to try in Athens.

11. Bougatsa

This custard-filled pastry is a morning favorite in Athens. Made with layers of phyllo and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, bougatsa is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, ideally with a strong Greek coffee by your side.

12. Ouzo & Meze

Not exactly a dish, but an experience — sipping anise-flavored ouzo with a table full of small plates (meze) is a cultural ritual in Athens. From olives and cheese to grilled octopus and dips like melitzanosalata (eggplant spread), this leisurely style of dining is at the heart of Greek hospitality.

Food Excursions in Athens to Delight Every Sense

If you want to immerse yourself in the flavors and stories behind these dishes, food-focused excursions in Athens bring it all to life. Here are two standout experiences worth savoring:

• Five Senses of Athens
  • This multi-sensory journey lets you see, hear, touch, smell and — most importantly — taste your way through the heart of Athens. Sip traditional Greek coffee at Glykys Café, dance the syrtaki in Mitropoleos Square and sample ouzo with meze at the historic Vrettos distillery. You’ll even take part in a hands-on komboloi (worry beads) workshop and end your experience with homemade lemonade and a spoon sweet at Oraia Ellas Café. It's the perfect blend of culture, flavor and fun.
• Best of Athens
  • Spend a full day exploring Athens' iconic landmarks, including the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum and the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus. In between history-rich stops, you’ll pause for traditional Greek refreshments and a spread of local dishes in Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. It’s a rewarding mix of sightseeing and dining that offers a full taste of what makes Athens so special.

What Foods is Athens Famous For?

Athens best foods highlight its vibrant meze culture, grilled meats, fresh seafood and bold Mediterranean flavors. Signature dishes like souvlaki, moussaka and Greek salad are recognized around the world, but nothing compares to eating them in the place they were born — where the feta is creamier, the olive oil richer and the tomatoes sun-ripened to perfection. The best foods in Athens reflect thousands of years of history and culture. Whether you're digging into a warm slice of bougatsa, sharing meze in Plaka or grabbing a quick gyro between ruins, each meal connects you to the spirit of the city.

Ready to savor every bite of Athens? Explore Athens shore excursions that bring Greek cuisine to life. For more trip inspiration, check out what to buy in Athens to make the most of your journey to this legendary city.