Greek

VITRO

At the cosy and tastefully decorated interior lounges, which is full of colorful art glasses called "VITRO", under a friendly and romantic atmosphere, you have the opportunity to relish a delightful meal that comprises of an amalgam of tastefull dishes and a big variety of wines. The polite and skilled personnel of the elegant and delicatessen restaurant shall be at your disposal offering open-handedly integrated servicing. The traditional Greek cuisine, as well as the imaginative recipes and the high quality ingredients compose an immaculate delicious menu that shall definitely satisfy your appetite. You can choose from the big variety of spaghetti, fresh fish and of course some of our specialties, such as special "exohiko" lamb, mix soublaki, stuffed egplants and spaghetti Vitro. VITRO has live music every night and attaches complimentary trinkets, like the local worry beads known as komboloi, to your bill.

27, Makrigiani Street Acropolis
2109238124

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17

Lykavitou 2 & Akadimias
2103647049

AGRIO RODO

One of the latest in the growing line of modern tavernas, Agrio Rodo (wild rose) is a simple, almost all-white (right down to the chairs) open space, several steps below street level, that serves classic Greek fare, lots of stews, and more. The salad bar in the middle of the room is an all-you-can-fill-your-plate-with deal, for €8. Typical selections include beet salad, Greek village salad, taramosalata, and spinach-arugula, as well as stuffed cabbage leaves and fried greens pastries from Crete. You'll also find a selection of Greek one-pot classics, like beef stew with eggplant, rabbit stew with onions and wine, lamb in a clay pot, and the Greek version of coq au vin. All are pretty good without being stellar. Some of the game dishes-wild boar (farmed) and pheasant-were found lacking.

15-17 Sarantapihou St, Lycabettus Periphery
210 363 6337

BAKALIKO

Bakaliko means "Ye olde shop where food and munchies are sold along with a variety of items primarily for domestic consumption" A small quaint restaurant in the shopping area of Glyfada. An excellent variety of original dishes.

Yannitsopoulou 1, Platia Esperidon, Glyfada.
2108981501

BROWNS

Mediterranean cuisine in a smart sophisticated atmosphere situated in the Divani Caravel Hotel.

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Divani Caravel Hotel.
2107207000

COOKOU FOOD

Any trip to Athens would be incomplete without a stroll through its own Greenwich Village-style neighborhood, Exarhia. Cookou is one of the area's recent gastronomic additions. It's a modern take on the very traditional mageirio, a place where you can see what's cooking that day, where all the food promises (at least in theory) to be prepared by loving, homey hands. Eggplants dangle from the ceilings and the tables are tableaux covered with themed drawings. Most of the food is highly traditional, but some ventures into new territory-try the chicken with oranges. Cookou has become a popular spot for the literati and artsy crowd. It's also a good place to dine alone without feeling uncomfortable.

55 Themistokleous St, Exarhia
210 383 1955

DIRTY GINGER

Located in the trendy area of Gazi and in the garden of an old beautiful house, Dirty Ginger serves modern Greek cuisine and specializes in meat. Price range: 30-35 euro

46 Troptolemou & Persefonis Str., Gazi
210-3468604

ELENI

It took Athens' most seasoned Italian restaurateur, Walter Fagnione, to open a classic Greek restaurant in taverna-starved Kolonaki. His recipe for success was simple: cook the real stuff and serve it in a beautiful space that is both calming and elegant, then name it after the symbol of Greek beauty-Eleni. on a quiet street on the outskirts of Kolonaki, Eleni is a paean to Mediterranean calm and Italian bella figura. The soft violet color of the walls and the wooden accents give the restaurant a homey feel. The menu though is absolute taverna-skordalia, small fried fish, octopus and classic salads. All are competently prepared, and nicely presented. The Greek fries are the real thing and the seafood mezedes recommended.

4-6 Anapirou Polemou St, Kolonaki Tel: 210 721 8868
210 721 8868

FILIPOU

Among those in the know, Filipou is one of the city's most revered tavernas in one of the choicest residential neighborhoods, a stone's throw from the St George Lycabettus Hotel. You'll find well-prepared Greek home cooking here with all the great dishes, from stuffed vine leaves to excellent stews to stuffed vegetables. The space is simple with old-world charm. Ideal if you're in the center and hungry for a good home-style meal.

19 Xenokratous St, Kolonaki
210 721 6390

FILOISTRON

Situated in the historical centre of Athens (Thisseio) on the pedestrian road on the back side of the Acropolis, Filoistron combines an amazing view of the Greek monuments with excellent Greek cuisine. Price range: 30-35 euro

23, Apostolou Pavlou Str., Thisseio
210-3467554

GB CORNER

A must if in central Athens. Sample the mediterranean cuisine in the classic surroundings of the Grande Bretagne Hotel.

Syntagma Square in the Grande Bretagne Hotel.
2103330750

IDEAL

Favoured by Greeks, this classic restaurant serves traditional Greek dishes in an art deco environment

Panepistimiou 46, Omonia
2103303000

IODIO

Iodio is not a fancy place by any standards. Opened by a fishmonger who still sells his catch to many of the city's top seafood chefs, it falls somewhere between a restaurant and a taverna. The decor is decidedly taverna-checkered tablecloths, rustic wood and kitsch sea-theme murals-but the food is miles above your typical fish taverna and the mezedes are exceptionally good. Try the tiny scallops in leek and chickpea sauce or the spicy but simple monkfish saganaki (no cheese, just wine, hot peppers and fish juice). The artichokes with lemon sauce and prawns is a fine, well-balanced dish. We loved the risotto with prawns and the fava and smoked swordfish.

119B Achilleos Ave, Paleo Faliro
210 988 4258

JIMMY AND THE FISH

There are many fish tavernas lining the picturesque Mikrolimano harbor but Jimmy and the Fish stands out as much for its tasteful decor and apron-clad waiters as for its good food. Entrees include a tender calamari stuffed with feta and prawns coated with sesame seeds and cooked in ouzo, as well as a variety of interesting salads. A selection of fresh fish is brought out for your approval before being grilled to perfection and served with simple oil and lemon dressing. The house specialty is a delicious lobster with spaghetti for two in a subtle tomato sauce, served straight out of the fry pan, although there were several other tempting pasta or rice seafood dishes on the menu. A delightful place for a seafood treat by the water.

46 Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano
210 412 4417

KOLLIAS

Tasso Kollias' taverna started on a whim a few years back, after the owner, who took early retirement from the civil service, found himself cooking up a storm several nights a week for friends. His connections in some of the remotest Greek island communities provide the freshest catch in the city. The mezedes are a little heavy-handed, but they somehow fit into the unstudied kitsch and good honest cooking that characterize this lovely, if remote, taverna. This is the place to come for some unusual and rare Greek seafood, from fresh sea urchins to seawater-pickled fan mussels. Kollias also has one of the best and most reasonably priced cellars in the greater metropolitan area.

3 Plastira St, Tabouria, Piraeus
210 462 9620

KUZINA

Situated in the heart of Athens (in the historical centre) and with a simple modern atmosphere. Price range: 20-30 euro

9, Andrianou Str., Thisseio (Athens)
210-3240133

MAMACAS

Mamacas, a stylized taverna with traditional Greek fare, broke new ground when it opened in Gazi, the old Athens gas works area that has since become one of the hippest neighborhoods in town. Decked out in cool pastel shades and simple modern lines, Mamaca's tables are set outside in summer. There is also a stylish garden bar annex across the street. Regular treats are the traditional vegetarian dishes, especially the gamut of bean dishes (try the simple black-eyed bean salad). The peppers stuffed with the mild cheese, anthotiro, freshened with dill, are also good, as are dishes such as sausage meatballs in tomato sauce, pork with prunes, and stewed rooster with spaghetti. Despite its popularity, prices remain reasonable. If you are in Mykonos, try Mamacas' sister restaurant.

41 Persephonis St, Gazi
210 346 4984

PLOUS PODILATOU

Opened by the owners of one of the winter's best modern Greek places (Kitrino Podilato), its year-old sibling, Plous Podilato, continues the tradition of serving up traditionally inspired dishes with a special focus on seafood. At the helm in the kitchen is talented young chef Dimitra Valla. Try the stuffed grouper with spinach and other greens; swordfish served over leek sauce; squid sauteed with balsamic vinegar, honey and more. There are about 25 dishes on the standard menu and a handful for landlubbers too. The decor is minimalist but evocative

42 Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano, Piraeus
210 413 7910

PSARAS

Although picturesque Plaka is high on atmosphere, it tends to be low on quality. But Psaras, while not a stellar gastronomic experience, is a rewarding one. Tables are set along the white-washed stairs and also within a lovely enclosed garden in the back, making you feel like you're already on one of the Greek islands. Bouzouki music fills the air, the waiters are gregarious, and the menu is filled with all sorts of small seafood dishes to keep you nibbling over liters of wine.

16 Erectheos & 12 Erotokritiou Sts, Plaka
210 321 8733

SHOLARHI

At Sholarhio you can relax and enjoy your meel and drink in a friendly atmosphere flooded by the energy, radiated by the sacred Acropolis region over the centuries, along with romance and calmness. The cuisine of Sholarhio is original traditional Greek cuisine and contains Salads such as gigantes, Side dishes such as Tzatziki Smirneiko for fresh breath, Meat dishes and sea-food such as Lahanontolmades special Matoula papadopoula's. Their food is fresh and of super quality. The service is perfect and fast.

14, Tripodon PLAKA ATHENS
210 3247605

STROFI

Named after its corner venue in one of central Athens' nicest residential areas, Strofi's strong point is its superb view of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace. It's a summer night's dream-close to the center, with decent traditional food at a reasonable price. Strofi serves the standard array of taverna classics: grilled eggplant salad, tzatziki, crisp fried vegetables, boiled greens, Greek salad, spicy cheese spread, legume stews and grilled meat and fish. A stroll through the pedestrian roads around the Acropolis to Strofi is a sure way to make the most of a summer night out.

25 Rovertou Gali St, Makrigianni
210 921 4130

THALATTA

Thalatta has a sea breeze kind of freshness to it, without overdoing the maritime motif. A long and narrow space, the design takes full advantage of the architectural idiosyncracies. Chef Yiannis Safos, an islander from Ikaria, has created a simple, satisfying menu where a combination of unusual appetizers and more sedate main courses satisfy just about everybody's tastes. Weather permitting, there is always a selection of raw seafood, from Greek clams and oysters to sea urchins and conch. A large selection of appetizers includes fish carpaccio made with delicate sea bass seasoned with coriander. The salads are hefty fare-try the arugula, purslane and dill with langoustines and other seafood. Main courses included a delicious sole stuffed with fresh crab and a light mastic-infused sauce and an impressive seafood fricassee and mixed seafood platter with squid and cuttlefish tossed in an unusual pesto.

5 Vitonos St, Gazi
210 346 4204

TRATA O STELIOS

The last fish taverna on the left hand side of the square in Kaisariani, not a great distance from town, is one of the city's best-kept secrets and a favorite among the gastronomes who live by the dictum that less is more. In the case of this fish taverna, that would mean the simple decor and simple dishes, which include, of course, some of the best grilled fish in town. You'll find all the taverna classics on the menu here, too. Prices are reasonable, even though it's fish.

7-9 Pl Anageniseos St, Kaisariani
210 729 1533

VAROULKO

Combination of Greek cuisine and modern elements, with large preference to seafood. Price range: 50-60 euro

80 Piraeus Ave., Athens
210-5228400

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YIANTES

Simple and modern atmosphere with seating area inside and outside, Yiantes offers modern Greek cuisine with biological products. Price range: 20-25 euro

14 Valtetsiou Str., Exarheia (Athens)
210-3301369