Practical information : Eating out Athens
Timetable
In season, most of the restaurants, taverns and mezzedopoleia are open from 9am until midnight, and even until the last customers, without interruption: they also serve breakfast, snacks and brunches. Lunch service is usually from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm and dinner service from 7:00 pm to midnight.
Budget & Tips
On average, a good meal in Athens costs between 18 and 25 € per person. The prices go up very quickly when it comes to ordering fresh fish or shellfish. It is therefore advisable to always check the price of fish per kilo to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What costs extra
Remember to leave a small tip of about 10% of the bill, because in Greece it is not included in the price.
The local way
Don't hesitate to order several dishes instead of one main course for each, especially in a mezzedopoleio, ouzerie or traditional tavern: it allows you to taste several specialties of the country at once! If you accompany your meals with raki orouzo, drink in moderation!
To be avoided
Avoid establishments where prices are not clearly displayed on the menu and especially avoid establishments that are not frequented by locals.
Kids
Greeks love children! You will never have the impression in restaurants that your children are disturbing the general atmosphere. On the contrary! They often become little kings for the locals, especially in traditional establishments.
Smokers
The law against smoking in public places has been in place since 2008, but it has never been respected in bars, clubs and open-air cinemas: for more than 10 years, people smoked everywhere, without restriction, despite the law. K. Mitsotakis, the conservative Prime Minister elected in July 2019, promised that the law would be respected from now on. Since his election, fines have been put in place to charge both establishments and customers who would not respect the law. It remains to be seen whether this will finally materialize in practice. However, smoking is allowed in all open-air establishments, but smoking is prohibited indoors.
Tourist traps
In the city center, you will sometimes be approached by touts in front of their restaurants: they will do everything to convince you that this is the best place to eat! Only agree to follow them if you are sure of your choice, especially when it comes to restaurants in very touristy streets.