What to eat Athens? culinary specialties and gastronomy

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.

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.

Remember to leave a small tip of about 10% of the bill, because in Greece it is not included in the price.

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!

Avoid establishments where prices are not clearly displayed on the menu and especially avoid establishments that are not frequented by locals.

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.

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.

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.

In Athens, every hour is a good time to take a break! The terraces of the cafes and bistros, in the shade or in the shade, are ideal to recharge your batteries between two visits during the day. You can also take the opportunity to relax in the museum cafes/bistros, during opening hours, which are located in the center of the Greek capital. The prices are a little higher than elsewhere, but the atmosphere and quality of service will reward you. For a longer break, opt for the suburbs to the north of the capital or the Riviera to the west.

A cocktail costs an average of €9, a beer between €4 and €6, and a cold coffee between €3 and €4. Remember to leave a small tip of around 10% of the bill, as in Greece this is not included in the price.

It' sa good idea to make a reservation when you choose to have a drink or a meal on a hotel rooftop or in a popular club, to avoid waiting lists. As a general rule, open-air bars don't worry too much about the number of customers.

The consumption of alcohol is forbidden to unaccompanied minors under 18 years old. In all bars, several trendy drinks and cocktails are available for minors to enjoy a pleasant evening with friends or adults.

Athenians like to take a coffee break around 10:30 and in the early afternoon. We meet up for an aperitif break between 4 and 6 pm, after work. But young people flock to the terraces at any time of day, especially in season. Nightlife in Athens starts after 10pm and lasts until dawn! As a general rule, bars close around 2:30 a.m., but as the party can start at any time, closing time often depends on the general atmosphere!

Smoking is strictly prohibited in museums and archaeological sites and inside the facilities.