Athens is a city for eating well without much ceremony. You can graze on street food between sights, sit down to a long taverna meal or shop for cheese, olives and honey in the central market. Here is where to start.
Street food
Souvlaki and gyros come wrapped in warm pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki, and they are the classic quick lunch. Monastiraki and Psyrri have plenty of places to try them. For a snack on the move, pick up a koulouri, a sesame-crusted bread ring sold from street carts all over the centre.
Traditional tavernas
A meal at a family-run taverna is the heart of eating out in Athens. Order a few dishes to share: tzatziki, moussaka, dolmadakia and a Greek salad are the classics. Many tavernas also have a dish of the day, so ask what is good.
Modern Greek cooking
Athens also has a lively contemporary dining scene that pairs Greek ingredients with modern techniques. Book ahead for the better-known restaurants, especially at weekends.
Markets and delis
Varvakios Agora, the central market, is where locals buy meat, fish and spices, with fruit and vegetable stalls nearby. The surrounding delis and cheese shops sell feta, manouri, olive oil and honey, and they are a good place to buy food to take home.
Lunch at sea
Add a day on the water to your food trip. Our day cruise leaves Marina Zeas in Piraeus at 09:00 for free time on Agistri and Aegina and a swim stop. On board you get welcome coffee and pastries, a Greek lunch, fresh fruit, and unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. You are back around 19:00.