What to eat in Athens? Our selection of 12 Athenian specialties

The menu of an Athenian restaurant is always generously provided, yet when the dessert section arrives, suddenly it's a cold shower! Indeed, most typical restaurants don't offer a dessert selection, apart from fresh fruits, yogurt or some occasional small cakes. This habit tends to change with travelers' appetite and their penchant for sweets. Nevertheless, it's still part of local customs. To end your meal on a sweet note, we recommend stopping by the many pastry shops that populate the capital. Choice and quality will always be there.

1. Mezze

Even if Mezze are not typically Athenian, you won't be able to miss them during your stay. Mezze take the form of different savory bites. The portions are served in small bowls and form an assortment of local flavors. Mezze are enjoyed among friends, accompanied by pita bread and a fresh drink. These emblematic appetizers are an opportunity to taste several recipes at the same time. In a classic assortment, you can taste feta, hummus, fried squid, tzatziki, eggplant caviar and stuffed vine leaves.

2. Saganaki

Cheeses have bright days ahead in Athens, there's no doubt about that! Like this hot specialty, made with sheep's cheese cooked in a frying pan of the same name. This hot dish is served very simply, with a slice of lemon and a little bread.

3. Tzatziki

Here's the classic among classics of Greek gastronomy! Tzatziki is a fresh sauce, omnipresent in local menus. It is made with Greek yogurt, olive oil, cucumber, garlic, lemon and herbs like mint or dill. Essential in a mezze assortment, a few spoonfuls of tzatziki will also be welcome to bring freshness to a grilled dish.

4. Dolmades

Here's another unmissable culinary specialty in Athens: dolmades, also known as "stuffed vine leaves". These now form part of Athenians' daily diet. They are mini bundles of vine leaves containing a stuffing of minced meat and rice. You will certainly taste them as appetizers during your Mezze tastings in any traditional restaurant.

5. Horiatiki

Is the heat weighing you down in Athens? Here's the dish you need. Moreover, throughout the country, it is customary to share a large plate of salad before a meal. This custom has allowed the Greek salad to become a cult dish around the world. Now it's your turn to taste an authentic horiatiki on its home soil! Many recipes exist, but the most traditional is made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh onions, peppers and of course, a large block of feta placed on top. Before serving, the salad will be covered with a drizzle of olive oil. Absolutely must try, especially in hot weather.

6. Souvlaki

Halfway between street food and bistro dishes, you'll find souvlaki. This simple and effective meat skewer is the perfect snack to enjoy on the go. On the stick, bite into marinated lamb meat, accompanied by grilled vegetables. Bought from a street-food stand, your skewer will be served with tzatziki – how could we forget it! – otherwise, with bread or some potatoes. You'll lick your fingers!

7. Moussaka

It's time to savor one of the country's emblematic dishes! Moussaka is an oven-baked gratin composed of successive layers of eggplant, a little potato, tomato and minced meat. Once the assembly reaches the height of the dish, the preparation is covered with a thick mixture of cheese and/or béchamel sauce. This generous and family dish is the pride of Greek gastronomy. Now you know everything.

8. Spanakopita

Vegetarian dish lovers, don't miss this delicious savory spinach pie. Spanakopita offers a surprising mixture of textures. Indeed, the pie is made on a very crispy phyllo pastry base, then generously filled with a tender stuffing of spinach and eggs. The traditional recipe also includes a good portion of cheese and olive oil. We'll let you imagine the tenderness and exquisite taste of such a preparation. To taste it in Athens, aim for street food stands or spot dishes that mention it as an accompaniment.

9. Melitzanosalata

As we know, sun-dried vegetables hold a central place in the Greek people's diet. This popular specialty, also known as eggplant caviar, is proof of this. You will definitely taste it in a mezze assortment. Don't hesitate to specifically ask for it once at the table. Finely chopped eggplant, enhanced with garlic and spices is a simple delight to start a meal.

10. Loukoumades

Here's a gourmet dessert steeped in honey and the History of Athens. Indeed, did you know that loukoumades are one of the world's oldest pastries? Already consumed in antiquity, these bites are still carefully prepared and commonly revisited in the capital's restaurants and bakeries. They are cinnamon pastries, small in size, drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. This more authentic than ever dessert promises you a culinary journey through centuries and History.

11. Baklava

Mmm... We're already salivating! No matter the sticky fingers after tasting, baklava seduces sweet tooths of all ages. It's a Greek dessert widespread from Mediterranean cuisine to the Middle East. So much so that today, each country can boast of having its own recipe. In Greece and more particularly in Athens, baklava consists of a succession of phyllo pastries, topped with honey or syrup and filled with a large quantity of finely chopped nuts. You'll find it in most of the capital's restaurants, to properly conclude your meal. We also recommend specialized pastry shops that offer high-quality preparation and different flavors.

12. Ouzo

Although the period of creation of this drink remains unclear, Ouzo is nonetheless the most widespread drink throughout the country. Because the production of this elixir is done exclusively in Greece. Wait for aperitif time to toast with locals and share some fresh mezze. This way, the drink has a little taste of conviviality.