Top 12 culinary specialities in Athens

To eat in Athens is to sample culinary traditions that go back thousands of years. Naturally, these ancestral foundations do not prevent the cuisine from being influenced by neighbouring countries. So you’ll recognise the flavours of both East and West in typical Greek recipes.

If Greek cuisine is to be described, it begins with the use of natural, high-quality ingredients. It is this authenticity that best characterises the Mediterranean diet.

Local flavours are enhanced by a drizzle of virgin olive oil and a generous bouquet of aromatic herbs. In addition to raw vegetables, Greek cuisine is particularly fond of grilled lamb, fried fish and poultry. Not forgetting the vital importance of cheeses, especially the famous feta that needs no introduction. Once again, lots of simple products, but always rich in flavour and surprisingly varied. There’s no doubt that when it comes to gastronomy in Athens, you’ll never be bored. Our well-stocked selection of typical Athens dishes is proof of that.

What to eat in Athens Our selection of 12 Athenian specialities

The menu of an Athenian restaurant is always generously provided, but when the dessert section comes along, it’s suddenly a cold shower! In fact, most typical restaurants don’t offer a selection of desserts, apart from fresh fruit, yoghurt or the occasional small cake. This habit is tending to change with travellers’ appetites and penchant for sweet treats. Nevertheless, it’s still part of the custom. To finish your meal on a sweet note, we recommend a visit to one of the many patisseries in the capital. The choice and quality will always be there.

1. Mezze

Even if Mezze are not typically Athenian, you can’t miss them during your stay. Mezze take the form of a variety of savoury bites. Portions are served in small bowls and form an assortment of local flavours. Mezze are best enjoyed with friends and family, accompanied by pita bread and a cold drink. These emblematic hors d’oeuvres are an opportunity to try several recipes at the same time. In a classic assortment, you can try feta, hummus, fried calamari, tzatziki, aubergine caviar and stuffed vine leaves.

2. Saganaki

There’s no doubt that cheeses have a bright future ahead of them in Athens! Just like this hot speciality, 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 some bread.

3. Tzatziki

Here’s the classic Greek dish! Tzatziki is a fresh sauce that is ubiquitous on local menus. It’s made with Greek yoghurt, olive oil, cucumber, garlic, lemon and herbs such as mint and dill. An essential part of a mezze, a few spoonfuls of tzatziki are also a welcome addition to a plate of grilled meats.

4. Dolmades

Here’s another unmissable culinary speciality in Athens: dolmades, also known as “stuffed vine leaves”. These are now part of the daily diet of Athenians. They are mini bundles of vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. You’re sure to try them as an appetiser when you try a Mezze in any traditional restaurant.

5. Horiatiki

Feeling the heat in Athens? This is the dish for you. Especially as it is customary throughout the country to share a large plate of salad before a meal. This custom has made Greek salad a cult dish the world over. Now it’s your turn to try an authentic horiatiki in its native land! There are many different recipes, but the most traditional is made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh onions, peppers and, of course, a large square of feta cheese on top. Before serving, drizzle the salad with olive oil. A must-try, especially on a hot day.

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 pick, bite into marinated lamb, accompanied by grilled vegetables. Bought from a street-food stall, your skewer will be served with tzatziki – how could I forget! – or with bread or a few potatoes. You’ll be licking your fingers!

7. Moussaka

It’s time to savour one of the country’s signature dishes! Moussaka is a baked gratin made up of successive layers of aubergine, a little potato, tomato and minced meat. Once the mixture has reached the height of the dish, it is covered with a thick mixture of cheese and/or béchamel sauce. This generous, family-style dish is the pride of Greek gastronomy. Now you know everything.

8. Spanakopita

Vegetarian lovers won’t want to miss this delicious savoury spinach pie. Spanakopita offers a surprising combination of textures. The tart is made with a base of very crispy filo pastry, then generously filled with a tender stuffing of spinach and eggs. The traditional recipe also includes a generous portion of cheese and olive oil. You can imagine how melt-in-your-mouth and delicious this dish is. To try it in Athens, look out for street food stalls or dishes that mention it as a side dish.

9. Melitzanosalata

As we all know, sun vegetables play a central role in the Greek diet. A case in point is this popular speciality, also known as aubergine caviar. You’re sure to try it in a range of mezze dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask for it specifically once you’re at the table. Finely chopped aubergine, seasoned 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. Did you know that loukoumades are one of the oldest pastries in the world? Already eaten in ancient times, these mouthfuls are still carefully prepared and commonly revisited in the capital’s restaurants and bakeries. They are small cinnamon pastries drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. This dessert, more authentic than ever, promises a culinary journey through the centuries and through history.

11. Baklava

Hm… We’re salivating in anticipation! No matter how sticky your fingers get after tasting it, baklava appeals to sweet tooths of all ages. It’s a Greek dessert that has spread from Mediterranean cuisine all the way to the Middle East. So much so that today, every country can boast its own recipe. In Greece, and more particularly in Athens, baklava is made up of a succession of filo pastries, topped with honey or syrup and garnished with a large quantity of finely chopped walnuts. You’ll find it in most of the capital’s restaurants, to round off your meal. We also recommend specialist patisseries, which offer a high quality of preparation and a variety of flavours.

12. Ouzo

Although it’s not clear when this drink was created, Ouzo is nonetheless the most widespread drink in the country. This is because the elixir is produced exclusively in Greece. Wait until the aperitif to toast with the locals and share some fresh mezze. In this way, the drink has a little taste of conviviality.