Our "Can You Help?" question was: What's the top place to dine in Athens? This extensive answer covers virtually all of the best restaurants in Athens.
One reader sums it up: "Depending on whom you consult, it's either "Spondi", "Karavi", "Varoulko" or "Vardis"."
Athens Dining - The Shortlist
The following restaurants are consistently featured in the top guidebooks and annual hotlists. They are all restaurants in the exclusive sense of the word, a far cry from homey or touristy Greek tavernas.
You should dress well but not necessarily formally, and taking children along is not recommended. Reservations are a must at most locations. Expect to pay at least Euro 35 per person. Any location that costs more will be indicated as Pricy(approximately Euro 32-40) or Very Pricy (about Euro 45 and up.) Business lunch menus are available at some of the restaurants.
Phone numbers below are for calling within Greece. Add 011 30 for calls from the United States. Some websites are only or primarily in Greek. Restaurants do change chefs, names, and owners; contact the restaurant directly to confirm details at the time of your visit.
New Greek Cuisine in Athens
RENA TIS FTELIAS - 28 March 25th St., Neo Psychico (suburb). Phone 210 6743874. Chef Rena Togia (she also writes cookbooks).
KALLISTI - 137 Asklipeiou St, Athens. Phone 210 645 3179
ASKLIPIOU GONIA - 130 Asklipiou & Valsamos Sts., Athens. Phone 210 645 2318. Taverna atmosphere.
GEFSEIS ME ONOMASIA PROELEFSIS - 317 Kifissias Ave, Kifissia (northern suburb) Phone 210 800 1402. Extensive selection of Greek wines and cheeses. Pricy.
HYTRA - Navarhou Apostoli 7, Psirri. Tel. 210 3316767. Cretan-inspired nouveau Greek cuisine. Chef/Owner Yiannis Baxevannis. Gourmet mezes at reasonable prices; a la carte dishes run 44-47 per person.
SYMPOSIUM - 46 Erectheiou St, Athens (near the Acropolis) Phone 210 922 5321. Pricy.
TA KIOUPIA - Politeias Sq Terminal, Politeia (northern suburb). Phone 210 620 0005. pricy.
MAMACAS - 41 Persephonis St, Gazi, Athens. Phone 210 346 4984. Pricy.
KALLISTE - 137 Asklipiou St, Athens. Phone 210 6453179. Chef Vangelis Driskas.
DAPHNE'S - 4 Lysikratous St, Plaka (near the Acropolis) Phone 210 322 7971
KITRINO PODILATO - 116 Keramikou and Iera Odos, Gazi, Athens. Phone 210 - 3465830. Chef Yiannis Baxevanis. Listed in the Athinorama guide Golden Chef's Hat awards. Pricy.
PREMIERE - at the Athens Hotel Intercontinental. Excellent food and service. Very pricy. Expats can find holiday meals here.
Go on to Page Two for more restaurants.
