The Best Souvlaki in Athens: A Local Guide for Visitors

If you’re visiting Athens, trying souvlaki is not optional—it’s essential. This simple street food, made with grilled meat, pita bread, and fresh toppings, is one of the most popular and loved dishes in Greece. But with so many souvlaki shops across the city, finding the truly good ones can be confusing.

To help you eat well during your stay, we’ve created a Google MyMap featuring some of the best-known and most trusted souvlaki spots in Athens. These are places locals eat at, many of them with decades of history.

What Makes Good Souvlaki in Athens?

Great souvlaki doesn’t need fancy ingredients. The best places focus on:

• Fresh, well-seasoned meat

• Proper grilling (never dry)

• Soft pita bread

• Simple toppings like tomato, onion, fries and tzatziki

Busy shops are usually a good sign—high turnover means fresh food.

Souvlaki Shops Included in Our Google MyMap

Our map includes a mix of classic, traditional souvlaki places and more modern interpretations:

• Kosta – Famous for its small, classic souvlaki wraps

• Lefteris o Politis (est. 1951) – One of the oldest and most respected names

• Kalogyros – Known for generous portions and strong flavors

• Ntellos – A traditional spot loved by locals

• Volvi souvlaki – Simple, honest and reliable

• Hoocut – A modern souvlaki shop focusing on quality cuts

• Souvlakia Petmeza – A creative take on traditional souvlaki

• the Girls (est. 1977) – A long standing favorite in the city

• Giorgos – A classic neighborhood souvlaki shop

📍 You’ll find all locations clearly marked in the Google MyMap below, making it easy to choose where to eat while exploring Athens.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1EaMPBQsF9oHJG6xaPS5EqTTbTTaRc6c&usp=sharing

Athens is one of the best cities in Europe for street food, and souvlaki is at the heart of it. Use the map, follow your appetite, and enjoy eating like a local.

Souvlaki in Athens: Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyros?

In Athens, souvlaki normally refers to small pieces of grilled meat on a skewer. Souvlaki is called Souvlakia when served with pita. Gyros is made from meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

What meat is most authentic for souvlaki in Athens?

Pork is the most classic choice in Athens. Chicken is likewise common. Beef is uncommon and lamb is less common for souvlaki.

What does a souvlaki cost in Athens?

The average cost for a pita wrap is between €3 and €5 depending on the location.

Do you eat souvlaki sitting down?

Sometimes no. Quite a number of Athenians eat souvlaki standing, walking or on the go. If available, seating is often limited.

Which time eating souvlaki would be best?

1:00-3:00 pm lunch and late evening are peak times.  Fresh food is common during busy hours.

Are the most famous souvlaki places the best?

Not even a little. In Athens, the very best souvlaki is often made in small local shops with little or no online presence.