What to Eat in Athens: The Must-Try Greek Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss

Athens is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re exploring street markets, relaxing in a traditional taverna, or discovering hidden bakeries in old neighborhoods, the city offers one of the richest culinary experiences in Europe. Greek cuisine is rooted in history, shaped by the Mediterranean climate, and influenced by centuries of cultural exchange. Eating in Athens is not just about consuming delicious food — it’s about discovering the stories, traditions, and people behind each dish.

If you’re visiting Athens in 2025 and want to taste the very best the city has to offer, here are the must-try Greek foods that locals love and travelers rave about.

1. Souvlaki & Gyros — Greece’s Most Iconic Street Food

No trip to Athens is complete without enjoying souvlaki or gyros from a local grill shop. These flavorful classics are found everywhere, from street corners to modern gourmet versions.

Souvlaki

Small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer — typically pork or chicken — often served with bread, fries, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki.

Gyros

Thin slices of roasted meat shaved from a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in pita with vegetables and sauces.

Every Athenian has a favorite spot, and every visitor remembers their first bite.

2. Spanakopita & Tiropita — Greece’s Famous Savory Pies

These flaky phyllo pastries are a cornerstone of Greek breakfast and lunch culture.

Spanakopita

Spinach pie made with herbs, onions, and sometimes feta cheese.

Tiropita

Cheese pie made with creamy feta or a blend of local cheeses.

You’ll find them in bakeries throughout Athens — fresh, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

3. Moussaka — The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Layered eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, béchamel sauce — baked to golden perfection.
Moussaka is one of Greece’s most beloved traditional dishes.

It represents the heart of family cooking and is best enjoyed in a cozy taverna, where recipes are passed down through generations.

4. Greek Salad — Fresh, Simple, and Perfect

Known in Greece as horiatiki, this salad is fresher and bolder than versions served abroad.

It includes:

• juicy tomatoes

• crisp cucumbers

• green peppers

• red onions

• olives

• a thick slice of feta

• olive oil, oregano and sea salt

No lettuce. No fillers. Just real Greek ingredients bursting with flavor.

5. Loukoumades — Sweet Honey Donuts

These golden, fluffy donuts are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Traditionally topped with honey and cinnamon, many modern shops now add creative toppings such as:

• chocolate

• pistachio

• walnuts

• caramel

Loukoumades are a favorite at festivals, markets, and dessert cafés.

6. Meze — The Greek Style of Shared Eating

Meze refers to small plates meant for sharing, similar to tapas. This is one of the best ways to experience the variety of Greek flavors.

Typical meze dishes include:

• tzatziki

• dolmades (staffed vine leaves)

• saganaki (fried cheese)

• keftedes (meatballs)

• fava (yellow split pea dip)

• grilled vegetables

• octopus or calamari

Meze encourages conversation, community, and slow enjoyment — the heart of Greek dining culture.

7. Fresh Seafood by the Sea or in Local Taverns

Greece has a strong fishing tradition, and seafood is a major part of Athenian cuisine. Popular dishes include:

• grilled octopus

• fried calamari

• sea bass (lavraki)

• red mullet (barbouni)

• shrimp saganaki

Many seaside tavernas, especially in Piraeus and the Athens Riviera, serve incredibly fresh seafood paired with chilled ouzo or white wine.

8. Bougatsa — The Breakfast You Didn’t Know You Needed

Bougatsa is a warm, crispy pastry filled with:

• vanilla custard (most popular)

• cheese

• minced meat

Sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, it’s a classic breakfast treat that locals adore.

9. Greek Coffee & Freddo Espresso

Greek coffee is strong, thick, and traditionally served with a glass of cold water. It’s an important part of social life.

But Athens also invented one of the world’s favorite iced coffees:

Freddo Espresso

Strong espresso shaken over ice — smooth, creamy, and refreshing.

The freddo cappuccino is another modern Greek creation, topped with cold foam and served in cafés across the city.

10. Baklava — A Sweet Ending

This famous dessert combines layers of crispy phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. Each bakery has its own recipe — some use walnuts, others pistachios, and many include regional variations.

It’s rich, sweet, and unforgettable.

Why These Dishes Matter

Eating in Athens is not just about taste — it’s about tradition, regional identity, and the Mediterranean approach to life. Greek cuisine is built on:

• fresh ingredients

• olive oil

• family recipes

• hospitality

• seasonal produce

• shared experiences

By trying these local dishes, you’re not just enjoying great food — you’re connecting with Greece’s cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts

Athens offers something for every food lover: comforting classics, modern twists, street food favorites, and family recipes that have lasted for generations. Whether you join a guided food tour or explore on your own, tasting these beloved dishes will help you understand Greek culture on a deeper level.

Delicious, authentic, and memorable — Greek cuisine is an essential part of your Athens adventure.