What we have been eating lately #6 - Athens edition

Athens is Stef's favorite city so it's only fitting to take you there (digitally). Read all about the city and her recommendations below.

If ancient Greece, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East had a city baby, it would be Athens. Ever since I was a child it has been a transit city for me. Growing up on the small island of Skiathos, where there were only direct flights in summer, and seasonal work that only allowed us to travel to our Dutch family in winter, it was necessary to travel through Athens.

Later when we moved to Holland we often took that same route back to Skiathos. When I got older I sneaked in some extra transit days in Athens because I wanted to explore it more.

I love Athens because it’s raw, old, beautiful, dated, modern, fun, anarchist, big, traditional, fast, busy, vibrant, dirty and classy. It’s the exact opposite of the island life i’m used to. Living in a city longer than on the island by now, I can appreciate the city life.

Here are some of my favorite places to visit. I’ve highlighted some of them, but do scroll down for the full list.

Diporto

This is my favorite spot for lunch. It’s a classic koutouki taverna (underground tavern). The owner has been serving homemade dishes like Greek salad, brothy chickpeas, boiled veggies, grilled fish and fava for many many years now. You sit besides the wine barrels and Greek men talking about their day. You get the dishes served without any menu or orderding. Just take a seat and bread, wine and food will come. It’s a perfect place.

Lefteris o Politis

Now this is a souvlaki spot. Small menu, long line, meat grilling fulltime. They make kebab style meat skewers. While the meat is cooking they place the pita breads on the meat to soak up the fat. Once cooked they wrap the the kebab in the pita, add tomato, add onions and seasoning, and you have yourself the most perfect pita.

ΛΙΝΟΥ ΣΟΥΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΙΑ

Very cool and modern spot with excellent food. All classics but done in a modern way. The interior is clean and minimalistic. They have a great terrace for summer evenings.

Loukoumades at Krinos and/or Loukoumades Ktistakis

Greek people, me included, have major sweet tooth. You will never hear us say: ‘That is too sweet’ or ‘I don’t like sweets’. I was baffled when I heard Dutch people saying this all the time. What the?! So this one is for the sweet tooths among us. Krinos makes crispy donut shaped loukoumades with a crispy exterior and a fluffy inside. A syrup and cinnamon are sprinkled on top. Ktistakis on the other hand soaks these fried dough balls in the syrup. Biting into them releases the sweet sweet syrup. Different styles, both very good.

Pharaoh

A wine bar/restaurant with a big selection of wines, a lot of Greek ones. Located in a cool, dark and brutalist neighborhood and with a very classy interior, this is just the right spot for a drink. Walking through the grimey streets to find this oasis in the middle of it is just a perfect example of what Athens is.

Dyo Dekares

This is a family owned taverna with all the soothing Greek classics you are looking for. The people who work there are very kind. It feels like you are eating a home cooked meal made with love. It’s located in a really nice neighbourhood; Koukaki.

THE FULL LIST OF ATHENS FAVORITES

Culture:

• National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (EMST)

• Lykavittos via the Teleferik

• National Archaeological Museum

• Acropolis and it’s museum ofcourse!

• Pireaus

• Varvakios Central Municipal Market

Shops:

• Hyper Hypo

• Naxos Apothocary

• Kolios

Food:

• Stani

• Diporto

• Ariston

• Krinos

• Kora

• Avli

• Dyo Dekares

• Lefteris o Politis

• LS and sia

• Pharaoh

• Wine is fine

• Cafe da Capo

• Ekiben

• h hpeiros

• Sweet Nolan

• Loukoumades Ktistakis

• Taverna Klimateria

• Kostas

• Aris Tavern

• Overoll

• Oinomageireio Epirus

• Tanini Agapi Mou

Hotel:

• Apollo Palm