Athens’s top restaurants

Athens’s top restaurants

Daphne’s
$$$$$ Pláka ELEGANT GREEK/NOUVELLE
This neoclassical 1830s former home features frescoes on the walls, a
shady garden with bits of ancient marble found on site when the restaurant
was built, and sophisticated Athenians at many tables. The cuisine
here gives you all the old favorites (try the zesty eggplant salad) with new
distinction, and combines familiar ingredients in innovative ways (delicious
hot pepper and feta cheese dip). Most nights a pair of strolling musicians
performs their repertoire that ranges from Greek favorites to “My
Darling Clementine.”
See map p. 539. 4 Lysikratous St. (across from Hadrian’s Gate). %and Fax: 210-
322-7971. Reservations recommended. Metro: Akropoli. Bus/trolley: A2, A2e, A3, 1, 5,
9, 15, 40, 57, 110, 126, or 230. Main courses: 16€–25€ ($18–$29). Open: Dinner daily.
AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Dec 20–Jan 15.

Diros Restaurant
$$$$ Near S;ntagma Square GREEK
What more could you want? It’s not expensive, it’s right off S;ntagma
Square, it has both an air-conditioned interior and sidewalk tables, it’s
been around forever (technically, the original Diros closed some yearsback, but the staff stuck together and reopened a new “Diros” just like the
old one in this location) and the food couldn’t be more satisfying. If you
need a break from Greek food, this family-friendly joint also serves more
familiar dishes such as spaghetti and roast chicken with french fries.
See map p. 539. 10 Odos Xenofóndos (one block south of S;ntagma Square).
%210-323-2392. Reservations suggested. Metro: S;ntagma Square. Bus/trolley: A2,
A3, B2, B3, E2, E6, 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 25, 26, 27, 40, 57, or 110. Main courses:
10€–18€ ($12–$21). Fixed-price menus: 13€–19€ ($15–$22). AE, DC, MC, V. Open:
Lunch and dinner daily.

Platanos Taverna
$$ Pláka GREEK
This classic Greek taverna is located on a tree-lined bend in a residential
street. The interior features a simple mix of paintings, photos, and oldfashioned
Greek ambience. Platanos serves hearty mainstays of Greek cuisine
cooked simply but with a keen eye for freshness and quality.
See map p. 539. 4 Odos Dioyénous (near the intersection of Adrianoú and Eólou).
% 210-322-0666. Metro: Monastiráki. Bus: 25, 26, or 27. Main courses: 7€–15€
($8.05–$17). No credit cards. Open: Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat; also lunch Sun
Mar–May and Sept–Oct.

Restaurant Kentrikon
$$$ Near S;ntagma Square INTERNATIONAL
Locals find that the excellent food at this huge restaurant is worth the comparatively
high prices. The best bets on the menu include the lamb ragout
with spinach, chicken with okra, and the special macaroni. Although
everything at this air-conditioned, 1960s joint is quite informal, the service
is top-notch.
See map p. 539. 3 Odos Kolokotróni (one block up from Stadíou). %210-323-2482.
Metro: S;ntagma Square. Bus: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 25, 26, 27, 40, 100, or 200. Main
courses: 7€–17€ ($8.05–$20). AE, DC, MC, V. Open: Lunch Mon–Fri.

Rhodia Taverna
$$$ Kolonáki GREEK
The atmosphere at this relatively cheap restaurant is among the best in
Athens. The décor includes lacy curtains, dark wood paneling, wine kegs,
and a vine-sheltered garden in back. Yet the ambience can’t steal the show
from the superb food; try the octopus in mustard sauce, light bourékis
(vegetable-filled pastries), or lemon-tinged beef.
See map p. 539. 44 Odos Aristípou (off Kolonáki Square). % 210-722-9883.
Reservations suggested. Bus: 22, 60, or 200. Main courses: 7.50€–16€($8.65–$18). No
credit cards. Open: Dinner Mon–Sat.

Taverna Xinos
$$$ Pláka GREEK
Live music and folksy murals give this place an informal feel, but this is
one of the city’s best restaurants. For a real cultural treat, arrive after
9 p.m. — that’s when the locals and connoisseurs arrive — and sit back,
relax, and enjoy a liesurely dinner. The dolmádes, moussaká, and lamb fricassee
are all delicious.
See map p. 539. 4 Angélou Yéronda (sometimes spelled “Geronta;” either way, it’s in
the heart of the Pláka, between Kidathinéon and Iperídou). %210-322-1065. Metro:
Akropoli. Bus/trolley: A2, A2e, A3, 1, 5, 9, 15, 40, 57, 110, 126, or 230. Main courses:
7€–16€ ($8.05–$18). No credit cards. Open: Dinner daily (sometimes closes Sun).
Closed part of July and Aug.