Athens is a paradise for food lovers, with a rich variety of traditional Greek dishes that reflect the city’s vibrant culinary history. Here are some of the best local foods to try when in Athens, each offering a unique taste of the city’s culture and flavors.

Souvlaki

What It Is: Skewered meat (souvlaki) or meat wrapped in pita (gyro), often with vegetables, tzatziki, and sometimes fries.

Souvlaki is the most iconic Greek street food you must try when in Athens, if you haven’t already. Typically made from pork or chicken, it’s cooked on a rotisserie, sliced, and served in pita bread. Often accompanied by fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce, it makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. You’ll also find many variations, including kebab, bifteki, vegan options with mushrooms, falafel, and even fish nuggets.

Tzatziki

What It Is: Tzatziki is a creamy, yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. Often served chilled, it’s the perfect side dish, sauce, or dip to pair with grilled meats, pita, or vegetables.

The combination of thick Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, a hint of garlic, and olive oil gives tzatziki its signature cool and tangy flavor. The creamy yogurt base is balanced by the refreshing crunch of cucumber, while garlic adds a subtle kick. A staple favorite for tourists, tzatziki is often added to souvlaki or served as a dip for potato chips.

Moussaka

What It Is: A layered casserole with eggplant, ground meat, béchamel sauce, and often potatoes.

Moussaka is the classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat (usually beef or lamb), and creamy béchamel sauce. This hearty dish is baked to perfection and is comfort food at its finest. The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh herbs make it incredibly flavorful, and it’s considered an ideal food choice for the winter months as well.

Pastitsio

What It Is: A baked pasta dish with layers of ground meat, tubular pasta, and béchamel sauce.

Pastitsio is sometimes referred to as Greek lasagna, but it has its unique flavor profile. Made with thick pasta, spiced ground meat, and a generous topping of béchamel, it’s baked until golden and bubbly. It’s comforting, hearty, and has a mild flavor that appeals to kids as well.

Spanakopita and Tiropita

What It Is: Spinach pie (spanakopita) and cheese pie (tiropita) made with phyllo pastry.

Spanakopita and tiropita are popular savory pies often enjoyed as snacks or light meals. Spanakopita is filled with spinach, feta, and herbs, while tiropita contains a delicious cheese filling. These pies are wrapped in crispy phyllo dough and are flavorful and flaky.

Koulouri

What It Is: A round, sesame-covered bread ring often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Koulouri is a popular breakfast choice in Athens, especially for those on the go. This sesame-covered bread ring is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly savory flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee. Many bakeries enhance it with fillings like cream cheese, turkey, and more, making it even tastier.

Dolmades (Stuffed Vine Leaves)

What It Is: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.

Dolmades are a traditional dish made of vine leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. Typically served with a squeeze of lemon, they’re known for their fresh, earthy taste. A perfect starter to kick off your meal at a Greek taverna before diving into the main dishes.

Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters)

What It Is: Fried zucchini fritters made with grated zucchini, herbs, and feta cheese.

Kolokithokeftedes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the fresh taste of zucchini combined with feta cheese and herbs. These fritters are often served with tzatziki or yogurt and make for a light, delicious appetizer.

Greek Pasta: Trahanas & Chilopites

Recently, TasteAtlas included two kind of Greek pasta in the best rated pasta varieties of the world: Trahana and Hilopites. So, probably you should also put them in your menu during your trip in Athens. The comforting flavors of Greece won’t make you to regret your choice.

Trahana is a rustic, tangy pasta made from fermented wheat and yogurt or milk. Often cooked as a hearty soup, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a nourishing meal after a day of exploring. Hilopites are flat, square noodles crafted from fresh eggs and milk, ideal for pairing with rich tomato sauces or slow-cooked meats. A true taste of Greek village cuisine! Highly recommend to taste these flavors in a mountainous Greek village during winter in Greece.

Bougiourdi

What It Is: Bougiourdi is a delicious meze made from baked feta cheese, tomatoes, and green peppers, often topped with a bit of olive oil and oregano. The dish is served hot, with the feta melting into the tomatoes and peppers, creating a rich, flavorful dip.

Bougiourdi combines the creaminess of feta with the acidity of tomatoes and the mild heat of green peppers. This simple yet flavorful dish is seasoned with oregano, and sometimes a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a spicy kick. It’s traditionally baked until the feta is soft and slightly browned.

Païdakia (Grilled lamb chops)

This is a traditional Greek dish that is popular throughout the country and usually enjoyed as the main course. Lamb chops are usually marinated in various combinations of olive oil, lemon juice, and a variety of fresh herbs before they are grilled on traditional charcoal barbecues. They are commonly paired with fried potatoes and tzatziki. And according to TasteAtlas, it’s one of the 100 Best Dishes in the World

Gioulbasi (Kleftikο)

What It Is: Gioulbasi is a slow-cooked lamb dish, often prepared with garlic, herbs, and vegetables. The lamb is wrapped in parchment paper or sometimes cooked in a clay pot, sealing in the flavors. You can find it as kleftiko as well that it came from after the “kleftes” (rebels) who supposedly cooked meat underground to avoid detection.] Dishes like this come with a story that adds to the cultural experience, connecting you to Greece’s heritage and its ancient cooking practices.

Flavors & Ingredients: The lamb is typically marinated with garlic, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs, which infuse it with an aromatic flavor. When baked slowly, the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, blending perfectly with the flavors of potatoes, onions, and sometimes tomatoes that accompany it.

Horta (Wild Greens)

What It Is: Boiled wild greens, typically served with olive oil and lemon juice.

Horta is a simple yet refreshing dish of wild greens, such as dandelion, served with olive oil and lemon juice. The greens are slightly bitter, which balances well with the acidity of lemon, making it a healthy and unique side dish that often accompanies grilled meats or fish.

Loukoumades (Greek Doughnuts)

What It Is: Small, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts.

Loukoumades are a beloved Greek dessert that resembles doughnuts but with a lighter, crispier texture. Traditionally, they’re topped with honey and cinnamon, but many modern variations include chocolate, nuts, or even ice cream. It’s the most common sweet you will find in greek festivals (panigiria) and you should try it there too.

Feta Me Meli (Feta with Honey)

What It Is: Feta cheese baked with honey and sometimes sesame seeds, often served as an appetizer.

This dish pairs creamy, salty feta with sweet honey and is usually baked until warm and melty. The combination of flavors is both surprising and delicious, and it’s a great way to enjoy feta cheese in a new form.

Baklava

What It Is: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey or syrup.

Baklava is one of Greece’s most famous desserts, known for its flaky texture and rich, nutty flavor. Layers of phyllo are filled with chopped nuts (often walnuts or pistachios) and drizzled with syrup or honey. It’s a sweet treat with a satisfying crunch and pairs beautifully with Greek coffee.

Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts

What It Is: Thick Greek yogurt served with honey and a sprinkle of walnuts.

Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts is a light yet indulgent dessert or breakfast item. The creaminess of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey and the crunch of walnuts, creating a delicious and nutritious dish that’s both refreshing and filling.

Halvas

What It Is: Greek halva is a sweet, dense dessert that comes in a few varieties but is generally made with either semolina (halvas simigdalenios) or tahini (halvas tou fournou or Macedonian halva). It’s often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla and can include nuts, raisins, or even chocolate.

Types & Ingredients:

• Semolina Halva: This version is made by toasting semolina flour with oil and then simmering it with a sugar syrup. It has a soft, slightly grainy texture and is often spiced with cinnamon and studded with almonds or other nuts. It’s commonly referred to as the “1:2:3:4 halva” due to its simple recipe proportions.
• Tahini Halva: This variety is made with tahini (sesame paste) and sugar, resulting in a nutty, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Often found with added cocoa, vanilla, or almonds, it’s especially popular during fasting seasons.

Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata)

Last but not least, Greek salad, or horiatiki, is absolutely a must-try when visiting Athens! It’s a quintessential Greek dish that perfectly showcases the fresh, vibrant ingredients of the Mediterranean.

What It Is: Greek salad is a simple, rustic dish made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onions, Greek olives, and a generous slice of feta cheese on top. It’s typically seasoned with salt, oregano, and a good drizzle of Greek olive oil, and it may come with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Tips for Tasting Local Food in Athens