The Ultimate Athens Food Tour: A Culinary Journey Through Greece’s Capital

Embarking on an Athens food tour is hands down the most immersive and delightful way to delve into the heart of Greek cuisine. During our recent trip to Athens, we had an absolutely fantastic time exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene, guided by a knowledgeable local who introduced us to a plethora of authentic dishes and hidden gastronomic treasures. This experience goes beyond simply eating; it’s a deep dive into the culture, history, and passion that define Greek food.

The Allure of Greek Food in Athens

The food in Athens is truly an experience worth savoring and celebrating! Greece is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, profound history, and captivating culture, but its cuisine often steals the spotlight. If you’re planning a journey to Athens, creating a detailed “Athens food list” is an absolute must. This list will serve as your gastronomic guide, ensuring you sample all the essential dishes and beverages the city has to offer.

Greek gastronomy is characterized by its fresh, high-quality ingredients, often locally sourced, and prepared with generations-old recipes. The Mediterranean diet, with olive oil as its cornerstone, is celebrated worldwide for its health benefits and incredible flavors. In Athens, you’ll encounter a culinary tradition that perfectly blends ancient practices with modern flair, offering everything from hearty street food to sophisticated dining experiences.

Make sure to bookmark this post for your trip so you have a comprehensive guide to the must-try foods and drinks in Athens. For an in-depth look at one of Greece’s daily rituals, consider reading our guide to coffee in Greece next!

Why an Athens Food Tour is Essential

To truly unlock the secrets of Athenian culinary excellence, we wholeheartedly recommend embarking on an Athens food tour. This guided experience ensures you taste the best food in Athens, meticulously prepared using the freshest traditional ingredients, and enjoyed at establishments genuinely recommended by a local expert. Without a local guide, it’s easy to fall into tourist traps or miss out on the most authentic flavors.

Our experience with Secret Food Tours was exceptional. Learning about the nuances of Greek food from our delightful guide, Thalia, was both educational and incredibly fun. She led us to her cherished, often “secret” locations—places we likely would never have discovered on our own. Her insights made us feel truly at home in Athens as we sampled the most delicious Greek treats, creating memories that linger long after the flavors have faded.

We were invited to review this Athens food tour by Secret Food Tours. All opinions expressed are our own and reflect our genuine experience.

Athens Food Tour – Our Culinary Highlights

Our Athens food tour was a feast for the senses, offering a diverse array of dishes that showcased the incredible breadth of Greek cuisine. Here’s a closer look at the culinary delights we savored:

Koulouri

Start your day like a true Athenian with a delicious koulouri! This crunchy, circular bread, generously topped with sesame seeds, is the quintessential breakfast-on-the-go. Found at street vendors and bakeries across the city, its simple, savory taste and satisfying crunch make it a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike. It’s the perfect quick bite to fuel your exploration of Athens.

Related : How to Say I’m Hungry (learn to say “I’m hungry!” in 21+ different languages, including Greek)

Tyropita (Greek Cheese Pie)

Tyropita, or Greek cheese pie, is a traditional oven-baked delight featuring layers of crispy, golden phyllo pastry wrapped around a rich, savory cheese filling, typically a blend of feta and other white cheeses. It’s a versatile and comforting dish, perfect as a snack, a light lunch, or even part of a larger dinner spread. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of flaky crust and creamy, salty cheese.

Related : Make your own Greek tiropita at home!

Greek Coffee

Traditional Greek coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural ritual. Prepared in a small, long-handled pot called a briki, this unfiltered coffee is strong, bold, and served with its grounds. The way it’s enjoyed—slowly, often with company—is as important as its rich flavor. Some even say the patterns left by the grounds at the bottom of the cup can predict your future, adding a mystical element to this daily indulgence!

Related : Read our Coffee in Greece

Moustokouloura

These unique round cookies are a delightful discovery. Moustokouloura are made using grape must (the freshly crushed juice of grapes), which lends them a distinct sweetness and subtle fruitiness. Flavored with warm spices like clove and cinnamon, they offer a comforting, aromatic experience. These little cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a strong Greek coffee, balancing its intensity with their gentle sweetness.

Related : Greek Appetizers (8+ amazing Greek appetizers you can make at home!)

Fried Seafood

A true testament to Athens’ coastal proximity and vibrant markets, we had the pleasure of walking through a local Athens market and tasting incredibly fresh fried seafood. A platter featuring crispy fried shrimp, tender squid, and flavorful sardines, often served with a wedge of lemon, is a simple yet exquisite delight. The freshness of the ingredients shines through, offering a taste of the Aegean Sea right in the heart of the city.

Ouzo

Ouzo is Greece’s iconic national alcoholic drink, instantly recognizable by its strong, distinctive anise flavor. Often served as an aperitif, it traditionally becomes cloudy when mixed with water or ice, a phenomenon known as the “ouzo effect.” While its potent flavor might not appeal to everyone (I personally found it quite strong!), it’s an undeniable part of Greek social culture, and Hugo thoroughly enjoyed sampling it during our time in Greece.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is arguably the most famous Greek appetizer, and for good reason. This refreshing dip is a harmonious blend of thick, creamy Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, pungent garlic, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, often seasoned with fresh dill. Its cool, tangy profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to almost any Greek dish, from grilled meats to fresh pita bread.

Kolokytho-Keftedes

Kolokytho-keftedes are a revelation for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. These delightful fried zucchini balls are a burst of flavor, typically filled with savory feta cheese and aromatic fresh dill. After discovering these during our food tour, we were so enamored that we made sure to order them several more times during our dining experiences in Athens. They are a truly tasty example of Athens street food, and we’ve been dreaming about their deliciousness ever since leaving Athens.

Greek Olive Oil

Greek olive oil is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. It’s not merely an ingredient but a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and culture. During our Athens food tour, we sampled an exquisite extra virgin olive oil from the Messinia area in the Peloponnese Peninsula, known for producing some of the finest oils. This liquid gold is renowned for its health benefits, vibrant color, and fruity, sometimes peppery, notes, elevating every dish it touches.

Olives

Greece is home to an incredible diversity of olive varieties, each offering its own unique size, color, flavor, and texture. Exploring these differences is an essential part of any culinary journey through Athens. During the Secret Food Tour, we had the fantastic opportunity to taste and compare five distinct types of olives, gaining a deeper appreciation for this fundamental Greek ingredient. Understanding these nuances truly enhances your appreciation for Greek food.

Atlas Olives

Both Hugo and I were captivated by Atlas olives, deeming them our favorite from the entire food tour. These magnificent, large olives, often served stuffed, originate from Halkidiki and are almost exclusively cultivated in the Makedonia region, near Thessaloniki. Their impressive size has earned them affectionate nicknames like “olives for the heroes” or “donkey olives” in Greece, reflecting their substantial and satisfying nature.

Amfissis Olives

Amfissis olives are perhaps the most widely consumed table olives across Greece. Characterized by their distinct light brown hue, these olives hail from Amfissa, a charming town located in the central mainland of Greece. Their mild flavor and firm texture make them a popular choice for snacking and accompanying various meals, embodying a classic Greek olive experience.

Kalamata Olives

Globally, Kalamata olives are undoubtedly the most recognized Greek olive variety. They hold a prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning only olives harvested from Kalamata city in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece can bear this name. These dark purple, almond-shaped olives are celebrated for their rich, fruity flavor and meaty texture. Their premium quality and the necessity for hand-picking to prevent bruising contribute to their slightly higher price.

Throumba Thassou Olives

Throumba Thassou olives also boast Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, a testament to their unique characteristics. These distinct black and wrinkled olives undergo a natural fermentation process due to a specific fungus. They are unique in that they shrivel and sweeten directly on the tree, making them the only olive variety that can be eaten straight from the tree without any post-cultivation processing. They are exclusively grown on Thassos, Greece’s northernmost island, adding to their regional charm.

Koroneiki Olives

Koroneiki olives are the smallest of the varieties, notable for their vibrant golden-green color. Despite their diminutive size, they are highly prized for producing the finest quality of olive oil, rich in polyphenols and with a distinct peppery finish. These olives are primarily cultivated in the Koroni area of the southwest Peloponnese region, underscoring Greece’s diverse and rich olive oil heritage.

Fava Bean Purée

We absolutely adored the fava bean purée we tasted in Athens! This creamy, humble dish is made from fava beans specifically sourced from the volcanic island of Santorini, known for its unique soil that gives the beans their distinct flavor. The purée is simply prepared with raw onion, fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of premium olive oil, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, creating a wonderfully earthy and refreshing appetizer.

Saganaki Kessarias

Saganaki Kessarias is a hearty and flavorful omelette that offers a satisfying blend of ingredients. It typically features a rich combination of cheeses, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, all bound together with eggs. What makes it particularly special are the additions of sujuki (a spicy sausage made from lamb and beef) and pastourma (cured veal meat seasoned with a distinctive blend of spices), elevating it to a truly memorable and robust dish.

Galaktoboureko

Our food tour introduced us to the dreamy dessert that is Galaktoboureko. This classic Greek treat features a luscious, creamy custard made from semolina, generously encased in delicate, flaky sheets of phyllo pastry. After baking to golden perfection, it’s drenched in a sweet, aromatic syrup, resulting in a dessert that is simultaneously crispy, creamy, and wonderfully indulgent. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Kaymaki Ice Cream

Kaymaki ice cream offers a unique textural and aromatic experience unlike any other. Its distinct elasticity comes from *sahlep* (ground orchid root), while *mastic* (a resin from the mastic trees of Chios island) provides its signature aroma and flavor. This traditional Greek ice cream is often served with a warm, complementary topping, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that truly elevates it beyond a simple dessert.

Rakomelo

Rakomelo is a delightful traditional Greek spirit, a warm and inviting blend that perfectly balances strength with sweetness. It’s made by boiling raki (a potent pomace brandy) with honey and often infused with fragrant cinnamon and other spices. Served warm, Rakomelo is a comforting digestif, offering a pleasant kick and a sweet finish, making it a lovely way to conclude a meal, especially on a cooler evening.

More Essential Athenian Delights

Beyond the delights of our food tour, Athens offers an abundance of other culinary experiences that you simply cannot miss. Here are more fantastic foods and drinks to add to your Athens itinerary:

Chicken Souvlaki

Souvlaki is an iconic and immensely popular Athens food, appearing on almost every menu as you explore the city. These succulent skewers of grilled meat are a staple of Greek fast food and casual dining. We thoroughly enjoyed trying various iterations, from classic chicken souvlaki to flavorful lamb souvlaki, and even a unique tuna souvlaki during our trip. Marinated and grilled to perfection, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.

Greek Pita

A visit to Athens would be incomplete without indulging in fresh Greek pita bread. This soft, chewy, and slightly leavened flatbread is widely available at most restaurants, sometimes served automatically with your meal, and other times needing a special request. It’s an incredibly versatile accompaniment, perfect for scooping up creamy tzatziki, wrapping around tender souvlaki, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil. Its warm, comforting presence enhances almost every dish on this list.

Lamb Giaortlou

Lamb Giaortlou quickly became one of our absolute favorite meals in Athens. This exquisite dish masterfully combines tender lamb souvlaki with a generous dollop of thick, creamy Greek yogurt and a rich, savory tomato sauce. Served on a warm pita, the medley of flavors and textures is absolutely divine—the succulent lamb, the cooling yogurt, and the tangy tomato sauce all create a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience.

Gyro

The Greek gyro (pronounced “yee-roh”) is perhaps the most globally recognized Greek dish, having gained immense popularity worldwide. This iconic street food typically features flavorful slices of lamb, beef, or pork, cooked on a vertical rotisserie until perfectly tender and crispy. It’s traditionally served wrapped in soft pita bread with fresh red onions, juicy tomatoes, and a generous dollop of creamy Greek yogurt sauce, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying meal on the go.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a quintessential Greek comfort food, a layered casserole that tantalizes the taste buds. This rich and savory dish features a base of flavorful minced lamb meat, layered with tender slices of eggplant, ripe tomatoes, and often other vegetables. It’s crowned with a thick, creamy béchamel sauce and traditionally seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a truly aromatic and satisfying culinary experience.

Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

The traditional Greek Salad, known locally as Horiatiki Salata, is a testament to the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients. Unlike many Western salads, it famously contains no lettuce. Instead, it features ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and briny Kalamata olives, all generously topped with a substantial slab of creamy feta cheese. Drizzled with high-quality Greek olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, it’s a healthy, balanced, and utterly delicious meal, and one of our favorite things to order in Athens.

Dakos Salad

While not as universally known as the Greek Salad, the Cretan Dakos Salad is equally delicious and deserves a spot on your must-try list. This rustic salad features a thick slice of Cretan barley rusks (paximadi) as its base, softened slightly with water or olive oil. It’s then generously topped with grated ripe tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, tangy capers, rich Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano, creating a refreshing and hearty dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Mussels Saganaki

For seafood lovers, Mussels Saganaki offers a unique and incredibly tasty way to enjoy fresh mussels. This delightful dish features plump mussels cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, often with a hint of ouzo or white wine, and finished with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The combination of succulent seafood with the tangy tomato and salty cheese creates a truly memorable and aromatic experience.

Grilled Halloumi

Halloumi is a distinctive Greek cheese, traditionally crafted from a blend of goat’s and sheep’s milk. Known for its firm, somewhat rubbery texture and salty flavor, it has a remarkably high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying. When grilled, Halloumi develops a beautiful golden-brown crust while retaining its satisfying chewiness, becoming an absolute dream for cheese lovers. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon, it’s a simple yet incredibly delicious appetizer.

Related : Halloumi Fries Recipe

Cappuccino Freddo

Imagine your favorite cappuccino, but perfectly chilled and refreshingly iced – that’s the Cappuccino Freddo. I quickly fell in love with this daily indulgence during our time in Athens. It’s made by whipping espresso with ice until frothy, then topping it with a cold, airy milk foam. The result is a delightful, smooth, and incredibly delicious coffee that became a daily ritual. I’ve certainly missed it since returning to Paris!

Fresh Juice

Athens is dotted with incredible fresh juice stands, making it incredibly easy and affordable to enjoy a nutritious boost. The best part is the price; for approximately 2.75€, you can savor a gorgeous, freshly squeezed juice crafted from 4 or 5 different kinds of fruits. It’s an unbeatable value for a healthy and delicious refreshment, and we highly recommend making a daily fresh juice a delightful part of your Athenian routine.

Related : Mango Carrot Smoothie Recipe

Kataifi

Kataifi stands out as our favorite Greek dessert, offering a unique twist on traditional pastries. It’s crafted from finely shredded phyllo dough, resembling delicate threads, which is then filled with roughly chopped nuts (often walnuts or pistachios). This delectable creation is baked until golden and crispy, then generously soaked in a fragrant lemon-infused syrup, delicately scented with ground clove and cinnamon. The intricate texture and aromatic sweetness make it an unforgettable treat.

Greek Yogurt

Experience the creamy indulgence of authentic Greek yogurt, a staple of healthy and delicious Greek cuisine. Known for its thick texture and tangy flavor, it’s often served as a simple yet satisfying dessert or breakfast. A popular pairing, as we enjoyed, involves topping it with candied mandarin peel, adding a burst of citrusy sweetness that beautifully complements the yogurt’s natural tang. It’s a versatile ingredient that embodies the fresh and wholesome nature of Greek food.

• Coffee in Greece: Discover the Rich Traditions
• Exploring Athens Central Market: A Local’s Guide
• Wine Tasting in Athens, Greece: Savoring Local Vintages
• The Best Greek Souvenirs to Bring Home

Plan Your Athens Food Adventure

After reading about these incredible dishes and our unforgettable experiences, are you convinced you need to take an Athens food tour yet? We certainly hope so! A culinary journey through Athens offers a unique window into the city’s heart and soul, providing flavors and memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Greek cuisine with a local expert.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to experience Athens authentically, a food tour is the perfect way to savor the best of what this historic capital has to offer. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure, and immerse yourself in the vibrant gastronomy of Greece!

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If you love discovering local cuisines through food tours, you might also enjoy our exploration of Traditional Food in Paris with the Paris Guy.

First published September 9, 2019. Last updated March 19, 2021 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.