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Eat Out in Historic Plaka for the Best of Greek Cuisine
Published by Anna Shevchenko, Writer
Country: Greece 
The Experience
To taste the very best of Greek cuisine, visit Plaka: one of the oldest districts of Athens. With its streets closed to car traffic, Plaka dining brings the charm of a small Greek village into the city of Athens. Whether you are looking for a light lunch during a day of sightseeing, or a full dinner in the evening, Plaka is the best place to find food in Athens.
In the morning, get energized with a frappé foam-covered ice drink made from Nescafe instant coffee. Although the Greek frappé was apparently an accidental discovery, it’s the most popular summer beverage in Greece; and is available all over Plaka. Ask for it “medium sweet” and relax under the umbrella of a restaurant in Plaka before a day of tourist sights.
For lunch, you could never go wrong with a Greek salad, grilled calamari, gyro or souvlaki dish. Pita bread with tzatziki sauce makes the best appetizer, and every restaurant in Plaka serves alcoholic beverages. Greek beer is great; so is chilled house wine or a jug of sangria.
For an afternoon snack, chill out with a cup of Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, nuts and honey. No time to sit down at a restaurant or café? No problem! Just grab an ice cream from one of the street vendors in Plaka. Other great on-the-go foods are grilled corn, roasted nuts, and fresh coconut slices and rolls. Your best option is koulouri: a type of Greek sesame bread that you can buy for about 30 cents. Always deliciously fresh, Greek koulouri of Plaka is as epic as the baguette of France.
Try some of the other dishes of Greek cuisine by going to a Greek taverna for dinner. Tavernas in Plaka offer menus with a number of foods at a fixed price. Taste the traditional Greek moussaka, dolmades, and a variety of meat dishes and deserts all for about 12 euros.
The best thing about Plaka taverna's is that most of the tables are outside in the narrow streets. This way, even while eating, you feel in the middle of the life around you. Many venues offer live music at nighttime, and there are also street musicians who wander the narrow streets playing for anyone who will listen.
To get away from the street life, choose one of the restaurants in Plaka that offer tables on stairways and balconies, which are charmingly decorated with pots of geraniums. These provide some privacy while still overlooking the passersby on the streets. Another secluded option is the rooftop restaurants. These are the best at night once the sun has set.
In the morning, get energized with a frappé foam-covered ice drink made from Nescafe instant coffee. Although the Greek frappé was apparently an accidental discovery, it’s the most popular summer beverage in Greece; and is available all over Plaka. Ask for it “medium sweet” and relax under the umbrella of a restaurant in Plaka before a day of tourist sights.
For lunch, you could never go wrong with a Greek salad, grilled calamari, gyro or souvlaki dish. Pita bread with tzatziki sauce makes the best appetizer, and every restaurant in Plaka serves alcoholic beverages. Greek beer is great; so is chilled house wine or a jug of sangria.
For an afternoon snack, chill out with a cup of Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, nuts and honey. No time to sit down at a restaurant or café? No problem! Just grab an ice cream from one of the street vendors in Plaka. Other great on-the-go foods are grilled corn, roasted nuts, and fresh coconut slices and rolls. Your best option is koulouri: a type of Greek sesame bread that you can buy for about 30 cents. Always deliciously fresh, Greek koulouri of Plaka is as epic as the baguette of France.
Try some of the other dishes of Greek cuisine by going to a Greek taverna for dinner. Tavernas in Plaka offer menus with a number of foods at a fixed price. Taste the traditional Greek moussaka, dolmades, and a variety of meat dishes and deserts all for about 12 euros.
The best thing about Plaka taverna's is that most of the tables are outside in the narrow streets. This way, even while eating, you feel in the middle of the life around you. Many venues offer live music at nighttime, and there are also street musicians who wander the narrow streets playing for anyone who will listen.
To get away from the street life, choose one of the restaurants in Plaka that offer tables on stairways and balconies, which are charmingly decorated with pots of geraniums. These provide some privacy while still overlooking the passersby on the streets. Another secluded option is the rooftop restaurants. These are the best at night once the sun has set.
When to Go to Plaka Restaurant
The best time to eat out in Plaka is when the weather is warm so you can enjoy the seating outdoors. Late spring through to early autumn is the best time of the year to taste local vegetables and fruit. For the most romantic setting, eat out in Plaka at night when the historic site of Acropolis is illuminated above the district.
Some excellent recommendations for restaurants in Plaka include Xen Zeus, Exapinis, Sissifos,Scholarhio and Stamatopoulos Taverna.
Some excellent recommendations for restaurants in Plaka include Xen Zeus, Exapinis, Sissifos,Scholarhio and Stamatopoulos Taverna.
Odds n' Ends
When served on a plate, gyros and souvlaki cost about 7 euros; but the same meal wrapped in pita and paper "to go" costs around 2 euros.
In Greece, gratuities at restaurants are included in your bill. Greek servers in Plaka do not expect a tip and always bring your change back to the last penny.
Serving portions in Greek restaurants in Plaka are large, and even a single salad makes a very filling meal. If you plan to taste a variety of foods, consider a restaurant that serves a number of dishes at a fixed price.
Greek restaurant owners in Plaka put a lot of effort in the setting of each establishment. Inside even the smallest taverna, you never find cheap plastic furniture or cutlery. Instead, there are dishes made of glass and metal, linen tablecloth, and candles at night.
There are also many homeless dogs on the streets of Plaka. These gentle giants lie in the shade along the sidewalks and never approach tables in the restaurants.
If you are looking for a restaurant for an intimate meal it is best to avoid Adrianu Street, which is lined with vendors selling souvenirs and antiques, and is a very busy place.
In Greece, gratuities at restaurants are included in your bill. Greek servers in Plaka do not expect a tip and always bring your change back to the last penny.
Serving portions in Greek restaurants in Plaka are large, and even a single salad makes a very filling meal. If you plan to taste a variety of foods, consider a restaurant that serves a number of dishes at a fixed price.
Greek restaurant owners in Plaka put a lot of effort in the setting of each establishment. Inside even the smallest taverna, you never find cheap plastic furniture or cutlery. Instead, there are dishes made of glass and metal, linen tablecloth, and candles at night.
There are also many homeless dogs on the streets of Plaka. These gentle giants lie in the shade along the sidewalks and never approach tables in the restaurants.
If you are looking for a restaurant for an intimate meal it is best to avoid Adrianu Street, which is lined with vendors selling souvenirs and antiques, and is a very busy place.
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