At times I like to wind it back and try street food in Athens. One can only wine and dine at the best restaurants in Athens occasionally because you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t venture out to where it all started somewhat 20 years ago. There’s been a surge of epic multicultural vendors popping up around the Greek Capital, changing the entire landscape of what we once knew Athens street food to be.
Athens presents to us a timeless fusion of antiquity and urban flair. It is bursting with some of the most vibrant street food and food trucks that make it a playful experience to hop around some of the best neighbourhoods in Athens and sample the best food they have to offer. Alternate between Middle Eastern, South American, and Asian flavour profiles all while remaining in the bustling capital city of Greece.
When you think of the street food options in Athens you’ll gravitate to the obvious options like Souvlaki Pitas, Loukoumades, and Savoury Pies that saturate the nation. I’m here to inform you that there’s more than meets the eye these days, and if you’re curious enough to step out of this bubble, I’d like to invite you to try some of the best street food in Athens! Ready to kick it street style?
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A Lover Of Athens Street Food
The very first urge and must-have when I touch ground in Athens Greece is to get my hands on a flakey, oily (the good kind) Spanakopita. I probably haven’t even stepped foot out of the airport yet and I’m already falling head over heels for the simple pleasures of Athens street food. *I can see this becoming a long-term problem of mine.*
Think back to the times you were travelling Europe. What is the one food you craved the most after a long day at the beach or after endless hours of sightseeing? Don’t worry I know what you’re going to say… STREET FOOD! Food for the soul that is easily accessible and instantaneous. There is no middleman, just you and the vendor. This has to be the most ideal situation when you’re too hungry to pick a restaurant or have left plans to the last minute and these cheap eats Athens come to the rescue.
Athens’s food market scene is second to none. It can be overwhelming but the best spots for a quality feed are in and around the hub of Monastiraki Square, Psirri, and some on the outskirts. You’re drawn into all corners of the city as you follow the aroma of freshly baked Greek pies, golden fried loukoumades, and sizzling souvlaki. Whether you’re stumbling out of a bar at 5 am looking to cure an impending hangover, or looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these are some of my favourite places to enjoy the best street food in Athens.
The Best Street Food In Athens
This list is curated to invite you into the world of Athens street food though bear in mind, it is not limited to just the ones mentioned. It would have been an exhausting list if it was. Use this Athens food guide as a springboard to further explore the rich and diverse street food culture of the best place on earth, Athens.
01. A Souvlaki Story
We’re coupling the two classics of Athens, Kostas and Lefteris O Politis. Both of these institutions have been operating since the late 1940s/ Early 1950s and they’ve withstood the test of time. You may be shocked that neither of these vendors serves their souvlaki pitas with Tzaziki *gasps* but you will be most delightfully surprised by their unique souvlaki recipes. These two legends are withholding the standard for some of the best street food in Athens.
Kostas is sizzling up some delicious pork souvlaki over glowing coals which is then bedded into a generous lathering of tomato-based sauced pita and topped with the lot. You can also get their fermented and famed beef patties as an alternative option. (YUM). Lefteris on the other hand, is your go-to for the most juicy and moist beef patty pita topped with the lot and a dusting of hot paprika, the only place I’d trust to add some spice into your life.
02. Zisis – Fish In A Cone
Street food in Greece isn’t always just souvlaki and pitas, it also comes in the form of a paper cone filled with fried fish. Yep… you heard that right. Zisis is the icon for the crunchiest and most delectable fried fish that money can buy and is the perfect spot to zoom into and pick up your hit during your city affairs. Known for being ‘the place for seafood lovers’, Zisis fries up everything from Whitebait, Sardines, Kalamari, Shrimps… you name it.
Even those who despise seafood can appreciate the salty and melt-in-your-mouth texture of fried Calamari, right? Have I sold it for you yet? For some cheap eats Athens, follow the scent of freshly fried seafood and get yourself the only other thing better than gelato in a cone, FISH!
03. Loukoumades – A Cult Favourite
Sticky, sweet, crispy balls of sunshine. That’s how I’d describe these Athens street food staples. Loukoumades are by far one of the most comforting and nostalgic Greek desserts savoured by both young and old; no trip to Greece is complete without them. Athens is at the helm of street food in Greece so you best believe you’ll find some gold-class loukoumades here.
You can start with the overly popular, but top-quality, Lukumades next to Aghia (Saint) Irini Church. Lukumades are the “Re-inventors of the oldest recorded pastry Vegan Based Dough.” Here you can fill, top, or spread an enormous selection of goodies onto your loukoumades to elevate your dessert just that tad more. On the other hand, if you want to indulge them in their simplest form, I’d head to Ktistakis, who has been operating since 1912 to offer you the best crunchy and bite-sized dough balls. There is only one (and the best) way to have them at Ktistakis, with honey and cinnamon.
04. Stani – For The Greek Yoghurt Fanatics
Did you even go to Greece without ingesting kilos of Greek Yoghurt? Stani is not for the lactose-intolerant *cries* and exudes a historical presence in the Greek capital being one of the last-standing old-school dairy bars. There is a milky aroma that wafts from the venue, and the bustling store marks its presence in the street. For a local, Stani makes the best Greek yoghurt. We would agree. After all, this yoghurt that’s made from sheep is far more nutritious and often associated with health and longevity.
Are you a plain Jane who enjoys your yoghurt in its purest form? Or are you going Greek style with a generous drizzle of honey and crushed walnuts on top? If you’re looking to add a little more indulgence into your day, I’d also order some of the traditional Greek dessert classics like Rizogalo (rice pudding) and other Greek pastries and pies. Stani offers some of the best food in Athens.
05. Fillo – Endless Greek Pies
Fillo takes me back to when I used to watch my Yiayia opening phyllo and making some of the best savoury pies (still to this day coming in at number one) where the dough overlaps each other and as you bite into the pie you feel yourself working through the layers until the filling bursts through; a flavourful explosion. The pies are of a similar nature to those at Fillo, which is why this is one of my favourite street food spots in Athens.
There is no shortage of options here and it really depends on your mood and which ones you haven’t made your way through yet. If you want to play it safe then order the institutional Spanakopita (Spinach pie with or without cheese) or variations of the Tiropita (cheese pie). I like to get a little fancy and opt for the Kotopita (Chicken pie) or Kreatopita (Meat pie). Order them all for a pita frenzy since they’re some of the best Athens cheap eats.
06. Falafellas – Monastiraki
In a 12-hour window, how many times do you think you could eat at Falafellas? I’d say you can go back more than once because their falafel wraps and pita pockets are oozing of flavour. They’re not the dark-coloured oily falafels (or dry) you may be used to, and you can easily tweak your wrap’s filling to take out (or add) what you need to create the ultimate falafel fiesta. For a whopping 4 Euros, you’ll be eating like a king (or Queen).
As mentioned, the falafel is so light that you can easily come back for more throughout the day. It’s the perfect pre-lunch primer, afternoon boost or pre-party stomach liner. A gem to be found on the streets of Athens and one for the books for the best street food in Greece.
07. Feyrouz – Monastiraki
As a humble family-owned establishment, Feyrouz has been serving Athens Levantine street food since 2014. Greece is no stranger to dough-based savoury foods, so devouring in a Lahmajoun or Peinirli has been no issue and with no complaints. It is a trusted and adored venue that is making a mark on the Athens street food culture. Feyrouz is a little of this and a little of that. To elaborate, the levantine icon operates as a bakery, meet restaurant, meet pastry shop.
The historical centre of Athens is blessed with artisanal street food that is baked fresh daily, and on high rotation. You’re almost (almost…) certain to get your hands on the entire range Feyrouz has to offer in savoury or sweet. They’re vegan and vegetarian friendly so it’s a win-win for all.
08. Ergon Bakehouse
Ergon Bakehouse (a unified force with 72H Artisanal Bakery) is more or less, a new kid on the block making waves in the street food scene for its artisanal baked goods. Ergon are experimenters, mixing traditional Greek pastries with modern interpretations and classics. Their ethos speaks loudly above all, demonstrating dedication to the finest quality of ingredients, craftsmanship and consumer experience. It isn’t just about the products here at Ergon, though of equal importance about the significance of shared experiences and memories.
I’m racing now to get my hands on the cinnamon scrolls, and maybe pick up a savoury snail… and probably a mini lemon cake! Before I go too far (though maybe I already have), I’d like us to take a moment to appreciate the perfection of the embracing crust of their pizza. It has just the right amount of char and cushion which is key; a true Italian masterpiece! So now you see, Ergon is serving up a slice of some of the best (elevated) street food in Athens and all you have to do is show up for it.
09. Marketta – For A Fresh Refresh
There will be times when you’ll want to tone down the intensity of inventive food you’ve been sampling on your Athens vacation, and when this occurs I would suggest visiting Marketta Athens. Here you’ll find simple ingredients used to create fresh homemade sandwiches, salads, and bites. They pack a punch and rotate seasonally and even as often as weekly.
Wash it down with a cheeky wine if you wish and then call it a day because you may have just found your picnic-perfect ready street food in Athens. There’s nothing I like more than honest-to-goodness, homemade food like Marketta.
10. Lacantina Street Food – Exarchia
For some ethnic street food inspired by the influence of Middle Eastern and Asian flavour combinations, Lacantina in Exarchia is your pit stop. We’re alluding to traditionally made falafels, exotic curries, that can be served over a bed of rice or in a wrap, and unique salad combinations. I would most definitely take the trip to this grungier part of town and explore the flavours of this ethnic food joint. After all, we’re looking to expand upon the traditional offering that used to define the characteristic of Athens street food.
Rounding Up Street Food In Greece
Venturing out and trying these diverse Athens street food options has highlighted the growth in Greek gastronomy over the last decade. It depicts an openness to try food out of our comfort zones and a willingness to understand other cultures through the love language of food. The rhythm of these markets swells long throughout the days, and you are surrounded by amicable banter, the sizzling of food and the aroma of spices from around the world.
There’s something unique about street food in Greece. It’s almost second nature, a first thought, not a last resort. It is short, abrupt, but sweet. It is bursting with flavour and carries you through the day (or night) as you go about your duties.
This guide showcases some of the best street food in Greece, combining the flavours of the world and offering them to you on a silver platter. Sift through the list and tell us which was your favourite (or what more you discovered).