{"id":4173,"date":"2017-06-26T07:00:56","date_gmt":"2017-06-26T11:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.insightvacations.com\/?p=4173"},"modified":"2024-04-05T10:55:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T09:55:32","slug":"gia-mas-top-tavernas-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/gia-mas-top-tavernas-athens\/","title":{"rendered":"Gia Mas! The Top Tavernas in Athens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever since Athens won the Summer Olympics in 2004, the city\u2019s been treasuring its tranche of exclusive, upscale restaurants. However, for many people, the real joy of Greek gastronomy is experienced in humble tavernas, not Michelin star restaurants. From the neo-tavernas of Gazi-Keramikos and Metaxourgeio to the traditional magereika around Agias Irinis Square and the mezedes served at countless local bars, these are the best places to sample authentic Greek dishes and local recipes that have been part of the country\u2019s cuisine for centuries. Indulge in a few Zorba-esque evenings \u2013 complete with Greek dancing and generous measures of raki \u2013 at these tavernas in Athens.<\/p>\n

Psaras<\/h3>\n

Once a favorite of film-stars like Brigitte Bardot, Psaras is full of Athenians despite being in the tourist district of Plaka. This is in no small part due to its authentic Greek cuisine, which is served up on whitewashed steps that lead up to the Acropolis, and is accompanied by live music almost every evening.<\/p>\n

\"Tavernas<\/a><\/p>\n

Taverna \u00a9 iStock\/fotografiabasica<\/a><\/p>\n

Margaro<\/h3>\n

Famous for its fresh mullet, which dominates the streamlined menu, Margaro couldn\u2019t be more of a traditional taverna if it tried. Located in Piraeus, the city\u2019s port, there are no airs and graces here \u2013 just colorful table clothes, giant feta salads and hot heaps of crustaceans.<\/p>\n

\"Tavernas<\/a><\/p>\n

Cooked Seafood \u00a9 iStock\/foxysforestmanufacture<\/a><\/p>\n

Klimataria<\/h3>\n

Klimataria is synonymous with the sort of Greek home-cooking that conjures visions of psarosoupa (fish soup), keftedes (meatballs) and moussaka. Think exposed stone, colorful wooden chairs and sprawling vines and you\u2019re near the mark. Much loved by locals thanks to its back-to-basics cooking, another pull is the live music that starts at 4pm on weekends.<\/p>\n

\"Tavernas<\/a><\/p>\n

Interior \u00a9 Klimataria<\/p>\n

Diogenes<\/h3>\n

Putting the picture in picturesque, Diogenes couldn\u2019t look prettier from its shaded spot near the 4th century BC Lysicrates monument. Inside, there are garlands of garlic and old weights and measures alongside piles of tomatoes, but the real fun is in the food. Order lots of starters, like dolmades and yemista, as these are not only the best part of the menu, but offer better value for money, too.<\/p>\n

\"Tavernas<\/a><\/p>\n

Exterior \u00a9 Diogenes<\/p>\n

Thanasis<\/h3>\n

If kleftiko or saganaki dominate older Greek menus, the real staple of modern Greek cuisine is undoubtedly souvlaki. Serving this celebrated Greek version of the humble kebab, Thanasis, at the end of Mitropoleos, is a local favorite. Order one of its signatures and you\u2019ll find warm pita stuffed with chargrilled pork and topped with salad and chips, best enjoyed alongside a cool lager.<\/p>\n

Where better to try Greek food than in its homeland? Book the Treasures of Greece<\/a> escorted journey to sample some of Athens\u2019 most delicious dishes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ever since Athens won the Summer Olympics in 2004, the city\u2019s been treasuring its tranche of exclusive, upscale restaurants. However, for many people, the real joy of Greek gastronomy is experienced in humble tavernas, not Michelin star restaurants. From the neo-tavernas of Gazi-Keramikos and Metaxourgeio to the traditional magereika around Agias Irinis Square and the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":4175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1166,1823],"tags":[469,254,253,255,1058,1059,1057,1054,1055,1056,1053],"class_list":["post-4173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-food-drink","tag-athens","tag-cuisine","tag-food","tag-greece","tag-keftedes","tag-michelin-guide","tag-moussaka","tag-plaka","tag-raki","tag-souvlaki","tag-taverna"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGia Mas! 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