The Best Restaurants in Athens for Discerning Diners
Athens, a city where ancient history meets vibrant modernity, offers a culinary scene as rich and diverse as its past. This guide from The Nova Collection presents a curated selection of the best restaurants in Athens, designed to help discerning diners navigate the city's gastronomic landscape. From innovative interpretations of Greek classics to international flavors, prepare to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Greece.
Syntagma & Plaka — Elevated Dining with Acropolis Views
The historic heart of Athens, encompassing Syntagma Square and the charming Plaka district, is home to some of the city's most iconic dining establishments. Here, you can savor exquisite meals with unparalleled views of the Acropolis, blending ancient grandeur with modern culinary artistry. For a truly memorable experience, consider a meal at the renowned GB Roof Garden, perched atop the legendary Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens. Its panoramic vistas complement a menu of refined Greek and Mediterranean flavors. Another excellent choice is Metropolis Roof Garden, offering an elevated Athenian dining experience with Mediterranean flair. For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere with a focus on exceptional ingredients, xenodocheio Milos provides an elegant setting and a world-renowned seafood restaurant, emphasizing minimalist luxury and the art of fine dining. Staying nearby, Elia Ermou Athens Hotel also offers a stunning rooftop restaurant with Acropolis views.
Kolonaki & City Center — Contemporary Greek Gastronomy
The upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki and the bustling city center are hubs for contemporary Greek gastronomy, where chefs are reinterpreting traditional flavors with inventive techniques. Aleria is a standout, where Chef Gikas Xenakis masterfully blends classic Greek tastes with modern culinary artistry. For an innovative tasting menu, CTC Urban Gastronomy offers an exquisite journey through Greece's rich culinary heritage. Meanwhile, Hervé provides another compelling option for inventive Greek cuisine, pushing the boundaries of flavor. For a unique fusion experience, Nolan masterfully combines Greek ingredients with Japanese precision. In the heart of the city, Gatsby Athens offers a stylish setting with its on-site restaurant and lively bar, perfect for a sophisticated evening out. For those staying in Kolonaki, The Social Athens Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals is a stylish base to explore the area's dining scene.
Kifisia & Beyond — Refined Flavors in Tranquil Settings
Beyond the immediate city center, neighborhoods like Kifisia offer a more tranquil dining experience without compromising on culinary excellence. Here, you can find restaurants that focus on seasonal ingredients and refined techniques, often in more serene settings. Soil masterfully reinterprets Greek culinary traditions through a contemporary lens, showcasing the bounty of the land. For an even more intimate experience, Soil (Chef's Table) provides an ingredient-driven journey. For those exploring the quieter elegance of Kifisia, SAY HOTEL offers a modern, design-forward stay. In the vibrant Psirri district, hotels like Bellen Athens Hotel and Okupa provide excellent bases for exploring nearby culinary gems.
Where to Stay in Athens
To complement your culinary exploration, Athens offers a range of exceptional accommodations. For a landmark stay with unparalleled service, consider the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens overlooking Syntagma Square. If modern luxury in a quiet, refined setting is preferred, THE NIXON Luxury Suites and Apartment Hotel provides apartment-style autonomy with boutique hotel service. In the vibrant Psirri district, Bellen Athens Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat within walking distance of many attractions. For a design-forward experience, Okupa blends industrial-chic aesthetics with a central location.
Featured Hotels
xenodocheio Milos
xenodocheio Milos is an exquisite 5-star boutique hotel located in the historic heart of Athens, opposite the Old Parliament. As the first luxury property from the legendary Estiatorio Milos brand, it focuses on the art of fine dining and minimalist luxury. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms, a world-renowned seafood restaurant, and a dedicated wellness studio. With a prime location and a reputation for excellence, it offers a sophisticated retreat for travelers seeking an authentic yet refined Athenian experience. Enjoy unparalleled service, elegant neoclassical architecture, and a central location that puts the best of the city at your doorstep.
Why we recommend it: A luxury hotel known for its world-renowned seafood restaurant and minimalist elegance.
Okupa
Okupa is a stunning example of modern Athenian design, offering guests an 'Exceptional' 9.5-rated experience in the heart of the city. Located on the edge of the trendy Psirri district, this boutique hotel specializes in industrial-chic Double Rooms that serve as peaceful sanctuaries. With its clever use of raw materials and contemporary furnishings, Okupa appeals to design lovers and urban explorers alike. Its central location at 9 Psaromiligkou ensures that the Acropolis, Monastiraki, and the city’s best dining are all within walking distance. At €119 per night, it offers a high-end, curated experience that makes it a standout choice for those seeking style and authenticity in Athens.
Why we recommend it: A design-forward boutique hotel with industrial-chic interiors in the trendy Psirri district.
Gatsby Athens
Gatsby Athens is a provocative and stylish 5-star boutique hotel located in the historic center of Athens. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, it offers a refreshing blend of luxury, art, and social energy. With its prime location at Lekka 18, the hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the city's ancient landmarks and modern delights. Guests can enjoy impeccably designed Double Rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a lively bar that draws a chic local crowd. Exceptional service and a 9.3 guest rating ensure a memorable stay for those looking to experience the authentic heartbeat of modern Athens in a refined, Art Deco-inspired setting.
Why we recommend it: A stylish 5-star hotel with an on-site restaurant and vibrant bar in the city center.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens
The Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is the most iconic 5-star landmark in Athens, Greece. Located prominently on Syntagma Square, it offers a legendary blend of neoclassical elegance and modern luxury. Known for its breathtaking rooftop views of the Acropolis and its multi-award-winning GB Spa, the hotel provides a refined sanctuary for global travelers. Guests enjoy world-class service, including professional butler assistance and exquisite dining options from the rooftop garden to the historic Alexander’s Bar. With its museum-quality interiors and prime location near the city's major archaeological sites and luxury shopping, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is not just a place to stay, but a quintessential Athenian experience.
Why we recommend it: An iconic luxury hotel with a renowned rooftop restaurant offering Acropolis views.
The Social Athens Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
The Social Athens Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, is a stunning 4-star boutique property that brings contemporary sophistication to the heart of Kolonaki. Located on the exclusive Voukourestiou Street, the hotel is a reimagined mid-century landmark that now serves as a stylish social hub for discerning travelers. With its dark-toned, modern interiors, a vibrant restaurant and bar, and a prime location surrounded by high-end fashion houses and cultural sites, it offers a uniquely Athenian luxury experience. Highly rated for its service and design, it is the perfect base for those who want to experience the city's most fashionable neighborhood while enjoying the comfort of beautifully appointed Signature Rooms.
Why we recommend it: A contemporary hotel in Kolonaki with a vibrant restaurant and bar.
Bellen Athens Hotel
Bellen Athens Hotel is a sophisticated 4-star boutique property that has quickly earned a reputation for excellence, reflected in its remarkable 9.9 guest rating. Nestled in the historic Psirri district on Karaiskaki Street, the hotel offers a refined sanctuary for travelers exploring the ancient and modern wonders of Athens. With its contemporary design, 'Cozy Room Urban View' accommodations, and a commitment to personalized service, Bellen Athens provides an intimate and luxurious home base. Its central location allows for easy walking access to the Acropolis and major landmarks, while the surrounding neighborhood is rich with local culture, dining, and art. For those seeking a high-end, authentic Athenian experience, Bellen Athens is the ultimate choice.
Why we recommend it: A sophisticated boutique hotel in Psirri, offering a refined sanctuary close to dining and attractions.
THE NIXON Luxury Suites and Apartment Hotel
THE NIXON Luxury Suites and Apartment Hotel is a sophisticated 4-star sanctuary located in a refined pocket of Athens. Boasting an exceptional 9.6 guest rating, the hotel offers a perfect marriage of high-end apartment autonomy and boutique hotel service. The property features beautifully designed Junior Suites with private balconies, catering to travelers who value minimalist aesthetics and modern comfort. Situated on the peaceful Anna Mantzou street, it provides a quiet retreat while remaining conveniently close to the city's vibrant cultural landmarks and transport links. With personalized concierge service and a focus on authentic local experiences, THE NIXON is the ideal choice for those seeking a stylish and intimate base in the heart of the Greek capital.
Why we recommend it: Offers apartment autonomy with boutique service, ideal for discerning travelers.
Featured Restaurants
Soil (Chef's Table)
Soil (Chef's Table) redefines Greek gastronomy with an intimate, ingredient-driven experience that celebrates the country's rich culinary heritage through a contemporary lens.
Provides an intimate, ingredient-driven experience celebrating Greek culinary heritage.
Soil
Soil masterfully reinterprets Greek culinary traditions through a contemporary lens, showcasing the bounty of the land with exquisite precision and artistry.
Masterfully reinterprets Greek culinary traditions with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Aleria
At Aleria, Chef Gikas Xenakis masterfully reinterprets classic Greek flavors with contemporary techniques, presenting a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.
Showcases a sophisticated reinterpretation of classic Greek flavors with contemporary techniques.
Hervé
Hervé masterfully reinterprets classic Greek flavors through a contemporary lens, offering a dining experience that is both deeply rooted and boldly innovative.
Known for its bold and innovative reinterpretation of classic Greek flavors.
CTC Urban Gastronomy
CTC Urban Gastronomy redefines contemporary Greek cuisine, offering an exquisite tasting menu that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage through a modern, innovative lens.
Offers an exquisite tasting menu that redefines contemporary Greek cuisine.
GB Roof Garden
Perched atop the legendary Hotel Grande Bretagne, GB Roof Garden offers an unparalleled Athenian dining experience, marrying refined Greek and Mediterranean flavors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis.
Offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Acropolis with refined Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Metropolis Roof Garden
Metropolis Roof Garden offers an elevated Athenian dining experience with refined Greek flavors and breathtaking panoramic cityscapes.
Provides an elevated Athenian dining experience with Mediterranean flair and cityscapes.
Nolan
Nolan masterfully weaves together the vibrant tapestry of Greek ingredients with the delicate precision of Japanese culinary artistry, creating an unexpected and utterly delightful dining experience.
Features a unique and delightful Greek-Japanese fusion culinary artistry.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring Athens' culinary scene, with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Summers can be hot, while winters are mild but quieter.
How to Get There
Athens is served by Athens International Airport (ATH), with frequent connections to major global cities. From the airport, options include metro, suburban rail, express bus, or a pre-booked transfer. Consider a seamless arrival with a Luxury Athens Airport Transfer with Mercedes Benz E -class for comfort and style.
Logistics Tips
Many of Athens' best restaurants are located in central, walkable neighborhoods like Plaka, Syntagma, and Kolonaki. Public transport, including the metro, is efficient for longer distances. Reservations are highly recommended for popular establishments, especially on weekends. Explore all Athens hotels at [/hotels/athens] and discover more of [/country/greece]'s charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Athens' dining scene is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, offering something to delight every palate. We hope this curated guide helps you savor the very best of Greek gastronomy. Save your favorite spots to your wishlist, or explore more of our guides for your next adventure.