Plaka and Monastiraki are the dining heart of central Athens, with hundreds of restaurants packed into a few square kilometres of cobbled lanes. The challenge is not finding somewhere to eat; it is filtering out the tourist traps and identifying the genuinely good tavernas, mezedopoleia, and modern Greek restaurants where Athenians actually eat. This guide ranks the 25 best restaurants in Plaka and Monastiraki, Athens, with current 2026 prices, signature dishes, the right times to go, and clear advice on which suits which kind of meal.
Every restaurant below was checked against Tripadvisor, Eater, the Michelin Guide, and the Athens local guides Lifo and This Is Athens. Reservations are highly recommended at the named restaurants, particularly for dinner; book at least 2-3 days in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings.
How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Plaka & Monastiraki
Three reliable filters. First, walk uphill. The higher you go from Adrianou and Kydathineon, the better the food gets and the lower the prices drop. Second, avoid restaurants with photographs of every dish on a menu outside; serious Greek tavernas don’t need to advertise this way. Third, look for restaurants where Greeks are eating; if 100% of the customers are tourists, the food is calibrated to the lowest common denominator.
For broader trip planning, see our Athens Food Guide pillar, our traditional Greek dishes guide, and our Plaka hotels guide.
Historic Tavernas in Plaka
1. Platanos Taverna (since 1932)
The oldest continuously-operating taverna in Plaka, in business since 1932 under the same plane tree (the platanos that gives it its name). Henry Miller and Patrick Leigh Fermor both wrote about meals here. Karagiozi shadow-puppet decorations, checked tablecloths, and a menu that has barely changed in 90 years: lemon-roasted lamb (kleftiko), gigantes plaki, and stewed octopus. €18-30 per person. Address: 4 Diogenous Street.
2. The Old Tavern of Psarras (since 1898)
Plaka’s senior elder, in business since 1898. Three indoor rooms (one with frescoes), a courtyard for summer dining, and live Greek music most evenings. Famous for its moussaka, grilled octopus, and saganaki. €25-35 per person. Address: 16 Erechtheos Street.
3. To Kafeneio (since 1935)
One of the oldest tavernas in Athens, in a converted 1930s coffeehouse. The classic mezedopolio experience: shared small plates, barrel wine, occasional live rebetiko music. €15-22 per person. Address: 1 Epicharmou Street.
4. Saita
The quietest serious taverna in central Plaka, on the upper end of Kydathineon Street where the tour groups thin out. Family-run; the matriarch makes the gigantes plaki and her son grills the lamb chops. €18-25 per person. Address: 21 Kydathineon Street.
5. Diogenis
Charming family-run taverna on Lysiou Street, one block uphill from the main Plaka tourist drag. Excellent moussaka, gemista, and a generous house wine. €15-22 per person. Address: 4 Lysiou Street.
Modern Greek & Contemporary Restaurants in Plaka
6. Karamanlidika tou Fani
Modern mezedopolio specialising in cured meats and cheeses from northern Greece, with a particular focus on the Karamanlides Greek-speaking refugees from Asia Minor. The pastourma (Greek cured beef) is exceptional. €25-35 per person. Address: 1 Sokratous Street.
7. Avocado
The best-known vegetarian-vegan restaurant in central Athens, on Nikis Street. Modern Greek cuisine with strong vegetable focus; excellent for travellers wanting plant-based food. €18-28 per person. Address: 30 Nikis Street.
8. Mama Roux
The in-house restaurant at the New Hotel near Plaka, with a contemporary Greek menu, excellent cocktails, and a cool design-focused crowd. €30-45 per person. Address: 16 Filellinon Street.
9. Mani Mani
Refined modern Greek restaurant in Koukaki (5 minutes’ walk from Plaka), specialising in dishes from the Mani peninsula in the southern Peloponnese. Famous for its handmade pasta and slow-cooked lamb. €35-50 per person. Address: 10 Falirou Street.
10. Strofi
Modern Greek restaurant on a hidden side street near the Acropolis Museum, with a rooftop terrace looking directly at the Parthenon. Sophisticated takes on classic Greek dishes. €40-55 per person. Address: 25 Rovertou Galli Street.
Best Restaurants & Tavernas in Monastiraki
11. Thanasis
The legendary souvlaki bar on Mitropoleos Street, in business since 1964 and arguably the best traditional pork souvlaki in central Athens. Walk-up window for takeaway (€4-5) or sit-down service in the upstairs dining room (€10-15). Open until 2 AM weekends. Address: 69 Mitropoleos Street.
12. Bairaktaris
The other major Mitropoleos souvlaki institution, since 1879 (older than Thanasis but considered the second-best by most locals). Particularly known for its gyros pita. €4-15. Address: 2 Monastirakiou Square.
13. Lefteris O Politis (Petralona)
The local secret souvlaki destination, 10 minutes’ walk west of Monastiraki in Petralona. The best souvlaki in Athens according to many Athenians, at significantly lower prices than the central Plaka and Mitropoleos competitors. €8-15. Address: 14 Akaki Street, Petralona.
14. Diporto Agoras
The 1887 underground basement taverna near the central market, on Sokratous Street. No menu, no sign on the door, communal seating, house wine straight from the barrel. €12-18 per person. Closes at 6 PM. Cash only. Address: 9 Sokratous & Theatrou.
15. Maiandros
Reliable traditional taverna in Monastiraki with comfort-food Greek classics; open late (until 1 AM most nights). Excellent for travellers staying out for the Monastiraki nightlife. €18-25 per person. Address: 23 Adrianou Street.
16. Kuzina
Modern Greek with a beautiful glass-roofed dining room; one of the more upscale Monastiraki options. Good list of Greek wines. €30-45 per person. Address: 9 Adrianou Street.
17. Klimataria
Excellent traditional taverna in Psyri (5 minutes from Monastiraki) with a focus on Asia Minor Greek cuisine and live rebetiko music on weekend nights. €22-30 per person. Address: 5 Theatrou Square.
Cafés & Coffee Stops in Plaka & Monastiraki
18. Yiasemi
Pretty Plaka café on the steps of Mnisikleous, with a leafy garden full of jasmine. Excellent breakfast, all-day brunch, and Greek coffee. €5-12 per person. Address: 23 Mnisikleous Street.
19. Klepsidra
Hidden Plaka café on Klepsydra Street with a small flower-filled courtyard and one of the best Acropolis views from a coffee table in the city. €5-10 per person. Address: 4 Klepsydra Street.
20. Tristrato Café
1930s café hidden behind a flowering courtyard on Dedalou Street. White tablecloths, Greek coffee in copper briki pots, baklava. €5-10 per person. Address: 34 Dedalou Street.
21. Dianthos
Modern speciality coffee shop on Adrianou Street, with the best espresso and pastry selection in central Plaka. €4-8 per person. Address: 73 Adrianou Street.
Bars, Wine Bars & Late-Night Options
22. Brettos
The 1909 distillery on Kydathineon Street with a backlit-bottle bar that is one of the most photographed interiors in Greece. Try the masticha or kumquat liqueur. €5-7 per glass. Open until 1 AM. Address: 41 Kydathineon Street.
23. Six d.o.g.s.
The most respected music venue in central Athens, hidden behind an unmarked door on Avramiotou Street. Garden bar, natural-wine cellar, live music or DJs most nights. Open until 4 AM weekends. Address: 6-8 Avramiotou Street.
24. A for Athens (rooftop bar)
The legendary rooftop bar on Monastiraki Square. The Acropolis framed dramatically; arguably the most photographed sunset cocktail view in Athens. €10-15 per cocktail. Address: 2-4 Miaouli Street.
25. Couleur Locale
Smaller, more intimate Monastiraki rooftop with a perfectly framed Acropolis view. Excellent cocktails, good food menu. €10-15 per cocktail. Address: 3 Normanou Street.
Choosing the Right Restaurant for the Right Meal
Quick lunch: Thanasis or Bairaktaris for souvlaki, Lukumades on Aiolou for sweets. Romantic dinner: Strofi (Acropolis view), Mama Roux, or Mani Mani. First-time-in-Athens taverna experience: Platanos, The Old Tavern of Psarras, or To Kafeneio. Late-night meal: Maiandros (until 1 AM), Diporto for lunch (closes 6 PM). Vegetarian: Avocado, Saita, Karamanlidika (good vegetable mezedes). Sunset cocktails with Acropolis view: A for Athens, Couleur Locale.
Restaurant Reservations & Booking
Most Plaka and Monastiraki restaurants accept walk-ins for early dinner (before 9 PM) but fill up after 9. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest; reserve at least 2-3 days ahead. Book directly through the restaurant phone number or website (most have one) rather than third-party platforms. Many restaurants have outdoor terrace seating that is first-come; arrive 15 minutes before opening for the best tables. Greek dinner runs 9 PM to midnight; book the 9 PM slot if you want a relaxed pace.
Average Restaurant Prices
Souvlaki street vendor: €4-6. Casual taverna lunch: €15-22 per person. Mid-range traditional taverna dinner with wine: €25-35 per person. Modern Greek upscale dinner: €40-55 per person. Tasting menus at top spots (Mani Mani, Strofi): €60-90 per person. Cocktails at rooftop bars: €10-15. Bottle of decent Greek wine in restaurant: €25-40. Tipping 5-10% rounded up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Plaka, Athens?
For traditional taverna experience, Platanos Taverna (1932), The Old Tavern of Psarras (1898), and To Kafeneio (1935). For modern Greek, Mama Roux, Karamanlidika tou Fani, and Avocado. For Acropolis view, Strofi.
What are the best restaurants in Monastiraki?
For souvlaki, Thanasis and Bairaktaris on Mitropoleos. For modern Greek, Kuzina. For traditional, Maiandros. For unique underground experience, Diporto Agoras (lunch only).
How do I avoid tourist traps in Plaka?
Walk uphill (away from the main tourist drag); avoid restaurants with photographed menus outside; look for places where Greeks are eating. The named restaurants in this guide all pass the local-quality test.
Where can I get the best souvlaki in Athens?
For central convenience, Thanasis on Mitropoleos. For local recommendation and lower prices, Lefteris O Politis in Petralona (10 minutes’ walk west). For the historic name, Bairaktaris on Monastiraki Square.
What are the best restaurants in Plaka with Acropolis views?
Strofi (modern Greek, rooftop terrace) and the rooftop restaurants at AthensWas (Sense), Hotel Grande Bretagne (GB Roof Garden), and King George (Tudor Hall). For lower-budget options with a partial view, the rooftop terraces at Plaka Hotel and Hera Hotel.
Do Plaka restaurants accept credit cards?
Most modern restaurants and the larger tavernas accept cards. Smaller traditional tavernas and souvlaki bars often prefer cash; Diporto Agoras is cash only. ATMs are widely available throughout Plaka and Monastiraki.
What time do Plaka restaurants open?
Most tavernas open at 12-1 PM for lunch and 6-7 PM for dinner. Greek lunch peaks at 2-3 PM; Greek dinner peaks at 9-10 PM. Many tavernas close from 4-7 PM in the afternoon. The souvlaki bars (Thanasis, Bairaktaris) are open continuously from late morning until 2 AM weekends.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more food-focused content, see our pillar guide to Athens food and dining, our traditional Greek dishes guide, our Plaka hotels guide, our Monastiraki hotels guide, and our things to do guide.