Attica is the historical region of Greece that surrounds Athens, the country's capital, encompassing ancient monuments, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and verdant mountains. Home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites including the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Attica blends millennia of history with a vibrant modern city culture.
Attica's culinary identity is defined by Athens, the capital, offering one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant food scenes. Traditional Greek cuisine — grilled seafood, mezedes, slow-cooked meats, and exceptional olive oil — forms the backbone, while a new generation of Michelin-starred chefs have elevated Greek ingredients to international acclaim. The region also benefits from its coastline, with Piraeus and the Athens Riviera renowned for some of Greece's finest fresh fish restaurants.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Attica.
Souvlaki in Pita
Charcoal-grilled pork skewers wrapped in thick pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki — Athens' ultimate street food
Where to try: O Thanasis (Monastiraki) or Kostas (Syntagma)
Price: €2.50-3
Moussaka
Layers of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and béchamel sauce — the quintessential Greek comfort dish
Where to try: Any traditional taverna in Plaka or Monastiraki
Price: €10-14
Grilled Octopus
Charcoal-grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil and lemon — best eaten at a seafood taverna in Piraeus or the Riviera
Where to try: Psarras Taverna (Plaka) or Mikrolimano harbor restaurants
Price: €14-18
Saganaki
Pan-fried graviera or halloumi cheese served sizzling hot with a squeeze of lemon — addictive as a starter
Where to try: Any mezedopoleio across Attica
Price: €7-10
Taramasalata
Creamy whipped fish roe dip with lemon and olive oil — far superior to any version outside Greece
Where to try: Ta Karamanlidika or any good mezedopoleio
Price: €5-8
Kakavia (Fish Soup)
Greek fisherman's soup with fresh catch, vegetables, and olive oil — similar to bouillabaisse and best at coastal fish tavernas
Where to try: Labros (Vouliagmeni) or Piraeus fish restaurants
Price: €12-16
Loukoumades
Honey-soaked fried dough balls dusted with cinnamon — Athens' most beloved sweet street food
Where to try: Loukoumades shops in Monastiraki and the Central Market
Price: €3-5
Greek Yogurt with Attica Honey
Thick strained yogurt topped with aromatic thyme honey from Mount Hymettus — simple perfection
Where to try: Any cafe or breakfast restaurant across Athens
Price: €5-7
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Greek
Seafood
Mediterranean
Souvlaki
Grilled Meats
Food tours & tastings in Attica
Eat your way through Attica with a guide.
Browse food experiences in AtticaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Souvlaki
Charcoal-grilled meat skewers in pita — the quintessential Athenian street food eaten at all hours
Find it at: Monastiraki Square, Exarchia, Kolonaki, everywhere
Gyros
Rotating spit of seasoned pork or chicken wrapped in pita with tzatziki and chips — the other great Greek street food
Find it at: Every neighborhood in Athens
Loukoumades
Honey-drenched fried dough balls, often with toppings like chocolate or sesame
Find it at: Monastiraki and the Central Market area
Koulouri
Sesame-encrusted ring bread — the classic Athenian breakfast on the go, sold by street vendors
Find it at: Street vendors outside metro stations throughout Athens
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta, eaten as a snack from bakeries throughout the day
Find it at: Bakeries and small cafes across Athens
Tiropita (Cheese Pie)
Phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese, a staple morning or afternoon snack
Find it at: Bakeries and zaharoplasteion throughout Attica
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
Athens' legendary covered market on Athinas Street with separate halls for fish, meat, olives, spices, and produce — a visceral sensory experience
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-3PM
Monastiraki Flea Market
Sunday antique and food market spreading across Avyssinias Square and surrounding streets with honey, local produce, and street food vendors
Hours: Sunday 8AM-4PM (shops open daily)
Glyfada Street Market (Laiki)
Lively twice-weekly open-air market in Glyfada with fresh local produce, olives, cheeses, herbs, and honey from Attica
Hours: Tuesday and Friday mornings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Dinner in Athens starts late — most locals don't eat before 9PM and restaurants are busiest from 9:30PM onwards
Lunch is typically served from 1-4PM; tavernas may not serve full menus outside these hours
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 10-15% is standard; leaving coins on the table is common
Many traditional tavernas only accept cash — always carry euros
Ask to see the fish before ordering by the kilo; fresh fish should have bright eyes and red gills
The bread charge (kouverts) of €0.50-1 per person is standard and usually includes olives or dips
Water and house wine are very affordable — a carafe of local barrel wine is typically €5-8
Always ask what's fresh or 'what's good today' — chefs appreciate the question and will guide you to the best dishes
- Vegetarian
- Greek cuisine is very vegetarian-friendly with abundant mezedes, vegetable dishes, cheese, and legumes. Look for 'nistisima' (fasting dishes) which are traditionally vegan.
- Halal
- Halal options are available in the Omonia neighborhood and around the Central Market area. Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants are good options.
- Gluten free
- Greek cuisine has naturally gluten-free options including grilled fish and meats, salads, and many mezedes. Ask specifically about phyllo pastry dishes and shared fryers.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €5-12 per meal | Street souvlaki, bakery pies, neighborhood souvlaki shops, and laiki market food |
| Mid-range | €15-30 per meal | Tavernas, mezedopoleia, and casual restaurants with table service |
| Upscale | €60+ per meal | Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining establishments |