Ramona: The hidden tavern in Kallithea that serves authentic flavors since 1968
Ramona is a historic, family-run tavern in Kallithea that has been serving authentic, homemade flavors since 1968.
- 07/10/2025, 15:49
In the age of social media and image, where a single Instagram story filled with plates of food racks up “hearts” and restaurants set up “photogenic” corners, there are still taverns that don’t shout, but simply continue writing their own story. One of these is Ramona, in Kallithea.
It may be relatively hidden in the basement of an apartment building on Minos Street, but its reputation has long surpassed the boundaries of the neighborhood and the Southern Suburbs of Athens.
It all began in the summer of 1968, when Christos Kaskavelis decided to open a small basement spot at the corner of Agion Panton and Esperidon. As it turned out, he wasn’t just opening a tavern—he was creating a new hangout for the rebetiko musicians and artists of the time.
Who Ramona actually was remains a mystery. The owner, who passed away at a young age, never revealed the inspiration behind the name. His children, who run the business today, assume it must have come from an old song.
In 1974, the tavern moved a few streets down to its current address: 11–13 Minos Street. At the time, Christos Kaskavelis gave the land for an apartment building in exchange for a share, which he kept for the tavern. That way, Ramona was “hidden” once again in a basement—something he considered almost essential for a true tavern.
Hidden, yet always welcoming, Ramona quickly became once again a favorite meeting place for artists. Its tables filled up daily, often until seven in the morning.
Today, the tavern is run by the people who grew up inside it: Christos’ children and now his grandchildren. Together, they make sure the place remains authentic and true to itself.
You don’t come here for “gourmet” dishes, but for real flavor. For perfectly grilled meats and comforting home-style stews. The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and the food makes you want to return.
What should you try? Cheese pie with handmade country-style phyllo, fresh French fries, crispy meatballs, pork knuckle, rabbit in red sauce, among many others. And when winter comes and the cold sets in: boiled goat and beef stew that warms the soul.
Ramona is not just a tavern in Kallithea. It is a place with character, respect for its history, and a deep bond with its regulars. And, fortunately for all of us, it continues to write its own culinary story.