Dinner with a view: 3 must-visit restaurants in Athens this summer
- 11/07/2025 16:27
These Athens spots combine outstanding food with breathtaking views and are becoming our must-visit summer destinations.
Looking for a restaurant with a view, but also one that meets your always-high standards when it comes to food and service? Here are three options in three different neighborhoods, each offering a breathtaking vista—because when you’re gazing down at the world from above, Athens truly does look like a painting.
Balconi stis Kyklades, Vyronas
What if we told you that in Vyronas there’s a balcony with views of Koufonisia, Astypalaia, Skyros, and Hydra? Believe it or not, Angelos Koveos has brought a piece of Schoinoussa (and the Small Cyclades) to the foothills of Mount Hymettus—and while you might not actually see Astypalaia from Balconi stis Kyklades, you do get all of Athens laid out before you.
Grilled, pan-fried, steamed with baby potatoes, zucchini in a fish broth, fricassee with seasonal greens and leeks, or giouvetsi with fresh tomato and herbs, and of course fish soup—fish is undoubtedly the star here. The wild-caught fish at Balconi stis Kyklades are paired with wonderful wines from the Greek vineyard, especially from the islands. The focus here is on small producers and low-intervention wines.
But since at NouPou we’re known for our love of meze, don’t skip the fava tart with xinomyzithra cheese, confit cherry tomatoes, and sweet olive, or the signature sardine bruschetta on handmade bread with parsley pesto and green apple pickle. In the raw dishes section, you’ll find carpaccio with lime, fleur de sel, and fermented cucumber pickle, as well as ceviche marinated with citrus fruits, chili, coriander, kumquat, and passion fruit. Expect fresh shellfish on your table, and don’t miss the sea anemones, fried to a crisp. To finish, try the deconstructed baklava with crunchy pastry, caramelized fresh and dried fruits, and vanilla ice cream.
To Mantri, Glyfada
If it’s hard to believe that Glyfada was once pastureland, you still have the chance to take a journey through time and visit the last mantri (sheepfold) in Glyfada. Just a few kilometers from Vouliagmenis Avenue, at the highest point of Terpsithea, you’ll find Mantri. The road is somewhat rough*, and as you leave behind the cosmopolitan side of Glyfada, it truly feels like stepping into another era.
With an unparalleled view stretching all the way to the Saronic Gulf, Mantri—elegantly renovated—serves traditional grilled meats, including its famous mutton and “kleftiko” lamb baked in parchment paper. The meats are top quality and expertly grilled, with classic cuts like rib eye and rib steak.
But what will truly leave you in awe is the panoramic view, as the twinkling lights of Glyfada shimmer in the night and the city fades where the sea begins.
*P.S. While the road is a bit rough, it’s still accessible by any car. Plus, there’s plenty of parking space!
Panorama, Piraeus
Piraeus is not just Zea and Mikrolimano. Sure, seaside fish taverns are lovely, but if you’re looking for something different, we suggest Panorama on the Kastella hill—true to its name—and proof that you really can find everything in Piraeus.
Book your table early on the restaurant’s terrace and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Piraeus, with the Athens Riviera stretching from the Acropolis to the Saronic Gulf, melting into the hues of the sunset.
At Panorama, you won’t find gourmet dishes or an endless menu filled with appetizers. As they say, beauty lies in simplicity. Keep it simple! Here, you’ll choose a fresh fish and savor the straightforward charm of Greek flavors alongside a “chatty” view.
Extra tip: Even if Piraeus makes you worry about parking, Panorama offers its own spacious private parking area.