Eat like a local: 50 spots in the South that southerners love
From souvlaki to traditional sweets and other hidden gems.
- 14/08/2026 09:56
- Tasos
The most famous cheese pie in Glyfada with the characteristic Kourou dough, which has been a best seller since 1971.
6 Marangou Str., Glyfada
- Ourania
A hidden family tavern in Ilioupoli, whose juicy, homemade burgers have raised several generations. Consistent quality since 1966.
85 Iroon Polytechneiou Str., Ilioupoli
- Queen
The most timeless night-out meeting point in Glyfada. The legendary ham with “bifteki” (meat patty) remains the top street food choice, no matter how many smashes open around it.
3 Giannitsopoulou Str., Glyfada
- Premiera
Original Russian dishes in a charming ’60s Athenian house with a courtyard, in Kallithea. The definition of a hidden secret.
29 Doiranis Str., Kallithea
- To Bakaliaraki
The fish tavern in Paleo Faliro is always full, so don’t go without reservation in advance. Try the grilled sardine fillet, the exceptional fish soup and definitely the fried cod.
49 Naiadon Str., Paleo Faliro
- Bathrellos
A traditional bakery hidden in Ano Nea Smyrni, which still bakes 100% sourdough bread with that distinct, rustic country flavor
35 Stratigou Nider Str., Nea Smyrni
- Skopa
A casual meze spot that moves to the easy rhythm of the neighborhood, serving simple, well-executed seafood and meat dishes.
11 Skopa Str., Ilioupoli
- Maltagliati
Handmade pasta (of your choice) in a cozy family-friendly trattoria in Paleo Faliro.
16 Terpsitheas Str., Paleo Faliro
- Waffle House
Waffle at its best (best paired with ice cream) in a Vouliagmeni courtyard that feels like a Greek island. Credits also for the impeccable service.
Agios Panteleimonos and Orpheus Str., Vouliagmeni
- Barbagiorgis
An authentic fish tavern in Lagonisi, where fresh catch, masterful grilling, and seafood mezes take center stage.
Kolokotroni & 4 Omirou Str., Lagonisi
- Prince Peter
A reference point for local coffee lovers, having built its name on premium specialty brews (available for takeaway or delivery).
41 Prigipos Petrou Str., Glyfada | 65 Kalamakiou Ave., Alimos
- Ta Kanaria
This historic fish tavern in Moschato has been serving fresh fried shrimp and red mullet since 1950.
119 Kanari Str., Moschato
- Dimos 1969
One of the oldest family bakeries in Glyfada, ideal for a morning stop or “refueling” during the day.
3 Vas. Georgiou B Str., Glyfada
- Kyr Giannis
One of the most mouthwatering kebabs in Kallithea. Definitely try their pita wraps—the classic Greek souvlaki at its best—and the perfectly marinated chicken shish.
95 El. Venizelou Ave., Kallithea
- Delfinia
A legendary restaurant in Glyfada, famous for its shrimp pasta. All time classic.
5 Diadochou Pavlou Str., Glyfada
- Le Pizze di San Gennaro
An unpretentious, ’90s-style neighborhood spot in Ano Nea Smyrni serving wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
172 Efxinou Pontou Str., Nea Smyrni
- Barba Charalambos
One of the emblematic taverns in Vlachika, Vari. This is where locals come for grilled and spit-roasted meat, 365 days a year.
18 Panos Str., Vari
- Antheon
Also known as “Lavidas”. It started as a small cheese pie shop in 1993 and has evolved into a favorite destination for handmade pies.
24 Antheon Str., Glyfada
- Rachati
A delicious Cretan hangout in Ilioupoli with products from Sitia and homemade raki. Several dishes to choose from.
93 Marinou Antypa Ave., Ilioupoli
- Anapsiktirio
In addition to its exceptional menu, this buzzworthy new restaurant also serves a wonderfully creamy soft-serve ice cream that evokes memories of childhood summers.
74 Kyprou Str., Glyfada
- Johnny’s Hot Dog
The Poseidonos Avenue food truck, sitting in the orbit of the upcoming Ellinikon casino – a late-night mainstay for hot dog.
4 Stratigou Sarafi Str., Alimos
- Alevron erga
Spinach, leek, and cheese pies alongside a variety of traditional recipes from all across Greece – which many claim are the best in Athens.
45 Dimosthenous Str., Kallithea
- Riviera
The landmark patisserie of Paleo Faliro, offering traditional desserts and ‘Politika’ (Constantinopolitan-style) sweets.
119 Tritonos Str., Paleo Faliro
- Roumeliotis
Authentic grill in Glyfada, famous for its excellent, well-cooked kontosouvli and traditional meat dishes.
10 Himarras Str., Glyfada
- Koutras
The crispy galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie) is the house specialty. Another must-try is the sheep’s milk ice cream topped with sour cherry spoon sweet.
165 El. Venizelou Ave., Nea Smyrni
- Mitos
A well-hidden, authentic Cretan kafeneio that has been operating since 1995, serving exquisite traditional mezes and plenty of raki.
62 Aristidou Str., Kallithea
- Antonis
One of the oldest taverns in Voula, this established meat-lovers’ destination is famous for its trademark biftekia – juicy, handmade grilled meat patties.
74 Vasileos Pavlou Ave., Voula
- Ourse
French pastry and sweets that double as small works of art. Come here for the exuberant Paris-Aegina, featuring an overflowing Aegina pistachio cream.
39 Mystra Str., Ano Glyfada
- Louizidis
Authentic home cooking in Vouliagmeni, dedicated to time-honored traditional Greek flavors.
2 Ermou Str., Vouliagmeni
- Paris
An Alimos grill house with a legendary local vibe. Its juicy, handmade souvlaki is widely considered one of the best on Athens’ south side.
38 Thukydidou Str., Alimos
- Magginas
This spot specializes in dairy products made from local Greek milk and sheep’s milk yogurt. Its latest big hit is a rich, delicious chocolate parfait ice cream.
22 Andrea Papandreou Str., Glyfada
- Katsaros
A family bakery in Glyfada, known and loved for both its top-quality pastries and its sweets.
16 Xenophontos Str., Glyfada | 28 Eleftheriou Venizelou Str., Glyfada
- Palia Fava
Even in its new era – with Mrs. Dina still in the kitchen and a new generation at the helm – this remains one of the best value-for-money tavernas around. While the grilled meats are fresh, the traditional homestyle dishes are its true forte.
38 Achaion Str., Paleo Faliro
- Sifakis Bakery
Located very close to the Athens-Sounio coastal avenue, this bakery is the ultimate summer stop for coffee and cheese pie before you reach the beaches of the area.
1 Chloes Str., Saronida
- Sweet Corner
An established destination in Nea Smyrni since 1978, famous for its homemade profiterole and rich, buttery shortbread cookies.
5 Vryoulon Str., Nea Smyrni
- Stelios
A traditional tavern that brings a mountain-village vibe right to a busy avenue in Alimos. The grilled ribs are a must-order.
198 Ionias Ave., Alimos
- Prodromos Pies & Pastries
A small, relatively hidden pastry shop in Nea Smyrni, crafting exceptional handmade ice cream.
24 Kydonion Str., Nea Smyrni
- Yi
Glyfada’s premier plant-based restaurant. Standouts include the Harvest Veggie Bowl with caramelized chickpeas and the raw wraps packed with mushrooms, oregano and a homemade veggie tzatziki.
69 Grigoriou Lambraki Str., Glyfada
- Siametis Loukoumades
Since 2007, this spot has been serving fresh, fluffy loukoumades with dozens of traditional, sweet and savory filling options.
8 Panos Str., Vari
- Zachos
A timeless stop for souvlaki in Vouliagmeni. Everyone comes here for the freshly cut fries with the shop’s legendary, secret sauce.
1 Ermou Str., Vouliagmeni
- Anima
A beautiful, paved courtyard of an old Athenian house that exudes the warmth of a family gathering. Ideal for morning coffee or a relaxed drink and beer late at night.
159 El. Venizelou Ave., Ilioupoli
- Remoutsiko
Featuring two courtyards, two fireplaces and a mouthwatering pork kontosouvli (be sure to pre-order!), this tavern in Agios Dimitrios has been a mandatory stop for meat lovers since 1982.
120 Agios Dimitrios Ave., Agios Dimitrios
- To Elliniko
With lightning-fast service and a massive reputation, this souvlaki spot is a local benchmark. If available, go for their gyro pita wrap; otherwise, the grilled meat patty version is an excellent alternative.
40 Iasonidou Ave., Elliniko
- Castello Pizzeria
With its thick, fluffy dough and generous toppings, this pizza delivers a delicious wave of pure ’80s nostalgia.
78-80 Vasileos Pavlou Ave., Voula
- Pyrnari
A grill house that feels like a time capsule, remaining untouched for decades. Glyfada locals flock here for the traditional tylihto pita wrap, but if you grab a table, you’ll also enjoy classic appetizers, fresh salads, and meats straight off the grill.
33 Antheon Str., Glyfada
- Ether
A charming, elegant restaurant serving exceptional food – the kind you wouldn’t expect to stumble upon on a quiet residential street in Iliopouli.
2 Priamou Str., Ilioupoli
- Aqua Marina
Holding onto its authentic ’70s charm, this seaside Vouliagmeni café-patisserie is a living legend. Grab a table and order a classic Chicago ice cream.
15 Agiou Panteleimonos Str., Vouliagmeni
- Takis
A family-run grill house in Vouliagmeni, famous for its fluffy, properly seasoned kebabs, grilled over charcoal.
17 Agios Panteleimonos Str., Vouliagmeni
- Rio
A pastry shop serving excellence with a touch of Constantinople. Go for the iconic babades, baton salé and traditional tsoureki, plus a legendary kourou cheese pie that puts dedicated pie shops to shame.
4 Proteos and Mouson Str., Paleo Faliro
- Livadia
Epic souvlaki made with handmade gyro and juicy skewers. You don’t need an address – just follow the line of south-siders waiting outside.
126 Andrea Papandreou Str., Glyfada
The article was published in “The Table,” NouPou Media’s new premium publication dedicated to gastronomy on the Athenian Riviera.