The Athens food scene is packed with snacks, most of which you can feel good about because they’re made with healthy ingredients like olive oil, honey, local cheeses, and fresh vegetables. (Chemical-laden and processed convenience foods are hardly appealing when you’ve got a cuisine as tasty as that of the Greeks.) If you find yourself walking around the city center and in want of something to snack on, here are some of the ‘fast food’ choices that Athenians love — and the best shops for tasting them.
Koulouri
Start your morning in Athens with a classic koulouri
In Greece, locals do not usually eat a complete breakfast. Enter koulouri, a circular-shaped bread coated with sesame seeds, and a favorite option for the early morning hours. Served either soft or crispy, it makes for a nice breakfast on foot, so you can sightsee while you snack. You will find koulouri sold on almost every street corner of the city, but there are two shops where it is particularly good.
Koulouri of Psiri
Located in the renovated, edgy area of Psiri and very close to the historical centre, The Koulouri of Psiri is small bakery that has been around for more than 15 years. It is also one of the most well-known in Athens, serving delicious, hot and freshly baked koulouri covered with sesame seeds. It’s also open all day, so no worries if you missed breakfast hours. Kairaskaki 23. Tel.:
Operating Hours: Operates 24/7 !!!
Address: Kairaskaki 23, Athina 105 54
Contact Phone: +30 21 0321 5962
Located in the heart of Athens, Mon Kooloor is a beloved bakery specializing in the iconic Greek koulouri. Known for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, the koulouri at Mon Kooloor is a staple for locals and visitors alike. The bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods, including sweet and savory options, perfect for any time of day. With its inviting atmosphere and dedication to quality, Mon Kooloor is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Greek baking.
Address: 3is Septemvriou 18, Athina 104 32
Contact Phone: +30 21 21212636
Pies
Pies are an essential part of our gastronomic life, and Ariston is one of the best places to try them. Once you reach the shop, you will see different kinds of pies, all beautifully decorated and delicately displayed in the window. Inside the shop, the mouthwatering smells will make you want to try everything: cheese pies, mushroom pies, spanakopita — all made by hand and with love by the owners. The shop has been around since 1910 and still uses its traditional recipes. Don’t miss their cheese pie, kourou, the house specialty with a yeasted, yogurt dough. It’s crunchy and served with a cheese sauce that melts in your mouth.
Address: Voulis 10, Athina 105 62
Contact Phone: +30 21 0322 7626
Mam
Not far from Ariston, near Syntagma, is Mam, serving cheese pies that have their own unique character. A family business since 1967, it’s one of our Athens tour guides‘ favorite stops. I always pop in to buy a Kaseropita whenever I am in the area. This is a cheese pie made with the local kasseri cheese — savory and very tasty. It has an unusual flavor and is one of the best bites to try downtown. MOM Pesmatzoglou and Stadiou.
Address: Pesmazoglou 3, Athina 105 59
Contact Phone: +30 21 0321 4338
Crepes
Located just next to the Parthenon, the historical Acropolis of Athens, where mornings shine with their signature pancakes, crepes, and waffles. Each dish celebrates the joy of breakfast, made with love and the freshest ingredients. Its journey began with a dream: to transform the first meal of the day into an unforgettable experience. So it’s not just about food; it’s about creating memories around the table. Their unique twist on classic favorites sets them apart, ensuring there’s something special for everyone. Join them for a meal where tradition meets innovation, all served in a cozy setting that feels like home.
Address: Makrigianni 3, Athina 117 42
Contact Phone: +30 21 0923 7237
Aesthiseis Cafe – Creperie
Aisthḗseis is a cozy little creperie that has been a local favorite for more than 15 years, with a great variety of either savory or sweet crepes. Not sure what to order? Let the owner choose for you — he always suggests the best combinations once he hears what guests like. With soft jazz in the background and a glass of wine in hand, you can either enjoy your crepe sitting at the counter or taking it out.
Address: Kolokotroni 16, Athina 105 62
Contact Phone: +30 21 0321 3713
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are Greek donut balls, deep-fried for a few minutes and then drizzled with honey syrup. One of the country’s favorite snacks for more than a century, this dessert is a firm part of Greek food culture.
A great place to try them is the Ktistakis pastry shop. With a history of more than 100 years, Ktistakis’s loukoumades are made using a family recipe — crispy on the outside with syrup on the inside (rather than on top), which gives them a unique taste and texture. They are served with honey, sesame and cinnamon, and are well worth the calories.
Address: Sokratous 59, Athina 104 31
Contact Phone: +30 21 0524 0891
Another favorite of ours is near Monastiraki. Lukumades serves this delicious snack either the traditional way with honey and cinnamon, or with chocolate sauce, ice cream or other additions.(#localsknow tip: hop on our Taste of Athens tour for a visit to Lukumades as well as other foodie hot spots!)
Address: 21 Eolou and Ag Eirinis, 10551
Contact Phone: +30 21 0321 0880
Souvlaki/Gyros
All travelers to Athens know that gyros are the go-to street snack
If there is one thing you should most definitely eat in Greece, it’s (no surprise) souvlaki or gyros. By far the most famous Greek street food, it can be enjoyed both as a snack or a full meal. The classic version is chopped pork or lamb — roasted vertically on a rotating mini spit — accompanied by fried potatoes, juicy tomatoes, freshly sliced onion, parsley, and tzatziki made with yogurt, garlic, and cucumber, all wrapped in pita bread. There are, of course, many variations, but this recipe is the most traditional.
Our favorite places downtown are Kostas at Ag. Irene square, which has been feeding locals since 1984, and Savvas at Monastiraki.
Address: Pl. Agias Irinis 2, Athina 105 60
Contact Phone: +30 21 0323 2971
Address: Ermou 91, Athina 105 55
Contact Phone: +30 21 0321 1167
Vegan and vegetarian snacks
For those who prefer vegetarian snacks, Athens offers plenty of excellent choices. The small restaurant of Avocado is a local favorite. All of the ingredients are fresh and the options are many, including pizza, soups, pasta, and desserts.
Address: Nikis 30, Athina 105 57
Contact Phone: + 30 21 0323 7878
Mama Tierra serves vegan cuisine, including vegan burgers, hummus, quinoa salads and vegan moussakas. Open from 12pm to 10pm and located in the heart of Athens.
Address: Greece, Akadimias 84, Athina 106 78
Contact Phone: + 30 21 1411 4420
Dig into the ‘big five’ of Greek cuisine in their natural habitat on this Athens food tour: ouzo, feta, olives, olive oil, and koulouri, oh my!
