6 Athens Restaurants With a Modern Twist on Greek Food

Athens is rich in history and culture, but its restaurant scene deserves just as much attention. From rooftop cocktail bars to tavernas that have served the same neighborhood for a hundred years, you have hundreds of spots to choose from. I’ve rounded up six more that you cannot miss, based on my own experiences, my clients’ experiences this past summer, and one restaurant I’ve been on the fence about that has finally earned its place on the list.

Let’s dive into some of Athens’ most unique restaurants: places that put a modern twist on classic Greek dishes, a few household favorites, and some with city views that just can’t be beat.

GECO Athens (€€) – Tucked into a side street in the city center, right next to The Gatsby Hotel, GECO is a beautifully decorated spot with live music and Mediterranean dishes that take a modern twist you won’t find on the islands. I ate here this past summer and couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried it before. They take favorites like gyros, cacio e pepe, calamari, and roasted chicken, and elevate the flavor and presentation to a whole new level while keeping the Greek flavors front and center. The specialty cocktails are excellent too. Beyond the food, GECO is known for live music every Wednesday through Sunday, with DJs playing until 2 am or a live singer on Sundays. The space is always dressed up for whatever holiday or celebration is coming next. Whether you’re visiting in high season or off season, GECO Athens needs to be on your list.

Dopios Restaurant (€€) – I stumbled onto Dopios when the wait at Manári was too long, and we were starving, and I’m so glad we did. A lot of restaurants in Athens lean into “modern Greek” while keeping their roots at the core, and Dopios does exactly that. I was a little skeptical at first, but when we sat down next to a Greek family whose yiayia knew the waiters by name, I knew we were in for a great meal. Dopios sits on a corner with both indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered gigantes, a trio of dips (tzatziki, melitzanosalata, and hummus), chicken souvlaki, and freshly caught sardines. If you’re after local favorites with a modern spin, this is your spot.

Manári Taverna (€€) – A favorite among Athens’ many tavernas for its open-fire cooking and modern take on homemade dishes. The menu changes seasonally, so you can always expect fresh dishes made from what’s local and in season. It leans meat-heavy with Greek classics like pastitsio, paidakia, biftecki, youvetsi, and of course, lamb. Save room for the homemade ice cream. This is a popular spot, so book ahead, especially in high season, or expect a long wait.

Dolli’s Restaurant (€€€) – A client favorite, and the view is just the beginning. The Dolli rooftop is one restaurant my clients never skip on a trip to Athens, and for good reason. The Acropolis view is iconic, but the menu holds its own and lives up to the price tag. If you’re a little tired of Greek food and want dishes you already know and love, Dolli’s has you covered, especially with their sushi rolls. Lunch and dinner menus are similar, with lighter dishes in the afternoon and heavier ones like duck, beef filet, and lobster in the evening, best paired with wine and that view. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, a birthday, or just want to splurge on a beautiful meal, Dolli’s never disappoints.

Taratsa Athens Rooftop (€€) – A rooftop with a stunning Acropolis view and a menu that blends Greek and Levantine flavors. The open kitchen lets you smell everything cooking as you wait: Greek dishes like rooster, lamb, and fish, alongside Levantine specialties like octopus, chicken, or beef kebabs, and shareable mains served family style. I recently discovered Taratsa, and it’s on my list to try the next time I’m in Athens.

Orizontes Lycabettus (€€€) – I went back and forth on including this one because the food reviews are mixed, but the views consistently get praised. After my clients spontaneously ended up here one night due to a ferry delay and raved about the experience, I decided to add it back. You get a full view of the Parthenon and a 360-degree view of the ancient city, especially stunning at sunset. This isn’t a traditional taverna menu; it’s more of a gastronomic experience that still nods to Greek flavors. Prices run a bit higher than average, but most don’t mind for a view like this. You can walk up or take the cable car, which drops you right at the entrance. Book ahead, as this is a popular spot with tourists.

A few tips before you go:

• Reservations are a must at Manári, Dolli’s, and Orizontes Lycabettus, especially in high season
• GECO is the pick if you want live music with your meal
• Dolli’s and Taratsa are your best bets for sunset views with dinner
• Dopios and Manári are the most affordable of the six

Looking for more budget-friendly picks, or want something a little more local? Check out my first Athens restaurant guide for tavernas, live music, and the Greek dishes I can’t get enough of.