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Basement KoutoukiPsyrri
Diporto on Sokratous and Theatrou has poured Attic retsina from barrels in Athens since 1887, a basement koutouki with no sign and a handful of daily dishes.
OrderThe revithia chickpea stew, sardines and a small glass of retsina from the barrel.
TipLunch only from late morning until the pans empty, often by 17:00; no menu, no English spoken.
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Greek TavernaPlaka
Taverna Saita on Kydathineon is the rare Plaka room in Athens cooking for locals. The Zacharopoulou family has fried bakaliaros skordalia here since 1970.
OrderBakaliaros skordalia, lamb chops and the grilled feta with the Byzantine-courtyard view.
TipPavement tables face the quiet end of Kydathineon, away from souvenir shops; book a fortnight ahead.
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Plaka TavernaPlaka
Taverna Platanos under the plane tree on Diogenous has fed Plaka in Athens since 1932, a courtyard room where slow-cooked lamb in lemon sauce is the order.
OrderLamb in lemon sauce, stuffed cabbage rolls and a glass of retsina under the plane tree.
TipThe courtyard opens late spring; book ten days ahead for the Friday and Saturday warm-weather seatings.
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GreekMonastiraki
Bairaktaris on Monastiraki Square is the tourist-targeted Athens institution. Priced at €€. Kitchen leans souvlaki and taverna. At Pl. Monastirakiou 5.
OrderA pork souvlaki pita with extra tzatziki and a glass of the house retsina.
TipThe square seating is the experience; the rooms behind serve a longer menu and live guitar music.
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Street foodMonastiraki
Etnico on Kolokotroni in Monastiraki Athens cooks multi-ethnic street food across Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern menus with sit-down tables and a counter.
OrderThe chimichanga or the chicken tikka burrito with a glass of the house red.
TipLate-night kitchen runs to 04:00 on weekends; the vegan list is the longest of the Monastiraki ethnic kitchens.
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BistroKolonaki
Kostarelos on Patriarchou Ioakeim is the Kolonaki dine-in cheese deli of three generations of cheesemakers, with 14 cheeses, sandwiches and a short wine list.
OrderThe feta-and-graviera board with a glass of the house assyrtiko.
TipLunch on the pavement bench faces Kolonaki Square; deli counter open until 22:00 Mon-Sat.