Let’s be frank about it. All of us have found ourselves, at one time or another, with wallets stretched to their limit but in the mood for an outing or a no-nonsense yet decent and delicious meal somewhere in town. For such situations, we recommend seven spots in central Athens, including street-food bars, offering all sorts of exotic flavours, pizza by the slice, souvlaki, not only modernised, but also with an Indian touch.
BaoBae
This popular Athens street-food bar’s track record does not stretch too far back. It emerged early this year and, in this short time, has been followed up by new outlets in the capital’s seaside southern suburbs, firstly in Alimos, and, just days ago, in Glyfada. The menu, curated by well-known chef Hristos Glossidis, is exclusively based on soft and steamed bao buns offered in ten versions, their prices ranging from €3.70 to €5. Selections include Chicky, with breaded chicken cutlets, pickled cucumber and mayonnaise with spicy sriracha sauce; as well as Exotic, with Peking duck, mango and crunchy garlic. There is no shortage of beer varieties, soft drinks, as well as signature cocktails (from €6.50).
5-7 Kapsali, Kolonaki, +30 210 0107696, Website, Facebook
Poké hawaiian sushi
The place, which introduced us, a few years ago, to the Hawaiian version of sushi, remains one of the most popular street-food spots in the capital. At the core of its food principles are fulfilling, nutritious and light signature bowls with rice bases topped by interesting variations. The many exotic selections include: O’ahu, with salmon, avocado, bean sprouts and nori seaweed; Waimea, with fish of the day, mango and coriander; as well as Honolua, with prawns, pineapple and mint. Prices begin at €6. The flavours are rather fearless and intense, making the spot’s homemade lemonade (€2) more than welcome.
7 Petraki, Syntagma, +30 210 3226653, Facebook
Mimis Neo-Traditional
Yet another recent addition to the city’s street-food scene, this new-generation souvlaki joint has shown a keen interest to modernise the country’s traditional and favourite food fix, as perceived by chef Dimitris Zybas. The pita bread, handmade of course, is filled with interesting, at times radical, ingredients. They include brisket, eggplant sauce and metsovone smoked cheese, prices ranging from €3.50 to €4. More conventional chicken or lamb kebab wrapped in pita bread with sauce (€2.20) is not missing from the menu. An accompanying beer or soft drink will refresh within budget limits, but if you can loosen up a little on the spending the spot offers a variety of interesting Greek wines.
10 Evfranoros, Pagrati, Instagram
Etnico
Flavours and aromas from around the world are paid homage at this ethnic food hangout on nightlife-busy Kolokotroni St. Its menu offers rich food selections, primarily Mexican and Indian. Burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, as well as curry chicken are served with various fillers and extras for generous portions (€5 to €6). The food can be accompanied by interesting and healthy fruit juice drinks, strawberry Margaritas, or wine, by the glass, without going overboard on the budget.
22 Kolokotroni, Athens, +30 2114113880, Website, Facebook
Naanwich
This spot takes its name from Indian-style souvlaki, the main specialty of this Indian restaurant on Ermou St. The souvlaki is served with traditional Indian pita bread, naan, baked on the spot and filled with a variety of ingredients. The spot offers five naanwich variations (€5), including Masala, with chicken pieces, fresh coriander and refreshing raita sauce, as well as some classic Indian dishes such as vegetable samosas and tandoori chicken. Naanwich also has a hidden rooftop with a charming view of the city’s historic centre.
Crust Pizza
“In crust we trust” is the motto of the street-food joint offering renowned pizza that is particularly appreciated by revelers who like to hang out in and around the Psyrri district. The food display cabinet at the shop window, from where you select, empties and fills continuously with pizza varieties, served by the slice, as satisfying portions priced from €3 to €3.30. The Shroom pizza, topped with truffle-flavoured parmesan cream and the Lawless pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella, peperoni and spicy sausage, are among the top sellers. Small tables are set outside.
13 Protogenous, Psyrri, +30 210 3257179, Website, Facebook
To Kafenio Tou Rizou
Instilled with an old-style Athens aura, this atmospheric and traditional urban café sets tables along Akamantos St in the charming Thissio district. The menu offers carefully selected proposals that reflect the style of the place, both main dishes and smaller meze dishes for sharing, at prices ranging from €4.50 to €8.50. They include Anatolian meatballs with yoghurt sauce, fried zucchini sticks with feta mousse, and sioufihta pasta with herbs and xynomyzithra cheese. Beer, wine and spirit selections complete the experience.
