Moussaka
One of the most popular Greek dishes, Moussaka is a layered casserole made with vegetables and meat. Variations exist, but it is traditionally made of minced lamb, eggplant, fried pureed tomato with garlic, onions, spices, cheese, and béchamel sauce.
If you are looking to try moussaka in Athens, try Lithos Tavern, Maiandros Restaurant, or Arcadia Restaurant.
Dolmades
This typically vegetarian Athenian dish usually appears as a stuffed vine leaf parcel but may also appear as hollowed-out vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers. The stuffing consists of herbs such as oregano, dill, and thyme. However, the stuffing of non-vegetarian dolmades may consist of minced meat and rice.
You can find dolmades in almost any restaurant in Athens, including Karamanlidika, Arcadia, Kuzina, and Lithos Tavern.
Souvlaki
One of the oldest dishes in Greece, souvlaki is highly versatile as it is served as street food or takeout and as a meal in classy diners. Souvlaki is made with pork, pitta bread, french fries, onions, and tomatoes. In another form, souvlaki consists of meat grilled on skewers.
Souvlaki can be found at street stalls such as Street Souvlaki or sit-down restaurants such as Athina Souvlaki or Meat the Greek.
Kolokithokeftedes
One of Athens’s most popular starter dishes, kolokithokeftedes are lightly fried fritter made with pureed or grated zucchinis, mint, dill, and other spices. After, it is fried in oil. It may also contain fresh feta cheese or tzatziki sauce, a favorite in Greek dishes.
The best places in Athens to try this dish include Oroscopo, Zampano, and Kallipateira.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a spinach-filled filo pastry pie with feta cheese, onions or scallions, egg, and seasoning. This meal is healthy and packed with vitamins.
Visit Ariston, Zampano, or Karamanlidika for a great experience with trying this dish.
Baklava
A top choice for dessert in Athens, baklava is made of layers of ground nuts and honey wrapped in a flaky filo pastry. The ground nuts are typically walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
To try baklava in Athens, visit Baklavas, Zoubourlou, or Mitropolitikon.
Bougatsa
Bougatsa comes in both sweet and savory forms. Bougatsa is a creamy, custard-filled filo pastry pie topped with powdered sugar in its sweet form. In its savory form, Bougatsa incorporates minced meat and cheese.
Although bougatsa can be found in almost every bakery and restaurant in Athens, the best places to try this dessert are Vosporos, Krinos, Bougatsadiko Psirri, and Bougatsa Savvas.