Just in case you haven’t heard, Greek food in Greece is some of the best in the world! The food tastes more like food. The tomatoes taste more like tomatoes. The onions taste better and less pungent. The feta tastes more like cheese. The yogurt is thick and creamy and so different than “Greek” yogurt back home.

Also, who knew I liked oregano so much? I’m basically ruined on food for the rest of my life, but I don’t mind—that’s all the more reason to go back to Greece soon and often! Here are the foods we ate while in Athens!

I Heart Pagoto

Wow! This was the first thing I ate after landing in Greece, and it was a great way to start. The kind owner of this little gelato shop helped my husband and me find our hotel, so I made sure to come back after we dropped off our luggage and get a cup of gelato. I chose espresso gelato (because, jet leg), and the owner said I also needed to try the Snickers flavor. It was a perfect combination!

More here: The Traveler’s Guide to Coffee Around the World

Apomesimero

You know it’s authentic when the sign outside is only in Greek! The man who checked us in at our hotel suggested this place, and he said they offer a €15 set menu for guests of the hotel. He also insisted it was authentic, not touristic, and they have live music as well. I was a little bit skeptical—what truly authentic restaurant has a deal going with a hotel?

But I was wrong! This was definitely not a typical tourist restaurant, and the serving sizes were massive. We were pretty hungry by the time we got there, but it was so much more food than we could eat at once. We got a true taste of Greek hospitality—not so different from hospitality of the American South!

Pro tips: The Best Money Saving Tips for Athens

Home & Poetry Hotel

Breakfast is included for guests in many hotels in Athens. Our hotel not only had a fantastic, made-to-order breakfast, but also a buffet. And it has a rooftop terrace with a view of the Acropolis! We ate here both mornings of our stay, and each meal kept us fueled well into the afternoons. I would stay here again just for the breakfast. 

Get all the details: Everything You Need to Know Before You Stay at Home & Poetry Hotel, Athens

Omorfi Poli

Our server here told us the name of this restaurant means “Beautiful City.” Just steps off of the main pedestrian area adjacent to the Ancient Agora, we stumbled upon this place thinking it would be pretty touristy, but probably a good meal anyway. Nope! This was another authentic experience, complete with hand motion explanations of menu items, large portions, and locals eating alongside us. Just for a reference point as to how big these portions are, you know it’s hearty when I don’t even have room for dessert!

More here: What to Know Before You Visit Athens

Stani Cafe

Despite the large portions everywhere we ate, I had to try out this highly recommended spot! Well off the beaten tourist track, Stani is known for its desserts, but especially its yogurt with honey. It was well worth the walk to get there, and Steve even got to try out the Greek version of his favorite French dessert: Milles fuilles!

Read next: Mistakes People Make When Planning a Trip to Greece
(and how to avoid them!)

Want more? Check out all you need to plan your Athens getaway on my dedicated Greece Page, and keep eating around the globe on my World Foods Page, too!

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