There's a long list of attractions to visit in Athens, Greece: The Acropolis, The Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum... But here are a couple of food-related ideas to round out your trip, and who doesn't love some great food?
For a great introduction to the food center of the city, a walking tour is always a good idea. Julia from DeliciousAthens.com can show you around her favorite spots and feed you some fabulous delicacies. From markets to bakeries to restaurants (and more), you'll be amazed how she knows all the proprietors and they all seem to treat her like family. In fact, by the end of the tour, you'll not only be full (don't eat first — or after!), but you'll also consider her to be family. It's like being shown around the city by your long-lost aunt.
Now that your appetite is whetted, and preferably the next day so you'll have room, consider dining at Papadakis, a Greek gourmet restaurant in Kolonaki serving up innovative twists on some of the freshest seafood available. Shaded outdoor dining. Tasty wine by the glass. Exceptional service.
Standout dishes we had were:
A delicious Seabass Ceviche with mango and red pepper.
A unique twist on a Greek staple was their Octopus with honey and fried potato chips. I was sceptical from the description, but that might be the best octopus I've ever had.
Sauteed Prawns with chili and feta cheese was another interesting preparation that I thought wouldn't work. I was never happier to be so spectacularly wrong.
Grouper Fillet with a lemon fricassee of lettuce and celery root was a server recommendation, and proved that the staff knows what they are doing.
Orange Sorbet as a palate cleanser was probably my favorite sorbet ever, and was followed by an Orange Fondant with Araguani chocolate ice cream that was so good I tried to go back again the next night (our last in Greece) for dessert, but alas the kitchen was closed.
And why was I trying to come back the next night for dessert? Well, dinner that final night was at a Taverna not known for dessert. In fact, it wasn't known for upscale fancy dining. Or even tablecloths, for that matter. What drove me to To Steki Tou Ilia, you ask? One thing. Lamb Chops. Delicious lamb chops. That you eat with your hands. And order by the kilo (we had 600 grams for the two of us). That isn't all they have; we had fried peppers, tzatziki, Greek salad, wine, and something they call Steaky Pork, which reminded me of pork slab bacon. Finger-licking good.
The cost for this indulgence? Around $30 per person. Amazing. Athens really has turned into a gastronomic destination.
