Discover the culinary delights around the Acropolis of Athens—diverse dining experiences, from cozy cafes to elegant fine dining establishments!
Beware, there are no cafes or restaurants inside the Acropolis of Athens, and food and drinks are not allowed inside the Acropolis grounds, except for water.
Visitors usually check out the vibrant restaurant scene before or after touring the Acropolis, in the nearby Plaka and Monastiraki areas, offering everything from casual bites to upscale fine dining.
However, the Acropolis Museum cafe and restaurant are the closest options.
Here’s a guide to the top restaurants near the Acropolis in Athens:
Acropolis Museum Cafe and Restaurant
Address: Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece.
Distance From Acropolis: 850 meters (11 minutes walk) away
The Restaurant (2nd Floor)
Timings:
Winter Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): Mon-Thurs 9 am – 5 pm, Fri & Sat 9 am – midnight, Sun 9 am – 8 pm
Summer Season (April 1 – Oct 31): Mon 9 am – 5 pm, Tues-Thurs & Sun 9 am – 8 pm, Fri & Sat 9 am – midnight
Cuisine: Traditional Greek with seasonal specialties
The Acropolis Museum Restaurant on the second floor of the museum offers a spacious 700-square-meter dining area with panoramic views of the Acropolis and other historical landmarks of Athens.
Here, you can savor a selection of hot dishes prepared using traditional recipes with a seasonal twist.
For a special treat, head to the restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night.
They extend their hours until midnight and offer a special menu that highlights the bounty of Greece.
Please note: Entrance to the restaurant requires a free ticket that you can get at the museum’s main ticket counters.
The Cafe (Ground Floor)
Timings:
Winter Season (1 Nov – 31 Mar): Mon-Sun 9 am – 5 pm (closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan)
Summer Season (1 April 1 – 31 Oct): Mon 8 am – 4 pm, Tues-Sun 9 am – 5 pm
Cuisine: Selection of hot and cold dishes, desserts, coffee, tea, and cocktails
For a more casual dining experience, the Acropolis Museum Cafe is on the ground floor, next to the Museum Shop.
Here, you can enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages, sweet treats, afternoon cocktails, and even hot dishes inspired by traditional Greek recipes, all with a view of the archaeological excavation sprawling beneath the museum.
Please Note: No ticket is required to enter the cafe.
Geros Tou Moria Restaurant
Address: Mnisikleous 27, Athina 105 56, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 600 meters (8 minute walk)
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am
Cuisine: Traditional Greek Cuisine
Geros Tou Moria, a traditional tavern nestled under the Athenian Acropolis, boasts over 90 years of history.
Founded in 1926, it offers a cozy, rustic ambiance with murals and outdoor seating beneath vines.
They specialize in classic Greek cuisine, and their menu features fresh fish, meats, vegetarian options, and delicious snacks.
Many dishes are family recipes passed down through generations, promising a taste of Greek home cooking.
Live Greek music (played weekends, mid-September to June) adds to the authentic charm, making Geros Tou Moria a delightful spot to experience Greek culture and cuisine.
Anafiotika Cafe – Restaurant
Address: Mnisikleous 24β, Athina 105 56, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 600 meters (9 minute walk)
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 2 am
Cuisine: Comfort food from Asia Minor
Anchored in the heart of Plaka, Athens, Anafiotika Cafe offers a taste of Greece with a view.
This charming spot boasts a spacious patio and a rooftop terrace, perfect for soaking in the city’s ambiance and the Acropolis sunset.
Founded on the legacy of Anafi stonemasons, the menu features comfort food from Asia Minor, often using cherished family recipes passed down through generations.
Diners rave about the 4-star experience, praising the delicious food, attentive service, and the chance to dine amidst the picturesque labyrinthine alleys of Anafiotika.
Thissio View
Address: Apostolou Pavlou 25, Athina 118 51, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 700 meters (9 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday – Sunday: 8 am to 3 am
Cuisine: Greek and international dishes
Thissio View is in the pedestrian zone of St. Paul, which connects the Thissio station with the entrance of the Acropolis.
The area boasts historical significance, nestled between the Roman Forum and Philopappou Hill, the Byzantine church of Agia Marina, and the Athens Observatory.
The main draw of Thissio View is undoubtedly the breathtaking panorama of the Acropolis, offering a memorable backdrop to your dining experience.
Thissio View can also be booked for corporate and social events, making it a great option for a gathering with a view.
Yard, all-day bar restaurant
Address: Makrigianni 17, Athina 117 42, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 800 meters (10 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12 am
Cuisine: Traditional Greek cuisine
Yard, an all-day bar and restaurant, boasts a 20-year legacy under the shadow of the Acropolis.
Located on the pedestrian-friendly Makrigianni Street, Yard offers a beautiful indoor and outdoor space with a European-influenced aesthetic.
Their menu features authentic Greek cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
They not only serve classic dishes but also forgotten recipes, highlighting the depth and evolution of Greek food.
A curated wine list complements the menu, showcasing the best of Greek vineyards.
Café Avissinia
Address: 7 Kinetou Street, Avissinias Square, Athens 105 55.
Distance From Acropolis: 900 meters (15 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 1 pm – 12 am
Cuisine: Comfort food from Asia Minor, often featuring recipes passed down through generations.
Nestled amidst the bustling antique stalls and shops of Avissinia Square in Monastiraki, Athens, lies Café Avissinia.
The cafe has evolved into a restaurant since it was set up in 1986 while retaining its old-fashioned charm with features like rush-seated chairs, marble-topped tables, and vintage décor.
The menu showcases dishes prepared using family recipes, offering a taste of home-cooked comfort food.
On weekends (from mid-September to June), enjoy the lively atmosphere with live Greek music played without microphones, adding to the authentic experience.
Erato Restaurant Plaka
Address: Adrianou 134, Athina 105 58, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 900 meters (12 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 11 pm
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
Erato Restaurant Plaka, situated in the heart of Plaka, Athens, boasts a rich history since 1980.
It offers a delightful blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring both meat and seafood dishes.
Renowned for its modern ambiance and friendly service, Erato promises a high-quality dining experience.
Their menu showcases fresh, local ingredients, boasting traditional recipes prepared with a modern twist.
Diners can savor a variety of options, from lemon lamb and braised rooster to grilled octopus and stuffed squid.
Acropol Plaka Restaurant
Address: Pl. Filomousou Eterias 3, Athina 105 58, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 1 km (13 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11.30 pm
Cuisine: Traditional Greek cuisine
Since 1982, the Acropol restaurant has been located in the beautiful and picturesque Plaka suburb, on the pedestrianized Filomousou Etairias square.
You can enjoy your lunch or dinner with live Greek music from their band, combined with traditional Greek flavors, seafood, and short-order dishes, topped with a homemade dessert.
Acropol Restaurant’s location makes it ideal for exploring Plaka’s winding streets before or after your meal.
They offer a rich and tasty variety of dishes like the Sea Food “Meze”, the Spaghetti Acropol, the Beef Stew and the Tenderloin stuffed with prunes and raisins!
Aspro Alogo (i.e. White Horse) Traditional Greek Food
Address: Apollonos, Athina 105 57, Greece
Distance From Acropolis: 1 km (15 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 12 am
Cuisine: Greek cuisine
Aspro Alogo, translating to “White Horse,” is a hidden gem in Athens serving traditional Greek food.
Tucked away on a quiet street near the bustling Avissinias Square, it offers a taste of home-cooked comfort dishes.
This family-run restaurant boasts recipes passed down through generations, promising an authentic culinary experience.
Despite its unassuming exterior, Aspro Alogo is known for its delicious and affordable meals.
The menu features classic Greek options alongside fresh seafood. Diners can choose between cozy indoor seating or enjoy the Athens air at the outdoor tables.
Taverna Plaka
Address: Kidathineon 16, Athina 105 58, Greece
Contents
Distance From Acropolis: 1.9 km (25 minutes walk) away
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 11.30 am to 12 am
Cuisine: Traditional Greek cuisine
Taverna Plaka is situated in the historic Plaka neighborhood of Athens, known for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Greek cuisine, offering a variety of classic dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salads, and grilled meats. They also serve a selection of Greek wines, spirits, and desserts.
Taverna Plaka is renowned for its lively and festive atmosphere, with live Greek music and dancing performances regularly featured in the evenings.
The restaurant’s interior is decorated in traditional Greek style, creating an authentic dining experience.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to dine al fresco while enjoying views of the picturesque Plaka neighborhood.
FAQs
Can I find a restaurant with a view of the Acropolis?
Absolutely! Several restaurants near the Acropolis offer stunning views of this ancient landmark.
Some options include Thissio View, Anafiotika Cafe – Restaurant, and the Acropolis Museum Restaurant (on the second floor).
What kind of food options are available near the Acropolis?
You’ll find a diverse range of cuisine options near the Acropolis. From traditional Greek tavernas serving moussaka and souvlaki to international fare and comfort food, there’s something to suit every taste bud.
Are there any casual dining options near the Acropolis?
Yes, there are many casual restaurants and cafes near the Acropolis. Yard, all day bar restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, while the Acropolis Museum Cafe provides a more casual alternative to the museum’s main restaurant.
What are some fine-dining options near the Acropolis?
While the focus near the Acropolis is more on casual tavernas, Erato Restaurant Plaka offers a high-quality dining experience with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Are there any restaurants open late near the Acropolis?
Several restaurants cater to late-night diners. Klepsydra stays open until 1 am daily (except Sundays when they close at midnight), while Cafe Avissinia operates from 1 pm to midnight (closed Mondays).
Is there a restaurant inside the Acropolis itself?
The Acropolis is an archaeological site and does not have a restaurant inside. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the grounds, with the exception of water.
What are some budget-friendly restaurants near the Acropolis?
Many tavernas around the Acropolis offer delicious and affordable meals. Look out for places like Aspro Alogo and Opos Palia Restaurant, known for their value.
Are there any vegetarian options available near the Acropolis?
Yes, several restaurants cater to vegetarians. Geros Tou Moria offers vegetarian options alongside meat and seafood dishes, while Yard’s menu features both classic and forgotten recipes, likely including vegetarian options.
Do any restaurants near the Acropolis offer live music?
Geros Tou Moria features live Greek music on weekends (mid-September to June), while Taverna Plaka offers live music and dance performances in the evenings. Cafe Avissinia also has live Greek music on weekends.
How far are most restaurants from the Acropolis?
Many restaurants are within walking distance of the Acropolis. You can find many restaurants under a 30-minute walk. Look for restaurants in the Plaka, Anafiotika, and Makrigianni Street areas for the closest options.
Featured Image: Facebook.com(Thissioview)