Athens eats late, and it eats well. Breakfast tends to be light, lunch usually happens after 13:00, and dinner rarely starts before 20:30. The good news? Kitchens stay open late in the city centre and along the coast, so grabbing a proper meal after evening labs is completely normal. This rich food culture reflects Athens’ status as a serious gastronomic capital, where recipes passed down through generations meet cutting-edge cooking techniques. You will get to experience both authentic Greek hospitality in traditional settings and creative takes on Mediterranean cuisine in the city’s newer spots.

Casual Eating

Start your day with the city’s breakfast staples. Bakeries sell koulouri (sesame bread rings), cheese or spinach pies, and fresh bread from early morning. Cafés serve freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino alongside traditional Greek coffee. Many places are happy to let you sit with a notebook for an hour without any pressure to order more. If you’re in a rush, grab a koulouri and a freddo and head to the metro.

Tavernas and mezedopoleia (small-plates restaurants) set the rhythm for lunch and dinner. Expect grilled meats, vegetables cooked in olive oil, hearty bean dishes, seasonal salads, and shared plates that add up to a satisfying meal. Fish tavernas charge for whole fish by the kilo, so always ask about the weight and price before you commit-it’s a simple way to avoid any surprises on the bill.

Street food will get you through your busiest days. A souvlaki or gyro pita typically runs €3.50-€4.50, a portion of pita with dips adds a couple of euros, and a bakery lunch of a pie and soft drink stays under €10. Sit-down meals vary more widely, but a casual taverna dinner with shared dishes usually comes to €12-€20 per person before drinks. Mid-range restaurants run higher, roughly €20-€35 per person depending on your choices.

Coffee Culture

Coffee here is a lifestyle, not just a caffeine fix. You’ll see frappé-that foamy iced instant coffee many Athenians still swear by-right alongside speciality roasters and precision espresso bars. Freddo espresso (shaken over ice) and freddo cappuccino (iced espresso topped with cold milk foam) are everywhere. A takeaway espresso usually costs €2-€3, a freddo typically runs €2.50-€3.50, and a sit-down cappuccino goes for €3-€4.

Vegetarian, Vegan & Special Diets

Dietary needs are pretty easy to manage here. Traditional Greek cooking is naturally vegetarian-friendly and often vegan-friendly too, with plenty of ladera (vegetables cooked in olive oil), legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and fresh salads. During Orthodox fasting periods, many restaurants offer completely plant-based menus. You’ll find halal options scattered around the city and coast, though it’s worth checking ahead at specific venues. Kosher options are more limited, so definitely plan ahead and confirm opening hours. For gluten-free eating, grilled meats and fish tavernas are your safest bet, and more bakeries are starting to label gluten-free items.

Drinks

Tap water in Athens is safe to drink, and most restaurants will bring you a carafe if you ask. Greek wines made from indigenous grapes-like assyrtiko, xinomavro, and agiorgitiko-are available by the glass or carafe at reasonable prices. Retsina, a traditional wine with a distinctive pine resin flavour, pairs beautifully with meze. Beer is widely available, from major brands to an expanding craft beer scene. For spirits, ouzo and tsipouro often show up alongside small plates in the afternoon and early evening. A draught beer typically costs €3-€6, a glass of house wine runs €3-€5, and a cocktail goes for €8-€12.

Dining Near Campus

South Athens has plenty to offer. Glyfada packs in cafés, casual restaurants, and international cuisine-all within easy walking distance of the tram, with the marina and beaches just minutes away. Voula and Vouliagmeni lean more towards seafood and quieter dinners, especially nice in summer when you can catch those late sunsets over calm water. Inland, neighbourhoods like Argyroupoli and Alimos offer good value and quick access to Elliniko station. It’s a practical setup: city life and seaside both within a short ride.

A few phrases make life smoother. Order water with nero, ask for the bill with to logariasmo, and say please and thank you with parakalo and efharisto. Staff appreciate the effort, and you get better answers when you try.

Practical Tips

• Tipping: Service is included in menu prices, so tipping is optional. Most people round up the bill or add 5-10% for especially good service.
• Payment: Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, but keep some small notes for kiosks and open-air markets.
• Receipts: Always ask for a receipt (apódiksi) and keep it with you until you leave the establishment.
• Delivery: Food delivery through the main apps is reliable, and most neighbourhoods have at least one late-night option.
• Markets: Fresh matters here. Every neighbourhood hosts a weekly open-air market (laïkí) with fresh produce, fish, and olives.
• Sunday note: Restaurants stay open on Sundays, but most retail shops don’t. Plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

Useful Greek Phrases

• Water: neró (neh-ROH) – νερό
• Bill: to logariasmó (toh loh-gah-ree-az-MOH) – το λογαριασμό
• Please: parakaló (pah-rah-kah-LOH) – παρακαλώ
• Thank you: efcharistó (ef-khah-ree-STOH) – ευχαριστώ
• Receipt: apódiksi (ah-POH-theek-see) – απόδειξη
• Market: laïkí (lah-ee-KEE) – λαϊκή

UNIC Athens is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dining options that support student wellbeing and nutritional needs. Our 132 sqm cafeteria offers a comfortable, welcoming space where you can enjoy a variety of meals, beverages, and snacks throughout the day.