Ella Greek Cooking: The acclaimed chef Nena Ismyrnoglou is the owner of this all-day venue that offers the authentic flavors of Traditional Greek food. Nena’s recipes remind us Greeks of Sunday lunch at our family tables, with the aromas coming from the kitchen enough to whet anyone’s appetite. Every dish is created with an impressive selection of fresh ingredients. Inside you will also find a picturesque grocery section, where one can shop for traditional products exclusively from Greek producers. We are truly pleased that in such central location there is a marvelous reasonably-priced restaurant that we can recommend to friends who want to get a good sense of Greece when visiting Athens. While the main entrance is on Mitropoleos Street, Ella is what we call “double-sided” and faces also Petraki (Pedestrian Street), where there are tables to sit and enjoy a meal.
Tip from a Local: Come for lunch, and if you sit outside, chose the tables set out in Petraki (pedestrian) street. Every time we go, we check the “specials of the day” and add our favourites: Lamp fricassee (when in season), lamp giouvetsi (orzo pasta), dolmadakia (wine leaves, rice, almost and mastic yoghurt), homemade cheese pie with feta cheese, or giant beans.
Contact details: Mitropoleos 26 Street, +30 210 3315547, www.ellarestaurant.gr (4min walk from Syntagma square, 8min walk from Monastiraki square, 17min walk from Omonia square).
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani: This gem, with its original location housed in a restored neoclassical building, is the kind of place that you always hope to find when travelling abroad. Before becoming a restaurant, it was one of the first charcuteries opened in Athens, famous for its cold cuts. Karamanlidika was founded by Greeks who moved from Asia Minor to Greece due to the population exchange in the first quarter of the 20th century, bringing with them a vast culinary heritage. The result is the magical blend of wonderful recipes that you can find in this beautiful, honest & authentic establishment. An eclectic yet uncomplicated menu provides a sensory journey to Asia Minor! Inside the premises, there is also a deli, thus you can of course expect a wide selection of meats and cheeses from artisanal producers all over Greece. The legacy of Karamanlidika comes mostly from cured meats such as pastourma (or pastirma) and soutzouki (or sudjuk). Pastourma is a highly seasoned air-dried cured meat with a production process that takes approximately one full month. Soutzouki is a type of fermented sausage (a bit spicy) in Balkan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Tip from a Local: Come either for lunch or dinner, inside or alfresco. Try the Sahanaki Karamanlidiko with pastourma, sudjuk, eggs and tomato (A MUST), Isli Kefte with yoghurt sauce, Soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs with tomato sauce, eggplant cream and cheese, Pastirma little pies, Giant beans with soutzouki.
Contact details: Socratous 1, +30 210 3254184, https://karamanlidika.gr/en/ (12min walk from Syntagma square, 8min walk from Monastiraki square, 7min walk from Omonia square).
Dopios: Dopios can be labeled as a gastro tavern, as the cuisine skillfully blends familiarity with creativity, while maintaining a relaxed vibe. Here, gifted chef Christoforos Peskias approaches traditional recipes with conviction, while eco friendly principles are applied via usage of only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. The spot is spacious and features a carefully designed interior with marble tables, pale colors as well as an elaborate mosaic on the wall. Tables outside are set at picturesque pedestrian square Agion Theodorn, under the shade of plane trees of the 11th century holy temple of Agios Theodoros.
Tip from a Local: If the weather permits, we suggest dining outside in the cozy square, a small hub of eateries, cafes and bars with a lovely vibe any time of the day. In our opinion, the “from the sea” & the vegetarian sections of the menu are the most interesting. Do try “Taramosalata” fish roe dip with shrimp chips, tzatziki avocado, Greek Salad, Almirikia (greens with olive oil and lemon dressing), Braised Octopus with fava (yellow split beans), Shrimp popcorn, Sardines or Red Mullet. If seafood is not your thing, we suggest you chose Beef Cheeks “Kokkinisto” (tomato based stew with hilopites pasta).
Contact details: Skouleniou 1, +30 210 3310049, https://dopiosrestaurant.gr/ (8min walk from Syntagma square, 9min walk from Monastiraki square, 8min walk from Omonia square).
