The Best Seafood in Athens: Top Restaurants, Hidden Gems

Athens is a seafood lover’s paradise, but finding the best seafood in Athens can be overwhelming, with so many options available. You want to experience the freshest seafood while avoiding tourist traps. Whether you’re craving grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, or an upscale seafood dining experience, this guide will take you to the top seafood restaurants in Athens, including both famous spots and hidden gems.

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Key Takeaways:

Best Central Athens Seafood: Top spots include Atlantikos, Fish Market, and Aiolou 68, offering fresh, affordable seafood.
Seaside Dining: Enjoy upscale and casual dining with sea views at places like Varoulko Seaside, Lambros, and Sardelaki along the Athens Riviera.
Traditional Taverns: Experience authentic seafood at To Steki Tou Maki and Psarochori, offering local charm and traditional Greek flavors.
Hidden Gems: Explore offbeat seafood spots like Zisis, Fish in a Cone and Seawolf for unique dining experiences.
Seasonal Specialties: Don’t miss out on dishes like shrimp saganaki, kakavia (fish soup), and sea urchin salad for a true taste of Greek seafood.

Where can I find the best seafood in Athens?

The best seafood in Athens can be found at top restaurants like Atlantikos and Aiolou 68 in central Athens, offering fresh and affordable dishes like grilled octopus and shrimp saganaki. For a seaside experience, visit Varoulko Seaside in Piraeus or Lambros in Vouliagmeni, where you can enjoy upscale dining with a view. Hidden gems like Zisis, Fish in a Cone and Seawolf offer unique seafood options loved by locals.

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Athens

1. Best Seafood in Central Athens

Athens’ bustling city center offers some incredible fish restaurants in Athens, perfect for those short on time but eager to enjoy fresh seafood Athens has to offer.

Atlantikos: This hidden gem in Psiri is known for serving affordable, yet incredibly fresh seafood. Try their signature grilled octopus or fried calamari, all cooked to perfection.
Fish Market: Located in the heart of Athens, Fish Market offers a unique dining experience where you can hand-pick your fish from a market display. Their red mullet and shrimp dishes are particularly popular among seafood lovers.
Aiolou 68: Situated near Monastiraki Square, this seafood restaurant has a cozy yet lively vibe. The must-try dishes here include sea bass, shrimp saganaki, and mussels steamed in white wine.

These seafood spots provide an easy option for those looking to stay in central Athens while enjoying authentic Greek seafood dishes.

2. Seaside Seafood Spots: Glyfada, Piraeus & Vouliagmeni

For those wanting to enjoy seafood with a view, head to the coastal neighborhoods like Piraeus, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni. Here, you’ll find some of the best seafood restaurants in Piraeus and along the Athens Riviera.

Varoulko Seaside (Piraeus): A Michelin-starred gem run by chef Lefteris Lazarou. Enjoy gourmet dishes like marinated sea bass with wild greens or grilled cuttlefish with caramelized lentils.
Lambros (Vouliagmeni): This iconic restaurant offers stunning views of the sea and a menu packed with traditional favorites like mussel pilaf and crayfish. Don’t miss the shrimp saganaki, a local favorite.
Sardelaki (Glyfada): Known for its casual yet delicious seafood dishes, Sardelaki serves everything from stuffed calamari to fresh grilled sardines, perfect for a relaxing meal after a day at the beach.

These coastal restaurants combine fantastic seafood with a view in Athens, making them ideal for a romantic dinner or a family meal by the sea.

3. Best Traditional Fish Taverns in Athens

If you’re looking for a more rustic, traditional Greek dining experience, Athens has a wealth of seafood taverns that offer the charm of local flavors and cozy atmospheres.

To Steki Tou Maki: Located in central Athens, this taverna is perfect for those who want to experience seafood the way locals do. Popular dishes include buttery garlic shrimp and perfectly grilled octopus.
Psarochori: This lesser-known spot is a seafood lover’s dream, offering freshly caught fish like sea bream, as well as delicious calamari and prawns, in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Seawolf (Koukaki): This neighborhood taverna combines a cozy atmosphere with expertly prepared seafood dishes like sardines and cuttlefish risotto. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal away from the tourist crowds.

These Athens seafood taverns offer both the atmosphere and quality of dishes that make for a truly authentic Greek seafood dining experience.

4. Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Athens is full of surprises, and some of the best seafood can be found in unexpected places. These hidden gems offer something unique, combining playful concepts with fresh flavors that locals adore.

Zisis, Fish in a Cone: For a fun, casual twist on traditional seafood, head to Zisis. This spot serves crispy fried fish in a cone, perfect for on-the-go dining. Choose from sardines, anchovies, or shrimp, topped with zesty sauces for a unique experience.
Seawolf (Koukaki): Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Koukaki, Seawolf is known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional seafood. Try their smoked sardines or cuttlefish risotto for a comforting meal away from the tourist crowds.
Thinalos (Metaxourgeio): This charming restaurant brings island vibes to the heart of Athens, offering dishes like linguine with prawns and grilled fish served with lemon and herbs. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite for seafood lovers looking for a relaxed evening out.

These spots may not be the most famous, but they deliver some of the best seafood in Athens for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

5. Seasonal and Specialty Dishes to Try

When it comes to Greek seafood dishes, there are some seasonal specialties you shouldn’t miss. These are not just delicious but also offer a deeper connection to the Mediterranean diet.

Shrimp Saganaki: A crowd favorite, this dish features shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese, usually served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Kakavia (Fish Soup): Known as the Greek fishermen’s stew, kakavia is a hearty soup made from the day’s fresh catch, mixed with vegetables and flavored with olive oil and lemon.
Sea Urchin Salad: For something truly unique, try a sea urchin salad, especially popular along the Athens Riviera. Its briny, delicate flavor is a true Mediterranean delicacy.

These Greek seafood dishes highlight the fresh, simple ingredients that define traditional Athens seafood taverns and fine dining alike.

Additional Tips:

If you want to dive deeper into Athenian food culture, consider joining a Greek food tour. These tours take you to the best hidden spots in the city, where you can taste everything from local delicacies to street food favorites. Not only will you enjoy delicious food, but you’ll also learn the stories behind these iconic dishes.

Athens Street Food Tour

For street food enthusiasts, the Athens Street Food Tour by MegaPass Athens is a must-do experience. Perfect for families, groups of friends, or colleagues, this 3-hour small-group tour (approximately 12 people) takes you on an exploration of the best street food spots in Athens—a true street food paradise.

What to Expect:

Taste Authentic Flavors: On this tour, you’ll get to try 6 different original Greek street foods, both sweet and savory, along with traditional drinks. From souvlaki to loukoumades, this tour covers it all.
A Quick Cultural Dive: In just three hours, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of local Greek food culture, making this ideal for visitors who are in Athens for a short time.
Family-Friendly: This tour is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering an entertaining and budget-friendly way to explore Athenian cuisine without the fuss of fine dining.
Learn Mediterranean Recipes: As you taste your way through the streets, you’ll also pick up insights into healthy Greek street food recipes, many of which are based on the Mediterranean diet.
Flexible Schedule: Whether you prefer to enjoy the vibrant energy of Athens during the day or the charm of the evening, the tour offers both options.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Every food spot on the tour caters to vegetarians, making it inclusive for all dietary preferences.

With this tour, you’ll experience the real flavors of Athens while learning about the city’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a street food aficionado, this tour will leave you craving more!

Ready to taste the best of Athens street food? Book your spot today and immerse yourself in an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Conclusion

Athens offers a variety of seafood experiences, from upscale restaurants with stunning views to traditional tavernas brimming with local charm. Whether you’re dining at an elegant seaside spot or enjoying fresh seafood in a casual taverna, Athens has something for every seafood lover. Ready to explore the best seafood Athens has to offer? Plan your next meal at one of these top spots, and indulge in the flavors of the Aegean Sea!