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The Best Restaurants in Piraeus, Athens

Mikrolimano is a top spot for enjoying the sunset in Piraeus
Mikrolimano is a top spot for enjoying the sunset in Piraeus | © Milan Gonda / Alamy Stock Photo

Piraeus stands as Greece’s bustling maritime gateway and a town of undeniable charm. Beyond its maritime significance, Piraeus boasts a delightful culinary scene that beckons visitors to savor unique gastronomic adventures in this picturesque locale. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through Piraeus, where we’ve curated a list of 10 exceptional restaurants, each offering its own distinctive and enticing dining experience. Explore Piraeus, where the flavors of Greece come alive in a setting as captivating as the Mediterranean itself.
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Vassilenas Restaurant

Vassilenas dish

This modern place with bistro setting used to be a legendary bakaliko (grocery store) back in 1920. Vassilenas Restaurant with the rich history is one of the best options in Piraeus, attracting numerous customers. Staff is friendly and ready to answer all your questions about the dishes, service is quick and food is simply delicious. Some of the best dishes are the hand-made ravioli with beef, the risotto with rooster and mushrooms, and the fish soup. There are many tasty gourmet dishes, influenced by the Greek local culinary tradition and the Mediterranean cuisine.

O Giannis

This fish restaurant-tavern may not be right next to the wonderful sea of Piraeus, but don’t be disappointed: the fish is fresh, nicely cooked and delicious. The quality of Giannis‘ tastes is high and stable, maintaining a large number of customers through the years. The place’s warm design is reminiscent of a typical Greek ouzeri. Everything you’ll taste (salads, seafood, meze and meat) is fresh, made from pure Greek ingredients. Free parking is available next to the restaurant.

Papanikolis

This restaurant was named after the famous submarine Papanikolis, of which it has an excellent view, opposite to Marina Zeas. The decoration is warm, the prices are reasonable, the owner and the staff are very friendly and make you feel like home. The meze, made of meat and seafood, look great and taste even better, perfectly accompanied by beer, tsipouro and ouzo. The special thing about Papanikolis is the live traditional Greek music, which creates an authentic local atmosphere.

Rakadiko Stoa Kouvelou

Stoa Kouvelou was established at the end of the 19th century by Achilleas Kouvelos. Initially, the place was used as an inn, but in the beginning of the 20th century, a shopping center was built, with the addition of several other buildings. The whole historic building was renovated in 1998 and became a rakadiko-restaurant. It offers various meze plates and local dishes, like fried talagani cheese and grilled sardines. The modern interior design, with traditional boats and paintings on the walls and decorative umbrellas, add to the vibe of the place. After dinner, you can taste some delicious loukoumades (local doughnuts) in Loukoumel, inside the Stoa and next to the rakadiko.

Margaro

All-time classic restaurant in Piraeus, Margaro, is worth its local reputation. Many people claim that here you will taste the best Greek salad, as well as the best fried fish in Piraeus. The menu is short and simple, composed exclusively of fried fish. Locals and tourists are charmed by the magical dishes of Margaro, which are prepared with much love and pure fresh ingredients.

Imerovigli

With a wonderful location by the sea, clean and pleasant place Imerovigli offers interesting classic dishes like tomato balls, aubergine balls, fresh French fries and, of course, seafood. You should try the fried sardines, the shrimp rolls and the calamari. Service is quick and friendly and portions are satisfactory.

Axinos

Axinos is the Greek word for ‘sea urchin’, perfect name for this seaside restaurant with an impressive view of Saronikos Gulf and Attica. The menu is small, but the variety of mezes is satisfactory and even surprising, with the inclusion of special and rare delicacies, like smoked eel and mackerel. Try the unique green urchin salad, with freshly marinated gavros on top, and the various dishes based on shrimps, accompanied with ouzo.

Vosporos

Located in Mikrolimano, the most beautiful part of Piraeus, Vosporos offers an amazing view and a wide variety of salads and meat recipes. Quality and quantity is satisfactory, service is quick and prices are quite reasonable. Remember to make a reservation before going to the restaurant, because usually it’s hard to find even a single empty table.

Varoulko

Being awarded with a number of Golden Chef’s Cup and a Michelin Star, as well as the titles of “The Best Greek Cuisine Restaurant” and “The Best Restaurant in the City”, Varoulko and its chef Lefteris Lazarou need no introductions. The restaurant is located in Mikrolimano, right by the sea, and offers an elegant atmosphere and a wonderful view. Gourmet dishes made with fresh quality ingredients, in addition to the setting, create an unforgettable experience.

Zefiros

Next to the sea, in the beautiful Mikrolimano, Zefiros has wonderful scenery. This place will not let you down as it brings a modern aura to treasured traditions. The landscape, the delicious traditional fish meze and the great local wine give the impression of being on an island. Quality, portions, service and prices are all excellent and will satisfy even the most demanding customers.

About the author

Vagelis Tsirmpas is a 23-year-old Athens-born travel enthusiast who holds a BA in interpreting and a MA in translation. He studied in Corfu, the island of his heart, and uses foreign languages as a passport to different cultures. After traveling to various European countries, his next goal is a trip to Africa. Paraphrasing Marx, Vagelis does not only want to travel around the world, but also change it. Therefore, he has actively participated in student unions and self-organized solidarity groups.

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