The Best Street Food in Athens

Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at some of the best street food options in Athens, focusing on pita wraps and pies, along with some unique offerings that capture the diverse flavors of the city.

Pita Wraps (Gyros)

• Terminology: The entire wrap is called a "gyros," not just the meat.
• Common Meats: Chicken and pork are most common; lamb and beef are less frequently available.

Recommended Gyros Places

1. Street Souvlaki

   • Offers a wide variety of pita wrap fillings.
   • Recommended fillings:
     • Seftalia: A thick sausage from Cyprus, made of pork and lamb.
     • Soutzoukia: Beef sausage with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic.
     • Halloumi: Grilled sheep cheese with a crispy crust.
   • Gluten-free pita bread available.

2. Lefteris O Politis

   • Offers only soutzoukia and biftekia.
   • Biftekia: Juicier than soutzoukia, cooked in its own juices.
   • Smaller, cheaper wraps with charred pita bread.

3. Just Pita

   • Famous for kontosouvli: Thick, tender meat pieces.
   • Options: Pork, chicken, and lamb (lamb sells out quickly).

4. Elvis

   • Known for kalamakia, served on a platter with fries, bread, and lemon.
   • Not served in pita wraps.

5. Hoocut

   • Alternative options like fried calamari, tarama, and dolmades in pita wraps.
   • Offers mutton wraps.

6. Obelistirio I Vonitsa

   • Located near Neos Kosmos metro, also serves lamb gyros and Turkish-style doner.
   • Doner: Ground meat paste with spices, often beef or beef/lamb mix.

Pies

• Greek Pies: Made with filo dough, not traditional bread.
• Types:
  • Spanakopita (spinach pie)
  • Cheese, chicken, mushroom pies

Recommended Bakeries

1. Takis Bakery - Near the Acropolis Museum
2. Ariston Lobotesi - Near Syntagma Square
3. Crème Royale - Near Monastiraki Square
4. Bougatsadiko - Specializes in bougatsa, located on Psyri's main square.
   • Bougatsa Me Crema: Custard filled, sweet.
   • Ground beef bougatsa is also available.

Unique Street Foods

• Zisis: Offers fried seafood in a cone.
• Feyrouz: Lebanese options like lahmajoun and kunefe (sweet cheese dessert with pistachio).
• Vegan Beat Athens: Offers vegan street food options.

Tips for Exploring Athens

• E-bike Tours: Recommended for seeing Athens efficiently during hot months, available in the morning or late afternoon.

Conclusion

Athens is rich in street food diversity, offering both traditional and modern options. From gyros and pies to unique offerings like Lebanese lahmajoun and vegan street food, there's something for everyone.