Athens cheap… yes it is possible!
A small hollow? Looking for a quick, inexpensive but quality lunch? Good and inexpensive addresses are easily found in Greece.
So here are some great deals in Athens for an affordable meal on the go in the Syntagma neighborhood. And whether you are a fan of Greek specialties or prefer world cuisine, you will have the choice.
Athens cheap: try the traditional Koulouris
How can you resist koulouris, these round golden breads sprinkled with sesame? Ideal in case of small hunger, the koulouri is consumed at any time of the day. Thus, it is THE snack par excellence in Greece. A simple and tasty snack for a very affordable price (usually 50 cents). You will find them in the yellow carts of the street vendors of Syntagma or Monastiraki square as well as in all the bakeries.
Ariston’s puff pastries
If you are looking for a cheap place in Athens to snack, then head to Ariston.
Ariston is a traditional bakery that has been around since 1910 and serves excellent puff pastries (called pitas in Greece). These are a very popular snack and Greeks often eat them as breakfast or a quick lunch. These puffs are available with cheese (tiropita), spinach (spanakopita), minced meat (kreatopita), leeks (prassopita) or zucchini (kolokithopita).
Ariston offers a wide variety of puff pastries. But above all, everything is fresh (no frozen ingredients), cooked on site and by hand according to a traditional recipe that dates back more than 100 years. The success of Ariston’s pita is due to the thinness of the pastry and the quality of the filling. In short, an address that deserves a visit!
- Address : 10 street Voulis
- Phone: +30 210 32 27 626
- Price: between 1,30€ and 3€ per sheet
Kostas’ souvlaki
The most popular dish when you want to eat in Athens for cheap is souvlaki, a grilled meat skewer (usually pork or chicken). A very popular snack among Greeks. Souvlaki are served either simply on a wooden spike(kalamaki) or rolled up in a pita bread and accompanied by tomatoes, yogurt sauce and thin slices of onions. A tasty and hearty meal, at a lower cost. To learn more, see our article Do you speak souvlakis.
You will find many stalls selling souvlaki in Athens. But one of our favorites is O Kostas. Souvlaki has been served here since 1950 (the store was opened by the current owner’s grandfather). The meat is tender, the pita bread is not greasy, the whole is tasty. Unbeatable value for money!
- Address : Filellinon 7
- Phone: +30 210 32 28 502
- Price: between 2,5€ and 3,4€.
Cretan specialties at 2 Syntagma Square
On the ninth and last floor of an ordinary building in Syntagma Square, there is a small Cretan dive that is completely secret (no sign) and offers an exceptional view. And allows to eat in Athens cheaply. On the menu, extremely simple but good dishes: omelets, meatballs, Greek salad, toast. An offbeat place that we highly recommend.
- Address: Syntagma Square, 2 Karagiorgi Servias Street, 9th and last floor
- Price: dishes between 1,50€ and 5,5€.
Harry’s Kitchen pita breads
This is a place we would never have paid attention to if our friend Katerina had not taken us there. A simple and unpretentious place run by Harry and Julie. Here, everything is homemade. We taste excellent pitas, fresh and tasty. We particularly like the pastry, which is a change from the usual puff pastry.
The specialty? The tiropita anoixiatiki, with a mixture of cheese and mint. We also really liked the spicy meat kreatopita.
- Address : 2 street Axarlian
- Phone: +30 694 77 65 15 or +30 211 1152 864
- price : between 2€ and 3€ per pita
Amandine’s bagels
Amandine is the owner of this small bagel store located near Syntagma Square.
The bagels are homemade and made to order with fresh produce. A large choice is proposed since Amandine offers more than 15 different salted bagels plus the bagel of the month.
It is also difficult not to succumb to the homemade desserts, especially the chocolate eclair…
Takeaway only.
- Address : Nikis 13
- Phone: +30 21 0323 9829
- Price : Around 5-6 euros per bagel
Cadillac Burgers
If you’re in the mood for a good hamburger, go to Cadillac. Indeed, this restaurant serves delicious homemade burgers prepared with carefully selected raw materials. The quality-price ratio is excellent. In addition, the staff is particularly friendly.
- Address : 6 street Mnisikleous
- Phone: +30 210 325 52 40 or +30 210 32 37 260
- Price: burgers around 6€.
The French Tacos of Panam
You have a craving for French Tacos, this wheat patty containing meat, raw vegetables and sauce, all accompanied by fries and cheese sauce, then go to Ektor and Baptise! They are the only ones in Greece to offer this “hybrid” sandwich between panini, wrap, kebab and burrito. The French Tacos are good and hearty!
- Address : Solonos 86
- Phone: 6934119330
- Price: French tacos from 7,30 euros.
Find even more ideas for a stay in Athens at a lower cost with our good deals for a stay in Athens at a lower price.
Laure M.
Updated April 9, 2024
