Diporto Agoras is a small culinary gem next to the central market. A small and secret tavern, nestled in the basement, which serves traditional Greek dishes to a clientele of regulars. An atmosphere that evokes the Greece of another era!
Diporto Agoras: a well-hidden tavern
If you don’t know this address, you won’t come across it by chance. Located in the popular and lively central market area, this tavern is almost invisible from the outside. So you can walk past it several times without even noticing it. No name, no sign, no window. The establishment is hidden underground at the corner of Sokratous and Theatrou streets. “Diportos” (διπορτος in Greek) means “with two doors” for the simple reason that two doors lead inside. Don’t be put off by the “cellar” aspect and walk down the few worn stone steps that will lead you into this underground tavern. You will feel like you are traveling in time.
Diporto: a rustic atmosphere
Inside, the least we can say is that the place is… rudimentary! A dozen tables with checkered tablecloths and transparent plastic, mismatched straw chairs, an open kitchen that consists of four gas burners on which large pots are heating, an old refrigerator next to which are placed crowns of garlic, a dripping faucet at the back of the room. And a whole wall of barrels that are not there for decoration but are actually used to store wine.
The clientele is mainly made up of regulars, generally Greek men of a certain age. The boss, with his big white moustache, is a bit gruff. This is part of the charm of the place.
Staff speaks little or no English. But what does it matter? Because here, no menu. So, to choose your dishes, the boss invites you “into the kitchen” and lifts the lids of the different pans. Then, you point to what you want to eat and the chef ladles it into large soup plates.
Diporto: a simple and authentic cuisine
The choice is limited: four traditional dishes each day, depending on the season and the ingredients available the same day in the surrounding markets. In general: a fish (mackerel, sardines), a meat in sauce and dried vegetables. The cuisine is traditional and tasty. It’s simple and authentic. The specialty of the house is the chickpeas. And it must be said that they are delicious, served simply with a dash of olive oil and a pinch of pepper. To taste absolutely!
Finally, to wash it all down, try the resinated white wine aged in the barrels that occupy an entire wall of the room.
You can eat here very early (at 11:30 for example), which is not the case in most traditional Greek taverns.
Prices according to the mood of the boss and the head of the customer. In general, it is necessary to count 10-15€ per person (bread and wine included).
- Address: Corner of Sokratous 9 and Theatrou , 10552 Athens – Google Maps point
- Access Metro Omonia (lines 1 and 2), Monastiraki (lines 1 and 3)
- Open daily from 8am to 7pm, except Sunday (closed)
- Price €-€€
- Web site
Laure M.
Updated April 24, 2024
