Our top ten list of romantic restaurants in Athens proved to be quite a challenge. Maybe it's the golden light cast just before dusk, or the cry of seagulls even in the center of the city, the constant serenade of accordions and rose-sellers insisting that a man who share a table with a pretty lady should be also buying her flowers, but it seems romance comes easy when you're here. With no shortage of options in romantic restaurants, take every opportunity to feel the love. We've included a variety of settings and budgets to suit your style, all offering high quality in food, service, and atmosphere.
Tudor Hall is located in the very heart of the city, though it's position on the 7th floor with a sweeping view of Syntagma Square running all the way to the Acropolis lets you disappear into a romantic world of your own. The intimate terrace seating is ideal in winter or summer, the glass taken down or put up according to the temperature. The restaurant crowning
Lycabettus (Lykavittos) Hill,
Orizantes is famous for the romance of its view and a creative menu. Some travelers do claim that the experience wasn't worth the high price tag even if the views are breathtaking. If you're unsure, choose a restaurant more grounded and book a taxi for a private ride up the hill; take a moment to cuddle on a bench and enjoy the scenery.
The elegant neighborhood of
Thissio is home to one of Athens' favorite French restaurants,
Pil Poul et Jerome Serres. The 19th-century mansion and clean linen interior is as stately as the fare is mouthwatering, but the real draw is the rooftop dining with another extraordinary view of the Acropolis. Should it be booked,
Strofi Tavern is nearby; the food is Greek, consistent with no surprises, but the view is equally delicious.
2Mazi (two together) is in located just on the edge of
Plaka and Syntagma in a neoclassical building. The restaurant's title refers to two notable chefs who love their craft and decided to work together; the love extends into everything they do.
Daphne's is also located in Plaka, just across from the
Lysicrates monument. Thanks to their warm elegance, personable waitstaff, and approachable, if not memorable fare, Daphne's has been well publicized in travel guides and is popular with tourists. Get a table in the courtyard and take a walk afterward to digest: across the monument there are steps that lead into curvy, old streets that lead all the way to the whitewashed huts of
Anafiotika.
If you're in Exarcheia, we hold Yandes in high regard for their elegant garden and constantly evolving menu based on local, organic products, but if it's out of your price range head to nearby
Kymatothravstis, the cozy, colorful eatery popular with students where you're fed for 3-6 euros a person.
Two of our choices are set by the sea: Plous Podilato and Ithaki. Of the two,
Plous Podilato is closest to the city and located in a tiny harbor called Mikrolimino where several other options of fish restaurants are stacked together and abuzz with activity late into the evening. Plous Podilato stands out for their excellence in food and soft, light surroundings. Be sure to book a table along the window for the best view of the harbor.
Ithaki is in the coastal suburb of Vouliagmeni and has an exotic, fantasy ambiance that's sure to leave a good taste in your mouth.
3 Vassilis Georgiou A' Street
King George II Hotel
Fine dining with breathtaking view...
51 Apostolou Pavlou and Poulopoulou Streets (corner)
Fancy and upscale dining...
Mount Lycabettus
Fancy gourmet Greek...
27 Tsocha Street
Great Food, Elite Bar...
48 Nikis & Kydathineon
Greek Cuisine with the French Mentality...
42 Koumoundourou Coach
Dinner on a Sailing Bicycle...
Apollonos Street 28
Lemos Vouliagmenis
Feasting on seafood...
44 Valtetsiou Street
Organic Greek food...
Plateia Abyssinia
Plateia Abyssinia, Monastiraki
Good food and superb atmosphere for lovers of old things...
4 Lysikratous Street
The Plaka
The dining spot of celebrities...