Athens Food Tour Review: Eat Your Way Through The City

🥨☕🌯 Interested in the Athens food tour?

Are you a foodie dreaming of exploring Athens by eating your way through the city? Then this is your opportunity to dive in and explore the many incredible meals that this amazing city has to offer.

We had the opportunity to take a guided tour around some of the city’s best cafes and local eateries. Although we were a little sceptical at first if trying all new foods was really worth it – it turns out it most definitely WAS! 

On our Athens gourmet food tour, we sampled some of the most delicious foods from the culture-rich streets – from classic Greek dishes like pita gyros to local favourites like spanakopita and coffee brewed in the hot sand – yes, you heard us right! ☕😀

Together with Athens dinner in the sky, we can confidently say it was one of the best experiences if you’re looking for an authentic way to get a taste of Athens!

Read on as we share our experience eating through beautifully vibrant neighbourhoods across Athens.

Is It Worth Doing A Food Tour In Athens Greece?

If you’re looking for an exciting and delicious way to explore the city of Athens, then indulging in a food tour is absolutely worth it! I’d even say that Athens is worth visiting, for that experience alone!

If you want to explore the city like a local, doing a food tour is a must-try activity. Embarking on a food tour will take you to Athens’s hidden gems and local eateries.

The guide will introduce you to new flavours, teach you about Greek cuisine, and give you tips on where to eat and what to order for dinners during your stay in Athens.

It’s a fun way to celebrate something special or just have a good time.

We had a really awesome time, and we couldn’t believe how many delicious foods we could enjoy during our Athens Greece food tour. If you’re a big foodie like we are, this will be your favourite activity in Athens!

Athens Food Tour: At A Glance

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

If you’re a big foodie or just enjoy eating and want to spend some quality time with your partner or family, the Athens food tour is the perfect activity. We loved the quality and huge variety of foods we tried as well as we enjoyed friendly chats with other couples we met.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

TOUR ITINERARY

You will meet your guide and other tour participants at Monastiraki Square, where the food tour begins. You will then start walking toward the hipster neighbourhood of Psyri, where most stops of the Athens food walking tour are located.

At each stop, your guide will explain the story behind the food you’re sampling, providing you with an authentic understanding of Athens’s diverse culinary offerings.

Make sure you arrive really hungry as there is a LOT of food to be eaten on this Athens food tour Greece has to offer.

The tour includes a visit to the fish and meat market, Varvakios, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of Athens’ daily life.

Our tour was capped at 12 people, which made it easy to talk to everyone during the 4 hours we spent together walking and eating our way through the city.

What Food Do You Get During A Walking Food Tour Athens?

Here are some of the foods you can expect to eat during the best food tour Athens has to offer.

🥨 Loukoumades

Loukoumades are a delicious Greek dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. These bite-sized doughnuts are made from a simple batter of flour, yeast, water, and sugar that is fried to a golden crisp and then drizzled with honey or syrup.

What’s truly impressive about this dessert is that it has remained a beloved tradition in Greek culture for so long. In fact, Loukoumades are said to have been made in ancient Greece as an offering to the gods. But what makes them truly inspiring is how versatile they are. Nowadays, you can find Loukoumades stuffed with Nutella, sprinkled with cinnamon, and even topped with ice cream!

We’ve been to Greece many times but somehow never tried loukoumades, and how surprised we were to find how delicious they are. For me, they’re better than Spanish churros!

🥨 Spanakopita

Spanakopita, a savoury Greek pastry made with spinach and feta cheese, is a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing. Its golden filo pastry layers are crispy on the outside but perfectly soft and melty on the inside, making it the quintessential comfort food.

The indulgent filling is bursting with the fresh flavour and goodness of spinach, combined with creamy and salty feta cheese. This traditional Greek dish is a great addition to any meal and is perfect for a dinner party, potluck, or even a snack.

I tried the feta & spinach pastry, and my partner also tried spanakopita with chicken, which he said was also delicious.

🥨 Sand-brewed coffee

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but have you ever tried sand-brewed coffee? This unique brewing method has been around for centuries in the Middle East and North Africa and has recently gained popularity in other parts of the world.

To make sand-brewed coffee, the coffee grounds are placed in a special pot called a dallah, which is then buried in hot sand. As the sand heats up, the water in the dallah is gradually heated, allowing the coffee to slowly extract all the flavours from the beans. The end result is a smooth, rich cup of coffee that is truly one-of-a-kind. 

We are big coffee lovers (especially Robin), but this was the first time we’ve learnt about this unique method of brewing coffee. The coffee was super delicious, even drunk black (which I normally don’t like), and it was a fun experience watching it being prepared.

🥨 Koulouri

Koulouri, a popular street food in Greece, is a circular bread topped with sesame seeds. This delicious snack has been a staple in Greece for over a century and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The crunchy texture of the sesame seeds on top of the bread perfectly complements the soft, fluffy interior.

Koulouri is not only a tasty treat but also a cultural tradition in Greece. Walking down the streets of Athens, you’ll often find people snacking on this bread while taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. 

🥨 Greek Meze

On one of the stops during the walking food tour Athens Greece has to offer, we had the opportunity to indulge in the various Greek Meze platters, which transported our taste buds to another culinary dimension!

From tender meatballs to tangy chilly & feta spread, each dish was a symphony of flavours.

The fried anchovies were a particular delight. We were first very sceptical about eating fish with its bones, but we gave it a go, and it ended up being my favourite dish! They were crispy on the outside but bursting with rich, briny goodness on the inside, making them an instant favourite.

I also loved the zucchini balls, which were surprisingly light and fresh. Every bite of the giant beans was bursting with earthy, wholesome flavour, and the fried cheese was a true guilty pleasure!

Other things that we tried during this stop were: friend squeed, sausages, tzatziki, greek salads, and olives.

What an unforgettable feast for the senses!

🥨 Olive oil & balsamic vinegar

On one of the final stops, we sampled some exquisite olive oils and vinegar.

Our guide took us through different regions, showcasing the unique flavours of each bottle. We dipped freshly baked bread into each blend, savouring the complexity of the oils and vinegar. To complement the tasting, we were treated to a glass of local wine, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

After the savoury tasting, we indulged in a sweet Greek yoghurt with honey, leaving our taste buds buzzing with flavours and our hearts full of Greek hospitality.

It was truly the best Athens food tour you can possibly imagine and a feast for the senses!

🥨 Pita Gyros

Pita gyros are a popular fast food dish that originates from Greece. The dish consists of warm pita bread filled with a combination of meat, vegetables, and sauce. The meat is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie and can be either beef, chicken, lamb, or pork. Some of the common toppings include onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.

Whether eaten on the go or enjoyed at a sit-down restaurant, pita gyros offer a satisfying and flavorful meal option for anyone craving Mediterranean cuisine. 

Since I don’t eat meat, I had a veggie pita gyro with halloumi cheese. If you’re a vegetarian, you can also have a pita gyro with falafel.

Athens Street Food Tour: Our Experience

We absolutely loved our food tour and strongly believe that the tour we took is one of the best Athens food tours available!

We enjoyed hanging with like-minded travellers and enjoying delicious Greek food together. I don’t eat meat, and there was still a lot of food for me to enjoy! Make sure you come to this tour very hungry to eat and drink without any limits and enjoy yourself.

Our guide was super friendly, and we enjoyed learning about the way Athenians eat and the story behind each dish.

If you’re taking the afternoon tour, definitely cancel all your dinner plans because you won’t be able to eat anything else on that day.

Practical Tips Before You Go On An Athens Walking Food Tour

Are you planning on going on an Athens walking food tour? Get ready to indulge in some of the city’s most delicious flavours! But before you lace up your walking shoes and hit the streets, here are some practical tips to ensure you make the most of your culinary adventure.

✔️ Come hungry!

First and foremost, come with an empty stomach to leave enough space for the plethora of sweet and savoury treats you’ll encounter. If you’re taking the morning tour, definitely skip breakfast altogether and for the afternoon tour, have only a small meal beforehand.

✔️ Inform the guide about your special dietary needs

It’s important to inform your guide about any special dietary needs you may have. Whether you’re a vegetarian, allergic to a certain ingredient, or follow a gluten-free diet, your guide will be more than happy to accommodate your needs and ensure that you can fully enjoy the tour. 

✔️ Be adventures

Don’t be afraid to try new foods, as the local cuisine is rich with unique flavours and ingredients you won’t find anywhere else.

✔️ Wear comfortable shoes

As you’ll be walking around quite a bit, bring comfortable shoes.

✔️ Take extra water

You will get some water during the tour, but we recommend bringing additional water to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day.

Finally, embrace the experience and be open to the stories behind the dishes you’ll be trying.

Athens Foor Tour: FAQ

What Food Is Famous In Athens?

Greek cuisine is famous for its healthy mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, herbs and spices. Popular dishes include moussaka (minced meat with eggplant), souvlaki (meat skewers), tzatziki (cucumber-yoghurt dip), spanakopita (spinach pie) and pita gyros (pita filled with pork, chicken, lamb or falafel or halloumi cheese for vegetarians).

Desserts include baklava (filo pastry filled with nuts and drizzled in honey syrup) and loukoumades (small doughnuts fried in oil).

Which Places Provide The Best Food Tours In Athens For Groups?

We took the Athens Gourmet Food Tour and had a wonderful experience sampling some of the most delicious foods from the culture-rich streets. The tour included 7 food stops, with a guide introducing us to new flavours and teaching us about Greek cuisine. Our tour was suitable for groups of a maximum of 12 people.

How Long Does A Walking Food Tour Athens Greece Take?

The Athens Food Tour takes approximately 4 hours to complete and includes 7 food stops.

Can You Do A Vegan Food Tour Athens?

Yes, it is possible to do a vegan food tour in Athens. There are many vegan options available throughout the city, but you will need to book a vegan-friendly street food tour Athens has to offer.

Book the best food tour in Athens for vegans here.

Is Athens Cheap Or Expensive?

The answer is a resounding yes! Compared to popular islands like Mykonos or Santorini, Athens is very affordable for travellers on a budget. You can find affordable modern eateries throughout the city serving delicious pita gyro or Greek salads for as little as €4, and hotel rates start at €50 per night for a midrange stay.

Despite its affordable prices, Athens also boasts plenty of high-end restaurants and hotels for those who want a luxury experience. 

Is Athens A Foodie City?

Athens, the capital city of Greece, has certainly earned its place as a foodie destination. With its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene, Athens offers a wealth of tantalizing flavours and experiential dining options.

From the ubiquitous souvlaki and gyros to the varied meze plates and seafood options, it is no surprise that Athens has a thriving food culture. Local markets such as the bustling Varvakios, with its plethora of fresh produce, spices and meats, add to the richness of Athenian cuisine.

Moreover, the city is also home to numerous fine-dining restaurants, gourmet bakeries and cafes. Whether indulging in traditional Greek cuisine or modern gastronomic delights, Athens definitely has something to offer for every palate, and the best way to appreciate it is through taking a food tour!

Should You Tip In Greece?

When visiting Greece, you will inevitably come across opportunities to engage in the tradition of tipping. While it is not mandatory, tipping is a common way of showing appreciation to those who provide exceptional service in the hospitality industry.

From restaurant waiters to hotel staff, tipping in Greece is seen as a gesture of gratitude for a job well done. In fact, it’s not uncommon for Greeks themselves to leave a little something extra when they receive excellent service. However, it’s important to note that the level of tipping in Greek culture tends to be lower than what is expected, for example, in the United States.

What Is The Largest Food Market In Athens?

When it comes to food in Athens, there is a marketplace that stands out above the rest. The Varvakios, also known as the Athens Central Market, is the largest food market in the city. This vibrant hub of trade has been a part of Athens’ cultural landscape for over a century.

Walking among the bustling crowds, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to seafood and meat. And what really sets Varvakios apart is the incredible variety of Greek cheeses, olives, and spices available here. So, if you’re visiting Athens and looking for an authentic culinary experience, don’t miss out on the sights, smells, and tastes of the city’s biggest food market.

What Time Should I Eat Dinner In Athens?

There is no right or wrong time to dine in Athens, as the locals have a relaxed attitude towards dining. You can have your dinner as early as 6 pm or as late as 10 pm, depending on your preference.

Some people prefer to dine early, around 6 pm, in order to avoid the crowds and get a head start on the rest of their evening plans. While others prefer to dine a bit later, around 9 pm, in order to fully embrace the city’s lively nightlife and enjoy the bustling city streets. 

Athens Food Tour: Final Thoughts

All in all, Athens is a culinary powerhouse, and a food tour of this incredible city will not only give you a deeper appreciation of its culture but will also stimulate your senses like never before.

From exotic Mediterranean cuisine to delightful Greek snacks and treats, the range of tastes and aromas will be unforgettable. The atmosphere of the restaurants and bakeries really gives an insight into the life of Greece, giving you an authentic experience that surpasses expectations.

If you are looking for something truly unique and exciting to do in Athens, then the Athens food tour should absolutely be on your list! It will provide you with an afternoon filled with al fresco dining, breathtaking scenery, delightful flavours, valuable knowledge about the city’s gastronomy, and amazing moments that will stay with you forever.

Happy food touring! 🥨☕🌯