The seafood meze, ouzo, tsipouro, and good company are always welcome, especially on weekends when we want to relax from the week’s hustle. If home cooking isn’t your strong suit and you feel like going out with friends in the city center, by the sea, or even to the northern parts of town, we suggest some value-for-money spots. No matter where you end up, you’re sure to enjoy well-prepared food and the drinks you love.

Gakias
Atmosphere of an old Greek movie with authentic flavors of both sea and land. The menu is packed with classic and alternative meze, from all-time favorite dips to savory mille-feuille. The fragrant tabbouleh with shrimp, homestyle cuttlefish fricassee, light zucchini fritters, crispy cheese croquettes with caramelized onions, and fluffy chicken patties are just a few standout options. Here, quality and freshness reign supreme, and the kitchen’s creativity is endless, offering new dishes every season. Don’t miss their desserts either.
Evangelistrias 16 & Krinis, Nea Erythraia, Tel.: 210 6203 934

Giorgis tou Vythou
A fish market and fish taverna all in one. Here, before sitting down, you pass by the fresh fish to pick what you’ll eat minutes later. A handful of red mullets and another of squid hit the frying pan, accompanied by fresh mussels steamed in a spicy broth and thick octopus tentacles on the grill. A mixed-boiled vegetable salad and a mountain of fresh fries round out the meal, accompanied by fine drinks. The homemade semolina halva served at the end is always a highlight. Whether you want to buy fresh seafood for home or enjoy it on the spot, this place offers plenty of options.
Leof. Sofokli Venizelou 92, Lykovrysi, Tel.: 210 2848 050

Lakis’ Ouzeri
For nearly four decades, this ouzeri (bistro) has been operating on the quiet pedestrian street of Victoria Square. Meze made with love and the finest ingredients pairs perfectly with tsipouro and ouzo. The variety of drinks, with nearly 150 different types of ouzo and tsipouro from all over Greece, is impressive. Noteworthy dishes include steamed skate, smoked eggplant salad with cooling yogurt, and seafood pasta cooked with cuttlefish ink.
Elpidos 16, Victoria Square, Tel.: 210 8213 776

Kastalia
In the central square of Marousi, this traditional café-ouzeri has been around for 70 years. You can enjoy anything from coffee and spoon sweets to ouzo, tsipouro, and wine, with or without meze. Their platters of meat or seafood are hearty and delicious. On weekends, live music often adds a nostalgic touch to the atmosphere.
Mitropoleos 5, Kastalia Square, Marousi, Tel.: 210 8021 215

Lesvos
A beloved ouzeri in Exarchia, this spot has been serving ouzo on Benaki Street since 1967. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, the ouzo here mainly comes from Mytilene, offering a wide selection of labels from the island. Meze-like fragrant meatballs, crispy potato fritters, and fresh handmade dolmadakia (grape leaf meat or rice balls) are must-tries.
Emmanouil Benaki 38, Exarchia, Tel.: 210 3814 525

Moschos
A small fish tavern in a quiet, friendly neighborhood next to the train tracks. Its homemade cuisine shines, especially the expertly fried red mullet, and cod. The boiled greens and well-prepared Greek salad round out the meal. The best seats are outside under the orange trees.
Leof. Eirinis 19, Tavros, Tel.: 210 3466 355

Rizos’ Café
Located right under the Acropolis in the heart of Thissio, this café has revived the atmosphere of old Athens with a menu that’s constantly updated. Dishes like soft octopus, silky white tarama, and traditional Cretan pasta with buttered crab blend traditional recipes with modern techniques.
Akamantos 2, Athens, Tel.: 210 3457 825

Yperokeaneion
A fixture of the Piraeus port, this restaurant brings in the freshest seafood every day from the local fish market. Start with a hearty fish soup and finish with complimentary kaimaki ice cream. In between, enjoy steamed mussels, risotto with cuttlefish ink, and pasta with shrimp.
Marias Chatzikyriakou 48, Piraeus, Tel.: 210 4180 030