One of the few tavernas that preserves the authentic taste of Greece, En Hatipi in Sparta remains true to its roots, leaving a lasting impression with its rustic décor, welcoming atmosphere, and traditional recipes. Utilizing seasonal, local ingredients, En Hatipi proudly offers “classic dishes with roots from the 20th century,” as they like to say.
While Sparta may not be a top culinary destination, En Hatipi is a delightful stop for food and rest on the way to the historical site of Mystras. On a sunny day, diners can enjoy tables set under the leafy grapevines, but the real experience lies inside, where the kitchen’s savory aromas fill the open dining room.
Regulars and locals alike make up the warm community of En Hatipi. You’ll likely encounter solo diners enjoying a cold beer, groups sharing ouzo and meze, families with children happily digging into pasta with meat sauce, and traveling professionals who’ve discovered this hidden gem of authentic Spartan fare.
What to Try
En Hatipi boasts an extensive menu to suit every preference, with flavors that capture the culinary heritage of the Taygetos region, from Messenia to Laconia. Must-try items include traditional Mani salad, classic kagianas (scrambled eggs with tomato), sfela cheese with honey, Bardouniotiko rooster, braised chicken with long noodles, cured Mani pork, orange-infused sausage, and smoked trout. Among appetizers, you’ll find at least four variations of saganaki, tzatziki, spicy cheese dip, handmade cheese pies, and zucchini fritters—all handmade.
Their selection of stews and casseroles features Sunday staples of Greek homes: lemon-braised pork, beef giouvetsi (ragu) with homemade noodles, rich moussaka, and pastitsio in hearty portions, stuffed vegetables, oven-baked fish, meatballs with sauce and rice, and chickpeas with mushrooms—try them; they’ve mastered the recipe!
If owner Stefanos is feeling particularly creative (and he usually is), he may offer some of his more innovative creations. And if none of these options call to you, there’s always the choice of perfectly grilled Greek meat.
Before you leave, they’ll treat you to handmade orange pie or yogurt with spoon sweets. Don’t skip dessert—these final bites reveal the quality and love that define En Hatipi’s cooking.
Info
Address: 27 Chrysikou Panagioti St., Sparta
Phone: +30 27310 26677
