Deana Kartsagouli
A true foodie destination, Koukaki, the neighborhood that is home to Greece’s most visited museum, offers everything your heart -and appetite-, may desire, whether it’s a traditional moussaka or a well prepared pad Thai.
Unlike Plaka, whose obvious charm and beauty capture the heart in an instant, Koukaki, another one of Athens’ most historic neighborhoods, needs a little bit more time to work its magic on its visitor. But when it does, it is a love affair that never ends. Even though it is plagued by incessant traffic and the “airbnb epidemic” that has made it uninhabitable by locals, the distinct energy of Koukaki is undeniable. It emanates of course from the Parthenon above it, the Acropolis Museum right at its center, the Herodion Theater on its one side, but also from its neoclassical and mid-century architecture, the many galleries and art shops available at every corner, the vibrant streets and, last but not least, its exceptional food scene.
Having to cater to a wonderful mosaic of people, locals but also tourists from all parts of the world, Koukaki boasts a gastronomic diversity that has something for everyone, from authentic Greek food to countless ethnic options. So much so that we cannot fit them all in one article, so enjoy part one of the places we recommend to eat and drink around the Acropolis Museum. There’s more to come!
Acropolis Museum Restaurant
Located on the second floor of the Bernard Tschumi designed building and comprising 700 square meters -including a huge veranda with an unobstructed view of the Parthenon, so close you feel you can actually touch it-, the dining area of the Acropolis Museum is a wonderful option for anyone who wants to try authentic Greek cuisine with ingredients -many of them PDO-, from around the country. And although the chef, Philippos Dimopoulos, changes the menu frequently adjusting for seasonality, the philosophy behind it -locality, seasonality, authenticity, quality etc.-, always remains the same.
For anyone visiting right now, I would recommend the chicken soup with egg lemon sauce (the quintessential Greek comfort food), the Skopelitiki tiropita, cheese pie like they make it on the island of Skopelos and the Corfu inspired beef pastitsada served on top of matsata -the traditional pasta of Folegandros (another gorgeous Greek island)- and grated pecorino cheese. The dessert menu is delightfully extensive with options like karydopita (walnut cake) with chocolate sauce, portokalopita (orange cake with phyllo and syrup), baklava, bougatsa etc.
Extra tip: the restaurant also serves breakfast so don’t miss out on the chance to start your day with homemade sourdough bread and Corfu butter and/or other staple Greek delicacies.
Manh manh
Another great option for Greek cuisine with a modern twist is Manh Manh. Focusing on the traditional dishes of the Laconian part of Mani, an area in the Peloponese that is renowned for its cuisine, and exquisite agricultural products like olive oil, wine, herbs, cheeses etc., this charming restaurant that was even mentioned in The New York Times, is located in a beautiful two-story neoclassical building.
Sioufixta (traditional pasta) with dry mytzithra (a type of cheese), syglino (the famous deli meat of the region), trachana (a type of sour pasta made with eggs and goat’s milk), spetzofai (traditional sausage stew with peppers) and kagiania (scrambled eggs with feta cheese and fresh tomatoes) and you will be transported to one of Mani’s villages with their imposing stone towers.
Manh Manh, Falirou 10, Tel.: (+30) 210-92.18.180
Tuk tuk – Authentic Thai food
When it first opened, approximately five years ago, this tiny little eatery in the heart of Koukaki turned very quickly into a foodie destination. People from all over Attica flocked to its take out counter -the place is too small for its popularity-, so that they could try authentic Thai food, something that is quite hard to come by in Greece. Tuk tuk is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used in Thailand as a taxi.
They usually have bright colors and are designed to make trips fun. In much the same way, the Athenian tuk tuk is designed for a cozy, simple and fun dining experience. Try the hearty soups, the amazing noodles, the spicy curries or one of the exotic main dishes and don’t forget to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you at the counter. The friendly vibe of the place calls for it.
Tuk tuk, Veikou 40, Tel.: (+30) 211-40.51.947
Tarantino Burgers – Alternative & underground
How any times have you wanted a plain old, juicy burger with all the fixings and you just couldn’t find one to your liking? Well, search no more because Tarantino is the place for you. Having started out at the food courts of London and Berlin and then the Ladadika of Thessaloniki, the owners of Tarantino found in Koukaki the alternative, underground and urban location they were looking for in Athens. 100% black Angus beef patties, slow cooked smoked pulled pork, beef tagliata, jerk chicken, a wide array of imaginative sauces and special toppings like chorizo, grilled shrimp etc. and you have quality street food for everyone.
Tarantino Burgers, Dimitrakopoulou 17, Tel.: (+30) 210-92.21.659
Guarantee – Simplicity counts
If you think that a good burger is hard to find then try finding a good sandwich. Most choices out there are sloppy, unimaginative, made of poor quality ingredients. Just because a food is simple that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to put effort and care into it and Guarantee is the place that does just that.
The tiny shop that has been making sandwiches since 1988, has become a staple of the neighborhood because it deserves it. High quality ingredients, a wide array of special cheeses from around the world, as well as premium cold cuts, bread from local bakeries, fresh vegetables, well made sauces and you have a sandwich joint that is… guaranteed to make you fall in love with it. Don’t forget to also try the salads and fresh juices!
Guarantee, Veikou 41, Tel.: (+30) 210-92.26.924
