Restaurants in Plaka: old tavernas, Acropolis-view rooftops and kosher options
Plaka, the old quarter below the Acropolis, is packed with restaurants. Some are tourist traps; others are long-standing institutions. These are the places recommended by Fodor's.
- Historic tavernas: The Old Taverna of Psarra (since 1898) and O Platanos (since 1932).
- For a meal with a view, Dolli's Rooftop on Mitropoleos Street has a terrace facing the Acropolis.
- None of these is kosher; the nearest kosher restaurant, Gostijo, is in Psiri.
In Plaka, choose by recommendation, not by the waiter at the door. Kosher-keeping visitors can explore Plaka and eat in nearby Psiri.
Restaurants in Plaka: how to choose
Plaka is Athens's old quarter, with narrow lanes, neoclassical houses and steps climbing towards the Acropolis. There is a restaurant on almost every corner, which makes choosing hard. This list is based on Fodor's Plaka restaurant guide.
Plaka tavernas: the institutions
- The Old Taverna of Psarra: at Erechtheos 16, open since 1898, with tables on the steps and a small square, and a classic Greek menu.
- O Platanos: at Diogenous 4, open since 1932 and one of the area's oldest tavernas. Simple home cooking and a courtyard shaded by a plane tree (platanos, hence the name).
- Vyzantino: on Plaka's main square, handy for a meal while exploring.
Dining in historic buildings
Daphne's occupies a restored neoclassical building with painted walls and a courtyard, a more formal choice for a special evening.
Acropolis-view rooftops
- Dolli's Rooftop: at Mitropoleos 49, on the edge of Plaka near Monastiraki, with a terrace facing the Acropolis; good for sunset.
- Cafe Oionos: on Kydathineon, one of the area's main streets; a café-restaurant with a rooftop, good for a midday stop.
Book ahead for a sunset rooftop table, especially at weekends and in summer.
Avoiding tourist traps in Plaka
- Be wary of places where waiters stop passers-by offering a "special discount".
- A picture menu in ten languages is a warning sign.
- Check prices before ordering fish, which is often charged by weight.
- Long-established tavernas such as Psarra and Platanos beat new places with no track record.
Kosher food near Plaka
None of the restaurants listed is kosher. Kosher-keeping visitors can walk to Psiri, not far from Plaka, and eat at Gostijo, a kosher restaurant serving Sephardic Jewish cuisine. All options are in kosher food in Athens, and hotels near Chabad in where to stay in Athens near Chabad.
When to eat in Plaka
Greeks eat dinner late, usually after 9pm; arrive early and you will mostly find tourists. Lunch in Plaka works well after an Acropolis visit. To plan your stay: how many days in Athens and the Athens guide.
FAQ
What is the oldest taverna in Plaka? According to Fodor's, The Old Taverna of Psarra has operated since 1898, and O Platanos since 1932.
Where can you eat with an Acropolis view in Plaka? Dolli's Rooftop at Mitropoleos 49 has a terrace facing the Acropolis.
Is there a kosher restaurant in Plaka? Not in Plaka itself. The kosher restaurant Gostijo is in Psiri, not far away.
How can you spot a tourist trap? Waiters stopping passers-by and picture menus in many languages are warning signs.
