Dia Xeiros is a slightly-larger-than-a-hole-in-the-wall souvlaki place 200m or so from Omonia Sq. What originally caught my attention was its sign reading “pita with fresh vegetables: €2”, complete with a tasty-looking picture. Always on the lookout for vegetarian-friendly places in Athens as I am, and thank Artemis there’s no shortage of them, one day I was passing by and I decided to try it. I was not disappointed.

Mrs. Despo, the owner of Dia Xeiros and the lady who made me my vegetable pita, told me that her business is family-run and that everything she serves is made on the spot. She was very friendly and when I ordered my vegetarian pita she even expressed her disappointment that it wasn’t wintertime and there was thus no broader variety of vegetables to include. I wasn’t surprised when just the tomato, french fries/potato chips, lettuce, onion and sauce really tasted like something delicious I’d make at home.

Later, when I returned and this article had already been published, I saw it, to my amazement, printed and posted on the wall (pictured)! This time my pita did contain seasonal grilled aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes, Florina peppers & a delicious sauce.

If you’re not vegetarian, Dia Xeiros still has you covered – what kind of souvlaki place would it be if it didn’t? While they do not serve gyros, their pita kalamaki apparently is very fresh and tasty. Try it and tell me how it compares to other souvlaki places!