Kountouriotiko in Koukaki might not seem like much from the outside -- from an aesthetics and design point of view, it is more or less interchangeable with any other traditional souvlaki place that's trying to appeal to mainstream crowds. Nevertheless, it has distinguished itself as my favorite in the area because they respect non-meat eaters.
In most other places, ordering a vegetarian souvlaki is a more or less humiliating process, especially if you happen to venture outside Athens. You're basically telling people whose job is to grill flesh all day that the "meat and potatoes" of their business is unethical, wrong etc. and then you have to deal with the more or less disapproving looks that ensue. How sensitive you are to this kind of thing is a purely personal matter.
Some places do make 'veggie burgers', of course, but let's not go there.
Amusingly enough, souvlaki without meat is called "ecological" or "orphan" souvlaki in Greek -- you can tell a lot about our culture by the fact that we kind of invite comparison between the horror of having lost your parents and the tragedy of... respecting nature.
Anywho, back to Kountouriotiko. These guys offer souvlaki with either halloumi, grilled mushrooms or both (dubbed an "ecological mix") slathered with an awesome mustard sauce. For a spell, they also had tomato patties, but they seem to have dropped those, although you can always ask.
Get an extra-sized "giga" pita filled with their "ecological mix" and you'll be set for the night.
Platia Kountouriotou 3
Giga eco mix:
€
5
+30
2109229944
Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Victoria Square Project is a living example of locals reclaiming their place in the city with talks and guided tours discussing the neighborhood's history.
by
You can either get boiled or grilled sausage, chicken nuggets, or meat patties. The filling is limited to carrots/cabbage, cheese, fries, and sauces.
by
At Tarantino Burgers, the secret of its success are great raw materials. The burgers are 100% black angus ground beef, and the fluffy buns are made with their own recipe.
by
"Zouridakis" in Athens, in the central market, has all the Cretan specialties you can imagine - but my favorite is the Xigalo cheese. Don't miss it, along with some raki!
by
"Αstor" Athens is my favourite indie cinema hall in town. I would say that if Athens were a cinema, it would be here. Indulge in Greek culture here...
by
"Diomidous Botanical Garden" in Athens, only 30 minutes from the centre of the city, is the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean...
by
MOMO is a cafe/bar/restaurant in Athens with an exquisite backyard that will give you back the time that's been stolen from you...
by
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.
by
Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.
by
262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 262 Insider Tips