Kountouriotiko Athens
Nice choice of vegetarian souvlaki
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.
About this spot
Platia Kountouriotou 3
- Mon - Tue, Thu - Fri & Sun 12:00 - 02:00, Wed & Sat 12:00 - 00:30
Giga eco mix:
€
5
+30
2109229944
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Lacandona
A delicious alternative spot
"Lacandona" Athens is fair trade cafe/grocery store. It's one of my favorite places for a coffee - don't miss their exciting mojito parties!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Statues of Ζappeion Garden
Beauty made of marble
The Statues of Ζappeion Garden depict national heroes, benefactors of Greece and also mythological characters. But I love two of the statues the most...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Coast to Coast
Walk next to the sea
Athens has the big advantage that it's built by the sea. If you feel like you want to relax, walking along the kilometers of unbroken coastline is one...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
By the Glass
The perfect place to be local
"By the Glass" in the center of Athens is in one of the most 'secret' urban arcades and offers you more than 200 different wines... Central & 100% local!
by
Javier
Muñoz
Krikos
The combination of almost everything
"Krikos" Athens was my go-to when I use to live in the neighbourhood, given their cosy atmosphere and delicious coffee. Nice place to go on a sunny day...
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
A Hidden Village
Just for curious walkers
There is A Hidden Village in Ano Petralona in Athens. Here's a bit of the deepest Greek villages right in the centre. What a beautiful, quiet gem!
by
Javier
Muñoz
Rafiki
New Age kafeneio
"Rafiki" in Athens offers the experience of a new age kafeneio: few but very well cooked dishes of mezedes with local ingredients. Check their music nights
by
Sofia
Skioti
Stoa tou Vivliou
Culture in the heart of Athens
At "Stoa tou Vivliou" in Athens you can find and visit many publishing houses - it's the 'book arcade'. I like it because it's intellectual & alternative.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Organic Market
Saturday morning shopping
This "Organic Market" in Athens is not just any organic market: it's in an old squat with a beautiful garden and people are just so friendly there!
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
Fouar
An oasis in the heart of Athens
"Fouar" is an oasis located in the heart of Athens. This restaurant is where the aesthetic of the '60s meets Asian cuisine and contemporary art. Love it!
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Leloudas
The (almost) century-old tavern
"Leloudas" (est. 1928) in Athens is a taverna/restaurant for locals and truck drivers! The atmosphere is very friendly and homey - check out their wine...
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Anafiotika
The island inside Athens!
"Anafiotika" is so close to Athens' most famous sight, the Acropolis, but it is still a secret. I love losing myself in its narrow streets...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Heading to Athens?
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Athens?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Athens
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
