Feb 28, 2025

O Kapetán Michális Athens

A non-pretentious luxury

""O Kapetán Michális" (after Kazantzakis' book) is the most unpretentious tavern in Athens. Believe me, eating there is celebrating the joy of being alive."

Just like the main character in the namesake book by Kazantzakis, O Kapetán Michális ("Captain Michael") is the most unpretentious tavern I’ve ever been in Athens. And, in my opinion, it's also the most authentic one among those to be found in the center. 

The place is very simple: a few tables in a very small location serving some great Greek food that can be enjoyed while drinking good ouzo or tsipouro. Really, nothing more than that, at least that is visible; but if we are talking about feelings I’m sure you will be carried away by the people there, for having lunch or dinner is like taking a trip to the deepest anthropological roots of Athens. Believe me: eating there is celebrating the joy of being alive.

It's a place to be with a couple of friends after seeing a play at any of the theatres or cinemas around, or go to have traditional, home-made lunch.

Don't try to connect to their non-existent wifi network, join the resistance and leave you phone in your pocket. And enjoy true luxury.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Fidiou 3

Lunch for two:

18

+30

2103820073

Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

Zefyros

An open air cinephile experience

Here is where viewers, myself included, got to know the worlds of Bunuel, Welles, Tarkovsky, Ozu, Bergman, and many more emblematic filmmakers.

008-ticket
Cinema

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Mar 17, 2025

La Bella Napoli

Italian pizza like no other

At this place, they make pizza the original Neapolitan way. The dough is thin and tasty, and the tomato sauce has a refined taste.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Mar 17, 2025

Shedia

Human is the answer

Shedia is heavily focused on sustainability and inclusivity: pets have their own menu, the menu is also offered in Braille, and the oil used is produced by the Niarchos park trees and then recycled.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Mar 16, 2025

Teras

A pretty monster

Teras is full of contradictions: it is unconventionally named (teras means 'monster' in greek) in an ugly way but it is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy your drink.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Mar 16, 2025

KAFAO

Street art everywhere

We call these boxes KAFAO (ΚΑΦΑΟ in Greek) and they are basically the Greekized pronunciation of the German acronym KV (Ka-Fau)...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Mar 15, 2025

Rizopoulos Coffee 1901

The oldest coffee house

The story of Rizopoulos family's involvement with coffee begins in the early 20th century, specifically in 1901, when Andreas Rizopoulos arrived in Athens,

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Mar 15, 2025

CatDog Urban Bar

Berlin meets Pokemon

I've been here with friends and they've all been amazed at the low prices, cool vibe and '90s memorabilia. Even the cocktails are named after Pokemon!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Dimitris

Hall

Mar 14, 2025

To 24oro

Budget restaurant around the clock

It's really close to both Akropoli and Syggrou-Fix metro station, it has a nice vibe, a great selection of Greek international dishes and large portions!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Dimitris

Hall

Mar 14, 2025

Kitschen

Port-side Asian fusion Nirvana

Once you enter, you will be amazed by the Japanese-cool decoration, especially by the huge blue mural with the 3D elements and the pink circle.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Dimitris

Hall

Mar 14, 2025

Kalos Aeras

Fine dining at home

Although Kalos Aeras is located on a busy road, there is no noise penetrating the leafy veranda, and stepping into the house is like time-traveling back to the 60s.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Mar 14, 2025

Plateia Proskopon

Past glories

Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Mar 14, 2025

Starata

Honest pies

The owners of Starata take great pride in their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the phyllo that is prepared daily in front of their customers.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Mar 14, 2025

Heading to Athens?

262 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

262 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Athens

Get to know our other Spotters from Athens

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
41
Filters