O Lefteris Athens

Dad-approved souvlaki

Dimitris from Athens

""O Lefteris" in Athens makes souvlaki the way our fathers & grandfathers like them best: no gyros, no tzatziki, no fries; just meat, pita, tomato & onion."

So there are two souvlaki restaurants called Lefteris in this part of Athens: one in Kallithea (this one) and another one in Nea Smyrni. Both have been around for the better part of a century, both serve souvlaki the real traditional way, the way our fathers and grandfathers prefer it (no gyros, just meat skewers or kebab - no fries or tzatziki, just tomato, onion and maybe parsley), and, apparently, these two Lefterises have nothing to do with each other.

My mother's partner took us out here for his birthday. As a vegetarian, there was very little for me on the menu, apart from fresh fries and yogurt and pathetic pitas with just onion and tomato in them. But as it happens, sometimes I use my flexitarian trump card to get away from the looks of "hah, we knew you were just a pretendarian" when I decide to try some meat on a special occurrence. Marilena gave me some of hers for me to try, just for me to satisfy my FOMO. And it was so good, I just had to order one for myself. I know. I'm supposed to be the vegetarian/vegan Spotter. Sorry. Here's a great alternative if you want vegetarian souvlaki.

In my (lousy) defense, it was just one, so not so much planetary harm was done. If you're coming here, make sure you order at least two, as they're on the smaller side. And enjoy the real neighborhood vibe, not far from SNFCC.

Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Dimitris

About Me Hi! I'm Dimitris Hall. I've been an Athens Spotter since 2013 and have worked with Spotted by Locals as the site's editor, social media and content manager since early 2017. I was born a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall and grew up in Nea Smyrni (New Izmir), a suburb of Athens that a century ago didn't even exist as a concept. I’m a μισός-μισός, a “half-and-half”, my constituent parts being Greek and Australian, which honestly doesn’t sound quite right, since the last time I was in Australia was more than 15 years ago, and that just for holidays. I woul...

About this spot

Xenofontos 146

€

no-price

+30

2109480535

Social

Sep 13, 2025

Our Athens City Guide

Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

Koukouvaya

The destination for dessert

A nice dessert is a perfect conclusion to a satisfying meal or an accompaniment to a delicious coffee. But in Koukouvaya, a cafe in the center of Athens, enjoying an excellent dessert becomes an end goal in itself.

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 6, 2025

Kimolia

Art cafe in Plaka

"Kimolia" in Athens is a family-owned, all-day cafe hidden in the central narrow streets of Plaka. I love their orange-flavored chocolate...

Bars

Coffee & tea

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Blame the Sun

The new taproom on the block

Blame the Sun in Athens is the newest taproom in Koukaki! This bar emerged in the quarantine - maybe that's why it's called that way?

Bars

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 6, 2025

Inky

For serious T-shirt lovers!

"Inky" is a favourite spot of the coolest crowd in Athens. This local, cheap and tasteful T-shirt shop is perfect for gifts to bring back home!

Shopping

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Amandine's Bagels

My daily habit

Amandine's Bagels on Nikis streets in Athens is where I get my breakfast from. My favorite bagel from there has avocado, salmon and a special sauce!

Snacks

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Maraboo

What an ice cream shop!

Maraboo in Athens is an ice cream shop where everything is handmade w/ pure ingredients. ALWAYS say yes to having a biscuit with your scoops!

Snacks

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Hammam Bathing House Athens

Absolute relaxation

Visiting the "Hammam Baths" in Athens is a very pertinent experience, as the city is a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Relax with a massage...

Relaxing

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Nolan

A gastronomic gem

"Nolan" is one of the finest restaurants in Athens. It provides a Greek-Japanese gastro experience you shouldn't miss.

Restaurants

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 6, 2025

Pâte et Crème

Life is sweet in Kypseli

The meticulous look and distinct flavour of Pâte et Crème's sweets are captivating. And the perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemon tart is unforgettable.

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 5, 2025

Hyper Hypo Bookstore

Bookworms' heaven!

They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.

Art & culture

Shopping

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Nov 1, 2025

BAR 56

The time capsule that you need

The Whiskey collection is large - including several rare labels, and Mr. Panayotis, the owner behind the bar, will assist you in finding your whiskey.

Bars