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.