Polyvios Athens

My childhood's taste

Marilena from Athens

I was born and raised in the area of Piraeus, the port next to Athens. It’s one of the main reasons I am in love with the sea and industrial places. Since I finished my studies of “Business Administration” (still do not know why I studied something that I dislike!) , I started working at my family run travel agency. Unfortunately , because of Covid we have to close that agency . But t...
""Polyvios" in Piraeus, the port of Athens, is a super-authentic place where I've been coming for souvlaki portions with my parents for almost 35 years..."

Forgeτ Wi-Fi, forget Facebook pages, forget the modern way of restaurants, and let's remember how authentic Greek restaurants that serve souvlaki (portions of it) were -- and still are.

My family and I have going to Polyvios to enjoy its amazing souvlaki since my sister and I were 5 years old. One of my very first memories as a child was looking forward to the moment that Mrs Despoina, the owner, would serve us pieces of pita covered with pieces of meat and onions and boiled tomatoes, and I would press down the tomatoes with a fork on the pita! I think this is the taste of my childhood.

You can also order your souvlaki portion, along with their amazing tzatziki and a plate full of fried potatoes. And, of course, cold beers.

The decoration is very simple, just a clock on the wall and a few pictures. It is a family-run business where Mrs Despoina has been working the last 35 years, and lately, her son's been helping out, making amazing souvlakias.

Note that this place is in Drapetsona, far away from the center of Athens. But if you are looking for an authentic place to have dinner before going to the port and boarding a ferry sailing for the islands, it's an ideal place. It is located only 10 minutes on foot from Gate E3, where the boats of Creta leave from.

PS. Ask to taste the "anameikto", a mixed plate of different types of meats.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Marilena

I was born and raised in the area of Piraeus, the port next to Athens. It’s one of the main reasons I am in love with the sea and industrial places. Since I finished my studies of “Business Administration” (still do not know why I studied something that I dislike!) , I started working at my family run travel agency. Unfortunately , because of Covid we have to close that agency . But the last year my husband and cospotter Dimitris we run a channel at YouTube called “Easy Greek” where we help people learning Greek from our videos . I love music and I like  any kind of e...

About this spot

Agiou Dimitriou 28

Portion:

9

+30

2104617563

Sep 26, 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

Ktistakis

Loukoumades from heaven

Ktistakis is hidden in the streets around Omonoia Square but deserves every moment you will spend searching for it. It makes only one thing: delicious little loukoumades.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 10, 2025

Mrs Dalloway's

You can buy yourself flowers

The flower bouquets are naturally dried and painted with water-soluble, non-toxic colors. The dried flowers can decorate a space for 1 to 2 years!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Nov 9, 2025

Namaste

A genuine Indian experience

Namaste presents classic Indian cuisine enriched with the dishes of the unique mountain country of Nepal and the flavours are authentic and refined!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

Takis Bakery

Athenian bakery at its best

And really, what to choose first? Takis Bakery produces every day thirty different types of bread, sandwiches, biscuits, pies, and sweets, in addition to the always fresh koulouri.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

La Bella Napoli

Italian pizza like no other

At La Bella Napoli, they make pizza the original Neapolitan way. The dough is thin and tasty, and the tomato sauce has a refined taste. Don't forget the tiramisu!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

Babouras

Feel the buzz of Petralona

"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Au Revoir

Classic and unique

"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Nov 9, 2025

Rema Pikrodafnis

Athenian wilderness

"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

FOOD Str

Quality burgers in Monastiraki

"FOOD Str" in the center of Athens is my spot of choice when I'm out late drinking and need a cheap (vegetarian!) burger or some fish and chips!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Homesick

Retro mode in Eksarcheia

"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Eugenides Digital Planetarium

Across the universe

The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Mousiko Kafeneio

The neighbourhood bar

It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Heading to Athens?

264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Athens app Home
Athens app Home
Athens app Map
Athens app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

264 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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
41
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters