Dimitris from Athens

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...

Jul 14, 2025

Roumeli Athens

My go-to neighborhood taverna

""Roumeli" in Athens' Nea Smyrni: an incredibly cheap & unpretentious taverna I've known since I was a kid. I love sharing this amazing place with friends."

I've been coming to this incredibly authentic, cheap, unpretentious gem of a neighborhood Greek taverna since I remember myself. Roumeli (even though in my family we just call it 'Spyros' after the friendly manager) is where, as a kid, I'd bring my Game Boy to sit through boring celebrations. For many years my familiarity with it meant that I didn't respect it as much as it deserved.

Growing up, though, I was able to open up to its true greatness, and nowadays, I see it as my duty to bring Roumeli to the attention (and stomach) of as many people as possible. My favorite part is always my friends' reaction after we've had a meal to remember and Spyros tells us how much we need to pay. Yeah, it's cheap.

I always make it a point to order fish when I'm paying a visit and even though anything's a safe bet here (I've never actually seen their menu and have no idea if they have one!) I recommend getting some of the fattest French fries (2€), the tastiest roast sardines and the juiciest, firmest horta you'll ever have had the delight to savor.

If you need more convincing, it's in a very quiet part of Nea Smyrni (four blocks from tram stop Aigaiou), surrounded by trees & plants and with a heated exterior.

Just remember that Spyros doesn't speak English, but "he always finds a way!" - there's always somebody around eager to help out.

Restaurants

About this spot

Thrakis 1

Per person from:

€

+30

2109341748

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