Roumeli Athens

My go-to neighborhood taverna

Dimitris from Athens

""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

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

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

Thrakis 1

Per person from:

€

+30

2109341748

Nov 13, 2025

Our Athens City Guide

Find your way with 265 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

Koukaki

My dearest neighborhood

"Koukaki", the neighborhood in the center of Athens, is my favorite neighborhood anywhere in the world! Just come explore -- you won't regret it...

Art & culture

Bars

Relaxing

Marilena

Salamanou

Dec 2, 2025

Plateia Nerou

Water plaza

"Plateia Nerou" in the Athens waterfront at Faliro is one of my favorite location for walking, cycling, relaxing, also used for great concerts & festivals.

Relaxing

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Prigkiponisia

Traditional tsoureki bread

"Prigkiponisia" is one of my favorite pastry shops in Palaio Faliro, Athens. They're well known for their tsoureki bread & ice cream

Shopping

Snacks

Sofia

Skioti

Dec 2, 2025

Pazari Rakosyllekton

Scavenger's flea market

"Pazari Rakosyllekton" is the Athens Scavengers Market. It has an oriental feeling and it's a good idea for getting cheap, used souvenirs here!

Shopping

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

The Clumsies

Nice and cozy

"The Clumsies" in Athens - my personal 'love at first sight'. This bar is different: let the world-class bartenders charm you with their cocktails...

Bars

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Melanthiou street

Cyclists' joint

"Melanthiou street" used to be an Athens street where drug addicts frequented - now it's a cyclist's joint, full of refreshing bars and creative studios.

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Stani

Sweet temptation

"Stani" (est 1931) in the centre of Athens is a little patisserie that offers milk products like yogurt and rice pudding. I love its sweet galaktompoureko!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Fuzz club

Live music experience

"Fuzz Club" is one of the best music clubs in Athens, hands down. I have attended at least 30 concerts here, and I always enjoy my time in this venue.

Music

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Paraphernalia

Design concept store

"Paraphernalia" in Athens is a special shop to buy a gift or souvenir for a friend. I can know that I'll find something unique and hand-made here.

Shopping

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Athens Clue

Can you escape?

"Athens Clue" is an escape room in an old building with at least four different rooms to solve. The first time I couldn't make it, let's try together!

Relaxing

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Dec 2, 2025

Pavlatos

Grooming for men

"Pavlatos" is a barber shop considered one of the oldest in downtown Athens. Don't be scared, though: hospitable Mr. Christos isn't cut off from today!

Relaxing