Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani Athens
Inspired by tradition
Javier from Athens
“Ohh, I still have to pass by the market to buy some meat and cheese but it's lunch time and after one hour I have to be somewhere else. Should I eat or should I buy?”. Thank the gods that the old Byzantines created the concept of “pastomageireio”. Without it, Ta Karamanlidika you Fani probably wouldn’t exist, and you couldn’t do both things –buying and eating– at the same place :-).
Located very close to the Varvakeios market in a restored neoclassical building, this is the kind of place I really enjoy the most, where you can do more than one thing at a time, where you can enjoy your time with friends no matter when you go.
It's more than once that I've been there with friends just to talk while drinking an ouzo right before lunch, and some hours later we discovered we were eating a nice amount of mezedes.
The menu is extensive and full of countless dishes, so it's a bit hard to choose, actually. Just thinking out loud: maybe this is the reason why I go there so often -- so that I can taste everything they offer :-).
No matter what you order, everything is delicious. Just a tip: some mezedes are very spicy. The staff is very polite and they're always there to help with a smile, so you can ask them about it.
Don't miss their deli!
Athens Spotter Javier
About this spot
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
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!
by
Asimina
Mitrothanasi
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!
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
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.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
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!
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
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.
by
Dimitris
Hall
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.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
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.
by
Dimitris
Hall
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!
by
Dimitris
Hall
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!
by
Dimitris
Hall
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.
by
Dimitris
Hall
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.
by
Dimitris
Hall
Heading to Athens?
264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Athens?
✓ 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:
