Valitsa Athens

Great food in excellent setting

Antonis from Athens

Antonis Tsapepas (1974) About me I was born in Athens, a few metres from the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos, as were my father and my grandfather. Therefore, I consider myself a native of this unique city. Perhaps these images of the ancient monuments from my childhood made me want to become an archaeologist. I was able to do this by earning a degree in archaeology from t...
"My walk usually ends up in Valitsa, a beautiful cafe and restaurant. Valitsa has a unique interior, with one wall covered by old, authentic suitcases."

One of my favourite walks in Athens is in the picturesque and peaceful neighbourhood of Ano Petralona. Starting from Filopappos Hill, I go downhill towards Troon Street to end up at Merkouri Square. On the way, I come across the well-kept detached houses of the previous decades, the small gardens, the local stores, and the numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants of the area.

My walk usually ends up in Valitsa (which means suitcase in Greek), a beautiful cafe and restaurant. First of all, Valitsa has a unique interior, with one wall covered by old, authentic suitcases. The suitcases have different colours and sizes, some in good condition and others damaged by the passage of time. When you look at them, it is as if they all want to tell you their stories. Valitsa also houses a grocery store with traditional Greek products.

But don't forget that all of these are accompanied by a variety of extraordinary Greek dishes. Although the main influences are from Cretan cuisine, you will also taste flavours from other parts of Greece. Among the dishes that stand out are zucchini flowers stuffed with rice, skioufihta (traditional pasta) baked in the oven, and stuffed sausages (with sun-dried tomato and feta cheese). However, a special mention must be made of the excellent "Valitsa" salad (a nest of dough with lola, arugula, sun-dried tomato, walnut, green apple, and Gruyere flakes). Valitsa is a well-welcoming place with great food, excellent decoration and service with a smile.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Antonis

Antonis Tsapepas (1974) About me I was born in Athens, a few metres from the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos, as were my father and my grandfather. Therefore, I consider myself a native of this unique city. Perhaps these images of the ancient monuments from my childhood made me want to become an archaeologist. I was able to do this by earning a degree in archaeology from the University of Athens, even though I never worked in the field. So over time, archaeology and my love for Athens turned into a constant quest to uncover its secrets, neighbourhoods, bui...

About this spot

Dimofontos 80

Skioufihta:

8

+30

2103470828

Nov 8, 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

CatDog Urban Bar

Berlin meets Pokemon

I've been here with friends and they've all been amazed at the low prices, cool vibe and '90s memorabilia. Even the cocktails are named after Pokemon!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

To 24oro

Budget restaurant around the clock

It's really close to both Akropoli and Syggrou-Fix metro station, it has a nice vibe, a great selection of Greek international dishes and large portions!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

Kitschen

Port-side Asian fusion Nirvana

Once you enter, you will be amazed by the Japanese-cool decoration, especially by the huge blue mural with the 3D elements and the pink circle.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 2025

Kalos Aeras

Fine dining at home

Although Kalos Aeras is located on a busy road, there is no noise penetrating the leafy veranda, and stepping into the house is like time-traveling back to the 60s.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Plateia Proskopon

Past glories

Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Starata

Honest pies

The owners of Starata take great pride in their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the phyllo that is prepared daily in front of their customers.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

1001 Geyseis

Nuts about it

I just love the chocolate-covered nuts in 1001 Geyseis! I recently tried the cocoa-covered pecan nuts and hopefully one day I will try all the variety the store has to offer!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Santo Belto

An urban comfort zone

Entering Agias Zonis is like getting into a literal comfort zone. Although it starts from the bustling pedestrian zone of Fokionos Negri, Agias Zonis is a well-kept secret.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Plateia Vathis Falafel

Falafel square

There are actually three falafel places located next to each other in Plateia Vathis (Vathis square). All three places are equally good, offering huge portions for a great price.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Prasini Tenta

The finest and greenest view

Located on the top of Lycabettus hill, the highest spot of the city right in the center of Athens, it is a steep walk to reach Prasini Tenta, but just the view itself is worth the hike.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

Moscow supermarket

Russian delicacies

After filling your basket with pickled mushrooms and the lavash puff bread, try the candy bars with the illustrated packaging reminding you of the Soviet Union days.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 13, 2025

O Lefteris

Dad-approved souvlaki

"O Lefteris" in Athens makes souvlaki the way our fathers & grandfathers like them best: no gyros, no tzatziki, no fries; just meat, pita, tomato & onion.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 13, 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