Update: This spot is sadly no longer open.
In Athens, we take full advantage of our proximity to water. An incredible variety of fresh fish and seafood go straight from the fishing nets into our pots and onto our grills. So naturally, we know a thing or two when it comes to seafood restaurants. One is the master of fried dishes, another grilled, while yet another on our short list is known for creative experimentation. What they have in common is supremely fresh seafood at a reasonable price (as well as a penchant for fishing nets as decoration, it seems). And they’re all located close to the sea – where else could they be? In no particular order:
1.Taxidevontas
Located near Anastasi Cemetery in Keratsini, this marine-themed restaurant offers a huge variety of ouzo and a daily changing menu that would impress any deep-diving seafood lover. The owners’ fishermen friends bring in whatever they’ve caught that day, which might mean mussels, shrimp, lobster or squid, as well as mackerel that the restaurant smokes in-house, tuna and other fish big and small that you can have fried or grilled to order.
2. Yannis
Southeast of Piraeus’s port, in the neighborhood of Chatzikiriakio, lies one of Athens’ best fish taverns. As at Taxidevontas, there’s a seagoing theme to the décor here. We love the expertly grilled fish accompanied by boiled greens or seasonal salads. The chef works wonders with octopus, which is deliciously chewy and crispy at the same time. Service is fast even when the water gets rough – er, so to speak.
3. Kapetanios
Charge your cellphone because you’ll need the GPS to find Kapetanios in the industrial area of Retsina in Piraeus – it’s quite confusing for non-locals. First things first: when you enter this classic fish tavern, you select your fish from the refrigerated case. Mullets come perfectly fried, crisp on the outside, juicy inside. We highly recommend the crayfish too. If you’re in the mood for soup, call to order it ahead of time.
4. Strofi
(Editor’s note: We regret to report that Strofi is closed.) If we had to divide taverns into New Wave and Old School, Strofi, in business since 1977, would fit squarely among the latter. It’s a long drive from Athens to Perama, another industrial/working-class area, but this restaurant is a worthy destination. We love the razor clam-like petrosolines cooked in a simple lemon and oil sauce, as well as the sea urchin, so thrillingly fresh and vibrant in color and taste, like Strofi itself.
5. Argoura
On the outside, Argoura looks like just another neighborhood tavern, but the nets in the covered courtyard hint at what the kitchen’s up to. Still, the menu is full of surprises: mussels with seaweed and lemon sauce, prawns with fava beans and arugula and green salad with a sea urchin dressing. The eel is a masterpiece. If you love your seafood untouched by heat, you’ll find plenty of carpaccios and marinated seafood dishes to choose from. The bulk wine is one of the best we’ve ever had.
January 2, 2024 A New Year’s Family Feast in Athens
When I think of Christmas and the festive season, I’m immediately transported back to my […] Posted in Athens
June 28, 2016 Nihonbashi Maishi
Nakaochi appears to be a chopped-up mound of Japanese tuna, but it isn’t. It looks like […] Posted in Tokyo
August 7, 2012 Ariston
Greece has a fantastic tradition of pie-making. Most Greeks have memories of their […] Posted in Athens
Published on March 14, 2014
Related stories
January 2, 2024
AthensWhen I think of Christmas and the festive season, I’m immediately transported back to my childhood. Christmas to a child is something magical – the massive tree lit up and surrounded by gifts, stockings hung on the fireplace, a warm home filled with loving faces. And, of course, food always plays an important role in…
June 28, 2016
TokyoNakaochi appears to be a chopped-up mound of Japanese tuna, but it isn’t. It looks like it should be an inexpensive cut of fish, but it’s not. Instead it’s a rare delicacy, a one-of–a-kind culinary experience we can’t get enough of. Nihonbashi Maishi looks like just another restaurant grouped in the basement compound of the…
August 7, 2012
AthensGreece has a fantastic tradition of pie-making. Most Greeks have memories of their granny making some sort of pie in a big pan for the family to share. Savory pies are sold in individual portions in bakeries (which are everywhere in Athens) and sandwich shops, or even whole and frozen in supermarket freezers, much like…
