Derlicatessen, on Tsakalof pedestrian street in Kolonaki, is part of a chain which started in Thessaloniki in 2003. Open every day from noon until the small hours, they are famous for their delicious souvlaki at very reasonable prices. Pork and chicken souvlaki is cooked on barbecue, or if you prefer veal and turkey patties, kebab, grilled vegetables on a skewer for vegetarians. The fresh salads accompany your choice. You can also taste the pita bread made from maize flour or wholegrain, with the sauce you prefer, chicken burger, oriental burger, with freshly fried potatoes and a variety of dips. Stephen Baldwin enjoyed the souvlaki here and was featured in a documentary about Greece.
Recommended for Take Out because: Delicious souvlaki at reasonable prices on pedestrian Tsakalof street
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious souvlaki in a variety of combinations, including vegetarian
Captain Fisheye is a new restaurant close to Omonia square, serving quick snacks and also full course meals based exclusively on fresh fish, at affordable prices. At the entrance of the restaurant you can see a window display with all the varieties of fish available, from which you can choose what to eat, assisted by the expert personnel. Small fish, such as minnows, are dipped in flour, crisply fried on the spot and served piping hot in a paper cone. They can be combined with a portion of shrimps or steamed mussels and a salad for a fulfilling and delicious meal. If you prefer something quick to nibble while strolling round the city, try the sandwich with fresh fish fillet, lettuce, fresh onions and tartare sauce, with spicy bucovo.
Recommended for Take Out because: Fish and seafood to eat on the go, close to Omonia square
Nelly's expert tip: Fresh fish dishes at affordable prices, prepared with innovative recipes
Fillo Cafe in the center of Athens, very close to Syntagma square, has a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of the 19th century. Crystal chandeliers, a large gold framed mirror, aromatic coffee served in porcelain cups with floral designs, add to the charming style. At Fillo Cafe the sophisticated environment combines with Greek tradition, and in this space which could be an old fashioned stately home, every dish has its own history. Fillo serves exclusively pies made with fine pastry, prepared with recipes from regions of Greece off the beaten track. The women living in these remote villages shared their traditional recipes, using only authentic local ingredients. Pies made with meat, mountain greens, pumpkin, nettles, cheese, onions, just to mention a few, in delicious combinations.
Recommended for Take Out because: Pies made with locally grown ingredients and recipes from less known regions of Greece
Nelly's expert tip: Crisp pastry pies made with traditional recipes from remote regions of Greece
Mother's in law pies in Kolonaki is a small attractive space, serving an interesting variety of freshly baked, traditional pies, prepared on the premises. Choose amongst the many mouthwatering selections, such as mountain greens in wholegrain pastry, grilled vegetables with smoked cheese, sausage pie with honey, mustard and thyme sauce, courgettes with cheese and peppers, milk pie served with homemade Cretan rakomelo. Other specialties include original pies with salmon and vegetables, chick pea pie with peppers, meat pie with aromatic herbs and goats cheese. You can also taste Greek beer made by small, local producers, which combine ideally with the delicious pies. Mother's in law pies is a member of Slow Food International, preparing food with care and using quality ingredients by local producers.
Recommended for Take Out because: Slow food homemade pies in a wonderful range of tastes
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious freshly baked pies in a variety of tastes
Two best friends made their dream come true and opened Pie Works in May 2014. The space is small and minimal with an open bench kitchen where they prepare daily their delicious pies, which became a favorite take out snack in the neighborhood since the day they opened. Virgin olive oil, fresh ingredients, the smell of home made baking which attracts passersby and the warm welcoming atmosphere are the basic elements of their success. At Pie Works you can taste original recipes such as the breakfast pie with mashed potatoes, crisp bacon and a fried egg, or the chicken pie with curry, the pie with veal bourgignon, or with mushrooms and thyme and may other combinations, spinach with aromatic herbs, leeks and cheese, mince, tomato and feta cheese and many more delicious tastes.
Recommended for Take Out because: A small, attractive space on Amerikis street serving exclusively homemade pies
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious fresh home made pies in various tasty combinations
At Not Just Falafel, very close to Syntagma square, you can enjoy falafel made with chick peas grown in the foothills of Mt. Olympus plus a great selection of Middle Eastern and Greek wraps and dishes. Plenty of vegetarian/vegan selections, made with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy your meal on the bustling pedestrian street in historic downtown Athens or get something to go. Great selection of Greek and European beers too. Favorites from the menu are the falafel and kibbe sandwiches, the Lebanese Fatush salad, the tabbuleh, and the hummus served with freshly made pitta bread. The souvlaki, served with a variety of sauces, is also very good.
Recommended for Take Out because: Falafel made with locally grown chickpeas and plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious falafel and other specialties to take out or enjoy on the spot
Tortuga Food Bar opened in October 2014 in the neighborhood of Pangrati and is the first slow food bar in town, with specialties such as the international tortilla and sophisticated but affordable street food. The tortillas are home made, made in house daily, and are served with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, and various meats, in original combinations by chef Marko Rossi. Arguably they are the most unique, most tasty, most healthy and most value for money wraps in town. The menu includes delicious variations such as veal tagine: veal cooked with Moroccan spices, ginger and dried fruit, accompanied with Basmati rice, tasty kebab: juicy lamb and veal with smoked paprika, tomato and sauce with yoghurt and chili, accompanied with cucumber, onion and parsley. Must try are the mushroom patties, made with three different kinds of mushroom cooked in wine, fresh aromatic herbs and parmesan with blue cheese sauce. Another specialty are the freshly prepared soups, ideal for vegetarians, the freshly fried potatoes accompanied with dips and the home made desserts.
Recommended for Take Out because: Excellent tortillas prepared on the spot with fresh ingredients
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious, affordable slow food with tortilla specialties
Meliartos in the district of Monastiraki, on busy Ermou street, is a popular destination for shoppers, tourists and passersby, with a wide variety of delicious savory snacks, salads, desserts and more. The concept of Meliartos is to combine tradition with a contemporary approach, both regarding the architecture and the tastes. The space is divided in four sections: the Coffee shop, the Pie shop, the Dairy and the Kitchenette, each section with different specialties. At the Pie shop you can taste traditional homemade pies, tarts with yoghurt, feta cheese or vegetables and other savory tastes. At the Dairy the specialties are rice pudding and homemade baklavas, walnut cake, fresh yoghurt with honey and ice cream. At the Kitchenette you can taste omelets, wrapped Greek pies, fresh salads, juices, and a healthy breakfast. The Coffee shop is ideal for enjoying your Greek coffee, prepared in the traditional way, which is also served cold. All the ingredients are from local producers and the recipes are from various regions of Greece. Quality and healthy nutrition are priorities for Meliartos, and are greatly appreciated by the public.
Recommended for Take Out because: All the meals and snacks are made with a contemporary approach to traditional recipes
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious sweet and savory snacks and meals, made with healthy ingredients
Tuttitalia restaurant is situated on Valaoritou pedestrian street in the center of Athens and offers an authentic experience of Italian cuisine. In this warm, friendly and elegant space, the Italian chef prepares specialty dishes at trattoria prices. The kitchen is a taste laboratory where the most genuine recipes meet the best and most fresh ingredients, creating a high quality gourmet experience. At Tuttitalia you can taste one of the best pizzas in Athens, a wide variety of pasta accompanied with your favorite sauce which is prepared on the spot, cool salads, delicious risotto, meat dishes, calzone and homemade desserts. The prosecco and the selected Italian wines give the perfect finishing touch of true Italian style.
Recommended for Take Out because: If you like Italian cuisine you will love this restaurant
Nelly's expert tip: Genuine Italian taste and good value for money
New York Sandwiches in the neighborhood of Ambelokipi serves some of the most delicious burgers in Athens, in an environment which will remind you of New York. The burgers are made with 100% premium beef, hand formed and griddled to perfection. Try the 5th Ave Pastrami burger with melted emmenthal cheese and pickles, or if you prefer a snack, the New Yorker mini burger with melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato and mustard, ketchup and mayo sauce, is ideal. The Bronx sandwiches are also delicious, such as the pepperoni sausage, the chicken parm or the veggie mushroom. The menu includes many special dishes, all freshly prepared, and at very reasonable prices. Brunch at New York Sandwiches is famous, with pancakes with homemade caramel butter and banana, bagels, burgers, soup, and eggs in many variations.
Recommended for Take Out because: Popular choice in the neighborhood of Ambelokipi with delicious dishes
Nelly's expert tip: Delicious burgers and sandwiches in a variety of tastes