Food tours in Athens
Food in Athens is easy to enjoy around the harbor at Piraeus. The harbor area is known for seafood, and the most talked-about spot is Mikrolimano, a small bay of fishing boats and yachts lined with tavernas. Food tours and cooking classes in the city add a walking or hands-on side to a day of eating.
Places to go
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano is a small harbor in Piraeus, full of fishing boats, small craft and luxury yachts. Its waterfront tavernas are the reason most people come, for fish and seafood at lunch.
Zea Marina
Zea Marina is the Pasalimani harbor at Piraeus, lined with seafront restaurants, tavernas, bars and shops. Large yachts anchor here, and it is the base for hovercraft services to the Argosaronikos Gulf islands.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Small Group Athens Street Food Experience with a Local Guide
What to expect
Most people start with lunch by the water at Mikrolimano or Piraiki, the two harbor areas of Piraeus where seafood tavernas and ouzo restaurants face the sea. Mikrolimano is a small bay of fishing boats and luxury yachts, and its tavernas are known for fish and seafood. Piraiki runs along the road from Zea Marina toward the central port, with fish tavernas and sea views. Margaro is another choice, a fish restaurant open since 1944 and known for pan-fried fish coated in batter.
After lunch, many visitors take an afternoon walking food tour or a cooking class in the city. A walking tour can take you through the central streets to sample local dishes. A class is more hands-on, and a small group cooking experience can introduce you to Greek home cooking. Athens Central Market is another stop for fresh produce, nuts, spices, olives, and herbs and teas, if you want to see local food shopping.
Where to go
- Mikrolimano. Small harbor of fishing boats and yachts, known for its seafood tavernas. Good for a lunch by the water. In Piraeus, a short way from Zea Marina, by taxi, or a walk.
- Piraiki. Fish tavernas and ouzo restaurants with sea views along the road from Zea Marina to the central port. In Piraeus, by taxi.
- Margaro. Fish restaurant open since 1944, known for pan-fried fish coated in batter. In Piraeus, by taxi.
Getting there
When to go
Harbor tavernas serve through the year, so the food side of a visit works in any season. Spring and late autumn are the most comfortable months in the city for a walking tour.
Good to know
- Book a walking food tour or cooking class in advance if you want a set time in the afternoon.
- Peak traffic hours can be smoggy on main roads, so an open-air lunch by the water is a pleasant option.
Questions
Where is the best place to eat seafood in Piraeus?
Mikrolimano is a small harbor of fishing boats and yachts known for its seafood tavernas. Piraiki, along the road from Zea Marina, has fish tavernas with sea views. Both are reached by taxi or a walk.
Can I do a food tour in Athens?
Yes. Walking food tours and cooking classes in Athens are bookable. A cooking class can be a small group experience in a local home, and a walking tour takes you through the city to sample local dishes.
