Coffee is more expensive in Athens that in anywhere else in Europe, maybe because people just sit at cafes to have coffee for hours and that's how the space they're taking is paid. A café is also used for people-watching and meeting friends, and with such good weather most of the time, many sit at tables outside.
When it's time for a fuller meal, a traditional taverna is still the choice for many. You should try one too, although there are now modern versions with reinvented classic dishes and contemporary décor.
All other restaurants are diversifying the city's dining choices, with new ethnic menus and innovative chefs. While most tourists end up eating in the atmospheric Plaka district, in most cases the restaurants there are touristy and ordinary. Instead, choose one of the increasingly sophisticated choices elsewhere:


Gallery Cafe
Adhrianou Street zig zags through the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and at one point overlooks the Ancient Agora. That's where you'll find a number of cafes and restaurants, of which the best option is Gallery Café. If the weather is good, you'll probably choose to sit outside, but indoors is just as nice, with plenty of space. Paintings and sculptures decorate it, and there's a great atmopshere where you can order salads, a refreshing drink, or just a coffee.

Prytaneion
A trendy but laid back crowd comes here for coffee and drinks, or to enjoy the Mediterranean food served in huge portions. The décor includes works by contemporary Greek artists, and the service is friendly.

48 the Restaurant
The modern, innovative Greek cuisine created by an acclaimed chef and served in a stylish futuristic space has made this restaurant one of the most talked-about in the city. Be sure to make reservations and take a good look at the wine list, one of the best in the Greek capital.

Spondi
The elegant decoration with crystal chandeliers and linen tablecloths are the first indications that this is a serious haute cuisine restaurant. That, the highly professional service, and the fine French-Mediterranean cuisine all helped it get a Michelin star. On warm, sunny days, a courtyard and terrace are th best dining areas to experience it all.

Varoulko
There's no better place in the city for seafood fans. In fact, it has earned this restaurant the first Michelin star in Greece for Greek food, which is served in a dining area with a modern décor. Forget a menu -- choose from the imaginative daily specials.

Mommy
A colorful vintage décor surrounds you as you sample the fusion cuisine at this restaurant. It atracts a young artistic crowd, which also fills its bar and terrace. DJs provide a clubby atmoshere, although it could also be labeled as a gallery for its regular contemporarty art exhibitions.

Mamacas Restaurant
A modern version of a traditional taverna, this restaurant serves excellent Greek cuisine. The clientele tends to be of the hip and fashionable kind, who sit at the designer space dining late into the night.

Ta Kioupia
The tasting menu at this restaurant is like experiencing all of the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. The menu changes every season, while the desserts are always worth leaving room for.

Bacaro
The lighting and the Philippe Stark chairs are just some details that make this one of the ultra-hip hotspots in Athens. You may choose to have lunch or dine here as you admire the latest art exhibition, or simply show up for a cocktail at night.

Pisina
There's no place for eating and drinking in Athens as spectacular as this one at any time of the day. The pool area overlooking the marina is the perfect spot for a cool drink under the daylight, while at night it's just the right place for a cocktail and Mediterranean food. It's just as attractive inside, with its sleek ultra-cool décor.

Ithaki
The beautiful location alone, overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay, is reason enough to choose this restaurant. Then add the fine seafood (meat is also listed on the menu), and you have one of the most memorable dining experiences in Athens.

Jimmy and the Fish
It's highly likely that you'll be moving on to one of the Greek Islands after your visit to Athens, and for that you'll most likely have to get to Piraeus for your ferry. It's filled with touristy tavernas of mediocre quality, except for this restaurant overlooking the Mikrolimano harbor. It has a reputation for the freshness and quality of the seafood in a highly atmospheric setting, where the lobster is the most popular choice on the menu.

Baraonda
The elegant décor (velvet curtains, stone walls, big chandeliers, and candles) first acted as a magnet to the city's trendy, art crowds who then kept coming back for the fine Mediterranean cuisine. They stay through the night for drinks, lounging with a glass of wine at one of the bars or private area.

Aneton
It is worth the trip from the center of the city to experience this small restaurant where traditional Greek cuisine is given a modern makeover and served in a stylish space decorated with 1960's vintage furniture. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly.