8 Delicious Food Tours in Athens to Experience Authentic Greek Cuisine
Looking to experience authentic flavors of Greek cuisine on an Athens food tour?
Well, here they are, 8 of the best food tours in Athens, Greece. And trust me; there was a lot to sort through. As someone who has spent a month in Greece and has a Greek best friend taking me to all the best local eats, I can attest to the authenticity and deliciousness of these neighborhoods and Greek treats.
Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list? Reserve this Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens, a 2023 Viator Award Winning Experience with over 1,300+ excellent reviews.
Not only will you taste a cornucopia of traditional Greek dishes, but many of these tours will take you around the city, passing by archaeological sites and sharing its ancient history.
To check out all your choices, compiled below is a list of 8 of the best Athens food tours!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tours in Athens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
✅ Highly Rated Viator 2023 Experience Award
✅ 12 Gourmet Tastings
Athens Private Walking Tasting Tour
✅ 8 Foodie Stops
✅ Backstreets of 3 Neighborhoods
Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night
✅ 5 Wine Tastings with Local Eateries
✅ Evening Walkthrough of Athens
A Bit About Greek Food
Greek cuisine is influenced by a unique blend of Mediterranean and Asian flavors, resulting in a perfect combination of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients.
A visit to Greece is incomplete without trying the country’s many cuisines, from the traditional moussaka to the feta cheese that comes with every meal. The country’s fertile soil and climate have blessed it with a bounty of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, endless olive harvests, and fragrant herbs.
Meat lovers will love to munch on juicy souvlaki or a classic gyro recipe. Seafood enthusiasts can eat fresh catches of the day, grilled to perfection and served with lemon wedges. Vegetarians can dip their stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita in creamy tzatziki.
And let’s not forget the sweet treats! Greek ice cream, loukoumades, and orange cake are just some of my favorite desserts.
Best Food Tours in Athens
1. Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
Best Overall Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Taste on this Tour:
- Beverages: Local wine & coffee,
- Starter: Koulouri, Bread with Tomato Sauce, savory pies, Yoghurt with Honey, Tsipouro
- Main: Mezedes plates, Souvlaki
- Dessert: Loukoumades
Join this Award Winning Viator Experience on this 4-hour gourmet tasting tour to Athen’s best hidden gem cafés, local markets, delicatessens, and street food haunts.
Meet and meander through various neighborhoods of the downtown citer center with a private tour guide and a group of up to 12 food enthusiasts. You’ll even get to visit a fresh fish and meat market.
Savor the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee as a palate cleanser for traditional treats, including koulóuria (sesame bread rings), loukoumades (Greek sweet donuts), and regional cheeses washed down with the finest Greek wine. You’ll even get to try local produce like the famed organic olive oil.
We absolutely loved our tour! We ate SO much food and got to see a variety of different shops, markets, and parts of town. It was a great way to see the city center while also trying lots of authentic food options.
– Carissa (Read more reviews)
2. Athens Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours
Best Private Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🫒Book it!
Taste on this Tour:
- Koulouri: Tiropita
- Fresh seafood
- Tzatziki
- Fava beans
- Purée Saganaki Cesaria
- Olives and olive oil tasting
- Bread Galaktoboureko
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Greece on this private food tour through downtown Athens for just you and the fam. Leave behind tourist traps and experience Athens with a local guide by your side.
Wander through the charming backstreets of Monastiraki, Psirri, and Plaka to discover lesser-known culinary delights adored by Athenians while learning about their cultural significance from a local’s perspective. Enjoy a full belly of wonderful flavors and foods, including vegetarian dietary restrictions.
Such a good food tour. We learnt far more than just about the food and drink of Athens, and about how the city ticks. Really interesting food tours and the “back story” of all stops is explained in full. Thanks again and most definitely recommend!
(Read more reviews)
Expect a personalized experience as you stroll through the bustling Central Market Athens, where you’ll be surrounded by locally sourced seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Pass by Hadrian’s Library and capture Instagram-worthy shots of the Plaka neighborhood, known for its labyrinthine alleys and neoclassical architecture.
3. Small-Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night
Best Evening Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Taste on this Tour:
- Fava Beans
- Sygklino Ham from Mani
- Phyllo Pies
- Souvlaki
- Greek Ice Cream
- 4 Greek Wine Tastings
- Traditional Raki (Greek Alcohol)
Eat some of the most authentic Greek cuisines under the starry Athens sky on this Small Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night! With your foodie guide, discover enticing gastronomic gems that lurk in every corner of Athens.
Kick-start your night of culinary exploration at Syntagma Square and admire the illuminated historic buildings through the Plaka neighborhood.
Follow your guide to your first stop – a modern deli shop brimming with Greek products. Experience Mani delicacies like fava beans and smoked sygklino ham, homemade phyllo pies, and souvlaki, among others. Wash it all down with traditional raki and 4 wine tastings.
We took this tour on our first night in Greece, and it was the perfect way to begin our 10 day trip. We had never been to Athens, so to do a walking and food tour was a great way to acquaint us with the city and food…We will be recommending this tour to everyone we know who will be visiting Athens.
– Dawn (Read more reviews)
4. Athens Food and City Private Walking Tour
Most Flexible City & Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Taste on this Tour:
- Koulouri
- Greek Meze
- Traditional Products: Olive Oil, Vinegar, Honey, Cheese
- Beverages: Wine, Vinegar, Liquor, Authentic Greek coffee
- Sweets Sampler
Journey through time and taste as you explore the city of Athens on this small-group Walking City and Food tour. With its blend of Ottoman influences and ancient traditions, Athens is great for foodies and history enthusiasts.
Stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Syntagma Square, Psiri, and Monastiraki with the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Eat specialties like koulouri bread, meze, olive oil, honey, cheese, and authentic Greek coffee at many different stops.
During the tour, you’ll visit food stops like the Central Market while passing by significant Athens historical landmarks. This will give you a chance to learn about Athens’ complex history, from its affluent areas to its rebellious districts.
This is the second time I have done this tour with Andreas and Alternative Athens and I did not think that it could get better than last time (6 years ago), but they had mostly different places with different foods and great explanations of the history of the foods. Would I do this again? Absolutely!!!
(Read more reviews)
This tour offers extreme flexibility with 10 daily time options and language options in both English and French.
5. Athens Private Walking Tour: Acropolis, Plaka and Local Food
Best Combination Food and Acropolis Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Taste on This Tour:
- Sights of the Acropolis
- Souvlaki of pork or chicken
- Handmade Greek Pies
- Loukoumades
If anything, you probably know Athens for its famous acropolis. So step back in time as you explore this incredible hilltop monument on this Acropolis and Foodie Private Tour with your very own dedicated guide.
Learn about the best historical sites of Athens, passing important ruins like the Temple of Nike, the Propylaea Gates, and the Parthenon. As you maze through the charming streets of Plaka, marvel at the stunning neoclassical balconies that line the streets.
But that’s not all – take your taste buds on a journey of Greek specialties, such as rich coffee, savory salami, and delectable pies and desserts.
It was a very informative and relaxing tour. Our tour guide was very much accommodating to what food, shops, and stops we wanted to make during our time together. Definitely worth the time and money to have a local show us Acropolis.
– Alyx (Read more reviews)
You can opt to book the tour with or without the Acropolis entry fees, in case you already have a combined ticket. Unfortunately, while the guide will bring you to their recommended food spots, the cost of food (~ 15 euros per person) is not included in the price.
6. Cape Sounio Private Tour From Athens with Greek Traditional Food
Best Nearby Day Trip Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Experience the magic of ancient Greece on this private tour to Cape Sounio, located on the Athenian Riviera south of the city. Explore the ruins of the magnificent Temple of Poseidon, perched above the sea, with awesome coastline views.
Pass tranquil beaches and sparkling waters along the scenic coastal road through Vouliagmeni and Lagonisi. With a professional driver, travel without the hassle of navigating yourself there.
But the best part? Be taken to authentic Greek cuisine and traditional foods for both lunch and dinner on this day trip from Athens.
We had a wonderful evening trip! Our driver, Notis, arrived early, was very knowledgeable about Greece and all of its rich history and current day! The local restaurant we ate at was DELICIOUS!! We had so much to choose from, it was hard deciding which foods to eat before we were too full! 😋.
– Mary (Read more reviews)
With the flexibility to customize your itinerary, this private tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. And with pickup and drop-off available from your Athens hotel, airport, or port, this tour is convenient and stress-free.
7. Athens Street Culture & Food Off-The-Beaten Path
Best Hidden Gem Food Tour Area
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
While most other food tours on this list focus on the center of Athens, this unique small-group Food Tour takes you through the Kerameikos area, a cemetery for ancient Greeks.
With a maximum group size of just 16 people, sample a variety of Greek street food and drinks as you explore the area’s vibrant alt-entertainment scene. Your guide will combine stories of centuries of history and East-inspired influences.
Sophia was an AMAZING guide! She led our group through an amazing neighbourhood in Athens and I was able to try so many delicious things! Portion sizes were perfect & the pacing of the tour was excellent.
– Kate (Read more reviews)
Receive a complimentary map of Athens to mark down the hotspots and highlights from your tour.
8. Shore Excursion to Athens Monuments with street Food by Electric Bike
Best Foodie Bike tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours | 🫒 Book it!
Whew, instead of walking all around, why not E-Bike through Central Athens on this Electric Bike Food Tour? Discover Athens in a new light by biking through the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, pedaling through the streets easily, and stopping for some tasty Greek treats.
Cruise to the Roman Forum, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Zeus as your informative guide shares tales of Greek mythology through an earpiece to keep you connected. With a variety of routes and customizable itineraries, no two tours are alike.
Stop at a traditional café to sample authentic Greek cuisine and drink. With pickup and return transfers from the cruise terminal included, your adventure in Athens is nice and convenient.
Where to Stay in Athens
If you’re visiting Athens for a few days to enjoy the city’s historical sites, everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels with excellent views are available. You just have to be careful what neighborhood you end up in. I’m one to know, because turns out picking the cheapest place meant we saw some real sketchy stuff on the sidewalks.
Electra Metropolis
⭐ RATING: 9.1 out of 10 Stars (6300+ reviews) | $$$
Seconds away from Plaka and Ermou and minutes away from Acropolis, the location and service couldn’t be better than booking 5 Star Electra Metropolis Hotel. Their modern-elegant rooms feature plush bedding and stunning views of the Acropolis. Eat a gourmet meal in-house or dip in their rooftop pool with panoramic views.
14 Reasons Why Hotel Athens
⭐ RATING: 9.1 out of 10 Stars (700+ reviews) | $$
If you’re looking for trendy decor and neon signs, 14 Reasons Why Hotel Athens delivers that vibe. This contemporarily-designed boutique hotel offers modern amenities and a cool atmosphere in the heart of downtown Athens. Enjoy spacious rooms with cozy beds, fast Wi-Fi, and an exceptional complimentary breakfast each morning.
Bedbox Hostel
⭐ RATING: 9.1 out of 10 Stars (1500+ reviews) | $
Stay in Athen’s Psiri neighborhood in the popular backpacker Bedbox Hostel. Sleep soundly in their minimalist-style, comfortable dorms just steps from the coolest bars and restaurants. But for those looking to save, use their communal kitchen to cook up a meal and make new friends in the common area.
FAQs About Food Tours in Athens
Absolutely! As the largest city in the country, you can find any food you want in Athens, from cheap hole-in-the-wall eats to Michellin-recommended Greek tasting menus. A food tour will allow you to taste authentic local cuisine and learn about the culture and history behind each dish. Plus, you’ll visit some of the best hidden gems and local spots you might not have discovered alone.
There are so many delicious Greek foods to try in Athens! Some must-try dishes include souvlaki, moussaka, pasticcio, spanakopita, tzatziki, and feta cheese. For something sweet, try loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts) or orange cake.
Absolutely! Athens is considered a foodie destination, with many restaurants, cafes, and food markets to explore. You can find anything in this giant city, from traditional tavernas to modern restaurants to crazily-themed cafes.
Tipping in Athens is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. If you receive good service, leaving a small tip of 1-3 euros on the table is common. Most restaurants do not add service charges to the bill or even ask if you want to leave a tip.
A typical Greek lunch often starts with mezze, small appetizer plates that include items like hummus, tzatziki, dolmades, and Greek salad. The main course can consist of dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, or grilled fish with a side of vegetables or potatoes.
Dinner is typically served later in Greece than in other countries, usually starting around 8 or 9 PM and lasting until midnight. Greek dinners tend to enjoy very chill meals with family and friends that often take hours and paired with lots of wine.
While tap water in Athens is generally safe to drink, bottled water should be used outside the city or on the islands. Most locals and visitors prefer to drink bottled water anyway, mainly due to the taste rather than any health concerns. The maximum price for bottled water is 50 euro cents for a 0.5 liter bottle or 1 euro for a 1.5 liter bottle. However, restaurants might charge an additional fee.
Final Thoughts: Best Food Tours in Athens
Stuff yourself restaurant-hopping through Athens to experience its culinary tradition with a food tour or go out on your own. Honestly, you won’t be able to try them all in one tour anyway.
In case you’re still not sure which to pick:
- Best overall Athens Food Tour: Book this award-winning experience here
- Best private City Food Tour: Book this private one
- Best nighttime Athens Food Tour: Book this evening tour
No matter which food tour you choose or if you decide to explore on your own, eating your way through Athens is a must-do on a Greece itinerary.
Where Next in Greece?
I spent almost two months going around all of Greece. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest.
- 16 Must-Visit Athens Historical Sites
- 8 Delicious Food Tours in Athens
- 11 Best Athens Private Tours
- Koufonisia Island Travel Guide
- Amorgos Island Travel Guide
- 7 Best Mykonos Private Tours
Have Travel Questions About Greece? Maybe I’ve Answered Them
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.