Why Tourists Should Avoid Eating In Plaka, An Incredible Bucket List Destination In Athens
Even if you've never heard of Plaka, you'll be drawn there if you visit Athens. Plaka is one of Athen's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, and its rambling streets tumble down the hillside from the Acropolis. It borders some of the city's best attractions, from the Acropolis itself to the Roman Agora and the brilliant Acropolis Museum.
Plaka is very charming, and simply wandering the streets and alleyways is a pleasant, if sometimes crowded, way to spend your time. You can wander up to Anafiotika, a tiny area of whitewashed homes decorated with colorful flowers that cling to the hillside. Or you can visit the famous "Plaka Stairs" on Mnisikleous Street, where cafes and restaurants have tables perched on each step. In fact, there are restaurants everywhere in Plaka, and it's a really lovely neighborhood. So why shouldn't you eat there?
As with any place that's popular with tourists, the quality of the restaurants in Plaka varies wildly, and it can be hard to pick a good one. Visitors on Tripadvisor rate the atmosphere highly but tend to be disappointed by the food, claiming it's just not that tasty and it's overpriced. Blogger Imperfect Traveller said they felt harried while eating a meal with "high prices and mediocre quality" in the district. In Plaka, you pay for the location more than the food. Visitors and locals alike recommend eating elsewhere.
Where to eat in Athens outside Plaka
Luckily, you don't have to go far from Plaka to find incredible food. Once you leave this heavily touristed zone behind, you'll begin to practically trip over excellent restaurants. The Psiri district is high on many people's recommendations, especially if you're looking for well-priced traditional Greek food. This is a great place to try mezedes (small plates), which Rick Steves considers the best way to order food in Athens. Psiri is just a 15-minute walk from Plaka.
A 20-minute walk in the other direction will bring you to another great foodie area. In Reddit's r/GreeceTravel forum, one poster writes "Avoid Plaka! Definitely visit the Koukaki neighborhood," and we couldn't agree more. Koukaki has retained its local feel while evolving into a trendy, tourist-friendly district. Traditional bakeries and tavernas rub shoulders with modern cafes, bars and restaurants serving global cuisine. Note that if you're visiting Greece on a budget, consider eating your main meal at lunchtime and enjoying drinks at happy hour. Finally, adventurous eaters should consider a food tour to try Greek sweetbreads and unusually flavored pies, from spinach to minced beef. Plaka might offer a feast for the eyes, but other neighborhoods in Athens offer a true Greek feast.