TheOneToGo
Athens hides its best eating inside the Central Market and the side streets of Psyrri, where the signage is in Greek and the good stalls look like nothing from the outside.
Our pick
A guide gets you past the souvlaki strips aimed at visitors and into the tavernas and Varvakios market vendors where Athenians actually shop. You taste loukoumades drenched in honey, fresh spanakopita, cured meats, sheep's cheeses, and an ouzo poured the generous local way, with the vendor's story attached to each. The market is loud and easy to misread on your own. Someone who knows the sellers by name is the difference between sampling and understanding.
If our pick doesn't fit
Designed with kids in mind, so the pace and tastings are gentler, though adults enjoy it too.
A longer, upscale afternoon session that adds a proper wine pairing, for those who want the full table experience.