The Best Places to Enjoy Seafood in Athens

Athens has more than 60 kilometers of coastline and the country’s biggest port, Piraeus, at its feet, keeping it well supplied with fresh fish. These aren’t the only two reasons that you’ll get some of the best seafood here; local chefs simply love working with the stuff, and the capital boasts two fish restaurants with Michelin stars. In addition, there are dozens of restaurants that respect seasonality and prepare the sea’s bounty without too many culinary frills, not to mention dozens more tavernas with seaside views and simple Greek summer classics, such as fried calamari or grilled octopus – all washed down with a glass of ouzo. The choice is yours.

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Wondering where Athenians eat? For fish and other seafood, they often head to the Athens Riviera. At Blue Fish in Vouliagmeni, the tables in the deck area are practically floating on the water. The day crowd tends to be a boisterous bunch, with groups of friends getting together for some seafood meze and a glass of ouzo or tsipouro, but as evening falls, the mood becomes more romantic. Take the time to explore the “head-to-tail” menu, designed around a zero-waste philosophy and utilizing every part of the fish: the heads go into rich broths used to make langoustine and lobster orzo “risotto,” enriched with butter and grooved sea squirt for that extra punch of iodine, or a risotto inspired by classic stuffed tomatoes.

The collar – a delicious and tender part of the fish that used to be discarded – is grilled on a robata or sautéed “a la meuniere,” in a rich, buttery sauce. The fillets are fricasséed with wild greens and an egg-lemon sauce, while the delicious tails are grilled kushiyaki-style, or baked in a tomato and basil sauce. The wine list includes several excellent selections from Santorini, a few choice Greek and international wines that pair well with fish, and several champagnes.

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Another popular seafood spot on the Athens Riviera, Sardelaki Me Thea (“Little Sardine with a View”) is renowned for its privileged location and its well-priced food – no wonder it draws the crowds from all over Athens. This taverna overlooks the site of the new Vouliagmeni Marina, which, when it’s completed, will be one of the most modern in the Mediterranean.

The menu is extensive and the food is no-frills. We recommend the small fried fish, the calamari, the grilled sardine fillets and the classic appetizers: fava split-pea paste, Greek salad, fried zucchini and octopus salad, all best accompanied by ouzo or tsipouro. If you’d like a bit more privacy, a staircase of some 20 steps will take you closer to the water and to a smaller and fancier seafood restaurant run by the same management.