Savor Athens Walk: A Culinary & Travel Writer’s Insider Food Tour
Description
In "Athens: A Culinary Adventure", I draw on my experience as a travel and culinary journalist to guide you through my personal Athenian favorites—hidden gems and beloved classics alike. Discover the authentic flavors of Athens on this unique food tour! From the historic Varvakeios Market to tucked-away family-run tavernas, you’ll taste the very best of Greek cuisine. Sample the freshest produce, premium olive oil, traditional meze plates, famous Athenian souvlaki, and melt-in-your-mouth loukoumades. Along the way, I’ll share insider stories, local tips, and the little anecdotes that make each stop special. New to Athens? No problem! As your dedicated guide, I’ll tailor recommendations for attractions, nightlife, and secret hideaways based on your interests—so you not only taste the city but live it. This is more than a food tour: it’s an immersive journey through Athens’ culture, history, and culinary soul, all in small groups to keep the experience intimate and personal.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Experience an authentic taste journey in the heart of Athens! Start at the historic Omonia Square and discover a traditional bakery from 1948. Indulge in delicious Greek delicacies: crispy koulouri, fluffy spinach pie, sweet raisin bread, juicy chicken pie, and the unrivaled baklava. A culinary adventure you'll never forget!
Our next stop is a hidden gem of Athenian gastronomy. In a tiny family-run shop, you'll discover the taste of authentic bougatsa. This delectable sweet pie, with its crispy dough and creamy filling, is lovingly crafted using a recipe passed down through generations. One bite is all it takes to initiate you into the secrets of traditional Greek pastry-making.
The Polykala Distillery began its history in 1897 in Lixouri, Kefalonia. Founded by Vasilis Polykalas, who was initially involved in wine trading, the company has since expanded into liqueur production. At the distillery's showroom, visitors can sample their liqueurs and learn about the company's history and production processes.
Explore the historic Varvakeios Market, Athens' culinary treasure since 1886. Wander through colorful stalls of fresh meats, fish, and local produce. Meet traditional vendors, learn secrets of Greek cuisine, and taste authentic local delicacies. A vibrant experience combining flavors, aromas, and the rich culture of the city.
Colorful fruit and vegetable market Immerse yourself in the colors and aromas of the vibrant outdoor market. Wander among stalls filled with fresh, local produce. Sample juicy seasonal fruits and taste varieties of Greek olives. A sensory experience showcasing the bounty of the Mediterranean land.
Tasting liquid gold: Olive oil and honey Discover two of Greece's most precious treasures. In a unique tasting experience, explore the subtle nuances of extra virgin olive oil and the rich flavors of various Greek honey types. Learn to distinguish their qualities, aromas, and tastes while hearing stories about their production and significance in Greek culture.
Athens' Ultimate Souvlaki: A Taste of Tradition Savor the pinnacle of Greek street food at our hand-picked souvlaki spot. Sink your teeth into perfectly grilled, tender meat skewers, wrapped in warm, pillowy pita bread. Each bite is a harmony of flavors - juicy meat, fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and creamy tzatziki. Whether you choose succulent pork, chicken, or lamb, our souvlaki masters craft each piece with decades of expertise. Accompanied by golden, crispy hand-cut fries, this is more than just a meal - it's an authentic Athenian culinary experience. Discover why locals and visitors alike crown this as the best souvlaki in Athens!
Loukoumades: Athens' Sweet Temptation Discover the ultimate Greek delicacy in the heart of Athens. Our loukoumades, golden puffs of dough, are expertly fried to crispy perfection on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Drizzled with warm honey and dusted with cinnamon, they offer an irresistible taste experience. Enjoy them classic-style or try modern variations with chocolate, nuts, or ice cream. Each bite is a journey into traditional Greek pastry-making with a contemporary twist.
A Flavorful Journey Through Greek Meze Immerse yourself in the heart of Greek gastronomy with a stop dedicated to traditional meze. In an authentic Athenian taverna, you'll savor a variety of small plates that reflect the country's rich culinary culture. Sample crispy dolmades, aromatic melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), freshly grilled saganaki cheese, and tasty "keftedakia" Pair them with ouzo or tsipouro and feel the genuine atmosphere of Greek hospitality. A tasting experience that combines tradition, flavor, and sociability.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will be waiting for you at the entrance of your hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(34)
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Our family loves to do food tours wherever we travel. This tour didn’t have the number of 5 star ratings as others, but every review was a 5 star with exceptional comments. We decided to try it. Hands down one of the best tours we did in Greece. Highly recommend!
Dimitris, tour guide, gave us a three hour tour indulging in a variety of Greek foods where the locals hangout out. Be prepared to eat and taste a lot of foods. Consider the time you reserve. There is some flexibility but try to schedule when the Greeks eat during the day. Ask lots of questions as Dimitris is very knowledgeable as he is a journalist and food editor.
Dimitris took me off the beaten trail to try local food. Did not go to all places in description of experience since he tailored it to what I was interested in trying. It was a very good experience with plenty of food to try. Dimitris is very knowledgeable, easy to talk to about anything and caring. Would highly recommend for a privately food tour.
Dimitris was kind and patient with our tardiness as the ride from the airport was longer than anticipated. Unfortunately it was a rainy day that we were not prepared for so perhaps an umbrella would have been nice. We tried many delicious things but servings were large rather than actual samples so we filled up quickly and passed on the last couple of stops. We did go to local places rather than tourist areas which is what we were looking for!
Dimitris is a very good communicator. A pleasant, kind, knowledgeable journalist. We saw many parts of this beautiful city in our leisurely walk to taste foods. The foods we tasted were all delicious.
Fun stopping at old town Athens area away from all the busy areas. Demetris was very knowledgeable of Greece. Visit bakery and local restaurant and bar for the real authentic Greek cuisine!!
Thank you very much for your feedback and for joining my tour! I’m really glad you enjoyed the old town walk and the authentic Greek flavors. I always try to make the experience as special as possible, so every comment helps me get even better. I truly hope to welcome you again in Athens and offer you an even more perfect experience next time!
Dimitrius is a true professional!! I appreciated his calm deliberate approach to the day. We Truly had the best time. We were cruise ship guests so a bit of a hiccup getting to the tour as I didn’t realize the port was 20/30 minutes away- but Dimitrius was so helpful with suggestions and his wisdom. We had a wonderful time eating things we would not known to order. Conversation never lagged. A true delight to hang out with a local - like having a cousin abroad who shows you the town ;). Highly recommend
Your “cousin abroad” line made my day. Thanks for trusting me with your time in Athens—food, stories, and great company. You’re always welcome back! Dimitris
We did not receive most of the foods shown in the pictures or described in the listing. Never went to any taverns, had no lunch or salads, small fishes, fried vegetables, etc. We also were not offered any alcoholic beverages. It was overpriced for what we were given.
Dear guests, Thank you for sharing your feedback about your experience on our tour. We're sorry to hear that it didn't meet your expectations. First and foremost, your note about following a gluten-free diet naturally limited your options. Nevertheless, we offered you 16 different flavors that were suitable for your dietary requirements. Please keep in mind that for your next food tour, the gluten-free choice inevitably restricts the available options, which is important to know beforehand to properly set your expectations. Additionally, I would like to clarify that all elements included in the program were offered during the tour. However, we noticed there wasn't interest in participating in all the suggested stops, which likely affected your overall experience. Regarding alcoholic beverages, we never direct our guests on what to choose. All participants always have the freedom to select between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options according to their personal preferences. As you may recall, we picked you up from your hotel and returned you there at the end, as per the booking terms. Throughout the entire tour, there was no expression of dissatisfaction or any comment from your side that would have allowed us to adjust your experience on the spot. Finally, it's important to remind you that, as we informed you during booking, the tour took place on May 1st, a general strike day in Athens. Despite the objective difficulties that arose, we managed to conduct the tour without significant problems. The increased presence of people in the streets is an integral part of the city's vibrant atmosphere, especially on such a day. We value your feedback and remain available for any further discussion. Our goal is always the continuous improvement of our services. Best regards, Dimitris
The tour was excellent. The personal attention and the focus on smaller businesses is what we enjoyed the most. Unfortunately, we had to cut our tour short due to unforeseen circumstances. That said, Dimitris went above and beyond to make sure that we were okay. In fact, Dimitris continued to make recommendations of spots to hit well after the tour. I can’t thank him enough for the warmth and hospitality. Finally, come hungry, you will be eating a lot of great, Greek bites.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the focus on local, small businesses — that’s at the heart of what I love to share. I’m really sorry you had to cut your experience short, but I’m glad I could be of help during that time. Supporting you, even beyond the tour, felt natural — it’s all part of the hospitality we hold dear here in Greece. And yes, coming hungry is always the right idea — there’s never a shortage of delicious bites to try! Wishing you all the best in your travels ahead.
An enjoyable few hours roaming parts of Athens watching locals go about their daily lives and then tasting lots of local foods at various stops——all varied and delicious. A most interesting afternoon. Dimitris was enjoyable to be with.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods and getting a glimpse of daily life in Athens. It was a pleasure sharing those local food stops with you — I’m happy to hear the variety and flavors hit the mark! And thank you for the kind words — I truly enjoyed spending the afternoon with you as well.