Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is home to ancient archaeological sites, world-class museums and other attractions worth visiting. When it comes to the local cuisine, Athens does not disappoint; there are numerous restaurants, markets and food stalls that offer delectable Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Although beef, lamb and pork are extremely popular in the country, most of Greek cuisine is extremely vegetarian-friendly. Because of its climate, Greece is ideal for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, which is why you will see a lot of fresh produce in their famous local dishes. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in Greek food include eggplant, spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, zucchini and cabbage.

For vegetarians visiting Athens, looking for a place to dine in shouldn’t be too much of a problem; a closer look at the menus at the restaurants and tavernas across the city will show a wide range of plant-based meals. And fortunately, there is a growing number of eateries in the city that offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Some of the must-try local delicacies that are vegetarian-friendly include the briam (baked zucchini, eggplant and potato in tomato sauce and olive oil), Greek salad (tomato, cucumber, olives, onion and feta cheese topped with lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar); spanakopita (baked filo pastry filled with feta cheese, spinach and onions); fava (a dip made out of split peas or chickpeas topped in olive oil); and the famous tzatziki (a creamy, yogurt-based dip with garlic, dill and cucumbers that’s featured in almost all Greek dishes).

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or simply looking for a healthier meal option, Athens has a restaurant that can satisfy your cravings. Before you head out on a hunt for plant-based food, look for a luggage locker in Athens where you can safely store your bags and other personal belongings. Once you secure your things, check out our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Athens.

IT

What it's like:

Located in the affluent neighborhood of Kolonaki is IT, a chic dining spot that has built a reputation as one of Athens’ best vegan restaurants, although it is enjoyed by both plant-based diners and meat eaters alike. The split-level space is stunning in itself; the restaurant proudly highlights the use of upcycled materials – from repurposed wooden seats to chipboard sofas.

Our recommendation:

IT has gained a loyal following because of its innovative selection of low calorie and meat-free dishes. Some of the must-try vegetarian-friendly dishes at the restaurant include the steamed wild greens with mizithra cheese, tomato vinaigrette and chopped pistachios and the mushroom with sweet potato, asparagus, linseed and tahini cream. Pro tip: The restaurant has a special brunch offering every Sunday, which also means that it is the busiest time of the week. Thus, if you plan to visit on a Sunday, it’s best to book a table in advance.

Location:

29 Skoufa St, Kolonaki

Avocado

What it's like:

Avocado is among the best vegetarian restaurants in Athens as well as one of the oldest vegetarian cafes in the Greek capital. The café is located right in the heart of the city, just a quick 5-minute walk from the famous Syntagma Square. Avocado was established in 2011 by the founders of a yoga and Pilates studio across the street who live by a cruelty-free philosophy, which is why they decided to bring plant-based, healthy dishes to Athens.

Our recommendation:

The menu at Avocado, which has Greek and Asian influences, has a wide selection of vegan-friendly and gluten-free dishes and drinks, such as superb salads, coconut-rich curries, pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, bread (freshly baked in house) and smoothies. Some of the stand out dishes at Avocado include the veggie paella with oven roasted squash and saffron broth, risotto with Portobello, shiitake and porcini mushrooms and the avocado hummus with pita bread. For the drink, don’t forget to try the ginger passion juice or the mango lassi.

Location:

30 Nikis, Syntagma

Cookoomela Grill

What it's like:

If you are looking for vegan food with authentic Mediterranean flavors, head over to the Cookoomela Grill, located in Athens’ Exarchia neighborhood. Found along the busy street of Themistokleous, this restaurant adopts its name from the Cookoomela mushroom tribe, which serves as the base ingredient for all their dishes. Cookoomela Grill’s menu serves vegan options of local fast food favorites, including gyros and souvlakis, to name a few.

Our recommendation:

Apart from their delicious vegetarian souvlaki, highlights from the restaurant’s selection include their mushroom burgers, particularly the Red Amanita, which is a veggie burger served with vegan mayonnaise, avocado wedges and tomato salsa. Another noteworthy item on the menu is the Cookoomela Kebab, which is made out of lentils and served with almond cream and tomato salsa.

Location:

43-45 Themistokleous, Exarchia

Yi

What it's like:

Sitting in the heart of Glyfada, Athens’ famous seaside suburb in the south, Yi is one of the city’s best vegan restaurants and an excellent fine dining option for both plant-based diners or otherwise. The restaurant, whose name means “earth”, prides itself on using locally-sourced organic ingredients to create some delectable raw and vegan food.

Our recommendation:

Vegan options at Yi include pastas, sandwiches, fresh juices and more. Some of the must-try dishes at the restaurant include their Mexican burrito made using vegan cheese, the vegan carbonara with cashew cheese, onion and mushroom, and their veggie bowl topped with caramelized chickpeas. Don’t forget to sample the organic wines and beers sourced from the city’s top breweries.

Location:

69 Grigoriou Lampraki, Glifada

Peas

What it's like:

One of Athens’ most popular vegan restaurants, Peas is an excellent choice for those looking for good food that is 100% plant-based. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis Museum, this vegan bar operates under the slogan “Give Peas a Chance”, which is apt as they offer a creative take on traditional Greek fast food with prices that are amazingly good value.

Our recommendation:

Peas’ menu is comprised of a wide range of salads, burgers, wraps, breakfast specials and desserts alongside fresh juices and smoothies, all of which are made from scratch. Some of the bestsellers at the eatery include their mushroom burger with avocado, cashew cheese and chickpea sauce and their delectable raw tart for dessert. Peas also stays away from plastic and instead, uses eco-friendly packaging for all their dishes.

Location:

40 Falirou St, Koukaki

Local Green

What it's like:

Local Green is a trendy dining spot for anyone who wants to eat healthy and good food while in Athens. Located near Syntagma Square, the restaurant boasts a Scandi-style interior and an impressive menu of healthy gourmet dishes. While it is not strictly vegetarian, Local Green does have plenty of vegetarian options, all of which are made using high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients.

Our recommendation:

Local Green’s menu is filled with all kinds of healthy dishes, including Buddha bowls, salads and vegetarian wraps. Among the must-try items from their selection include the curry cauliflower salad with raisins and toasted almonds and the tofu and Portobello mushroom wrap. The restaurant also has a “build your salad” option, where you can create your own bowl using over 50 dressings and toppings.

Location:

30-32 Perikleous, Syntagma

Feyrouz

What it's like:

If you are a vegetarian who is a fan of Middle Eastern food, Feyrouz is the perfect dining spot for you. Situated in a street not too far from Athens’ Historic Centre, this joint is beloved by both locals and tourists for its amazing selection of street food at crazy cheap prices. Though not a fully vegetarian restaurant, Feyrouz does have a decent selection of plant-based meals, making it the perfect place for meat eaters and non-meat eaters to get together.

Our recommendation:

One of the best vegetarian dishes from the stall’s menu is their take on a Turkish pizza - a paper-thin lahmajoun topped with spices, herbs, nuts and eight different vegetables. Another must-try item from Feyrouz is their pide stuffed with pulses and seasonal greens and served with either smoked aubergine or hummus. Other noteworthy vegetarian-friendly dishes include the fatayer (an Arabic spicy pie) and their pumpkin and beetroot soup. Feyrouz also sells fresh Greek beer, which is the perfect drink to go with your hearty meal.

Location:

Address: 2 Agathonos, Monastiraki

Mama Tierra

What it's like:

Mama Tierra (which is Spanish for “mother earth”) is a basic vegetarian canteen that has been providing healthy vegan meals since 2015. Although it started out as a vegetarian restaurant, Mama Tierra eventually shifted into a 100% vegan eatery with an eclectic menu influenced by cuisines from all over the world – from Mediterranean and Asian to Middle East and Latin American. You can find a wide variety of dishes from Mama Tierra’s incredible menu that both vegans and meat eaters will appreciate.

Our recommendation:

Some of the highlights include their famous vegan moussaka, sweet potato hummus, dal fry (a lentil dish from India), pad thai (noodle dish from Thailand), vegetable paella and their veggie burger made out of organic oats and quinoa. The restaurant also has a decent beverage selection featuring healthy drinks such as date smoothies, green juice and kombucha.

Location:

84 Akadimias St, Athina

Baba Ghanoush

What it's like:

Situated just off the Varnava Square in the neighborhood of Pangrati, Baba Ghanoush offers a range of vegetarian street food favorites at incredibly affordable prices. The no-frills joint has only a few stools and tables outside, which means that there can be a long wait, especially during peak hours. However, this does not stop loyal customers from lining up to get some of their delicious offerings.

Our recommendation:

At Baba Ghanoush, there are plenty of vegetarian items that even meat lovers can enjoy. Bestsellers include fresh falafel wraps served with smoky aubergine puree, tahini sauce and house-made harissa or their roast beets salad with sumac, mint and hummus.

Location:

25-27 Empedokleouis, Pangrati

Veganaki

What it's like:

No doubt one of Athens’ most famous vegan restaurants, Veganaki is known for its flavorful plant-based dishes made using the freshest local ingredients. The menu is heavily focused on Mediterranean cuisine and features local dishes such as souvlakis, falafel, soutzoukakia, moussaka, burgers, wraps, healthy salads and more.

Our recommendation:

All of Veganaki’s offerings are 100% vegan, gluten-free and made in-house from scratch. Some of the dishes that you should not miss when dining here are their vegan moussaka made with red lentil and béchamel sauce, oven-baked vegan falafel, basil pesto pizza and their pastitsio made using minced soy.

Location:

38 Athanasiou Diakou

Winners Vegan Restaurant

What it's like:

Housed within the Niki Athens Hotel is Winners Vegan Restaurant, an upscale dining spot that has been serving organic vegan food in Athens since its inception in 2020. The plant-based joint is known for its healthy selection of bio food that even the biggest meat lovers can appreciate. The spot has also become a popular breakfast place; here, you can get breakfast staples such as corn pancakes with avo smash and shakshuk and house granola with vegan yogurt.

Our recommendation:

Apart from their beloved breakfast options, other signature dishes at Winners Vegan include their plant-based poke bowl, smoked faux salmon on toast, vegan mac n cheese and their tropical guacamole toast. Note that this restaurant is a bit on the pricier side but once you try their offerings, you’ll find that these dishes are worth every dollar you spend.

Location:

27 Nikis, Syntagma

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Athens

If you are a vegetarian planning a trip to Athens, get ready to eat! The Greek capital is filled with plant-based eateries that cater to both vegans and vegetarians. Additionally, a lot of the local restaurants have vegetarian options on their menu; all you have to do is ask the staff and chances are that they can make a vegetarian-friendly version of their dishes for you.

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