Dishing up tradition with a visit to an Athenian Taverna

·

For centuries the Greek taverna has always remained the same, a place where a small group of friends, surrounded by cigarette smoke would gather to eat, drink and be merry.

Derived from the Latin word ‘taberna’ meaning stall, shed or hut, the traditional Athenian taverna flourished in the Byzantine period where a combination of food and wine would be served on a regular basis for the enjoyment of people.

A traditional taverna. Photo: EF Ultimate Break

Giorgos Pittas in his book “The Athenian Taverna” describes these establishments as places where poorer Athenians would head to drink wine drawn from wooden barrels, matching this with easily prepared dishes including small fried fish or chicken stomachs.

Some popular Athenian Tavernas to visit include:

Athinaikon

Opening in 1932, the taverna became a popular hangout for artists, composers, writers, and politicians due to its vicinity to Omonia Square. Their speciality is their fish soup, consisting of chunks of grouper in a seafood broth which is wonderfully paired with ouzo.

Athinaikon Taverna. Photo:E-table

Vardis

Operating in the same location since the 1920’s this family run taverna has a glass floor allowing guests to see the old wine barrels in the basement. Whilst the dishes served are few, each one is memorably delicious.

Ta Filetakia Tis Dafnis

The city of Dafni, home to several gastronomic restaurants, houses this taverna opening in 1966. A mandatory destination for meat lovers, its pork and chicken fillets, village style sausages and french fries bring guests to its doors.

Ta Filetakia Tis Dafnis. Photo: Gastronomous.gr

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek and Australian re-enactment groups: A historical point of unity

'Adult dress-up groups' was what I thought of the mainly medieval costumed people I had come across now and then.

A historian’s view on ‘Escape from Asia Minor’: A memoir of genocide and survival

‘Escape from Asia Minor: The Memoir of a Native Greek Pharmacist who served in the Ottoman and Kemalist Armies during the Greek Genocide.

Speak Greek in March: Say it loud, proud, and together

The ‘Speak Greek in March’ initiative, has encouraged everyone, regardless of background, to engage with the Greek language.

GCM 2025 Greek History and Culture seminars kick off with engaging presentations

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) highly anticipated 2025 Greek History and Culture Seminars has commenced with an outstanding start.

The loneliness epidemic: Why aren’t we talking about it more?

Loneliness remains one of the most common, yet frequently overlooked, emotional struggles among adults—especially young adults.

You May Also Like

Opinion: Learn Greek, you owe it to yourself

But the greatest issue, I believe, is that we as a Greek community do not value our language enough to encourage our students to continue it to University level.

Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne enjoys Mother’s Day celebrations

On Sunday 7th May, the Cretan Brotherhood indulged in a delightful celebration of Mother's Day with a High Tea event.

Greece celebrates March 25 but Germany’s Chancellor fails to send congratulatory message

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, failed to send a congratulatory message to Greece on the anniversary of March 25.