Every visitor to Athens eats souvlaki. But most eat it at mediocre tourist spots with inflated prices and disappointing pita.
Here’s where locals actually go for the best souvlaki in Athens — the places with lines out the door at 2 AM and generations of Athenians who won’t go anywhere else.
Quick Overview: Top Souvlaki Spots#
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kostas | Syntagma | €3.50 | Classic pork souvlaki |
| O Thanasis | Monastiraki | €4.00 | Kebab |
| Elvis | Psyrri | €4.00 | Late night |
| Bairaktaris | Monastiraki | €4.00 | Tourist-convenient, decent |
| To Kati Allo | Pangrati | €3.50 | Local neighborhood vibe |
| Hoocut | Syntagma | €4.50 | Gourmet pork belly |
| Lefteris o Politis | Exarchia | €3.50 | Student favorite |
| Ta Karamanlidika | Psyrri | €5.00 | Deli-style experience |
First: Souvlaki vs. Gyros — What’s the Difference?#
Before we dive in, let’s clear up the confusion:
Souvlaki = Small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer Gyros = Meat shaved from a vertical rotisserie (like shawarma)
Both can be served:
- On a stick (kalamaki) — meat only
- In pita (pita) — wrapped with tomato, onion, tzatziki
- On a plate (merida) — with fries and salad
When ordering, you’ll be asked: “Apo ola?” — meaning “with everything?” Say yes.
1. Kostas (Syntagma) — The Legend#
Why it’s famous: This tiny spot has been serving the same perfect pork souvlaki since 1950. No gyros, no chicken — just flawless pork skewers in pita.
What to order: Souvlaki pita with everything
Price: €3.50
The experience:
- Hole-in-the-wall with maybe 3 seats
- Usually a line (worth it)
- Closes mid-afternoon
- Cash only
Location: Plateia Agias Irinis 2, near Syntagma Square
2. O Thanasis (Monastiraki) — Best Kebab#
Why it’s famous: Since 1964, O Thanasis has specialized in kebab (ground lamb/beef on a skewer), not the typical pork souvlaki.
What to order: Kebab pita (try the spicy version)
Price: €4.00
The experience:
- Large restaurant with outdoor seating
- Monastiraki Square views
- Great for groups
- Open late
Best for: Those who prefer lamb/beef over pork
3. Elvis (Psyrri) — Best Late Night#
Why it’s famous: When Athenians stumble out of bars at 3 AM, Elvis is where they go. Operating since 1979, it’s the definitive late-night souvlaki spot.
What to order: Pork gyros pita, extra tzatziki
Price: €4.00
The experience:
- Tiny shop, no seating
- Standing/street eating only
- Peak time: 1-4 AM
- Part of the Athens nightlife experience
Location: Plateia Agia Irini, Psyrri
4. Hoocut (Syntagma) — Gourmet Twist#
Why it’s famous: This modern spot elevates souvlaki with premium cuts, including incredible pork belly.
What to order: Pork belly souvlaki — crispy outside, melt-in-mouth inside
Price: €4.50
The experience:
- Sleek, modern shop
- Slightly pricier, worth it
- Great for picky eaters and foodies
- Perfect for first-timers who want “nice” souvlaki
5. To Kati Allo (Pangrati) — Local Neighborhood Gem#
Why it’s famous: In the residential Pangrati neighborhood, this is where locals bring their families. No tourists, just quality food.
What to order: Mixed pita (pork and chicken)
Price: €3.50
The experience:
- Real neighborhood spot
- Families with kids
- Plastic tables on the sidewalk
- Feels like eating with Athenians
Location: Hadjichristou 12, Pangrati
How to Order Souvlaki Like a Local#
Step 1: Choose your meat
- Hirino (χοιρινό) = Pork
- Kotopoulo (κοτόπουλο) = Chicken
- Kebab = Ground lamb/beef
Step 2: Choose your format
- Pita = Wrapped in bread
- Kalamaki = Just the skewer
- Merida = Plate with sides
Step 3: “Apo ola?” When they ask this, say “Nai” (yes) to get: tomato, onion, tzatziki, sometimes fries inside
Step 4: Optional add-ons
- Tzatziki extra
- Tyrokafteri (spicy cheese)
- Mustard (not traditional, but good)
What Makes Great Souvlaki?#
The pita: Should be warm, soft, slightly oily from the grill. Cold pita = bad sign.
The meat: Well-seasoned, charred edges, juicy inside. Dry or bland = tourist trap.
The tzatziki: Fresh, garlicky, thick. Watery or packaged = skip it.
The assembly: Generous portions, proper wrapping that doesn’t fall apart.
Neighborhood Souvlaki Guide#
Monastiraki / Syntagma#
- Most options in one area
- More tourist-facing but still good
- Best for: First-timers, convenient location
Psyrri#
- Late-night options
- Trendier spots
- Best for: Nightlife, bar-hopping
Exarchia#
- Student prices, generous portions
- More alternative vibe
- Best for: Budget travelers
Pangrati / Koukaki#
- Real neighborhood spots
- Fewer tourists
- Best for: Authentic local experience
Prices & What to Expect#
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Souvlaki pita | €3.50-4.50 |
| Gyros pita | €3.50-4.50 |
| Kalamaki (skewer only) | €1.50-2.50 |
| Merida (plate) | €8-12 |
| Beer | €2-4 |
| Soft drink | €1.50-2.50 |
Budget meal: One pita + drink = €5-6
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much is souvlaki in Athens?#
Most souvlaki pitas cost €3.50-4.50. Gourmet spots may charge €5+. It’s one of the best food values in Europe.
What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyros?#
Souvlaki is meat on skewers; gyros is meat shaved from a rotating spit. Both are typically served in pita bread.
Is souvlaki the same as a kebab?#
Not exactly. In Athens, “kebab” usually means ground meat on a skewer (like köfte), while souvlaki is chunks of meat. Both are served similarly.
Best time to eat souvlaki?#
Any time. Greeks eat souvlaki for lunch, dinner, and as late-night food after drinking. The best spots are busy from noon until late.
Is Athens souvlaki halal?#
Traditional Athens souvlaki is pork. Some places offer chicken or beef/lamb kebab as alternatives. Ask specifically about preparation if halal is important.
Can vegetarians eat at souvlaki shops?#
Options are limited — maybe grilled vegetables or salads. For vegetarians, a food tour might be better for discovering meat-free Greek cuisine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid#
- Eating at Monastiraki Square restaurants with pushy hosts — Usually mediocre
- Ordering chicken when pork is the specialty — Greece does pork souvlaki best
- Eating at places with English-only menus — Go where Greeks are lined up
- Not asking for tzatziki — It’s often extra; you need to request it
- Expecting it to be healthy — It’s street food, enjoy it
The Bottom Line#
For classic, no-frills perfection: Go to Kostas during lunch hours
For late-night post-bar cravings: Elvis in Psyrri at 2 AM
For a gourmet experience: Hoocut’s pork belly souvlaki
For local neighborhood vibes: To Kati Allo in Pangrati
The truth is, even “average” Athens souvlaki beats most other cities’ best. Just avoid the obvious tourist traps (pushy hosts, photo menus, empty seats) and you’ll eat well.
Want a guided experience? Check out our Athens food tour guide or explore where to eat in Athens.
