Credit: travelthegreekway.com
What’s unique about Greek waterfront restaurants is the combination of two things the locals love: food and sea. There is something about enjoying a lovely (seafood or not) dish with nice company by the sea and during the summer months, locals and tourists alike prefer to enjoy lunch or dinner in the Athenian riviera and experience high quality food and cinematic views.
The Athenian coast including areas like Vouliagmeni, Alimos, Piraeus,Marina Flisvos, Sounio and Mati is the perfect place to feel the vibe of the Greek islands in a short distance from the city centre.
If you are looking to experience this side of Athens like a true local, enjoy traditional and modern high quality Greek cuisine and marvel at the Mediterranean blues, this article is going to be the perfect guide as we present you our best picks of elegant restaurants and family friendly tavernas to choose from during your stay in Athens.
Written by Savina Skourmalla 13-06-2024
Best seafront restaurants in Athens – Istioploikos
Credit: whitewedding.gr
Istioploikos is a relatively new entry in the Athenian culinary map and it has quickly become a timeless and classic destination. Located in Mikrolimano of Piraeus, this all day cafe and restaurant will give you the impression of being on a luxury ship cruising through the Aegean. This impression is easily reinforced by the sailing boats that align next to each other right in front of Istioploikos and across the area’s marina.
Here you will get the chance to enjoy refined greek cuisine and seafood with the appropriate service with a wide selection of meticulously picked choices of special main dishes, appetisers, sweets and drinks. The guest will have the opportunity to not only dive into modern Greek cuisine but also relax in a magical area, ideal for escaping everyday life.
Istioploikos has definitely put its own signature in the local favourite area of Mikrolimano and became the meeting hub for personal meals or corporate meetings with a touch of luxury.
My personal choice is to combine a lovely Sunday dinner during which you can also enjoy the sun setting in the blue horizon and then grab a drink and party until late like a local with good Greek music!
Best seafront restaurants in Athens – Krabo
Credit: Athensinsider.com
Krabo, in the Vouliagmeni area is a Mediterranean inspired restaurant with lots of fresh and seasonal dishes. The landscape in combination with the unique setting by the bay will give you the impression you are in Mykonos.
The chef, Panagiotis Yiakalis has created a menu that focuses on organic and local ingredients and of course scrumptious and fresh fish and shell varieties.
You can find the whole Aegean sea in the menu that includes squid, sea bass, urchin and other seafood. The menu also offers many favourite Greek dishes with twists and new ideas, among which are delicious bbq dishes, pasta and even tsoureki for dessert.
Krabo is the place to be if you are seeking for a complete visual and edible Mediterranean experience, especially as the night falls and the light sea breeze and loud (but not too loud) music will give you and your company a majestic experience.
Best seafront restaurants in Athens – Ithaki
Credit: Tripadvisor.com
Ithaki restaurant took its name from the homonymous Greek island in the Ionian sea better known as the home of the Homeric tragic hero Odysseus.
This exclusive destination in Vouliagmeni is famous for serving some of the world’s a-listers and celebrities like Leonardo Di Caprio, Sean Connery and Bill Clinton among others.
What’s so unique about this restaurant that made these stars of the international jet set choose it is a combination of authentic and high quality cuisine as well as the glamorous and elegant surroundings.
Some even go as far as claiming that Ithaki serves the best fish dishes in Athens. The chef and staff pay a lot of attention to the preparation of the fish in order to create enhancing dishes that combine Greek, French and Japanese techniques and ideas.
Ask the waiters to suggest a wine from the eclectic varieties that will perfectly match your dish and enjoy an elevated Mediterranean experience only minutes away from the city centre.
.Best seafront restaurants in Athens – Labros
Credit: Tripadvisor.com
Labros is a famous restaurant in Vouliagmeni that has operated since 1939. Situated right opposite a lake with a beautiful view over the Saronic gulf, Labros is a popular destination all year around but especially during the summer months that provides a wonderful oasis to its guests. This family run restaurant combines classic elegance, excellent service and of course, delicious food. Because of its family vibe and the focus on Greek ‘filoxenia’, it has acquired many recurring customers, locals and tourists alike, that come back each time to enjoy the same, unchanged quality and atmosphere.
Labros’ fans will definitely insist that it offers the freshest, bestest fish and seafood dishes, that include a variety of freshly caught fish and shellfish like shrimps, squid and lobster.
The food, the scenery and the warm friendly atmosphere of Labros will not only give you an unforgettable experience but it might also give you an unexpected new favourite place to return and make more memories each year.
.Best seafront restaurants in Athens – Ark
Credit: George Fakaros via Ark-Glyfada.gr
The last restaurant on the list is a new entry but carries a great history behind it as it’s situation when once stood Asteria of Glyfada, a legendary resort that thrived in the 1950s.
The sophisticated Ark restaurant that opened in 2015 has a cosmopolitan and almost cinematic vibe and of course, a magnificent show stopping view.
The menu of Ark is curated by the famous chef Giannis Baxevanis that focuses on small plate sea gastronomy with quality Greek materials and an impressive selection of wines and spirits from local producers.
The chef as well as the menu have fairly received many distinguishing international and national awards during the years and the restaurant is among the 34th best restaurants in Greece. The awards and the fame of Ark is a result of a high quality menu with Greek elements composed in harmony with the chef’s Greek-French influences which will make your experience a truly memorable one.
Athens’ seaside restaurants serve up a feast for the senses, combining exquisite culinary creations with awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea. Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or a casual meal by the water’s edge, these establishments promise an unforgettable dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Greek hospitality and gastronomy. When in Athens, be sure to make time to visit these seaside gems for an indulgent and memorable dining experience.
If you are seeking for a more adventurous experience and a unique way to explore Athens, there is a way to do so. By joining our Athens E-bike tour, you can not only see the city’s monuments and known areas up and close but you can also get familiar with the city’s surroundings and get equipped with all the details and directions you might need to explore Athens further and get to know it like a true local!
