The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

Some Athens restaurants are closed for the summer break between mid July and mid September.

Prices in Greek restaurants will usually already include the 10% sales tax. However, all Greek restaurants are required by law to add a 13% service charge to the bill and it is still customary to leave the waiter an additional 10% tip on top.

The restaurants below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €60)
$$$ (€45 to €60)
$$ (€30 to €45)
$ (up to €30)
The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include sales tax but do not include service charge or tip.

Varoulko
Relocated to Gazi in 2005, Varoulko boasts a sleek modern wood-and-glass interior, plus a stunning roof terrace with Acropolis views. Considered by many the best seafood eatery in town, it was awarded a Michelin star in 2002. The menu varies daily according to what is available in the fish market.

Pireos 80, Gazi
Tel: 210 522 8400.
Website: www.varoulko.gr
Price: $$$$

Fasoli
In bohemian Exarhia, this funky eatery, decorated with tiny fairy lights, offers creative Mediterranean specialities including a good range of pasta dishes, colourful salads, and tasty main such as peppered steak or chicken with thyme and lemon. The reliable house wine is served by the carafe.

45 Emmanuel Benaki, Exarhia
Tel: 210 330 0010.
Price: $

48 The Restaurant
With its polished concrete interior and floodlit water garden, 48 is popular with rich, glitzy Athenians. The menu, featuring new-Greek cuisine, changes with the seasons. It's possible to take a stool at the bar for cocktails and finger food.

Armatolon Klefton 48, Ambelokipi
Tel: 210 641 1082.
Website: www.48therestaurant.com
Price: $$$$

Mamacas
Another fine restaurant in Gazi, Mamacas is situated at a crossroads and, in summer, this location is quite surreal, with candlelit, whitewashed wooden tables on four street corners and the towering gasworks in the background. The colour is supplied by the people and the food - taverna classics with a twist. There is a wine bar annex across the street.

Persefonis 14, Gazi
Tel: 210 346 4984.
Website: www.mamacas.gr
Price: $$

O Platanos
One of Pláka's oldest tavernas, located near the Tower of the Winds, O Platanos has served up home cooking since 1932. There is a good choice of stews, while the only dessert on offer is syrup-drenched baklava. The house wine, a barrel retsina, is excellent. Through summer, tables are arranged on a pretty bougainvillea-covered terrace.

Diogenous 4, Pláka
Tel: 210 322 0666.
Price: $$

Scholiarhio
Located in the heart of Pláka, close to the small Byzantine church of Ag Nikolaos, this charming ouzeri occupies two floors, linked by a head-spinning spiral staircase. The menu is in Greek only but waiters bring a selection of dishes on trays so diners can chose what they like the look of. Open until 0200.

Tripidon 14, Pláka
Tel: 210 324 7605.
Price: $

Thanasis
A classic place to stop for souvlaki kalamaki (shish kebab) served with pitta bread and chips, Thanasis is popular with locals and gets unbelievably busy, especially at weekends. The atmosphere is fast and chaotic but traditional and fun. Tables both indoors and out, just around the corner from the Monastiráki metro station.

Mitropoleos 69, Monastiráki
Tel: 210 324 4705.
Price: $

Sardelles
In the trendy nightlife district of Gazi, this unpretentious eatery specialises in down-to-earth Greek seafood. Favourites such as charcoal-grilled sardines (after which the restaurant takes its name), bakaliaros (fried cod) and seasonal salads are served in a minimal-chic dining room, or at outdoor tables on the street through summer.

Persefonis 15, Gazi
Tel: 210 347 8050.
Price: $

To Kouti
To Kouti (meaning 'the box') is located close to the Monastiráki antique market. The interior comprises lofty space with ochre-painted walls, wooden floors and marble-top tables. The menu features colourful salads and creative meat dishes. It is possible to come here just for coffee or a drink and in summer there are tables outside.

Adrianou 23, Monastiráki
Tel: 210 321 3229.
Price: $$