The Victoria food map
The answer to "where should we eat tonight?" changes depending on whether you have just arrived with suitcases, want a proper Greek table or feel like something more spicy. Within a few minutes' walk you will find several practical options.
Quick Greek food
Souvlaki places around the square. Pita, skewers, chips, a soft drink, and back to the apartment in a few minutes. See the souvlaki guide.
Sit-down Greek taverna
Neighbourhood tavernas with mezze, grilled dishes, salads and house wine. A good choice if you want to sit without rushing.
South Asian food
Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian places with curry, naan, biryani and lentil dishes. A good choice when you want something filling and different from the Greek classics.
Something different
Ethiopian, Egyptian, Filipino or Sudanese food, depending on what is open in the neighbourhood at that time.
Late at night
Souvlaki places, simple cafes with snacks and mini-markets for bread, cheese, fruit or something easy.
A more polished evening
Walk towards Exarchia or take the metro or a taxi to Kolonaki, Plaka or Syntagma. See the Exarchia walk.
How to choose a souvlaki place
- Neighbourhood souvlaki place — small menu, quick service, pita with gyros or skewers and a few tables.
- More modern place — larger menu, clearer signage and more options for chicken, kebab or vegetarian choices.
- Late-night souvlaki — useful after midnight. Choose a place with movement and fresh turnover.
📍 From Angels Athens to Victoria Square
See the route at a glance from Ioulianou 50. Drag the map and zoom in for details.
South Asian food in Victoria
The area has a strong South Asian presence, so you will find small places with biryani, curry, dal, naan and halal options. They are often simpler than the tourist-facing "Indian restaurants", but many are more filling and more affordable.
- What to order: chicken biryani, lamb curry, dal, paneer, naan or rice.
- Spice: ask before ordering. If you do not eat spicy food, ask for it mild.
- Service: some places are very simple, with quick service and only a few tables.
- Drinks: lassi, masala chai, soft drinks and, in some places, beer. In halal places there may be no alcohol.
Taverna 101
For a proper sit-down Greek dinner, the rhythm is:
- Mezze first: tzatziki, eggplant dip, greens, dolmades, courgette fritters or calamari.
- Salad: Greek salad, dakos or a green salad, depending on the place.
- Main course: grilled meat, cooked dishes, moussaka or fish, if available.
- Bread, water and wine: ask what is charged, especially if you do not want them.
- Pace: a Greek dinner is not a fast process. Leave time for it.
- Bill: you usually ask for it when you are ready.
The "what should we eat tonight" decision tree
Victoria dinner flowchart
- Just arrived and want something quick? Souvlaki around the corner.
- Want to sit down without a big bill? A taverna with mezze and salad.
- Very hungry? A South Asian place with curry, biryani or dal.
- Want a more polished evening? Walk towards Exarchia or take a taxi to Plaka or Kolonaki.
- It is very late? Souvlaki or a mini-market.
- Do not want to leave the apartment? efood or Wolt. See the delivery guide.
Prices at a glance
€4-€8
Souvláki, gyros pita, Greek bakery snack. One person eating quickly.
€10-€15
Proper Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi main + drink, or simple Greek mezze + salad.
€18-€28
Full Greek tavérna dinner (mezze + salad + main + house wine + dessert).
€30-€50
Higher-end restaurants in Exárcheia / Kolonáki / Plaka with proper wine and starters.
What to drink with dinner
- House red or white wine in tavernas, often served in a carafe.
- Retsina, a white wine with a resin note. It suits simple mezze if you like the taste.
- Beer, Greek labels and sometimes a few craft options.
- Tsipouro, raki or ouzo, usually in small carafes and often with mezze.
- Soft drinks and water. Athens tap water is drinkable, but many restaurants serve bottled water.
Late dinner reality, Greek-style
- Many Athenians eat late. At 19:00-20:30 you will find more empty tables; after 21:00 things pick up.
- Kitchens do not always stay open very late. Souvlaki places and delivery usually go later.
- Sundays vary from place to place. Some open only for lunch and some close.
- On Mondays many places take a day off. Check before you go.
The "first night in Victoria" plan
- Leave your bags at the apartment and freshen up.
- Walk to Victoria Square and watch the rhythm for ten minutes.
- Choose a souvlaki place with movement, especially if it is your first night and you do not want to overthink it.
- Order pita gyros or skewers and, if you sit down, a salad to share.
- Sit outside if there are tables and give yourself a little time to settle into the neighbourhood.
- Walk back through the square for ice cream, coffee or something sweet if it is still open.
Accessibility notes
Most Victoria restaurants are at street level with one or two steps; a few have outdoor tables that are wheelchair-accessible. Specific accessibility varies — call ahead or use Google Maps "wheelchair accessible" filter.
FAQ
Are restaurants on Google Maps reliable?
Usually yes, but the hours of smaller places can change. Check recent reviews and, if you are heading to one specific place, call first.
Do I need reservations?
Not for souvlaki, simple tavernas or everyday curry places. For busier restaurants on Friday and Saturday, it is better to book.
Vegetarian / vegan?
Greek food has plenty of vegetarian options: spanakopita, dolmades, gigantes, eggplant dip, briam and green beans. For vegan food, ask carefully about feta, yoghurt, egg, honey or stock.
Tipping?
About 5-10% in restaurants, or rounding up to the nearest euro at souvlaki places. Sometimes a cover charge is already included, so check the bill first.
Smoking?
Indoor smoking is illegal in Greek restaurants, but enforcement varies. People do smoke at outdoor tables, so ask for an indoor table if smoke bothers you.
Allergies?
Many restaurants understand common allergy requests in English, but for strict allergies it helps to write the allergen in Greek as well.
Sources:
— Kathy
