Shaded with fragrant lemon trees, jasmine and bougainvillea, the courtyard of this long-standing taverna in Exarchia used to be a schoolyard. (Look out for the mural of children playing and black-and-white photographs in the former classrooms.) The modern Greek food is simple but sensational, with lots of delicious vegetarian options, including cheeses from all over Greece. Ask for their daily specials, or go for one of their kid-friendly best-sellers—meatballs that are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, exceptional hand-cut chips and Cretan cheese pies with honey and mint. There’s plenty of indoor seating, too.

Athenian kids grow up on lamb chops. Grilled over burning charcoal, the chops are seasoned with oregano and sea salt then doused in lemon juice, which brings out the smoky flavour. It’s customary to eat these messy, sticky ribs with your hands—one of the many reasons why children love them. At To Steki tou Ilia (‘Ilia’s Joint’), families get together at the weekend to feast on platters piled with paidakia (grilled lamb chops), bread toasted on the charcoal grill, horta (steamed greens) and saganaki (fried cheese). During the summer, the tables are set in an overgrown garden overlooking the train tracks. A little further up the same street, you’ll find their sister restaurant with the same name. Their indoor space is a cosier option in winter.

At this wholesome vegetarian café, all the ingredients are organic, seasonal and cruelty-free. The menu ranges from veggie burgers to rice bowls and macrobiotic noodles. Anyone with dietary restrictions and food intolerances is bound to find something on the menu. There’s often a wait for tables downstairs. Instead, head upstairs, where cushions are scattered around low tables. They do fantastic smoothies and juices, and their vegan, raw, sugar and gluten-free chocolate tart is much tastier than it sounds. Right next door is one of the best organic stores in Athens.

Avdi Square in Keramikos has emerged as one of the most interesting places for foodies in Athens. It’s also a great spot to eat out with kids, as various restaurants have tables on the huge square, where children can run around chasing pigeons. This unpretentious neighbourhood restaurant specialises in slow-cooked casseroles, called mageirefta in Greek. Their signature dish is rooster stewed in tomato sauce and served with Greek-style fettuccine. This is also a good place to try classic Greek dishes such as moussaka, pastitsio and lachanodolmades (stuffed cabbage leaves) in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.