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Not so long ago, if you told a Greek you were vegetarian they’d say: Athens has naturally caught up with the global trend for green-and clean-cuisine. From veggie gyros joints to cool backyard gardens and great Middle Eastern restaurants, here's where to refuel in the Greek capital.
Cookoomela Grill
It looks like just another run-of–the-mill souvlaki joint. But Cookoomela Grill is busy re-inventing Athens’ most famous street food. Their delicious vegetarian souvlaki are built around the Cookoomela mushroom tribe. Bestsellers are the Red Amanita with avocado, vegan mayonnaise and tomato salsa, and the Cookoomela Kebab with lentils, tomato salsa and almond cream, both at bargain prices. The chips, fried in cold-pressed 80% virgin olive oil, deserve a shout-out too, along with the eco-savvy biodegradable wrappings.
Getting the perfect vegan souvlaki ready at Cookoomela.
Photo: Myrto Kyritsi
Avocado is the perfect spot for a delicious and healthy meal.
Photo: Myrto Kyritsi
Avocado
Mellow Avocado is one of the oldest vegetarian cafes in Athens. It’s owned by the founder of NYSY Yoga and Pilates studio across the street, so expect lots of toned, honed regulars nibbling on healthy salads, veggie paella, coconut-rich curries, and stir fries. Bread is baked in-house, wines are organic, and the juices deliciously zingy. Our favourite drink is the ginger passion smoothie.
Feyrouz
If Middle Eastern food is your thing, seek out Feyrouz on a back-alley in the Historic Centre. Though not strictly vegetarian, this family-run street food joint does amazing, paper-thin lahmajoun topped with eight different vegetables, nuts and spices, pide stuffed with seasonal greens and pulses, topped with humus or smoked aubergine, plus hearty pumpkin, beetroot and yoghurt soups—all at crazy-cheap prices. To end your meal on a sweet note, try their wholesome vegan baklava or the truffle bites at their terrific dessert shop right across the street.
Pieces of heaven at Feyrouz.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
This is The Place to be on a summer night in Athens.
Photo: Myrto Kyritsi
The Place by COCO-MAT.bike
File this one under both vegetarian havens and the coolest spots in town. And by coolest, we literally mean cooler, thanks to the earthy, leafy decor of The Place, a stone's throw from Keramikos metro station. Ideal for those hot summer days in Athens, The Place features three areas in total; the indoor area, perfect for those who need the breeze of an air conditioner to get them through the day, and two backyards, both drenched in all manner of flowers, plants and trees, creating plenty of shady space to while away the day. The menu caters for every hour of the clock, from brunch to late-night cocktails and mocktails, and everything in between. The dishes, all vegetarian with a few vegan options, are of the comfort food variety, such as a gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce, a falafel burger and the splendid spanakopita salad, which you won't want to leave without trying.
Baba Ghanoush
There are only a few stools at the counter and a handful of tables outside teeny Baba Ghanoush, just off Pangrati’s lovely Varnava Square. But it’s worth waiting for fresh falafel wraps with house-made harissa, pickles, tahini sauce, and smoky aubergine puree, alongside superb salads (try the roast beets with hummus, mint and sumac or the carrot, ginger and sesame). Delicious, welcoming, and amazingly good value.
Can't beat the beets of Baba Ghanoush.
Photo: Myrto Kyritsi
Adding a touch of design at Mama Tierra.
Photo: Myrto Kyritsi
Mama Tierra
Close to Panepistimio metro station, Mama Tierra is a bright and basic vegetarian canteen. The eclectic menu is a journey across continents, taking in sweet potato hummus, vegan moussaka, Pad Thai, burritos and mushroom burgers, washed down with kombucha or green juice. The chocolate, avocado and date smoothies are a meal in a glass.