Ah, Greece! The land of the gods, the beautiful beaches and the sun-kissed islands. But Greece is not only about the ancient ruins and the Mediterranean charm.

It is also a true heaven for food lovers, with an abundance of flavors and aromas that can mesmerize the senses and delight the palate.

The seafood paradise of Piraeus

If you want to taste the best of Greek cuisine, you have to visit Piraeus, the port city of Athens. This bustling metropolis is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, caught from the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Here, you can find a wide array of seafood taverns, ranging from simple, rustic joints to upscale, gourmet restaurants. Whatever your taste and budget, Piraeus has something for you.

The best seafood taverns in Piraeus

One of the oldest and most famous seafood taverns in Piraeus is Psaraki, which means “little fish” in Greek.

As the name implies, this tavern specializes in small, fried fish, such as anchovies, sardines, and calamari, served with garlic sauce and lemon wedges. The ambiance is friendly and warm, and the prices are very reasonable, considering the quality of the food.

Another great seafood tavern in Piraeus is Nisos, which means “island” in Greek. This tavern serves a variety of fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus, stuffed squid, and lobster spaghetti.

The portions are generous, the service is excellent, and the view of the harbor is stunning.

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If you are looking for a more elegant and sophisticated experience, you can try Varoulko, which is considered by many to be the best seafood restaurant in Greece.

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a gourmet menu that combines traditional Greek flavors with modern culinary techniques. Some of their signature dishes include sea bream tartare, grilled sea bass with truffle cream, and sea urchin risotto. The prices are high, but the experience is worth it.

Other must-try dishes in Piraeus

Although Piraeus is famous for its seafood, there are other dishes that you should try while you are here.

One of them is gyros, a traditional Greek fast food that consists of grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) wrapped in a pita bread, with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. You can find many gyros stands in Piraeus, but Kostas, located in the narrow streets of Mikrolimano, is considered by many to be the best.

Another must-try dish in Piraeus is soutzoukakia, which are small, spicy meatballs served in a tomato sauce. This dish originated from Constantinople (Istanbul), but it has become a staple of Greek cuisine.

One of the best places to try soutzoukakia in Piraeus is To Perasma, a cozy tavern that has been serving traditional Greek food since 1961.

Conclusion

When it comes to food, Piraeus is a true paradise for the senses. From the fresh seafood to the traditional meat dishes, Piraeus has something for everyone.

Whether you are a foodie or just a lover of good food, you cannot leave Piraeus without experiencing its culinary treasures.