Athens for Plant-Based Foodies: The Ultimate Vegan Guide
As a plant-based traveler, there’s always a bit of pre-trip planning and some anxiety about finding good food. But on our recent trip to Greece it was surprisingly easy to find delicious plant-based options. From dedicated vegan restaurants to traditional dishes that are naturally plant-based, we were spoiled for choice. To help you plan your own delicious adventure, I put together this comprehensive guide to our favourite plant-based finds in the Greek capital.
Vegan Beat: Our First Taste of Athens Street Food
Vegan Beat was the very first place we went upon arriving in Athens. We were hot, tired and not overly hungry but decided on a refreshing drink and a light snack.
First Impressions & Vibe
Vegan Beat has a true street-food setup. All the tables are outside, covered by a large tent for essential shade—important when visiting Athens in the August heat! They even had fans running to keep guests comfortable. The staff were friendly and attentive, quickly getting us what we needed.
Our initial visit was a light one. We shared some warm pita bread and delicious dips. I also ordered a refreshing watermelon and feta salad. We also got the Homemade Lemonade which was delicious.
We returned to Vegan Beat later in the week, on our walking food tour, where we got to try a few more items on the menu.
The Verdict
Vegan Beat is a reliable and delicious choice whether you’re looking for a quick, cool snack or a satisfying plant-based street food meal. It offers great food, quick service, and the necessary shade for a relaxed, casual dining experience right in the heart of Athens.
Attic Urban Rooftop: Stunning Views & Vegan Options
On our first night in Athens we went to Attic Urban Rooftop for dinner. As the name suggests, it’s a trendy and fun rooftop restaurant located high above the city, offering an amazing, unobstructed view of the Acropolis—it was absolutely perfect for sunset cocktails! A popular, and very fun, feature was the swings near the edge of the rooftop; everyone was lining up to take photos on them!
Vegan Options & Food
While Attic Urban Rooftop is not a fully vegan restaurant, their menu had delicious plant-based options. My husband and I shared the vegan bao buns to start. We all ordered the ravioli for our main meal. They also have vegetable spring rolls and a vegan burger available.
The Verdict
If you're looking for a chic, fun spot with great photo opportunities, a lively atmosphere, and a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, Attic Urban Rooftop is a must.
Veganaki: A Vegan Take on Traditional Greek Favourites
Another stop on our Athens food itinerary was Veganaki. Conveniently located just a short walk from our Airbnb and close to the Acropolis, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a bite after a day of sightseeing.
The Vibe and Service
Veganaki is a casual sit-down restaurant. While they do have a few outdoor tables, we chose to sit inside and enjoy the air conditioning. It’s hot in Athens in August!
It wasn't overly busy when we visited, with only a few other tables occupied, which made for a peaceful meal.
The staff were friendly enough, though they kept to themselves and didn't check on us much after the food arrived. When no one came back to ask if we wanted dessert or to give us the bill, we realized the protocol was to pay at the counter when finished—a good tip for future visitors!
The Food: Soy Souvlaki
The menu at Veganaki is a paradise of veganized Greek classics, offering everything from moussaka to pastitsio. I ordered the Soy Souvlaki, and it was excellent.
The Verdict
I would definitely recommend Veganaki. With a wide range of vegan options, it’s a good place to experience the traditional tastes of Greece without having to worry about ingredients. If you’re looking for a casual spot for a delicious plant-based lunch or dinner near the Acropolis, Veganaki should be high on your list.
Vegan Walking Tour
On our third day in Athens, we went on a Vegan Walking Tour that we booked through ‘Get your Guide’. We had never done a walking food tour before, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it! Our guide, Nikki, was fantastic, and she shared so much about living in Athens and the fascinating cultural history behind Greek food. It was the perfect experience to show us how truly plant-friendly the city is.
The Stops
Traditional Greek pie filled with spinach and leek
We kicked off the day with a traditional Greek pie filled with spinach and leek. Nikki explained that savoury pies are often eaten for breakfast in Greece because they are filling, inexpensive, and quick to grab on the go—a necessity since most Greeks don't wake up early enough to prepare a full breakfast! We also learned that while most phyllo pastry is bought pre-made today, it was traditionally made from scratch. We also had a refreshing, fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Next, we visited Wild Souls, a wonderful vegan café and shop. This spot specializes in artisan nut butters, tahini, and Halva. We got to sample several nut butters and tried their thick, creamy Halva. Nikki explained that traditional Halva is eaten during Lent, a time when all animal products are avoided. While most modern Halva contains refined sugar, the one we sampled was sweetened with honey—a common sweetener during religious fasts.
We stopped at a local bakery for Koulouri, a staple Greek breakfast item. This small circular bread, similar to a soft pretzel but covered in sesame seeds, is another grab-and-go favourite for locals.
We returned to Vegan Beat for our lunch. This time, my husband and I enjoyed the Skepasti Pitta (mushroom gyros), and our son who isn’t a fan of mushrooms got a Carrot Hotdog (served in a monstrous bun!). We also ordered a Greek salad, but were so stuffed that we had to bring it with us.
Our tour ended on a sweet note at Lukumades, which serves traditional Greek donuts. These crisp, golden-brown donuts are usually drenched in honey and cinnamon. Since my husband doesn't like honey, Nikki ordered half of our plate covered in rich dark chocolate! We barely had any room left to eat dessert but they were delicious!
The Takeaway
This tour was great! We not only got to see more of the city and sample a variety of delicious plant-based foods, but we also learned interesting information about traditional Greek cuisine and which foods are naturally vegan, all while chatting with a local guide. If you want a fun, educational, and delicious experience, I highly recommend booking a tour like this.
Coffee Culture
My husband and I love our daily coffee and can be quite snobby when it comes to quality coffee --thankfully, coffee is a huge part of Greek culture!!
I quickly became addicted to the Freddo Cappuccino—a frothy, cold espresso-based drink that is the perfect in the summer heat.
Fortunately, finding plant-based milk was surprisingly easy. Almost every café and coffee shop we visited, offered a milk alternative. Being able to grab a delicious Freddo Cappuccino daily (sometimes twice!) made exploring the city even better.
Pro Tip: Acropolis Museum You can even grab a great Freddo Cappuccino with plant-based milk at the café on the first floor of the Acropolis Museum. This specific café didn't have many vegan food options. Although we didn’t eat there ourselves, the restaurant on the 2nd floor had more options.
Sweet Spot: Ice Queen Gelato Athens
After spending a few hours at the Acropolis museum, we stopped at Ice Queen Gelato Athens. This place is dessert heaven! They had lots of vegan options, all clearly labelled. I ordered a vegan crepe with chocolate and banana and my second Freddo Cappuccino of the day. If you're near the Acropolis area and have a sweet tooth, make sure to stop here for an afternoon treat.
Dessert & Photo-Op: Little Kook
For something completely different, we stopped by Little Kook. This place is an immersive experience—it’s like stepping into a Disney restaurant, complete with constant themed music and over-the-top decorations that change seasonally. It is definitely a tourist trap, and there’s nothing traditionally Greek about it, but it’s a great place to take photos!
The Experience
The dessert menu is huge, but vegan options are almost non-existent. They had only one vegan option: a slice of chocolate cake. The portions are massive, so you certainly won't leave hungry. Be aware that despite the table service, you pay upfront after you order. On our visit, the staff seemed generally annoyed and were not particularly friendly.
The Verdict
Go here for the photos and the pure spectacle of the décor, but don't go for the culinary experience or the service.
Vegan-Friendly Stay: Anthology of Athens
On our return trip to Athens after island hopping, we stayed at the Anthology of Athens, and I would definitely recommend staying here. The hotel is beautifully decorated, the staff go above and beyond to meet all your needs and there are many vegan options on the menus.
For breakfast on the rooftop, they offered an Energy Smoothie and an Avocado Sandwich, as well as a buffet with vegetarian options like Greek yogurt. At the main floor restaurant during lunch, I enjoyed delicious vegan tacos. The dinner menu featured multiple plant-based options like Fennel Pie, Handmade Mushroom Pies, a Broccoli and Hazelnut Salad, Quinoa Salad, Pasta, and Pear with Caramel Sauce for dessert.
Final Thoughts: Athens is a Vegan Dream!
From the moment we arrived in Athens, we were pleasantly surprised by how many vegan options there were. Between the dedicated vegan restaurants like Veganaki and Vegan Beat and the other restaurants with vegan options or accidentally-vegan traditional Greek dishes, we never went hungry.
The accessibility of plant-based options—even that daily Freddo Cappuccino—makes Athens an absolute must-visit destination for any plant-based traveler.
Have you been to Athens? What were your favourite vegan spots? Let me know in the comments below!
