Ideal Restaurant In Omonia - The Oldest In Athens

  • by XpatAthens
  • Monday, 16 February 2015
Ideal Restaurant In Omonia - The Oldest In Athens
Ideal specializes in Greek comfort food, just like Grandma used to make. The house specialty is silky avgolemono soup; other popular dishes include stuffed peppers, leek croquettes, and lamb with spinach. For something really memorable, try Smyrnaika tsouotsoukakia, which flavors spicy meat patties with ouzo and cumin. The oldest restaurant in downtown Athens, Ideal offers hip Art Deco décor and excellent service, which keep regulars coming back. Lunch is busy and crowded with local businessmen; if you prefer relaxed dining, dinner is a better bet. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.

If you're hankering for an air-conditioned spot with plenty of menu choices and some very good traditional fare, then the famed, old Ideal is just that. The place looks very much like a typical New York diner on the inside, with perhaps one of the longest-serving waitstaffs in the city. The menu is vast and the place is hopping day-in and day-out, especially at lunch. It is one of Athenians' favorite midtown spots, long-heralded among loyal fans as a pillar of traditional Greek food (although you'll find no small share of foreign interlopers on the extensive menu).

46 Panepistimiou St, Athens
210-330-3000

Location - Omonia Square, Omonia Square & University Area (Near Exarchia Square/Archaeological Museum)

Transportation - From Omonia or Syntagma, take Panepistimiou (the Ideal is just outside Omonia Sq.)

Hours - Mon-Sat noon-midnight 

Alcohol Served - Beer, Liquor, Wine

Ambiance - Fun / Festive

Cuisine - European, Greek

Dress - Business Casual

Meals - Business Lunch, Dinner, Lunch

Reservations - Recommended / Suggested

 

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

LIFE & CULTURE