Vegan Spots in Athens with the best food – from a local
Last updated: March 2026
When people think about Greek food, vegan cuisine is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, traditional tavernas revolve around grilled meat, seafood, and cheese.
But Athens has quietly developed a small and surprisingly interesting vegan scene. Over the last decade, cafés, bakeries, and street food spots focused entirely on plant-based food have started appearing around the city.
Some are well-known restaurants, while others are small places you might easily walk past without noticing. This guide collects the vegan spots in Athens that I’ve personally tried and found worth sharing.
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Athens Vegan Map
Before reading the guide, make sure to save this map which includes all the spots mentioned here.
Is Athens a Vegan-friendly city?
It would be a lie to say that Athens has a decades-long history of a diverse vegan food scene. In the – not so distant – past, it would have been really hard to find a good vegan spot. However, that is no longer the case.
As veganism has become more popular internationally, Athens has slowly developed its own small but growing plant-based scene. New vegan cafés, bakeries, and street food spots have opened across the city, especially in neighborhoods like Exarcheia, Koukaki, and Pagkrati.
Today it’s much easier to eat vegan in Athens than it used to be. You’ll find restaurants dedicated entirely to plant-based food, as well as many places offering clearly marked vegan options. It’s not on the level of cities like Berlin or London yet, but for a Mediterranean capital, Athens has made noticeable progress.
And if you know where to look, you can eat very well here without touching animal products.
What types of vegan cuisine can I find in Athens?
One of the most common things you’ll find is veganized Greek food. Many places serve plant-based versions of classics like moussaka, souvlaki, or gyros, often using ingredients such as mushrooms, lentils, jackfruit, or legumes instead of meat.
Another big category is Middle Eastern and Mediterranean vegan food. Falafel, hummus, tahini sauces, and stuffed flatbreads are naturally plant-based and fit very well with the local food culture. Many vegan street food spots in Athens build their menus around these kinds of flavours.
You’ll also find plenty of vegan fast food and comfort food. Vegan burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls are extremely popular in the city, especially in casual street food spots and small cafés.
Athens also has also a few places focused on raw vegan cuisine. These usually offer smoothie bowls, salads, raw desserts, and dishes made with minimally processed ingredients.
Finally, the city has developed a growing number of vegan bakeries and dessert spots. From vegan pastries and cakes to ice cream and traditional sweets like baklava made without animal products, there are now plenty of options for anyone with a sweet tooth.
A Little Bit About This Guide
This guide is a local’s effort to find some of Athens’ favorite vegan eateries. I am not a professional food critic or food specialist. I am just a travel blogger, and all the opinions are my own, honest, and personal ones. Taste is a matter of opinion, and my experiences can possibly differ from those of someone else.
This guide will continue to be updated as I visit and try new places. Don’t forget that the vegan food scene in Athens is relatively new and has been continuously expanding.
Also, the places are listed randomly. My goal is not to classify a place as “good” or “bad”, but to provide a deep insight on my favorite vegan options available in Athens.
What different does this Guide offer?
As you might have seen from other articles in my blog, I love a good story. I firmly believe that both travel and food offer a much better experience when accompanied by a story. It can be a tale of the past, love, kindness, and struggle. I’ve had better meal experiences sitting on the floor of a home in Egypt than in high-class restaurants somewhere else.
In many of the places you’ll read about in this article, I had the chance to speak to the people who founded, own, or work there to get a better view of what each place is really about. Indeed, I can say that I met a lot of inspiring people doing what they love: Making delicious vegan dishes with love and respect for the lives of the voiceless.
I believe that this article has been one of the most fun, and exciting I have ever written. It is more like a series of love stories combined, and I hope that I will be able to transmit those feelings to you.
Finding the Best Vegan Spots in Athens
1. Falafelo str. Food
Expectations can work in funny ways sometimes. Little did I know when I headed to Falafelo Str. Food, a vegan eatery in the heart of Exarcheia, that I would find some of the best falafel I’ve ever had in my life. Coming from someone that has traveled a lot in the Middle East, this is a big statement.
Falafelo Str. Food might have opened to the public recently (August 2023), but its story goes far beyond that date. Nitche, the owner, and his wife, have been working on the restaurant for the past 3 years.
Nitche’s story is actually a very inspiring one. He is a Kurdish man from my beloved Syria. He had to flee his country back in 2006 and moved to Canada. There, he learned the art of cooking. He was inspired by his father, who was also a chef. He worked in many renowned restaurants but decided to move to Greece to open his own eatery.
The place itself might be small, but it is beautiful. The exterior looks like a food truck, and there is a very good story behind that. Nitche’s initial dream was to open his own canteen, and work while traveling the country. However, this was not possible due to Greek regulations.
This didn’t discourage him, though. His wife did all the painting outside, making it look like a food truck, and the final result is astonishing. You can find her Art on her Instagram!
The interior is beautiful as well. It is modern and decorated with paintings from his homeland. You can see how much this place means to him.
Let’s get to the food now. Obviously, the main thing you will find in Falafelo Str. Food is Falafel. The menu is compact, but carefully designed. You can opt for one of their 4 different wraps or get a few falafel bites combined with a spicy pepper sauce. Fries are available as well.
Nitche showed me the entire process of falafel making. What sets Falafelo Str. Food apart is how they make their pita. They are using a traditional Kurdish technique that requires no yeast. They also add black sesame that brings a bit of bitterness in the taste. I really loved this one. The falafel itself is made with the Syrian technique, that only uses chickpeas.
In Falafelo Str. Food they have the motto “From scratch to Street”. Everything is made from scratch every day, using the freshest ingredients available. I can safely say that this is obvious in every single thing they make.
I had the chance to try the entirety of their menu, and I loved everything! The Falafel was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It had an aromatic taste, and that’s not a given when it comes to falafel.
There was not a single thing on the menu that I didn’t like. Every wrap was just amazing. What I really appreciated was the fact that they were all very juicy. My favorite would be the “Zucchini Zing” wrap that combines falafel with deep fried zucchini, tomatoes, pickles, iceberg, tahini sauce, and mint. I found mint to be a great addition. Somehow, it felt so refreshing and fitted incredibly with the rest of ingredients. I also loved the “Falafel explosion” wrap, that truly stands up to it’s name.
Having tried all of them, I am not sure what I would get next time there, they were all THAT good! The fries were also very fresh, something that I have struggled to see in other street food places I have been. From the sauces, I would say that the garlic cream sauce was my favorite of all.
One of the best things about Falafelo Str. Food is their prices. Nitche aimed to make everything big and affordable, and he actually managed it. The portions are huge, and there is nothing in the menu that costs more than 5 euros. And I believe that is awesome.
While there, we also had the chance to have a deep conversation with Nitche. We talked about life, love and spirituality. He was a very open person that wanted to know you. In conclusion, the kindness, love, and passion of everyone at Falafelo Str. Food is present everyone, from the vibes to the taste. I believe that it is one of the best falafel spots in Athens, and that’s a title well-earned. I cannot wait to be back!
2. Peas Vegan & Raw Food
Are you familiar with the term “Hygge”? In Danish culture, Hygge is a word that describes a cozy mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. At least that’s what Wikipedia says. There is no real translation. Hygge is actually a feeling, a vibe. It is a moment of pure relaxation and enjoyment. But why am I telling you all this? Because it is exactly what I felt when I visited our next spot, Peas Vegan & Raw Food.
Peas is a small but mighty place located in the central area of Koukaki. In fact, it was one of the first exclusively vegan places in Athens, having opened in 2017. Their logo consists of a few pea seeds inside a pod, and there is a reason behind that! The seeds represent the different people that founded, work, or just eat there, and how they all come together as one.
Speaking to Lila, one of the two founders, she told me that they wanted to make everyone feel like home, like family. If one word could describe this place, it would be “caring”. Caring for the innocent lives, the environment, the worker, and the customer – And I truly felt that.
Firstly, food in Peas is completely Vegan and made from scratch. They don’t use any processed meat supplements, and that is something I appreciated a lot. They also try to minimize their environmental impact. In fact, they don’t use any plastic, and their offer a water refill station, that uses filters to make water cleaner.
The place is small, but incredibly cozy. You will find indoor plants, paintings (drawn by Lila herself!), and two hammocks.
Let’s get to the food now. In Peas you will mostly find veganized editions of traditional Greek dishes. However, there are also dishes inspired by international cuisine. But what should you try in Peas?
For starters, the “Tempeh Sunshine” salad would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you would like something more traditional, you should opt for the “Greek Me” salad.
Something that you should definitely try is “Two Peas in a Pod”, which is basically a vegan edition of the traditional Greek Skepasti. Imagine Skepasti like a Greek Quesadilla, which typically includes gyros, potatoes, sauce, and vegetables between two pitas. I was always a fan of this meat-centric dish, and I had missed it a lot since going plant-based.
In their version, they use their home-made seitan, and smoked tofu. The dish felt like it was made at home. It was very fresh and tasty. To just say I ate the entire thing would be an understatement.
For dessert, I tried “Avocado bloom”, a chocolaty vegan tart made with avocado as a basic ingredient. It was the first time I had tried anything like this, and it was next-level tasty!
Lastly, in Peas they offer their own, handmade deli products that you can buy for home. You can opt from vegan fillet, sausage, and peperoni and have a healthy solution for your sandwich or vegan creations.
Honestly, in Peas Vegan &Raw Food I felt like at home. I could easily visit for lunch, dinner or for a long study session. I felt all the good vibes and I will surely come back soon!
3. Magic Kitchen of Exarcheia
As of 2026, Magic kitchen is permanently closed. However, I have decided to keep it on the guide due to its special story.
Magic Kitchen is a co-operative, migrant run, vegan eatery located in the heart of Exarcheia. For those who don’t know, in a co-operative model, the people who work in a business make the decisions collectively, in a fair and democratic way, so that all voices are heard. I was always fascinated by this model and that’s why I was very excited to visit this place.
I had the pleasure of meeting Sanem, founder and coordinator of the co-operative. She told me about the struggles they faced being a place run by women, and how differently people perceived and treated them.
We also talked about how difficult it can be to run a co-operative business. The human management part requires keeping a thin balance, which can sometimes be quite a challenge.
To be completely honest, I was not aware of the struggles such a business could face. However, I saw an inspiring person dedicated to the goal, doing the impossible to achieve it.
The first thing I loved about Magic Kitchen was the place itself. While it is small, the exterior is colorful and beautiful. They have an open kitchen, and it felt really inspiring to see people from all the different backgrounds harmonically working together.
Time for the food! In Magic kitchen you’ll mainly find veganized editions of traditional Minor Asian dishes. I had the chance to try quite a few of their options, so I believe that you will get a good insight.
If you are a fan of pita pockets like me, you should definitely try their köfte Ekmek. It includes a soy patty, green salad, tomatoes, and their special green sauce. To say it was delicious would be an understatement. It was very juicy, and you could really feel the freshness of the ingredients. Its size was massive, and it might have been one of the best pockets I’ve ever had!
Another dish that I would highly recommend is their Tantuni Salad and rice. It could be best described as a Soy kebab dish with rice, tomatoes, chickpeas, and greens. Something that I would like to point out is how good their soy kebabs are. If you are someone who has experimented with soy, you will know how difficult it can be to make it correctly. Every soy-based item on their menu was exceptional. The kebabs were well-seasoned and juicy, something that I’ve not found anywhere else.
Lastly, if you are craving for something a bit lighter, the Gözleme with greens should be your choice. Gözleme is basically a Turkish, crispy, and stuffed flatbread. There are many different variations available in Magic Kitchen. I tried the one with greens and mushrooms, and it was delicious! You can also combine it with one of their spicy sauces!
Something that I really appreciated in Magic Kitchen was their portions and prices. Everything was huge and very budget friendly. It is something quite hard to find nowadays, and should be credited accordingly.
I believe that Magic kitchen should be an example of how, indeed, a co-operative kitchen can work. While they have, and still face challenges, I found a place of inspiring people serving exceptional food. In the end, this is all this article is about. I cannot recommend visiting Magic kitchen enough, and I will be back very soon!
4. Bamboo Vegan
Bamboo Vegan, located in the heart of Exarcheia, is a must visit for everyone who loves a good sandwich and an alternative atmosphere.
Fotis and Elisavet, the owners, have been running Bamboo Vegan for over a decade. It started as a small vegan market when veganism in Greece was on its infancy, but over the years it has evolved to an American style, Urban sandwich shop (and market).
In Bamboo Vegan, it is all about fresh quality and easy Vibes.
The walls are decorated with drawings, stickers, and prints, and there is a story behind every single thing. They come from friends, customers, or are just cool random additions. One thing is for sure: this place feels personal.
Elisavet and Fotis wanted to create a safe space – a place where everyone feels at home and can be themselves. They welcome everyone, from vegans to meat-eaters that want to try a new, but delicious experience. It is aimed to be a no judgement zone – and I believe they have achieved it very well.
Without further ado, let’s get to the food. In Bamboo vegan you will mostly find Vegan sandwiches, traditional Greek pitas, fair trade coffee and a few deserts. In a few words, the sandwiches are awesome! But let me dive into the details.
One thing you should definitely try is the “New York” style sandwich. It includes tofu ham, vegan cheddar, homemade mayo, tomato and cucumber. It is one of the best-sellers, and I can easily spot the reason why. It felt both fresh and delicious. It might as well be one of the best vegan sandwiches I’ve tried! From the freshness of the bread and vegetables to the tofu itself, everything was a 10/10!
We also got the chance to try the “No-Chick’n Nugget” sandwich. It was very tasty as well, and the addition of vegan “parm” fitted in very well. Lastly, I would suggest you try the “Tofu Scramble” sandwich, which includes a scrumble recipe designed by Elisavet herself!
Every Friday, Bamboo Vegan hosts a special pop-up event. They offer a limited edition menu item that is not available on other days, and they accompany it with a list of alcoholic beverages to choose from. I had a vegan cheeseburger and a Paloma and, oh boy, it was a feast for the senses!
I believe that the vibes, the people, and the food in Bamboo Vegan create an excellent atmosphere. I loved how the owners interacted with everyone that came into the shop. They really wanted to get to know you. I think I have found my go-to place for Friday nights!
5. Mama Tierra Acropolis
Mama Tierra Acropolis is the little sibling to the original Mama Tierra that is now closed. The Acropolis branch is more like a street food spot. It opened in 2022, and it is located right next to the Acropolis Museum. The space is small, but again, very well decorated.
I had the chance to get to know Xenofon, the co-founder of this restaurant. He told me the inspiring story of how he left his job as a physicist to pursue this new and exciting career. Another one of the co-founders, Polash, an Indian Chef, learned the art of cooking in America, and has since worked in India, the middle East, and finally in Greece.
In Mama Tierra Acropolis you will find street food dishes inspired by Greek, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. You will find some of the classics from the original (and vice-versa), but there are many exclusive menu items available. Everything is made from the same fresh (and predominantly Greek), ingredients and is prepared from scratch.
Let’s start with the salads! If you are a fan of a good Caesar’s salad, but have struggled to locate a vegan edition, you have found the place for you. The salad is made from vegan “chicken nuggets” and “parm”. It had an amazing cheesy taste, and it felt very fresh and tender. I would highly recommend it to anyone grabbing a bite there!
But what is a Greek Street food place without Souvlaki? In Mama Tierra Acropolis you will find Vegan souvlaki made with mushroom gyros and vegan tzatziki sauce. I am brutally honest when I say that it was some of the best mushroom gyros I have ever had! The ingredients were fresh, and very well-seasoned.
Continuing with our Greek street food spree, if you love burgers you HAVE to try the Greek Burger. It is made with a patty that uses olives (!) as a main ingredient. They are specially made by Kousoulas Family (check them out!). The taste was unlike anything I’ve ever had. As someone who loves olives, I was pretty fascinated by the taste, and I will surely have it again next time.
I saved my absolute favorite for last. If you ask me, you cannot visit Mama Tierra Acropolis and not try their Pulled Jackfruit Bao Buns. They were very juicy, and created an explosion of taste in your mouth! It was, again, unlike anything I’ve had before, an honest 10/10.
At this point, I would love to give a shoutout to Nick, the cook. He was a very kind and friendly person, who made all this exceptional food.
Finally, I would say that the experience in Mama Tierra Acropolis was different than the original one. Everything was again delicious, but the vibes created a more “familiar” vibe. I’ll surely be back very soon!
6. Holy Llama
Before I start, I’d like to thank an amazing creator and fellow Travel Vibe Member, Eleni, for those amazing photos. Eleni is a Greek content creator who makes incredible content about Greece. You should definitely check her out!
Holy Llama is a delightful vegan pastry shop located near Syntagma Square. It is famous for its selection of vegan pastries, sandwiches, bowls, and desserts. The place itself is small but well-decorated and very cozy.
I have visited it plenty of times, and their mushroom steak open sandwich has to be one of my favorites. I have also tried a lot of their vegan pastries, and there has not been a single thing that I have not enjoyed. When it comes to their beverages, if you are someone who loves matcha, their Matcha Latte should be the one of your choice.
Holy Llama is one of the most famous vegan places in Athens and for a good reason. Everything is made from scratch, and you can really feel it in the taste. However, I wouldn’t exactly say that it is the most budget-friendly one.
7. Vegan Vandal
This one is another personal favorite. Vegan Vandal is a vegan street food spot in Pagkrati. It was one of the first spots I discovered when I first went plant-based, and I have since tried many different menu items.
One of the things I believe you should definitely try is their Crispy Cauli Sandwich. It includes their famous cauliflower nuggets that I personally love so much. Their Vandal Burger, which is made out of lentils, is another good option.
The food at Vegan Vandal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The chefs pay great attention to detail, ensuring that each dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Overall, Vegan Vandal in Pagkrati is a must-visit for anyone looking for a big, juicy and tasty vegan experience.
FAQ: Vegan Food in Athens
1. Is Athens a good city for vegans?
Athens has become increasingly vegan-friendly over the past decade. While traditional Greek cuisine is quite meat-focused, the city now has a growing number of vegan cafés, bakeries, and street food spots. Fully vegan restaurants are becoming more common, and many non-vegan restaurants also offer plant-based options.
2. Are there many vegan restaurants in Athens?
Yes. Athens now has dozens of vegan restaurants and vegan-friendly cafés scattered across the city. Neighborhoods like Exarcheia, Koukaki, and Pagkrati tend to have the highest concentration of plant-based food spots.
3. Is traditional Greek food vegan?
Some traditional Greek dishes are naturally vegan. Meals like fasolada (bean soup), gigantes (baked beans), fava, dolmades, and many vegetable-based dishes are traditionally cooked without meat. However, many Greek dishes also rely heavily on cheese or meat, so vegan travelers usually rely on vegan restaurants or adapted versions.
4. Is vegan food expensive in Athens?
Not necessarily. Athens has vegan options across all price ranges. Many vegan street food spots offer wraps or sandwiches for €4-€7 ($4-$8), while sit-down vegan restaurants usually cost around €10-€15 ($11-$16) for a main dish.
5. Which neighborhood has the most vegan food in Athens?
Exarcheia probably has the highest concentration of vegan spots in the city. The area has a long history of alternative cafés and cooperative kitchens, which makes it a natural home for vegan restaurants and street food places.
6. Are vegan options easy to find in traditional tavernas?
Some tavernas offer vegan dishes, especially vegetable-based ones, but they are usually not labeled clearly. Vegan restaurants and modern cafés tend to provide more reliable plant-based options.
7. Do I need to plan ahead to eat vegan in Athens?
Not really. While it helps to know a few good spots in advance, the vegan food scene in Athens has grown enough that finding plant-based meals in central neighborhoods is usually quite easy.
Final Thoughts
At this point, I would love to stress again how amazing of an experience writing this guide has been. I met a lot of amazing people and tried some of the best vegan food of my life.
Every spot had something different to offer, and I firmly believe that the Athenian Vegan food scene can only get better. I hope that you have found your much-needed inspiration and that you’ll visit at least some of those places. You won’t regret it!
