Diporto — Restaurant in Athens

I don't understand this place. So many people blathering on about how authentic Greek it is. Four mediocre menu items, devoid of flavour, day in and day out, don't make this place authentic. Chick pea stew, sardines, beans and Greek salad - four items you see in every social media post is what's on offer. Nothing more. Yes, the man in the restaurant (and I use the term retaurant loosely) said he was going to cook orzo with meat that day but he hadn't gotten around to it yet. Note: I've never seen a photo of anything but chick peas, sardines, beans and greek salad. Come to think of it, I don't think I even saw a kitchen in this place to warrant calling it a restaurant. They were "cooking" on hot plates in a corner behind a makeshift counter. It's no surprise he hadn't gotten around to the orzo and meat - he couldn't possibly have cooked meat in that "kitchen." The bread was so elementary, that even the most basic bread at my local chain grocer is better than the bread here that everyone raves about in their reviews. There's no menu. There's no price list. You don't know if the table next to you is paying less or more than you (note: they probably are). Some youtube influencer with no taste goes here, oohs and ahhs on about how "great the food is" and how amazing the bread is and now the people line up to eat mediocre food in a subterranean room that, except for cleverly placed decorative wooden casks, would be nothing more than a basement or cellar not fit for storage, much less dining. And yet they line up for flavourless food, are given nothing to wipe their mouths with, are offered no side dishes (you all eat from the plates at the table using only the fork you're given), washed down with white wine is warm as piss. Authentic is a relative term. And it's not so much a question of whether this place is authentic as much as whether it's good - and it's not good. But really, I don't see why everyone insists this is place authentic. It wasn't terribly expensive, but you can get better, "authentic" food elsewhere. Beware the social media influencers when they say something is good. There are so many better food experiences in Athens where you can sit in the open air, eat great food, hear some music, and feel "authentic". Except, the influencers haven't found those places yet. Pick another place to eat. Never mind the influencers...

Step into a different era.

This quirky bohemian underground tavern is a "not to be missed" experience!

Do not expect a menu here. There is a price list but you don't get to choose You will be served the specials of that day that the cook has prepared as if you were a guest at his house (the phrase Omakase comes to mind).

Note the tavern has two entrances on opposite ends (hence the name Diporto). The steps near the kitchen are meant to be the exit (like a one way system rule but no signs). We didn't know and were prompted to join the queue at the opposite end.

We were seated fairly quickly and the waiter brought us Retsina wine in a copper carafe, bread and cutlery (but no knives!) He mentioned the dishes available Bean soup, Chickpea soup, Potato stew, Fava, Grilled fish, and rushed off to serve food to clients that were there before us.

I was expecting the waiter to return and take our order but 10 minutes later the cook came out from behind the counter and brought us 4 of the 5 dishes. And yes, I managed to offend him by asking "Are these for us? We haven't placed an order yet"

Nonetheless, we were served the most delicious tasty humble food as close to homemade as it gets! 4 dishes and wine for €25

Word of advice:

During peak times you may have to ask for napkins, water etc. Just ask.

And you may be offered to share the big table with someone else that is already sitting there. This is normal tavern etiquette. Smile, relax, say hello and enjoy the one-off encounter.

Oh, and fish is cooked head to tail served with bone and all. You will have to pull out the fishbone so if you don't know how to do this I recommend you look up "etiquette eating fish with...

Restaurant Review: Deporto – Athens, Greece

During my recent trip through Athens and the Cyclades, I visited Deporto, a small, cellar-like taverna tucked away in the heart of the city. Unfortunately, despite a promising start, the experience left much to be desired.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt off. The place itself is dark and cramped, with no air conditioning or ventilation — more of a cellar than a welcoming dining space. We found ourselves sweating throughout the meal, which might have been forgivable had the service made up for it.

Sadly, it didn’t.

The service was genuinely disappointing. It lacked any warmth or hospitality, and we didn’t feel welcome at any point. The staff, particularly the server (not the older man behind the grill), was curt and almost indifferent — completely disconnected from the guests' experience.

Now to the food.

The first plates to arrive were chickpeas and beans — simple but nicely done. But the true highlight of the evening, and the only redeeming factor, were the sardines. And what sardines they were.

Light, fleshy, and grilled to perfection — these were easily the best sardines I’ve had anywhere in Greece, including throughout the Cyclades. Expertly cooked, subtly seasoned, and meltingly tender, they stood in sharp contrast to the rest of the experience. Grandpa was working the grill and knows exactly what he’s doing.

In summary: If you’re willing to endure poor service and an uncomfortable environment for one standout dish, then Deporto’s sardines are worth trying. Otherwise, the experience overall was far...