LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant — Restaurant in Athens

A Culinary Gem in Athens Worth Visiting Twice!

Our dining experience at Liondi was so exceptional that we simply had to return for a second round!

Our first traditional meal in Athens was enjoyed at this small yet vibrant restaurant located right beside the Acropolis Museum. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the friendly waitstaff, setting the tone for what would be a memorable evening. The menu boasted a diverse array of starters, and we opted to sample the classics: tzatziki, pita bread, fried calamari, and baked feta. Each dish was fresh, comforting, and utterly delicious.

For our main courses, we indulged in what is undoubtedly the best moussaka in town—warm, hearty, and everything you’d hope for. We also savored the whole grilled fish, which was nothing short of divine. The accompanying Greek wine was refreshingly crisp, and the service was nothing less than exceptional.

Thinking this might have been the peak of our culinary adventures, we returned to Liondi for our final dinner in Greece after a week in Paros. It turned out to be the perfect decision! Our second visit featured more of the delightful tzatziki and pita bread, along with the addition of an eggplant spread, filo-baked feta with honey (absolutely excellent), and stuffed vine leaves. The main courses this time included the succulent chicken souvlaki, the Liondi special shrimp in a wonderfully flavorful tomato sauce, and of course, another round of that best-in-town moussaka.

But the true pinnacle of our experience came with dessert. The waitstaff recommended several options, and the standout was, without question, the baklava. Initially, I was hesitant, fearing it might be overly sweet, as many baklavas can be. To my delight, this was not only the best baklava I've ever tasted but the best dessert I had during our entire stay in Greece! The nutty, toasty flavors, perfectly balanced with sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and a dollop of vanilla ice cream, were nothing short of heavenly. The secret to this exceptional recipe is undoubtedly well-guarded, but I am eager to try my hand at recreating it at home (could mastic be the secret ingredient? Perhaps!).

Liondi is totally recommended for a wonderful dining experience. The food is outstanding, but the warm, attentive service, the waiters’ sense of humor, and their attention to detail make it truly special. Ola meli gala 👌🏻

Sincerely, The Romanian-Mexican-Danish family of four...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at at Liondi a wonderful Greek restaurant located in the shadow of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience.

From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine smile. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Their knowledge of Greek cuisine and willingness to provide recommendations made the entire lunch feel personalized and special.

The ambiance of the restaurant was simply breathtaking. The elegant interior design, combined with the stunning view of the Acropolis Museum, created a truly magical atmosphere. It felt as if I was transported back in time, surrounded by the rich history and culture of ancient Greece.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my, the food! Every dish that was brought to my table was a work of art. The presentation alone was enough to whet my appetite, but the flavors were what truly blew me away. Each bite was bursting with freshness and authenticity. From the roast lamb to the souvlaki, every dish was a testament to the skill and passion of the chefs.

Of course, no Greek dining experience would be complete without a glass of local wine. The restaurant had an impressive selection of drinks, and the staff was more than happy to recommend the perfect pairing for my meal.

Overall, dining at this Greek restaurant in Athens was an absolute delight. It combined incredible food, impeccable service, and a stunning location to create an experience that I will cherish forever. Whether you're a local or a tourist visiting the Acropolis Museum, I highly recommend paying a visit to this hidden gem. You won't be...

We left this restaurant feeling completely misled and overcharged.

When ordering, we planned to each get our own dish- a fish listed at €27 which the server said could be shared between the two. Then, the server, who seemed very friendly, suggested instead that we order “a fish to share for four people,” saying it would be better. We assumed the cost would be in the range of €55–60, based on the menu prices.

Instead, the bill showed the fish alone priced at €127- a number that was nowhere on the menu and never explained to us beforehand. When questioned, the server claimed it was a “special red snapper.” This felt dishonest and exploitative, especially as we were tourists who trusted his suggestion.

Adding to the manipulation, he brought out a small sweet treat before handing us the bill, calling it “complimentary” when clearly the plan was to soften us up for the shock that followed. For one fish, four drinks, and a single extra dish, the total was €179. That is far beyond reasonable, even at much higher-end restaurants.

He also lied to us saying that if we would have ordered the fish as a separate dish, we would not get the sides which is not true at all since I have seen previous photos of people ordering the same dish (not to share) and getting sides.

⚠️ Tip for future diners: If you eat here, make sure to ask for the price before accepting any recommendations or “specials.” Don’t rely on trust. We learned it the hard way.

The food was fine, but not remotely worth what we paid. This experience left us feeling duped and...