Manári Taverna — Restaurant in Athens

Wow… I honestly have no words other than wow for Manari in Athens. A local friend took a few of us here for a late 3pm lunch, and I was not expecting to end up at one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Usually I research spots before visiting—but this time I walked in completely blind, and I’m so glad I did.

The interior design is stunning. Nothing like your typical Greek taverna. Designed by Ioanna Mitropoulou (Hotel IM). the space strikes a perfect balance between rustic warmth and contemporary sophistication. Stripped-back walls and raw ceilings give it an earthy edge, softened by crisp white tablecloths and classic timber chairs.

The standout feature is the open kitchen and bar area—marble benchtops meet a long stainless steel communal bar, illuminated by delicate glass pendants. Bowls of fresh fruit and wine bottles turned into candles create a casual, lived-in elegance that feels both intimate and elevated.

The staff were welcoming and attentive. My Greek friends handled most of the ordering, which helped things flow easily, but the staff also spoke English and were happy to assist.

The food was absolutely phenomenal. We started with grilled bread, tzatziki and tomato in its juices, then shared Almira greens, fried zucchini and eggplant, and hand-cut fries. For mains, we had the lamb kebab and the unforgettable mutton youvesti—a slow-cooked orzo dish so tender and full of flavour, it practically melted in the mouth. We also shared a bottle of red wine from Kefalonia, which paired beautifully with everything. We ended with two delicious desserts.

Every detail—from the atmosphere to the plating—was just perfect. If you’re in Athens, make a reservation at Manari. You won’t just be eating—you’ll be experiencing something...

Dining at Manari Taverna is not just a meal — it’s an experience, a memory, a love letter to Greek hospitality and tradition.

From the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in warmth, and that’s entirely thanks to the exceptional team, especially Katerina and Panos, who turned our evening into something truly unforgettable.

Katerina embodies grace and warmth. Her attention to detail, sincere smile, and the way she anticipates your needs without ever hovering — it’s a kind of magic that makes you feel seen and deeply cared for. She guided us through the menu like an old friend would, with a sparkle in her eyes and such pride in the food.

And Panos — what a gem! His energy is contagious, his sense of humor just the right dash of spice, and his knowledge of local wines and dishes added a rich layer of storytelling to every bite and sip. He somehow made us laugh, relax, and feel at home all at once.

The food? Absolutely divine — fresh, authentic, soulful. But it’s the people that elevate Manari Taverna into something beyond a restaurant. Katerina and Panos are the heart of the place, and because of them, we’ll not only return — we’ll dream of this evening until we do.

Efcharistó from the bottom of our...

Update: I revisited on December 11th, a party of 4. We were seated on a table that normally seats two people and after raising a concern that it won’t fit us, the staff told me that they will accommodate us with a smaller stand on the side. They ended up bringing most of the appetizers one after the other and the server was hanging over our heads while we had to make room on the table for them. The food was overly salty this time and the beef was tough and full of fat. At 50€ per person this is a subpar experience and I will probably not visit again.

I visited the restaurant on Saturday October 19th for lunch, a party of two people. We did not have a reservation and were expecting to be turned down but luckily they were able to accommodate us. In general, the staff was attentive, friendly and professional. The food itself was delicious with a personal highlight being the meat pie which was to die for! I have only awarded 4 stars because I believe the prices could be better, but I would...