I stumbled upon Taverna Sotiris thanks to a recommendation from a friendly taxi driver — and what a fantastic tip it turned out to be! Tucked away in the neighborhood of Sykies, this no-frills local taverna is a real slice of authentic Greek life.

The first surprise came when I opened the menu and realized it was only in Greek — a clear sign that this place caters mostly to locals. Even more reassuring was that we were the only tourists there, surrounded by families, old friends, and regulars who all seemed to know each other and the staff.

I ordered the pork steak on the spit, which was perfectly grilled, juicy, and full of flavor — just how you’d hope it would be. I also tried soutzoukakia, traditional Greek beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, and fried zucchini, crispy and light. Everything tasted homemade and delicious.

To top it all off, the owner surprised us with a complimentary dessert, a gesture that really captured the warmth and hospitality of the place. The prices? Incredibly fair — I’d even say shockingly reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

If you’re looking for a truly local experience, far from the tourist traps, Taverna Sotiris is absolutely worth seeking out.