Athens’ historic Plaka may be famous for its ancient monuments, but beyond the tourist crowds lies a neighborhood where centuries of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history still shape everyday life – especially its food.

On this tour, we’ll explore the Plaka’s culinary gems while discovering how this ancient district helped shape modern Athens. We’ll begin at one of the city’s finest bakeries, tasting handmade specialties with roots stretching back centuries, before wandering through the Plaka’s quieter backstreets and sampling Greek olive oils at a small specialty deli.

We’ll continue through picturesque Anafiotika, stopping for regional products and classic meatballs in cumin-scented tomato sauce. Near Syntagma, we’ll taste family-made Greek kebab and visit a traditional workers’ canteen where dishes are chosen straight from the kitchen pots. Finally, we’ll finish at one of Athens’ oldest patisseries with classic desserts inspired by recipes from Hydra.