Why I Keep Returning to Taverna Oikonomou in Athens

Every time I go to Athens, I always end up here. One year I went twice in one trip, in two weeks.

When I was updating the Athens Guide recently, making a list of all the places I wanted to visit this year, Taverna Oikonomou was right at the top. It's the regular argument with my husband. He wants all new places, I like a mix. Places like this are like visiting an old friend. You just have to.

The food

The food is amazing. I love Greek comfort food and this menu is exactly that. That rabbit stifado was next level good. Yes, I know I just said rabbit. Try it and you'll see how good it is. The okras, μπάμιες, yum. If they're on the menu, order them. Why is the food I hated as a kid the food I love now?

All of it is good. The keftedes, the soutzoukakia, the gemista. There is nothing on this menu that isn't amazing. Traditional home-style Greek cuisine at its best.

There are so many wonderful tavernas in Athens doing amazing food, but here, I like Taverna Oikonomou that little bit more.

The space

The interiors are a modern take on a traditional Greek taverna. Sunny yellow walls, terrazzo floors, minimal but warm, all set within a beautiful old neoclassical home. Traditional with a little twist, which is the best way to describe the taverna itself.

The neighbourhood

I always say this: you don't need to stay just within the Athens historical centre. Some of Athens' best restaurants are in the surrounding suburbs and they're often only a 10-minute cab ride away.

Taverna Oikonomou is in Petralona, Ano (Upper) Petralona to be exact, on a street called Troon which was named one of the top 50 streets in the world by Time Out magazine.

It's places like this that led me to create the Athens Guide. I wanted to share my favourite places and show people the food, the streets and the neighbourhoods that make Athens so special. A different side of Athens, the not-so-touristy.

Will I be visiting again in July? Absolutely. Do I have 156 other places to go and only a couple of weeks? You bet.

The Athens Guide has 40+ restaurant, café and bar recommendations across the city, including places in Petralona, Thissio and beyond the tourist centre.