So you’ve landed in one of the most historical capitals in the world, probably jet-lagged 🥱, and all you can see (or smell) around you is gyros 🥙 (Greek-style meat and fries stuffed inside a pitta) or or souvlaki.
Have no fear, fellow gluten avoidant! I have made the exact same journey as you and have lovingly prepared the following list of 3 places in Athens where you will not only satisfy your cravings but also return again with friends and family who do not follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy a fantastic meal!
Nudie Foodie Psiri located at Eschilou 42, Athens, 105 54 is a gem for gluten-free dining.
It tops my list of places to eat in Athens as a whole. However, I must add a disclaimer for solo female tourists, as it is situated in the sketchy/questionable neighbourhood of Monastiraki, known for pickpockets and dilapidated buildings that attract refugees and asylum seekers. Exercise caution while walking through the area, but once inside the cafe, you’ll find a safe haven for your digestive system.
Photo from Wolt
I have ordered their gluten-free ‘keto pancakes’ via the European delivery platform Wolt and also enjoyed them in person. The tart raspberry coulis pairs perfectly with the soft pancake texture, making for a delicious breakfast. It’s very filling and nourishing, thanks to the almond and coconut flour blend. You can also buy the pancake mix to take home with you, which is a win-win!
Another must-try dish at Nudie Foodie Psiri is their Shakshuka. It’s a flavourful and satisfying option, and you won’t feel like you’re missing out on taste with the gluten-free bread. The combination of the rich tomato sauce, eggs, and spices makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a hearty gluten-free meal.
Ironically, the one time I dined at the cafe when the kitchen was helmed by the owner herself, service was painstakingly slow. However, on other occasions, the service is very good. If you wish to avoid traveling to the cafe due to the scorching summer heat or safety concerns, you can always order via Wolt.
MARINOS KOSMAS GLUTEN FREE PASTRY & BAKERY PROJECT, Leof. Mesogeion 78Α, Athens, 115 27
This is primarily a patisserie and mini grocery store for gluten-free goods, located a bit far from the city centre. I had to take a taxi to get there, but it was a mid-point for my final destination, the Mall of Athens, so it wasn’t a wasted journey by any means.
I reached there around 4pm in summer, and most of the pastries had sold out, but I managed to snag (to my surprise) a gluten-free pandan cake. I love pandan cake and I would have never thought I could find a gluten-free version in Athens, of all places! This green moist sponge cake is an Asian delicacy which the owner has fondly re-created after his travels in Asia. It was a family-sized loaf cake, and somehow, as a single person, I managed to devour it by the next day.
If that doesn’t speak for itself about this place, then I encourage you to visit for yourself, as the extra travel time is absolutely worth it.
Me Kolonaki, Kapsali 10, Kolonaki, 106 74
Placed third and last because, despite its beautifully minimalist interior design and equally elegant menu, it lacks that special spark. It’s situated in the ‘poshest’ neighbourhood of Athens, Kolonaki, so you will be rubbing shoulders with some wealthy Athenians, if that’s your preference.
The restaurant offers a variety of healthy breakfast options, although I found their Vegan & Gluten-free Banana Pancakes to be bland during my visit in 2023.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to try other menu items as your experience might differ. If you’re looking for a convenient dining spot in the city centre with air conditioning, Me Kolonaki might be worth considering. They have a lot of lunch and dinner items and they close at 11pm (the latest out of all places on this list).
They also have seating outside, so you can enjoy your meal with a group of people.
Photo from Wolt
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