I was walking down Veikou in Athens, wondering where in Koukaki I should have lunch, when I ran into Niobe, a friend of Marilena's who works at Lacandona. I awkwardly told her, as you do when you don't really know what else to tell acquaintances that pop up in front of you in the street, that I was hungry. "Why don't you visit Peas, that tiny new place on Falirou? They're vegan!" she suggested. "Actually, I got a pita from there half an hour ago. I just saw him, but say hi to George for me anyway!"
That's exactly what I did. It was hard for me to choose between the tofu/tempeh/seitan pitas and the raw vegan tart, but I finally opted for the latter: the blended and layered cashews, zucchini, sun-dried tomato and basil formed a creamy, modestly-sized yet surprisingly filling slice.
Vegan has become a worldwide trend, so it's rather more expensive to eat out at dedicated places such as this one than it is to have the less glamourous, more 'traditional', but just as meat-and-dairy-free dishes that are still the hearty cornerstones of the Greek cuisine, like dolmadakia, gemista or assorted bean dishes like gigantes. Unless you can really splash out the dough (and I don't mean make homemade seitan), vegan food of this calibre is not something to be enjoyed every day.
Nevertheless, Peas' cheerful and passionate team, their delicious treats and the super-minimalist decor left me with positive energy and a clearer mind.
Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Αstor" Athens is my favourite indie cinema hall in town. I would say that if Athens were a cinema, it would be here. Indulge in Greek culture here...
by
"Diomidous Botanical Garden" in Athens, only 30 minutes from the centre of the city, is the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean...
by
MOMO is a cafe/bar/restaurant in Athens with an exquisite backyard that will give you back the time that's been stolen from you...
by
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.
by
Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.
by
There are always dishes of the day in addition to the set menu, so no two visits to Mandragoras are ever the same. And kontosouvli is always available.
by
It does not matter what you order when you visit Mouries because everything is made with the same care (however, my favorite dish here is the meatballs).
by
Every time I cross Evripidou Street, I am overwhelmed by the aroma of cinnamon, pepper, and oregano, and images of Eastern bazaars come to mind.
by
My two favorites are Sfakianopita with honey and the famous Dakos. Every plate is cooked in olive oil with lots of rosemary.
by
262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 262 Insider Tips