Athens Plaka

Yiasemi, 23 Mnisikleous (☎213 04 17 937; www.yiasemi.gr), This cafe belongs by the sea rather than in the heart of Athens. With its adorable daisy-painted tables and stone staircases, it's a shame there's no view to go with this relaxed beach town vibe. The portions are small, but this cafe is better for sitting with a friend and catching up over coffee or tea (€3.50). If hungry, try the lemon pie (€5) or meatballs (€5) that offer a hearty portion for their price. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Beneth, Adrianou 97 (☎210 32 38 822), If it's your birthday, if you want to pretend it's your birthday, or even if you just want to eat something delicious, go to Beneth. Pastries made on location and baklava that leaves you craving more even after eating your own body weight in these treats are well worth their pricetags (€2). Packaged yogurt and beverages are sold in a cooler on the left of the shop. Though Beneth offers no seating, try standing at the high metal tables out front. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Scholarhio Ouzeri Kouklis, Tripodon 14 (☎210 32 42 603; www.scholarhio.gr), This self-proclaimed traditional family restaurant is in actuality the neighborhood's restaurant best adapted to tourism. Waiters sneakily bring out bottled water before you can think to ask for tap and fill your table with platters of small plates whose prices add up quicker than you can eat. Keeping track of the tab aside, the food is pretty good, and green peppers in the Greek salad (€4) are a nice touch. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Eat at Milton's, 91 Adrianou (☎210 32 49 129; www.eatmiltons.gr), Perfect for the fanciest date of your life, this white-tiled restaurant serves fish so fresh that there's not even a freezer on-site. For those attempting to win over a heart—and willing to have a heart attack when the bill comes—there is a lobster special (€50 per person) that will impress the most gourmet of companions. If you're not trying to impress anybody, order one of the few modest options on the menu to save your wallet from extinction. Organic food fans will be pleased to learn that they serve a “BIO” Greek salad (€12) made with fresh local ingredients. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Stamatopoulous, 26 Lyssiou Classy dining behind ivy-covered walls is executed perfectly at this swanky restaurant. Glasses are set on the table when the restaurant opens, and cloth napkins are folded at each seat—providing a welcome respite from the typical paper napkins found at the bottom of bread baskets. Forget about ice cubes in your white wine; here, glasses and bottles come chilled to help assuage your parched palate. The grilled chicken (€10) is juicy and a nice departure from the fried norm of Greek cuisine. Eat late and enjoy live music and dancing that gets started after 10pm. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.