One of the great pleasures of a trip to Greece is enjoying the abundance of tavernas: casual, old-school spots with classic dishes like mouthwatering souvlaki, rich moussaka and crispy zucchini fritters. And while Athens has its fair share of such haunts (we love Palio Tetradio, for example, on the steps leading up to Anafiotika), my favorite menus in the city are not hemmed in by tradition.

Over several meals, I encountered restaurants that are using Greek ingredients and recipes in new ways — from a hip wine bar to one of the city’s most acclaimed addresses for fine dining. Though tavernas still anchor the city’s culinary identity, more-contemporary eateries are taking the spotlight.

Linou Soumpasis

»  Simple yet spectacular dishes in a minimalist-chic setting