What is Plaka?

A rather new word in American dining, Plaka does not describe a particular Greek food or family name, but a captivating neighborhood of Athens which hosts some of the best Greek history, shopping, restaurants, and family atmosphere on this planet. It's like having a dream-like wedding ceremony in a perfect venue with family and friends before taking off to the honeymoon on the Greek Isles. We chose the name due to George Betondo being born and raised in Athens, with hopes to one day make his mark in this elegant and charming spot. The way life would have it, George ended up in Texas and the rest is history. Now we get to bring a taste of Plaka and Greek culture to our Texas family!

Plaka is without a doubt one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, with its narrow streets, colorful neoclassical buildings and churches, small cafes, traditional tavernas, souvenir shops and ancient ruins in almost every corner. Plaka is in the heart of the center of Athens, just under the Acropolis hill, yet has a totally different air than the rest of the city center, creating a feeling of nostalgia of the old Athens. Plaka developed around the ancient Agora of Athens and is the oldest district in Athens, having been continuously inhabited for around three thousand years.*

As inspiring as these sites are, your true Greece experience kick-starts only when you tuck into a traditional Greek tavern or get lured onto a rooftop restaurant. As the food scene in Athens is evolving with both Greek and foreign-born chefs introducing innovative restaurants and cafes, nights out are still about clinking glasses, diving into mouth-watering mezzes and celebrating life.*

Plaka is appropriately known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods," an art destination, a souvenir haven and culinary dream where the locals charm you into either antiquity or dreams of returning and owning your own cafe among the global crowds. Plaka, due to its central location and walkability to major sites, is in the center of the action, be it shopping, dining, culture seeking or historical discovery. 

Check out The Greek Reporter  and The Voyagers for a review of this amazing place and on planning your time there.  As travel restrictions lift, visit The Matador Network site for a poetic review and top 6 reasons to visit Plaka on your first time to Greece. 

Have you been to Plaka, Athens? We'd love to feature your experience and travel photos on our website and social media. Email us the highlights, key stories, tips, photos or food favorites. We will regularly choose to display fun facts and pictures of memories spent in one of the most charming and hidden neighborhoods in the world. 

Make Plaka's Greek Kitchen a stop on your date adventure.