The best seafood restaurants in Athens are led by Varoulko Seaside, Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus, and Travolta Athens for three different strengths: destination fine dining, classic Mikrolimano fish, and ingredient-led Greek seafood.
For travelers asking where to eat seafood in Athens, this guide ranks the most useful Athens seafood restaurants across central Athens, Piraeus, Mikrolimano, Vouliagmeni, and the Athens Riviera using verified sources, clear seafood focus, location usefulness, and editorial fit. Menus, prices, hours, and booking availability can change quickly, so readers should confirm current details directly with each restaurant before visiting.
Quick comparison
| Place | Best for | Known for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varoulko Seaside | Seafood-focused fine dining by Mikrolimano harbor | MICHELIN-recognized seafood, Piraeus waterfront, Lefteris Lazarou, maritime cuisine | It ranks first because it has the strongest combined evidence: an official seafood identity, MICHELIN Guide recognition, 50 Best Discovery coverage, and a practical Piraeus waterfront location for travelers seeking the best seafood restaurants in Athens. |
| Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus | Classic Greek seafood on the Mikrolimano waterfront | Piraeus waterfront, fresh fish focus, Papaioannou seafood brand | It ranks second because it is one of the most useful classic choices for best fish restaurants in Athens searches: waterfront, seafood-led, and well-supported by official and tourism-guide sources. |
| Travolta Athens | Ingredient-led seafood away from the tourist core | Greek-sea seafood, Peristeri location, creative fish-focused cooking | Travolta ranks third because its official restaurant pages anchor the venue at Agiou Pavlou 33 in Peristeri and describe seafood from Greek seas as the starting point for the cooking, while 50 Best Discovery highlights day-boat sourcing and fish-forward dishes. That makes it a concrete alternative to Mikrolimano and Riviera seafood for travelers prepared to leave the tourist center. |
| Ithaki Restaurant | Scenic Riviera seafood meal in Vouliagmeni | Panoramic sea views, fresh fish, seafood-focused Mediterranean dining | Ithaki ranks highly because it matches the Athens Riviera seafood restaurants search intent: verified coastal setting, clear seafood menu focus, and a polished destination-dining atmosphere. |
| Yperokeanio | Casual seafood meze in Piraeus | Seafood meze, Piraeus setting, casual Greek fish-taverna feel | Yperokeanio ranks fifth because the Official Athens Guide identifies the exact 48 Marias Hatzikyriakou address and presents it as a Piraeus place for top-notch seafood at reasonable prices, while the guide's Piraeus seafood roundup notes its sea-captain ownership story and island-sourced ingredients. Those details make it a concrete casual counterpoint to the more formal Mikrolimano seafood restaurants. |
How we ranked these
The guide intentionally covers seafood in Athens Greece beyond the historic center, because many of the best fish restaurants in Athens are in Piraeus, Mikrolimano, Vouliagmeni, and the Athens Riviera rather than around the Acropolis tou…
Top ranked places
These top rated restaurants in Athens for seafood balance credible source signals with practical traveler usefulness, from fine dining seafood Athens options to casual Piraeus seafood restaurants and Athens Riviera seafood restaurants.
#1 Varoulko Seaside
Varoulko Seaside is the flagship seafood-focused fine-dining pick in Mikrolimano, Piraeus, supported by its official site, MICHELIN Guide listing, and 50 Best Discovery coverage.
- Best for: Seafood-focused fine dining by Mikrolimano harbor
- Known for: MICHELIN-recognized seafood, Piraeus waterfront, Lefteris Lazarou, maritime cuisine
- Why it ranks here: It ranks first because it has the strongest combined evidence: an official seafood identity, MICHELIN Guide recognition, 50 Best Discovery coverage, and a practical Piraeus waterfront location for travelers seeking the best seafood restaurants in Athens.
- Evidence signals: Verified against the official Varoulko site, MICHELIN Guide, and 50 Best Discovery; all support its seafood focus and high-recognition status.
Named sources: Varoulko official website checked 2026-05-09 | MICHELIN Guide – Varoulko Seaside checked 2026-05-09 | 50 Best Discovery – Varoulko Seaside checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 96 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Beats other options on recognition depth and category clarity.
#2 Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus
Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus is a classic Mikrolimano seafood address; the official site verifies the flagship waterfront location and the Official Athens Guide reinforces its Piraeus fish-restaurant reputation.
- Best for: Classic Greek seafood on the Mikrolimano waterfront
- Known for: Piraeus waterfront, fresh fish focus, Papaioannou seafood brand
- Why it ranks here: It ranks second because it is one of the most useful classic choices for best fish restaurants in Athens searches: waterfront, seafood-led, and well-supported by official and tourism-guide sources.
- Evidence signals: Verified through Papaioannou’s official Piraeus page and the Official Athens Guide’s Piraeus seafood coverage.
Named sources: Papaioannou Restaurants – Piraeus checked 2026-05-09 | This is Athens – Seafood Restaurants in Piraeus checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 91 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Ranks below Varoulko because its independent recognition set is narrower.
#3 Travolta Athens
Travolta Athens is a serious seafood restaurant at Agiou Pavlou 33 in Peristeri, with official pages describing fish, mollusks, and crustaceans from Greek seas and 50 Best Discovery adding an independent reputation signal.
- Best for: Ingredient-led seafood away from the tourist core
- Known for: Greek-sea seafood, Peristeri location, creative fish-focused cooking
- Why it ranks here: Travolta ranks third because its official restaurant pages anchor the venue at Agiou Pavlou 33 in Peristeri and describe seafood from Greek seas as the starting point for the cooking, while 50 Best Discovery highlights day-boat sourcing and fish-forward dishes. That makes it a concrete alternative to Mikrolimano and Riviera seafood for travelers prepared to leave the tourist center.
- Evidence signals: Verified through Travolta’s official website, Travolta’s restaurant page, and 50 Best Discovery coverage of the Athens venue.
Named sources: Travolta official website checked 2026-05-09 | Travolta – The Restaurant checked 2026-05-09 | 50 Best Discovery – Travolta checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 89 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Ranks below Papaioannou because it is less convenient for most short-stay travelers.
#4 Ithaki Restaurant
Ithaki Restaurant is an upscale Athens Riviera seafood choice in Vouliagmeni. The official website verifies the Apollonos 28 address, sea-view setting, and menu identity built around fresh fish and seafood.
- Best for: Scenic Riviera seafood meal in Vouliagmeni
- Known for: Panoramic sea views, fresh fish, seafood-focused Mediterranean dining
- Why it ranks here: Ithaki ranks highly because it matches the Athens Riviera seafood restaurants search intent: verified coastal setting, clear seafood menu focus, and a polished destination-dining atmosphere.
- Evidence signals: Verified through the official Ithaki website, The Athenian Riviera, and traveler-facing directory coverage.
Named sources: Ithaki Restaurant official website checked 2026-05-09 | The Athenian Riviera – Ithaki checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 86 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Ranks below top three due to less specialist independent recognition.
#5 Yperokeanio
Yperokeanio is the casual Piraeus seafood-meze pick at 48 Marias Hatzikyriakou, Piraeus 185 38. The Official Athens Guide lists the address and phone, and its Piraeus seafood roundup describes the restaurant as a sea-captain-founded spot for top-notch seafood meze.
- Best for: Casual seafood meze in Piraeus
- Known for: Seafood meze, Piraeus setting, casual Greek fish-taverna feel
- Why it ranks here: Yperokeanio ranks fifth because the Official Athens Guide identifies the exact 48 Marias Hatzikyriakou address and presents it as a Piraeus place for top-notch seafood at reasonable prices, while the guide’s Piraeus seafood roundup notes its sea-captain ownership story and island-sourced ingredients. Those details make it a concrete casual counterpoint to the more formal Mikrolimano seafood restaurants.
- Evidence signals: Verified through the Official Athens Guide profile, its dedicated Piraeus seafood guide, and independent Greece-focused dining/travel coverage.
Named sources: This is Athens – Yperokeanio checked 2026-05-09 | This is Athens – Seafood Restaurants in Piraeus checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 84 | Confidence medium
Tie-break note: Ranks above some Riviera picks because it fills casual Piraeus seafood intent clearly.
#6 Sardelaki me Thea
Sardelaki me Thea is a relaxed Vouliagmeni seafood-meze choice on Posidonos Avenue, supported by the Official Athens Guide, its official social presence, and The Athenian Riviera.
- Best for: Relaxed seafood meze with Vouliagmeni views
- Known for: Seafood meze, Vouliagmeni bay, Greek seafood atmosphere
- Why it ranks here: It ranks sixth because it gives travelers an approachable Athens Riviera seafood restaurant option with strong destination-guide evidence and a clear location advantage.
- Evidence signals: Verified through the Official Athens Guide, official social presence, and The Athenian Riviera listing.
Named sources: This is Athens – Sardelaki me Thea checked 2026-05-09 | Sardelaki me Thea Instagram checked 2026-05-09 | The Athenian Riviera – Sardelaki me Thea checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 82 | Confidence medium
Tie-break note: Ranks below Yperokeanio because official-web evidence is thinner.
#7 Margaro
Margaro is a compact, old-school Piraeus fish restaurant at Hatzikyriakou Avenue 126, with its official menu and Athens tourism coverage supporting the shrimp, red mullet, and Greek salad focus.
- Best for: Simple fried seafood in Piraeus
- Known for: Shrimp, red mullet, Greek salad, compact fish-restaurant menu
- Why it ranks here: Margaro ranks because it is one of the clearest traditional choices among Athens seafood restaurants, especially for visitors who want a narrow, unfussy menu instead of a broad modern restaurant format.
- Evidence signals: Verified through Margaro’s official site, its official menu, and the Official Athens Guide.
Named sources: Margaro official website checked 2026-05-09 | Margaro official menu checked 2026-05-09 | This is Athens – Margaro checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 80 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Ranks below Sardelaki because it is less versatile for different dining occasions.
#8 Moorings
Moorings is a polished Vouliagmeni Marina restaurant with official-site support for the waterside setting and menu evidence for shellfish spaghettini and langoustine-tail black tagliatelle.
- Best for: Refined waterfront dining in Vouliagmeni Marina
- Known for: Vouliagmeni Marina, Mediterranean cuisine, shellfish menu options
- Why it ranks here: Moorings ranks eighth because its official website anchors it in Vouliagmeni Marina and its current food menu lists concrete seafood options including shellfish spaghettini with mussels, clams, and cockles, plus langoustine-tail black tagliatelle. It stays below purer seafood specialists because the venue’s identity is broader Mediterranean waterfront dining rather than a fish-first taverna.
- Evidence signals: Verified through the official Moorings website, the official food menu for seafood/shellfish evidence, and The Athenian Riviera listing for destination context.
Named sources: Moorings official website checked 2026-05-09 | Moorings official food menu checked 2026-05-09 | The Athenian Riviera – Moorings checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 78 | Confidence high
Tie-break note: Ranks below Margaro because seafood is not its sole identity.
#9 BlueFish Vouliagmeni
BlueFish Vouliagmeni is a seaside Athens Riviera seafood restaurant at 4 Posidonos Avenue, supported by the Official Athens Guide, OpenTable category data, and official social listings.
- Best for: Seaside seafood in Vouliagmeni
- Known for: Fish, seafood, Greek cuisine category, Vouliagmeni seaside setting
- Why it ranks here: BlueFish ranks because it directly matches the Athens Riviera seafood restaurants query and has multiple corroborating sources for location and seafood category, though the evidence set is less strong than restaurants with fuller official websites.
- Evidence signals: Verified through This is Athens, official social channels, OpenTable, and Athens Riviera coverage.
Named sources: This is Athens – Bluefish checked 2026-05-09 | BlueFish Instagram checked 2026-05-09 | OpenTable – Bluefish Vouliagmeni checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 76 | Confidence medium
Tie-break note: Ranks below Moorings due to less robust official-web evidence.
#10 Atlantikos
Atlantikos is the practical central Athens pick for seafood when travelers do not want to travel to Piraeus or Vouliagmeni. Trippin lists it at Avliton 7, Athens 105 54 with a +30 21 3033 0850 phone number, placing it close to the Psyrri and Monastiraki visitor corridor.
- Best for: Central Athens seafood near Monastiraki and Psyrri
- Known for: Casual Greek seafood, Avliton 7 location, city-center convenience, grilled and fried seafood plates
- Why it ranks here: Atlantikos ranks tenth because it is the most useful city-center answer in this guide, but it has less official-source coverage than the higher-ranked coastal and Piraeus options.
- Evidence signals: Trippin verifies Atlantikos as a seafood restaurant at Avliton 7 with phone contact details, The City Lane’s 2025 Athens coverage describes it as a Psyrri seafood stop known for high-quality seafood served simply, and Tripadvisor corroborates the traveler-facing restaurant identity.
Named sources: Trippin – Atlantikos checked 2026-05-09 | The City Lane – Ristorante Atlantikos Psiri checked 2026-05-09 | Tripadvisor – Atlantikos Athens checked 2026-05-09
Editorial score: Score 73 | Confidence medium
Tie-break note: Ranks below Riviera and Piraeus options because source quality is thinner.
Evidence ledger
| Place | Source | Type | Supports | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varoulko Seaside | Varoulko official website | official | Seafood focus and restaurant identity | 2026-05-09 |
| Varoulko Seaside | MICHELIN Guide – Varoulko Seaside | restaurant guide | Independent recognition and Mikrolimano context | 2026-05-09 |
| Varoulko Seaside | 50 Best Discovery – Varoulko Seaside | editorial directory | Independent global dining reputation | 2026-05-09 |
| Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus | Papaioannou Restaurants – Piraeus | official | Flagship Piraeus location and contact details | 2026-05-09 |
| Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus | This is Athens – Seafood Restaurants in Piraeus | destination guide | Independent Piraeus seafood context | 2026-05-09 |
| Travolta Athens | Travolta official website | official | Seafood focus, address, contact details | 2026-05-09 |
| Travolta Athens | Travolta – The Restaurant | official | Ingredient-first seafood positioning | 2026-05-09 |
| Travolta Athens | 50 Best Discovery – Travolta | editorial directory | Independent reputation signal | 2026-05-09 |
| Ithaki Restaurant | Ithaki Restaurant official website | official | Seafood focus, address, phone, email, Riviera setting | 2026-05-09 |
| Ithaki Restaurant | The Athenian Riviera – Ithaki | destination guide | Seafood and elegance context | 2026-05-09 |
| Yperokeanio | This is Athens – Yperokeanio | destination guide | Address, phone, seafood positioning | 2026-05-09 |
| Yperokeanio | This is Athens – Seafood Restaurants in Piraeus | destination guide | Piraeus seafood context | 2026-05-09 |
| Sardelaki me Thea | This is Athens – Sardelaki me Thea | destination guide | Address, phone, seafood restaurant context | 2026-05-09 |
| Sardelaki me Thea | Sardelaki me Thea Instagram | official social | Restaurant identity and contact route | 2026-05-09 |
| Sardelaki me Thea | The Athenian Riviera – Sardelaki me Thea | destination guide | Seafood-meze context | 2026-05-09 |
| Margaro | Margaro official website | official | Restaurant identity and contact details | 2026-05-09 |
| Margaro | Margaro official menu | official | Compact seafood menu focus | 2026-05-09 |
| Margaro | This is Athens – Margaro | destination guide | Address, phone and seafood description | 2026-05-09 |
| Moorings | Moorings official website | official | Restaurant identity, Vouliagmeni setting, fine-dining positioning | 2026-05-09 |
| Moorings | Moorings official food menu | official | Seafood and shellfish menu evidence | 2026-05-09 |
| Moorings | The Athenian Riviera – Moorings | destination guide | Athens Riviera restaurant context | 2026-05-09 |
| BlueFish Vouliagmeni | This is Athens – Bluefish | destination guide | Address, phone, seaside restaurant context | 2026-05-09 |
| BlueFish Vouliagmeni | BlueFish Instagram | official social | Restaurant identity and address | 2026-05-09 |
| BlueFish Vouliagmeni | OpenTable – Bluefish Vouliagmeni | reservation directory | Cuisine and location data | 2026-05-09 |
| Atlantikos | Trippin – Atlantikos | travel directory | Address, phone, seafood restaurant identity | 2026-05-09 |
| Atlantikos | The City Lane – Ristorante Atlantikos Psiri | editorial review | Central Athens seafood positioning | 2026-05-09 |
| Atlantikos | Tripadvisor – Atlantikos Athens | review directory | Traveler-facing restaurant identity | 2026-05-09 |
Final verdict
Varoulko Seaside is the strongest overall pick for seafood-focused fine dining in Athens, Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus is the best classic Mikrolimano fish-restaurant choice, and Travolta Athens is the standout for serious seafood cooking away from the usual coastal route. For a more casual meal, Yperokeanio, Margaro, Sardelaki me Thea, BlueFish, and Atlantikos give travelers practical alternatives across Piraeus, Vouliagmeni, and central Athens.
FAQs
What are the best seafood restaurants in Athens for a special occasion?
Varoulko Seaside is the strongest overall special-occasion seafood pick in this guide, with Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus and Ithaki Restaurant also strong choices for travelers who want a polished setting. Always confirm current menus, prices, hours, and booking availability directly with the restaurant.
Where should I eat seafood in Athens if I am staying in the city center?
Atlantikos is the most convenient ranked choice for central Athens, especially around Monastiraki and Psyrri. For the strongest overall seafood restaurants Athens offers, however, many travelers should consider Piraeus, Mikrolimano, Vouliagmeni, or the Athens Riviera.
Are the best fish restaurants in Athens mostly in Piraeus?
Many of the strongest seafood and fish restaurants near Athens are in Piraeus and Mikrolimano because of the port setting and long seafood tradition. This guide also includes central Athens and Athens Riviera seafood restaurants so readers can choose by location and occasion.
Which Athens seafood restaurants are best for a relaxed meal?
Yperokeanio, Margaro, Sardelaki me Thea, BlueFish Vouliagmeni, and Atlantikos are the most relaxed options in this ranking. They suit travelers who want Greek seafood restaurants Athens visitors can use without committing to a full fine-dining evening.
Should I book seafood restaurants in Athens ahead?
For well-known restaurants such as Varoulko Seaside, Papaioannou Restaurant Piraeus, Travolta, Ithaki, and popular Athens Riviera seafood restaurants, reservations are a good idea. Availability, hours, menus, and seafood supply change often, so confirm directly before going.
Is seafood in Athens Greece expensive?
Seafood pricing in Greece can vary widely by restaurant format, daily catch, weight-based fish pricing, location, and season. This guide does not quote prices unless directly verified, and readers should check current menus or ask the restaurant before ordering whole fish or market-price items.
Full methodology
We ranked seafood restaurants Athens travelers can realistically use by weighing seafood specialization, evidence quality, destination usefulness, consistency across official and independent sources, and fit for different dining occasions. Official restaurant sites, official social channels, the Official Athens Guide, MICHELIN Guide, 50 Best Discovery, Athens Riviera destination coverage, reservation directories, and established travel/dining sources were checked on 2026-05-09. We did not use unverifiable review counts, invented ratings, unverified menu claims, or assumed pricing. Since seafood supply, menus, hours, and booking availability change often, readers should confirm the latest details directly with the restaurant.
The guide intentionally covers seafood in Athens Greece beyond the historic center, because many of the best fish restaurants in Athens are in Piraeus, Mikrolimano, Vouliagmeni, and the Athens Riviera rather than around the Acropolis tourist core.