East Meets West: Discovering Athens’ Finest Asian Restaurants

Athens, a city known for its historical richness, also offers a surprising variety of Asian restaurants that cater to every palate. From the intricate flavors of Japanese dishes to the vibrant spices of Thai food, Athens provides a unique blend of eastern tastes in a predominantly western setting. Join us as we explore some of the best spots to experience Asian dining in Athens, each offering a unique take on traditional dishes. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just looking for a new dining experience, there’s something here for everyone.

The Best Asian Restaurants in Athens 

Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, Glyfada 

Themistokleous 27, Glyfada

Golden Phoenix, renowned for delivering the best of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine in the Athenian Riviera, has anchored itself in the quiet quarters of Glyfada, just a short stroll from the bustling shopping district. Run by the same family for nearly thirty years, a meal at Golden Phoenix is like returning to a familiar haven, where each visit is welcomed with a warm smile.

Explore genuine Chinese flavors right in Glyfada. Nestled on a ground floor, featuring a welcoming patio, Golden Phoenix is the ideal venue for savoring a meal outdoors on a balmy summer night. The menu offers classic Chinese fare, incorporating beloved local ingredients and well-rounded flavors.

From Tuesday to Friday, between 19:30 and 23:30, enjoy a buffet selection for 26 Euros per person (excluding beverages), with a special rate of 13 Euros for children up to 12 years old. The weekend buffet is at 26 Euros per adult and half price for children, excluding drinks. The buffet hours on the weekend are Saturday from 13:00 until 17:00 and from 19:30 to 23:30. On Sunday the restaurant is open for lunch  from 13:00 to 17:00.

 

Birdman 

Voulis 35 and Skoufou 2, Athens

Birdman’s open-fire kitchen emphasizes traditional Japanese grill culture, featuring a range of neck-to-tail yakitori, meat, and seafood kushiyaki, alongside rare-breed beef nigiri and hands-only bone-in cuts. This approach blends with a respect for Greek heritage, utilizing fresh local ingredients.

Highlighted by the Michelin Guide, the menu includes delicacies like steamed rice with leek oil, aged rump tartar, and Wagyu beef gyoza, as well as Iberico katsu and various Donburi bowls like Tori Don and Buta Don. The offerings combine moderate to premium pricing, catering to a spectrum of tastes. Please note that the menu is seasonal and is subject to change.

Open daily from 13:00-17:00 and 18:00-00:30

 

Ekiben Kitchen

Voulis 35, Athens

A new addition to Athens’ gastronomic scene, this venture is the latest from the Birdman team, led by Aris Vezenes. The name Ekiben is a type of bento sold at train stations in Japan, specially designed for travelers. It’s an essential part of Japanese culinary culture, offering a complete meal conveniently packed in a single box. These meals reflect the local flavors and specialties of the regions from which the trains depart, providing a taste of local cuisine while on the move. 

The menu features Asian-inspired street food such as burgers, beef nigiri, and rice bowls, with a focus on high-quality meats and a limited selection of fish and vegetarian options. There is also a concise list of wines and beers available to complement the meal. The ekiben is served in a paper bag adorned with cheerful stickers. There are a few tables inside this small shop, reservations are advised.

Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food 

40 Veikou Street, Koukaki

Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food invites diners into the lively ambiance of an Asian hawkers’ market, where guests can observe chefs conjuring culinary magic in the open kitchen. The menu consists of a diverse array of dishes, each offering a tantalizing glimpse into the richness of Thai cuisine.

 

Start your culinary journey with appetizers such as the Karibap Gai, a delightful Thai curry puff pastry filled with curried chicken and potato, or the Po Pia Sot, fresh Thai rolls brimming with BBQ pork and crisp vegetables, served with a tangy tamarind sauce. Also try their Goi Tom Xoai mango salad, very refreshing. 

For main courses, indulge in iconic Thai classics like the Pad Thai, featuring tender rice noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein, crisp vegetables, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, all bathed in a luscious tamarind sauce and topped with crunchy peanuts. Another standout is the Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles, boasting a bold combination of rice noodles, succulent pork, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant basil, elevated by hints of fresh chili and garlic.

With its commitment to delivering exceptional Thai cuisine in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, Tuk Tuk Thai promises a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.

Open daily from 17:00-23:50

Seoul House

Zisimopoulou 40, Paleo Faliro 

For anyone who appreciates Korean cuisine or is curious about trying it, here’s a perfect opportunity: a cuisine that masterfully blends spicy, sweet, protein-rich, and vegetable elements into a delightful experience. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the joy of sharing. Athens’ first and only Korean BBQ, approaching its 40th year, Seoul House features large or small tables with a built-in grill where guests can cook premium meats right before their eyes. These meats are wrapped in cabbage or pitas with spicy or sweet and sour pastes, alongside exotic condiments to create a memorable meal. 

The menu features classic Korean dishes, capturing the essence of traditional Korean BBQ—a celebrated culinary practice in Korea, known for its communal and interactive dining style. Alongside Korean BBQ, the menu includes bibimpap (rice with vegetables and egg), kimbap (Korean sushi with vegetables and meat), and aromatic soups with tofu, noodles, and other Eastern flavors, each prepared to showcase homemade freshness.

The inclusion of kimchi, a staple Korean side made from fermented vegetables, adds a quintessential touch of Korean flavor, loved for its health benefits and distinctive taste.

Monday – Saturday open from 18:00-23:00. Closed on Sundays. 

These are just a few of the Asian culinary gems scattered across Athens, showcasing the best of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisines. If you’ve had the chance to dine at any of these venues, we’d love to hear about your experiences and find out which one captured your palate the most.