On the Taste Atlas list in Greece, O Thanasis ranks at number 42. It is one of the legendary must visit Greek restaurants.
O Thanasis
Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
Address: Mitropoleos 69, Athina 105 55, Greece
Restaurant founded in: 1964
Iconic dish: Souvlaki
O Thanasis, located in the heart of Athens, is widely recognized for its exceptional Greek cuisine, notably its souvlaki. This quintessential Greek dish, expertly prepared at O Thanasis, is beloved for its juicy, well-seasoned skewers of grilled meat, typically served in a warm pita with tzatziki, onions, and tomatoes.
Their ability to deliver a consistent, delicious and authentic experience has made it a beloved institution among locals and tourists alike.
What is Souvlaki ?
(Kalamaki, Καλαμάκι, Σουβλάκι)
Souvlaki is one of the most popular Greek dishes, consisting of small cubes of skewered and grilled pork, chicken, lamb, or beef. It is a popular fast food item that is usually served in souvladzidika, small eateries that also often serve gyros and other similar grilled meat dishes.
Souvlaki first appeared in ancient Greece, when it was called kandaulos, consisting of a combination of grilled meat, pita bread, cheese, and dill. The name of the dish is a diminutive of the Greek word souvla, meaning spit.
The first souvlaki shop opened in Livadia in 1951, and today, souvlaki is sold in almost every Greek city, ordered as a takeaway, on the beaches, or on numerous street corners. It is usually served with a slice of bread or pita bread, tomatoes, parsley, onions, sometimes chips, and thick yogurt or tzatziki.
There's also an oversized variety of souvlaki called kontosouvli in which large chunks of marinated meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers are cooked on long and slim skewers over charcoal.
O Thanasis Hours and Information
- Season: Open year-round.
- Hours: 10 am-2 am 7 days a week.
- Website: othanasis.com
- Location: Mitropoleos 69 , Monastiraki.
- Telephone: +30 210 324 4705
- View: Lots of people-watching opportunities as the restaurant is situated on the busy Monastiraki Square.
- Parking: 4 parking garages are in a 5-minute walking radius.
- Metro: Monastiraki metro station is a minute’s walk away.
