Cod and skordalia: Five taverns in Athens for this traditional March 25 dish

Fried cod with skordalia (potato-garlic mash) is a favorite dish for Greeks.

It is inextricably linked to our culinary culture and family gatherings, which is why we enjoy it equally at home or outside—and why it appears all over taverns in Athens and Greece on March 25.

It is time-consuming to bring and fry for hours, in addition to all the smells throughout the kitchen.

Fortunately, if you don't have the time or are not in the mood, we can leave the job to those who know it best, namely our favorite taverns in Athens. They serve cod with garlic all year round or make it, especially for the day of the Annunciation.

Ψαροκόκκαλο της Άννας (Psarokokkalo tis Annas)

This taverna in Keratsini makes cod exactly how it should be. Everything starts with the highest-quality fish, which is dipped in a rich batter and masterfully fried until crispy on the outside without losing its moisture.

The handmade skordalia accompanying it is delicious and made according to a traditional recipe. It's a good idea to make a reservation on peak days like March 25.

Fortunately, of course, they also do take away.

Tsakalov and Victor Hugo 10, Keratsini, tel.: 210 43 23 010

Οικονόμου (Oikonomou)

Known for the daily home-cooked meals, Oikonomou tends to make something more special when the occasion calls for it. So it may not be possible to find this dish every day, but it can certainly be expected on the day of the Annunciation.

The skordalia and cod are prepared properly and served lavishly in this historic kitchen. Seasoned well and fried in a relatively light batter that makes a thin, almost transparent crust all around, they are accompanied by boiled seasonal greens. Only a cold beer completes the meal.

Kydantidon 32, Petralona, ​​tel.: 210 3467 555

Τα μπακαλιαράκια της άνοιξης (to bakaliarakia tis anoiksis)

Its name also reveals its specialty, which has nourished generations. Here, cod is prepared in every possible way, including baked and fried.

Equally delicious in all its versions, it covers every taste daily, especially on Sundays when there is live music, the tables are filled with families, and large groups full of fun and appetite for food and drink.

The fried cod bites, as delicious as donuts, have fanatical fans. However, the rest of the dishes are always fresh and well-made.

Athens Chalkidos 17, Anixi, tel.: 210 8144 425

Λελούδας (Leloudas)

The garlic cod is the signature dish of this old Athenian tavern. They make the fish just as we enjoyed it as children at the family tables on March 25th. Cut into large pieces, the fish is passed through the pan just enough to cook properly but not dry out.

The skordalia is unique, with a strong and intense taste and delightful aromas. Boiled beets and good wine are enough to accompany the delicious meal.

Salaminias 8-10, Votanikos, tel.: 210 3464 167

Μαργαρώ (Margaro)

For about eight decades, Margaros has been the best pan in the port. They make delicious cod with garlic, especially on the national holiday day. From the kitchen, nonstop plates full of golden cod come out alongside well-made skordalia.

A bountiful country dish and plenty of fresh bread round out the base of a simple but excellent meal. For the rest, whatever catches your fancy from fish and other seafood in season is fried so correctly that it convinces even the most unrepentant opponents of fried foods.

126 Hatzikyriakou Ave., Piraeus, tel.: 210 4514 226

READ MORE: Greece's traditional dish for March 25: Bakaliaros and Skordalia.