Kosta
Price guide: Budget
Platia Ayias Irinis, Monastiraki, Athens, 10560
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#25 of 25
expert-rated restaurants in Athens- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Seasoned travellers, Singles, No fuss
Best for Cheap eats - Expert review of Kosta
A legendary souvlaki joint on a lovely square.
A hole in the wall with cult status. Kyr’ Kostas’ tiny souvlaki stall is tucked away behind Ayia Irini church on the eponymous square. While tourists and suburbanites cram into the crowded souvlaki joints around Monastiraki Square, locals in the know head a few blocks away to this sizzling takeaway. There’s usually a queue but it’s well worth the wait (take it from me, I used to live next door).
Food and drink:
The secret to Kostas’ success is that a) he makes his own meatballs (instead of using doner or shish kebab), and b) he smothers them in a spicy tomato relish. The pickled pepper garnish also sets him apart from the competition.
Recommended dishes:
Souvlaki. And chips. That’s it. There’s nothing else on the menu.
Ambience:
Grease-stained memorabilia from Kyr Kostas’ beloved ΑΕΚ Athens football team is the extent of the décor. Sit outside by the flower stalls, listen to the occasional chime of the church bells, and watch the world go by. A quintessential taste of Athens.
Service:
Watching Kostas grill, fill, and roll dozens of souvlaki at breakneck speed, all the while cracking jokes with the clientele, is a thrill in itself.
Location:
On one of the prettiest squares in Athens, lined with neoclassical houses overlooking a domed church. A couple of flower stalls add to the old-world charm. Afterwards, have coffee at Magaze, a lively, gay-friendly café-bar on the square.
Price advice:
Stuff yourself for €7.
Tables to book:
There aren’t any. But you can fight for one of the rickety stools outside. (Avoid the few stools inside if you don’t want to smell like a chip shop).
More information on Kosta:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Takeaway
- Food:
- Greek
- Address:
- Platia Ayias Irinis, Monastiraki, Athens, 10560
- Telephone:
- None
- Website:
- http://None
- Serves:
- Lunch
- Opening times:
- Noon-4pm Mon-Fri. Closed at weekends.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Reservations:
- Not possible
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Souvlaki, Takeaway, Dirt cheap
