Doris

The beauty of Doris is that is has no idea how simply beautiful it is. For over 100 years Doris has been serving up food to people-in-the-know in downtown Athens. One visit years ago sold me on this Athenian mainstay when the proprietor/owner Mr. Thanassis welcomed me, asked my name and then has never once forgotten to welcome me as Mr. Poulos in all subsequent visits.

This busy lunch time restaurant filled with writers, artists, Athenian ladies who lunch and politicians has all the Greek classics displayed for you as you want - in a window from the kitchen for all to see. I have never seen a menu here and have never wanted to. Entering Doris is like walking into a cozy painted pink home… wander around, check out the food and find a seat either up front bistro style, in the rear dining area or in the adjacent “garden” smoking section.

Moussakas, xorta (cooked wild greens), Greek salad, lamb in lemon sauce, spaghetti with meat sauce, meat balls in red sauce, stuffed green peppers with feta, it’s all here and served with lightning quick efficiency. Wedges of lemon are presented with just about every meal and come wrapped in cheese cloth for pit free squeezing. Brilliant!

Doris is probably most famous for its loukoumades - the impossibly airy, crispy, fried, Greek doughy masterpieces. I would suggest enjoying them like an Athenian and not to have them after your lunch but instead to visit late afternoon and have an order with a cold glass of water and some coffee. Enjoy them all on their own as they have earned that right, just as Doris has.

Tips:

Doris closed at 6:30 pm so don’t try and go for dinner.
Athenians eat lunch around 3:00 pm so if you show up at 12 noon order breakfast.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about the dishes in the display window.

Doris
Plateia Komondoros
30, Praxitelous
Metro – Panepistimou
210 323 2671
reasonable