Filistron

Thissio Cuisines: European, Greek

About

For me this place can do no wrong. First of all, it's in my favorite Athens neighborhood. Recently restored Thissio is trendy yet picturesque with a plethora of options, pedestrian streets full of excellent cafes and bars. It manages to be both hip and romantic at the same time. Secondly, once on its rooftop terrace with views of the dramatically lit Parthenon against the starry night sky, you won't want to leave. Third, its delicious offerings are (mostly) mezedes, which means you can have many different dishes and try as many specialties as you'd like. And it's reasonably priced to boot. You can reserve a table on its roof terrace (a must in good weather, so be sure to do so) and have as many people come and go as you please. I recommend beginning with a glass of wine at dusk and watching the sky turn dark as the lights on the Acropolis come to life. After that, begin sampling the restaurant's many mezedes -- my favorites are the island pies, the Byzantine salad, and the special grilled potatoes with smoked cheese. If you like all things salty, do as my friend Sophia and order the salted sardines from Spain, which she claims are out of this world.