Some places to eat in Athens

Neon: Plateia Omónia. A really good self service 'cafeteria' in a splendid neo classical building. Large and airy, with no-smoking area, friendly and efficient staff. Does breakfast, lunch (good salads), cakes, and a wide choice of coffees including cappuccino and 'French'. A good place to 'people watch'.

Varelias: Barelias, Chiou Street off Plateia Karaistáki, near the Pythagorian: 010 5221796.Off the tourist beat, near to our hotel, we've been going here for many years. Named after the huge barrels which decorate it. Very good chops, chicken and souvlaki all grilled on charcoal. Limited choice of starters but all good. Retsina from the barrel. Often strolling bazouki players.

To Athinaikón: to Aqhnaikon, 2 Themistokleous, corner of Panepistimiou (near Plateia Omónia) ' 38 38 485. Very stylishdecor, marble tables, walls covered in old posters. Popular with locals, fills up after 10pm. Wide choice of unusual dishes, excellent food at average prices. We recommend the calamari, sardines and crab and shrimp croquettes. This is an ouzerie so there is a large selection of ouzos. http://www.athinaiko.gr/

Nefeli: Panos 24, Plaka, On the route to/from the Akropolis, overlooking the Agora. Enjoy the view over a drink or lunch on the terrace. Musicon Saturday and Sunday nights.

O Platanos: O Platanos, 4 Diogenes. Plaka, ' 32 20 666, Near the 'tower of the winds'. Round the corner from 5 brothers. The oldesttaverna in Athens (established in 1932). Excellent food, lunch and evening. Lamb or veal with peas, okra or beans are a speciality. Tables under the Plane tree (O Platanos) and indoors. Popular with locals. Closed on Sundays

The 5 Brothers: Plaka, where Aeoli meets the 'tower of the winds', by the Roman Agora, with views of the Akropolis. Tables under the trees, room indoors if cold. The food is average and a bit over priced and service slow but the view is good and so we often stop here for late lunch after a hard morning's sightseeing or shopping! Sadly they have stopped serving barrel retsina.

Xynos: 4 Angelou Geronta, Plaka, (off Adrianou Street), ' 32 21 065 Tricky to find as it is rather hidden but all the other restaurants know it and will tell you the way! One of our favourites, super food served in the garden if warm enough. Good atmosphere and two really miserable but talented musicians! Beware, some of the starters are very substantial and you must leave room for the main course!. A little more expensive than some, maybe £10 each, but worth it. Closed Saturday and Sunday

Stamatopoulou: 26 Lissou Plaka, A large outside raised terrace, good food, friendly service, sometimes live music (and customers dancing).