To steki tou Ilia

Walking around Thisio, the heart of touristy Athens, and finding a truly authentic Greek restaurant is no easy feat. A trusty tactic when it comes to discovering pure local treasures is to abide by the preferences of the locals who inevitably know better. And boy, do the locals swear by the traditional restaurant To Steki tou Ilia.

Grilled over burning charcoal, the chops are seasoned with oregano and sea salt then doused in lemon juice, which brings out the smoky flavour. It’s customary to eat these messy, sticky ribs with your hands—one of the many reasons why children love them. At To Steki tou Ilia (‘Ilia’s Joint’), families get together at the weekend to feast on platters piled with paidakia (grilled lamb chops), bread toasted on the charcoal grill, horta (steamed greens) and saganaki (fried cheese).

Elias, the owner of my favorite lamb chop taverna in central Athens, To Steki tou Elia, passed away, leaving his children in charge of his two tavernas in Thisio. I have made a point to stop by several times since To Steki reopened, always having the most deliciously pleasing bites of juicy charcoal grilled lamb chops. I know the menu by heart, but my order is always the same here; a platter of paidakia, tzatziki, salad, fried green peppers and hand-cut, crispy fried potatoes.

On my first night in Athens I ate at this traditional Psistaria (a restaurant serving grilled meat) in the nice area of Thissio, just outside the tourist radar. This is an authentic eatery frequented by locals, very simple and definitely not pretentious. Here I had a cabbage salad and some very tender lamb chops, served with a glass of the house wine: it was one of those especially welcoming dinners that gives you a foretaste of all the delicious meals coming next!

For many this is the perfect example of a typical Greek taverna with simple food, grilled meats, strong sadziki and nice home made wine. Well, I don't know how home made it is these days but it is still good. There are actually two Steki tou Elias on Eptachalkou Street in Thission which is the small sort of pedestrian street that runs alongside the metro tracks to Pireaus.

Another old haunt of Athens where you will find lamb chops all year round. ‘Paidakia’ or baby lamb chops has a special place in every Greek’s heart and so it should be no surprise that there is a taverna solely dedicated to them. At To Steki tou Ilia (Ilias’ place) they have perfected the art of preparing and grilling chops.

Lamb chops being served at the Steki tou Ilia should be your go-to choice!. This traditional Greek tavern lying in the heart of Athens is the perfect place for those who want to try Greekcomfort food. Those who have experienced its dishes insist that the lamb chops being served are out of this world.

You’ll feel like you’re not in Athens in this cool and quiet garden restaurant, from where you can hear the metro trains pass nearby. On Sundays it’s a popular spot for families and big groups, who come for grilled meats, especially the lamb ribs. Info: 5 Eptachalkou, Thiseio, tel.

Steki you Ilia is a folk tavern that is located on the paved pedestrian street, just 100 meters from Thissio station to Petralona, ​​next to the courtyard of the church of Ag.