Giouvetsakia: A hidden small tavern in the southern suburbs of Athens
Giouvetsakia is the best hidden secret of the southern suburbs and one of the most beloved restaurants among locals, who have trusted it for years thanks to its authentic, traditional Greek cuisine.
- 25/10/2014
This is the place to taste authentic Greek dishes, wholesome, balanced and delicious food prepared with authentic local products. This is what the owner, Charis Tzitzis, is passionate about, tirelessly searching for fresh ingredients throughout Greece, and even altering the menu taking seasonality into account. The raw materials used are organic (that is why Giouvetsakia is described as a “bio-restaurant”, which justifies the slightly raised prices) and come from every part of Greece: veal from Agrinio, chicken from Lakonia, olive oil from the mountains of Corinth, vegetables from Argolida, wine from Nemea and Greek beer (like the excellent Nisos from the island of Tinos).
Here you will taste a proper choriatiki salad (traditional Greek salad), with delicious tomatoes, wonderfully-fragrant cucumber and feta cheese with a full flavor. The appetizers are traditional Greek dishes, all of which are prepared with extra-fresh ingredients. But the greatest asset of Giouvetsakia is their hotpot main dishes.
Giouvetsakia started by delivering traditional Greek dishes. More than 25 years ago, they would cook in small clay pots (giouvetsakia) and sell their dishes around the neighborhood. In 2003 they stopped delivering food, but kept the same name.
Their giouvetsi, a traditional Greek recipe with orzo and pieces of meat, is certainly a must; after all, this is where the restaurant’s name comes from. Taste the veal and let your senses be imbued with the sweetness of the honey and the heavenly smell. Giouvetsakia also serves other excellent meat dishes and fresh fish. You may also choose among the chef’s suggestions for the day, including the Tyrnavos wild goat soup, stuffed cabbage rolls (dolmadakia), the “stable” steak (stavlisia) and their amazing sausages.
Although Glyfada is one of the most popular coastal suburbs of Athens, Giouvetsakia is well hidden in the alleys of Ano Glyfada. You will definitely need GPS to find it but, trust us, it’s worth it!