Greece: Tis Theatrou to Steki
One of my family's favorite meals in Athens took place at probably the most inconspicuous restaurant in the city. Tucked into a side street behind the Varvakios Market, you wouldn't know Tis Theatrou to Steki was there if it weren't for all the tables lining the sidewalk:
Known as a local hangout for market workers, you'd be hard pressed to find a tourist in the sea of elderly Greek men. So when we rolled up in our full Chinese tourist family splendor, (who I assumed to be) the owner looked like he didn't know what to do with us.
After seating us at a table, he gave us a sheepish smile and explained that he didn't speak much English, but that he would send someone who did. A couple minutes later, a young woman came by. She told us that the menu was essentially what they had pre-made and displayed at the counter. My sister and I went to take a peek, but we were quickly overwhelmed by the options (and the lack of labels). Finally, the young woman offered to prepare us two combo plates. She asked if we had any preferences and we told her to surprise us.
Boy, did she surprise us.
The seafood plate she made us was loaded with seafood and cold salads:
There were mussels, anchovies, black eyed peas, beets, and broccoli. Everything was bright and fresh and delicious.
The meat plate was just as loaded:
There were meatballs, pork chunks, giant beans in tomato sauce, some kind of chili cheese spread, and a potato and olive salad.
No need for plates when you have grilled bread:
Everything was so amazing that we wanted to try more, starting with the octopus:
We wanted to combine the octopus with the other things we ordered, but we were lightly scolded by the young woman. Apparently certain things are not supposed to mix. Thus the separate plate of meatballs and pork, which my mother wanted more of. We added on some eggplant as well:
While my mother obviously enjoyed the meats, I thought the seafood options were actually more interesting and special. And that octopus! So freakin' tender!
I have no clue how the pricing at Tis Theatrou to Steki worked, but I do know that everything was ridiculously cheap. The first two plates? 7.50€. Total. The next two plates? 8.50€. So cheap!
I loved everything about Tis Theatrou to Steki. The laid back atmosphere, the little old Greek men sipping their ouzo, and of course, the food. Oh, the food. If you're looking for an authentic local experience, look no further. It doesn't get any better than this.
Tis Theatrou to Steki
3-5 Theatrou, Athens 10552, Greece
+30 21 0321 5438
Known as a local hangout for market workers, you'd be hard pressed to find a tourist in the sea of elderly Greek men. So when we rolled up in our full Chinese tourist family splendor, (who I assumed to be) the owner looked like he didn't know what to do with us.
After seating us at a table, he gave us a sheepish smile and explained that he didn't speak much English, but that he would send someone who did. A couple minutes later, a young woman came by. She told us that the menu was essentially what they had pre-made and displayed at the counter. My sister and I went to take a peek, but we were quickly overwhelmed by the options (and the lack of labels). Finally, the young woman offered to prepare us two combo plates. She asked if we had any preferences and we told her to surprise us.
Boy, did she surprise us.
The seafood plate she made us was loaded with seafood and cold salads:
There were mussels, anchovies, black eyed peas, beets, and broccoli. Everything was bright and fresh and delicious.
The meat plate was just as loaded:
There were meatballs, pork chunks, giant beans in tomato sauce, some kind of chili cheese spread, and a potato and olive salad.
No need for plates when you have grilled bread:
Everything was so amazing that we wanted to try more, starting with the octopus:
We wanted to combine the octopus with the other things we ordered, but we were lightly scolded by the young woman. Apparently certain things are not supposed to mix. Thus the separate plate of meatballs and pork, which my mother wanted more of. We added on some eggplant as well:
While my mother obviously enjoyed the meats, I thought the seafood options were actually more interesting and special. And that octopus! So freakin' tender!
I have no clue how the pricing at Tis Theatrou to Steki worked, but I do know that everything was ridiculously cheap. The first two plates? 7.50€. Total. The next two plates? 8.50€. So cheap!
I loved everything about Tis Theatrou to Steki. The laid back atmosphere, the little old Greek men sipping their ouzo, and of course, the food. Oh, the food. If you're looking for an authentic local experience, look no further. It doesn't get any better than this.
Tis Theatrou to Steki
3-5 Theatrou, Athens 10552, Greece
+30 21 0321 5438
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