Kokoretsi Taverna
About
Kokoretsi Taverna offers an authentic Greek dining experience in the friendly Athens suburb of Nea Smyrni, where families can enjoy traditional mezze and grilled dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor seating area provides plenty of space for kids to feel comfortable while parents savor classic Greek flavors, and the welcoming staff are accustomed to serving families with children of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic Greek taverna experience in a local neighborhood away from touristy areas
- ✓Outdoor seating perfect for families with active children
- ✓Traditional mezze-style dining that works well for sharing and trying new foods
- ✓Welcoming staff experienced with family diners
- ✓Opportunity to experience Greek dining culture as locals do
Pro Tips
- 1.Greeks eat dinner late (9pm or later), but arriving around 7:30-8pm means you'll beat the local dinner rush and have more attention from staff while kids are still in good spirits.
- 2.Order a mix of mezze (small plates) to share so picky eaters can try different options. Tzatziki, bread, and grilled chicken are usually safe bets for hesitant young diners.
- 3.Nea Smyrni is a residential neighborhood, so download a translation app or have your hotel write the address in Greek for taxi drivers, as fewer people speak English here than in central Athens.
- 4.The taverna's outdoor seating is ideal for families as kids can move around more freely without disturbing other diners in a confined indoor space.
- 5.Ask for water without ice ('nero horis pagho') as tap water is safe but ice can sometimes upset sensitive stomachs adjusting to travel.
Best Time to Visit
Visit for lunch (1-3pm) or early dinner (7-8pm) when the atmosphere is more relaxed and kid-friendly. Weekday visits are typically quieter than weekends, and spring or fall offers the most comfortable outdoor dining weather.
What to Know
Prices are moderate ($$), and credit cards are widely accepted though having some euros cash is advisable. The taverna is a short walk from Nea Smyrni metro station, making it accessible for families using Athens public transportation.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but outdoor seating is most enjoyable during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild. Summer evenings can be warm but pleasant, while winter dining may be primarily indoors.
More Activities Near Nea Smyrni
Kastro Taverna Family Garden
Kastro Taverna Family Garden offers authentic Greek dining in a relaxed, garden setting where families can enjoy traditional cuisine without worrying about restless children. The spacious outdoor area gives kids room to move around between courses, while parents savor mezze and grilled specialties. With a dedicated children's menu and a laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for families to experience genuine Greek hospitality.
Psaropoulos Ice Cream
Psaropoulos Ice Cream is a beloved neighborhood gelateria in Nea Smyrni where locals bring their children for authentic Greek ice cream made fresh on site. This small, family-run shop offers a genuine taste of everyday Greek life away from tourist areas, with generous scoops of homemade flavors that kids absolutely adore. The welcoming atmosphere and budget-friendly prices make it a perfect sweet stop for families exploring the southern Athens suburbs.
Thalassa Cafe
Thalassa Cafe offers a relaxed Mediterranean setting where families can enjoy light meals, fresh juices, and snacks in the friendly Athens suburb of Nea Smyrni. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, parents can let kids unwind with child-friendly fare while taking a break from sightseeing in a neighborhood atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Negri Fokionos
Fokionos Negri is a beautifully tree-lined pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Nea Smyrni, offering a peaceful escape from Athens' busy streets. This charming park-like promenade features shaded walkways, benches, and small playgrounds perfect for letting little ones burn off energy while parents relax under the canopy of plane trees.