Tastes with heritage, tales touched by the scent of Greece.

Every corner of Athens holds a story. But there are a few places that don’t just hold onto history, they live it and share it every single day. One of these places is the historic taverna Kouvelos, which has been serving flavors, memories, and warm hospitality continuously since 1906.
 

It all began in a small shed on Lembesi Street, next to the Acropolis Museum, where brothers Giannis and Spyros Kouvelos created a courtyard filled with wine barrels and hearts thirsty for conversation, meze, and good company. The taverna quickly became a gathering spot for Athenians, workers, artists, politicians, and neighbors alike. Among them was the beloved actor Orestis Makris, who found both inspiration and moments of joy within its walls.

The walls were once painted with murals by folk artists who traded their art for a warm meal and a glass of wine. It felt more like a home than a business, a place that was genuine, welcoming, and full of life.

Kouvelos passed from family to family, always preserving its soul and character.
In 2003, it came into the hands of the current family, who brought it back into the spotlight, with deep respect for its history, and an open heart toward the present.
The move to 66 Gennaiou Kolokotroni Street in Koukaki wasn’t just a change of location, it was a new beginning with roots firmly planted in the past.
 

In today’s Kouvelos courtyard, you’ll still find the whitewashed walls, old barrels, and wooden tables, details that carry the nostalgia of another Athens. But behind this scene of yesterday, the heart of our kitchen beats to the rhythm of today.

Our chef, Charalampos Vassiliadis, and his team seek out the finest Greek ingredients from small-scale producers, choosing materials with identity, care, and quality. From water buffalo meat from Lake Kerkini and handmade pasta, to fruits, herbs, and nuts from across Greece, we build a menu that honors tradition while speaking the language of the present.

These aren’t just updated recipes, they’re evolved memories. Dishes that stay true to their character but come to life through modern techniques, proper grilling, balanced flavors, and fresh ingredients.
 

Kouvelos is not just a restaurant. It’s a living organism, one that grows, changes, matures, but always stays true to its core authenticity.

It’s a home that opened its doors over a century ago, and still keeps them open to every guest in search of something real.

Our story doesn’t end here.

We write it every day, with you, at our table. ♡