When we talk about brunch, we all know that we are not just talking about food, but about an entire experience. It is this relaxed breakfast that effortlessly becomes lunch, without a schedule and without the stress of everyday life. You get your coffee, order a special dish and sit with your friends to chat. It is no coincidence that it has become so popular in recent years in Athens. It is a mix of things that make it truly unique. The atmosphere, the music, the thoughtful spaces of the brunch spots and the feeling of dedicating some quality time to yourself.
The great thing about brunch is that it combines things that you could not find together before. A good coffee, creative dishes with fresh ingredients and a modern perspective at food. On the other hand, as enjoyable a brunch is, it will hardly replace the taverna which is deeply rooted in Greek culture. In Greece, food has never been just about filling our bellies. It’s the company, sharing with loved ones and sitting around a table for hours.
The tradition of the Greek tavern
There are things and habits that change over time, but there are also others that remain the same and the Greek tavern is one of those that definitely belongs to the second category. Habits and rhythms of life may have changed to a large extent, but the image of a group of people around a table full of meze remains unchanged. Greek taverns are not based on impressiveness, but on the essence and flavors that have grown up entire generations. They are based on good meat, fresh raw materials, and recipes that are passed down from generation to generation.
And there is something else. In the tavern, almost nothing is for one person. Everything gets in the middle of the table. You order a village wine, a tzatziki, a few appetizers, some meat and suddenly everyone is trying everything. It is definitely a different way to enjoy food. That is why most tourists who visit Greece are looking for an authentic Greek tavern. They want to try flavors that they will not easily find elsewhere and experience how Greeks eat when they go out with friends or family. Brunch may be a more modern concept, but the tavern remains perhaps the most authentic way to experience Greek culture.
Two different experiences
A comparison is often made as if we have to choose a camp. Either brunch or tavern. But in reality there is no reason to choose. They are two completely different experiences that you enjoy at different times of the day. Brunch is ideal when you want to start your day. It is lighter, more relaxed and is usually accompanied by coffee, juices or cocktails. It is a favorite habit before a walk in the city center or for a break from your exploration.
The tavern, on the other hand, is associated with lunch and dinner, with large groups and tables that last for hours. If you think about it, a visitor to Athens can easily enjoy both in the same day. Start with a good brunch in the morning and later go to a traditional Greek tavern for dinner.
And perhaps that is where the real magic of Greek gastronomy lies. In the fact that you can live different experiences without having to choose which one is best. Each one has its own character and its own value.
What do tourists prefer?
If you observe the habits of visitors to Athens, you will see that most of them start looking for trendy brunch spots and end up falling in love with Greek taverns. The reason is of course relatively simple. Brunch can be found almost everywhere in the world. The quality and aesthetics may differ, but the basic idea is similar. However, the Greek tavern is something very special. The visitors wants to try authentic Greek flavors. They want to try good souvlaki, ribs, feta cheese, greens, fresh fish or traditional cooked dishes.That is why many travel articles recommend a combination of experiences. A morning brunch to get energy and then an evening meal in an authentic tavern to get to know the local cuisine. What most travelers are looking for is not necessarily the most famous restaurant, but authenticity. A place where they will eat well and leave with an experience that they will remember for a long time when they return to their country. And in this area the Greek tavernas in Athens still have a very strong advantage.
So we could say that if someone asked us what to choose between brunch and a Greek tavern, our answer would be both. It’s not a matter of better or worse. It’s a matter of mood. Sometimes you want to enjoy a relaxed brunch with friends and other times you want to sit at a large table full of appetizers and spend hours chatting. Maybe that’s why Athens is considered one of the most interesting destinations in Europe when it comes to food.