Athens’ 15 Most Mouthwatering & Unmissable Burgers

Big Nick takes a daring approach to burgers, emphasizing ingredients that are obtained locally and freshly. Their flagship dish, the Big Nick burger, is a beef patty topped with caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce that tastes rich and filling. With jalapenos, cheddar, and house-made spicy sauce, the Spicy Nick amps up the heat – perfect for anyone who likes a little kick. For a fusion twist, the Spicy Korean burger stands out, blending a beef patty with kimchi, gochujang sauce, and pickled cucumber, producing a savory and acidic balance of flavors. Serving hand-cut fries or a crisp coleslaw alongside its gourmet burgers, Big Nick takes pride in its no-nonsense approach to cooking.

145 Vouliagmenis, Nea Smyrni

02

Tarantino

The unpretentious atmosphere and attention to quality ingredients sets this place apart. The El Capone burger stands out with a juicy 200g beef patty, cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy BBQ sauce for a bold flavor combination. For a spicier kick, try the Bonnie & Clyde burger. It features a 160-gram patty, jalapenos, cheddar, and hot sauce for a balance of heat and creaminess. Those looking for a more decadent option can indulge in the Truffle Shuffle, in which truffle mayo elevates the rich beef patty with layers of cheddar and caramelized onions. The menu leans toward robust, well-seasoned creations, with fresh-cut sweet potato fries and craft beers on the side. With a focus on artisanal takes on classic American flavors, Tarantino maintains a neighborhood feel with a contemporary twist on comfort food. Vegetarians will love the portobello mushroom burger with truffle mayo and grilled haloumi cheese.

Dimitrakopoulou 17, Koukaki

This place on Patriarchou Ioakim street is known for its smash burgers, thin beef patties with crispy edges, and juicy fillings. The menu is based on organic and homemade ingredients. The patties are made with 100% forty-day dry-aged beef, the chicken is free-range, the potato rolls are made with selected Greek flours, the cheese, bacon, and tomato are organic, the sauces are made in-house, and the potatoes are from Naxos.

We recommend the classic Teddy’s with the double patty, the Moldo for mushroom lovers, and the Korean Fried Chicken with the nicely crispy breaded chicken and kimchi.

Patriarchou Ioakim 48, Kolonaki

04

Ekiben Kitchen

It was New York-raised chef and restauranteur Aris Vezene who first introduced Athens to smash burgers. And he did it most enticingly. First at Birdman, a Japanese gastropub in Syntagma, and now also at Ekiben Kitchen, which is inspired by Japanese bento railway culture, he serves up a delicious Smash Burger. It’s easy to make this burger disappear in two to three bites. The cooks use two thin patties made from grass-fed cow meat (he creates his own blend of different cow meat), topped by melted American cheese, homemade tonkatsu ketchup, chopped lettuce and onions, and homemade, fluffy potato rolls. Also delicious is the Chicken Katsu burger, with Japanese coleslaw, pickled cucumber, and wasabi aioli.

Skoufou 15, Syntagma

05

Po‘ Boys

Here, the chef has created a menu that revolves around their signature smoking station, where every kind of meat – whether it’s brisket, ribs, or burgers – is smoked to perfection. The Holy Cow burger is a standout, featuring a smoked beef patty made from Serres beef, topped with caramelized onions, cheddar, a rich cheese fondue, and house-made BBQ sauce, all served on a buttery brioche bun. The smoked beef patty retains a pink hue, a signature characteristic of the smoking process, not its doneness, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. This burger, like all the offerings at Po’ Boys, comes with a side of perfectly crisp, golden fries that complement the richness of the burger. With its focus on slow-smoked meats and Southern BBQ traditions, this place delivers a hearty, flavor-packed experience in a laid-back setting.

Agatharhou 12 & Lepeniotou, Psirri

06

Juicy Grill

Juicy Grill has become a local favorite for its bold, creative burgers and hearty portions. The Matty’s Burger stands out with a juicy beef patty, sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, iceberg lettuce, and signature BBQ sauce, offering rich, smoky flavors. For a crunchy option, the Fluffy Fried Chicken burger features a perfectly fried chicken filet, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and mayo, delivering a satisfying bite. Another hit is The Billion, served on garlic buns with regato cheese, double bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Caesar’s sauce. Complementing these burgers is an impressive selection of appetizers, including their crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings, served with blue cheese sauce, and the Cheddar Bacon Fries, loaded with melted cheese and crunchy bacon bits. With its laid-back ambiance, generous portions, and focus on bold flavors, Juicy Grill offers a satisfying experience for any burger lover.

Paleon Patron Germanou 7

07

Food Str

Even though it’s centrally located, this place is at the same time hidden away on the pedestrian Kalamiotou street, near a cluster of fabric shops. Their burgers might be small but they’re also affordable, and what can be described as honest. Thus, if you have a bit of a raging appetite, you can easily try two together with fries. Go for the mushroom burger with three different kinds of mushrooms, parmesan flakes, lettuce, and a generous serving of mayonnaise. Also, the chicken burger with the nicely grilled chicken breast and pickles, homemade tomato sauce, and mayonnaise, is satisfyingly succulent. The Mediterranean burger with feta and olive paste makes a nice change from American classics.

Kalamiotou 14, Agias Irinis Square, Monastiraki

08

Jackaroo

Jackaroo has become a staple in Athens’ fast comfort food scene, blending fried chicken and burger culture under one energetic roof. Their menu leans hard on big flavor—signature Chicken Melt sandwiches, stacked burgers, loaded “mega” sandwiches, and crunchy fried chicken fingers with a corner turned on sauces. Everything is cooked to order: buns are sourced locally, meats served fresh, and sauces are made in house. The style is bold, unpretentious, and loud—built for grabbing, digging in, and going back for more. Jackaroo also has chains in Panormou, Neos Kosmos, Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Fokionos Negri 18, Kypseli

Bright, playful and centered on smash burgers, Saint’s by Mpoumpou has drawn attention with its stripped-down menu and bold style. The star is the beef smash burger, thin patties with crisp edges, served with minimal toppings that highlight the seared meat. A chicken option rounds out the offering, with golden fries and tangy house sauces. The interior bursts with color and pop culture references, creating a lighthearted and vibrant setting. It’s a small space with a lot of personality, and a firm nod to the fast-casual spirit done right.

Pinelopis Delta 8, Neo Psychiko

Burger Disco Club merges burgers with nightlife in an underground setting that transforms after dark. By day and evening, the focus is on creative, gourmet burgers crafted with care, often paired with artisanal sauces and sleek presentation. Once night falls, the venue evolves into a listening bar and club, with curated music and cocktails. The dual identity gives the burgers extra buzz, making them part of a bigger experience. Its retro-futuristic decor and eclectic beats add to the sense of discovery for anyone looking for something beyond the classic burger house.

Nikis 11, Syntagma

11

Sam Burgers

Sam Burgers has earned steady acclaim in Koukaki, praised for its flavorful patties and unfussy approach. The burgers lean on freshness and balance: juicy beef with well-chosen toppings, tucked inside soft buns that hold together without overwhelming the fillings. Sweet potato fries and simple sides complement the menu. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with a straightforward authenticity that feels reassuring in the city’s fast-moving burger scene.

Dimitrakopoulou 82, Koukaki

12

Burgernauts

Here you’ll find a playful cosmic theme and a menu dedicated to smash burgers. The space-themed decor adds humor and lightness, while the food keeps things serious: crisp-edged patties pressed thin on the griddle, topped with melting cheese, tangy sauces, and soft buns built to hold the flavor. The vibe is casual, quirky, and youthful, appealing to anyone looking for a fun twist on the smash burger wave without compromising on execution.

Spirou Merkouri 22B, Pangrati

12

Starlight

Starlight pushes the burger scene into new territory by offering both meat and vegan options with equal care. Their lineup features juicy beef burgers alongside plant-based creations, with monthly specials that keep regulars intrigued. Think smoky vegan patties with inventive toppings or classic cheeseburgers with a twist, always presented with bold flavor combinations. With locations downtown and in Glyfada.

Kolokotroni & Praxitelous 1, Syntagma

13

Four Hands

Four Hands has quickly become one of the city’s hottest burger destinations, created by chefs Giorgos Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos. Their take on the smash burger is elevated with fine dining precision: juicy Black Angus patties seared to perfection, layered with caramelized onions, pancetta, melted cheese, pickles, fermented mustard, and their signature “Dripping Knowledge” sauce. The buns are crafted from potato brioche, fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold the rich fillings. A standout side are the churros-style fries, crisp golden potato sticks served with an array of house sauces, while dessert lovers can indulge in sweet churros with chocolate or salted caramel.

Pl. Filikis Eterias 3, Kolonaki

14

Guerilla Chef

The new outpost of Guerilla Chef in Neos Kosmos pares things back to basics, offering a minimal menu built around a perfected cheeseburger. Diners can opt for a single or double version, each made with high-quality beef, melted cheese, and soft buns. The emphasis is on precision: well-sourced meat, exact cooking, and consistency in flavor. It’s a stripped-down, no-nonsense approach that relies on doing one thing very well. The pared aesthetic of the space mirrors the menu—clean, modern, and focused.

Spintharou 21, Neos Kosmos

15

ONE Burger

A futuristic brand identity on the Athens burger map, sleek in both design and execution. The menu is streamlined, centered on cheeseburgers that focus on clean lines of flavor—juicy patties, crisp lettuce, and signature sauce in perfectly proportioned buns. Presentation is minimal yet confident, designed to highlight quality ingredients rather than excess. The pared-down aesthetic of the space matches its food philosophy, aiming for impact through simplicity. With an eye toward expansion, it’s a concept that signals ambition from its first bite.

Agathonos 7, Psyrri