Anytime I’m traveling to a new place, I find myself browsing TikTok videos to find recommendations of must-visit restaurants in new destinations. Yet, online recommendations on social media must be taken lightly. Many times I’ve found myself visiting an over-hyped place I saw on social media, only to find the recommendation majorly disappointing. Yet, at the same time, some of my favorite places I’ve visited have been discovered through social media — so it’s often still worth a try.
On my recent trip to Greece, I set out to try the famous ‘O Thanasis’, a popular Greek restaurant located in Monastiraki Square in Athens. Though Most TikTok-famous restaurants disappoint, here’s how one lived up to the hype.
Expectations from social media
I first discovered O Thanasis while searching for places to eat in Athens. Like any good food recommendation, the photos of the delicious Yogurtloy Kebab initially caught my eye. As I watched more TikTok videos about O Thanasis Athens, the same dish seemed to appear in nearly every video.
This popular dish, prepared with lamb skewers, tomato sauce, and a tangy yogurt sauce, is served over pita bread, creating a saucy combination of mushy pita bread and soft, flavorful lamb. Many videos described the meat as “melt in your mouth,” convincing me that this dish was a must-try. With only two nights to spend in Athens, I headed out to O Thanasis for dinner with high expectations.
The authentic atmosphere
While the food pics alone were enough to convince me to dine at O Thanasis, I was also intrigued by its legendary status in the restaurant world. In 2023, this restaurant was ranked #42 by Taste Atlas on their list of 150 most legendary restaurants in the world. O Thanasis earned this award based on authentic soulvaki. You can even find the award listed on the wall by the entrance, showcasing how proud the restaurant is to have earned this legendary status. As you walk along the main street, you’ll find that this restaurant extends across multiple storefronts, leaving many tables open and available for walk-ins (reservations are not necessary).
When I first arrived at the restaurant, I was taken aback by its casual, laid-back atmosphere that felt authentic. In my experience, restaurants recommended on social media tend to have a more impressive atmosphere and ambiance, yet have disappointing food. In the case of O Thanasis Athens, the opposite is true. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, you won’t find that here. You will, however, experience an authentic Greek meal and enjoy some of the most delicious food in Athens.
What to order at O Thanasis Athens
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at O Thanasis, but try the Souvlaki or Yogurtloy Kebab for the most authentic experience (after all, it’s what this restaurant is known for). The menu here is simplistic and easy to navigate for tourists, as one side of the menu is written in English. I appreciated the little photos of the food too (which is always helpful when you like to see what you’re ordering).
Although the Yogurtloy Kebab was the most memorable part of this meal and the star of the show, I also enjoyed the pan-seared Saganaki grilled cheese, a traditional Greek appetizer.
