Walking through the streets of Athens, you’ll quickly discover that gourmet food doesn’t always require white tablecloths and fine dining. Sometimes, it fits perfectly between two slices of bread. In recent years, the humble sandwich has been elevated in the Greek capital, with a new generation of chefs and bakers turning this everyday street food into a true gastronomic experience.
Gone are the days of simple ham and cheese between supermarket slices. Today’s Athenian sandwiches are made with slow-cooked meats, handcrafted sourdoughs, small-batch cheeses, fresh herbs, and house-made sauces. Whether you’re in the mood for a buttery brioche stuffed with lobster or a focaccia filled with 16-hour smoked brisket, these sandwiches reflect both global influences and local passion.
Here’s a tour of 8+1 must-try gourmet sandwiches in Athens, from historic sandwich shops to trendsetting newcomers:
1. Marketta – Syntagma
Lekka Street
At this cozy spot near Syntagma Square, Erika Kross crafts sandwiches with soul. The highlight? A handmade focaccia filled with crispy breaded chicken, bitter chicory, and a homemade caper mayo — a warm, comforting bite with a gourmet twist.
2. KORA – Kolonaki
Anagnostopoulou Street
This stylish bakery is where bread dreams come true. Their loaves are slowly fermented and carefully baked, and they often sell out fast. One standout? A focaccia sandwich with mortadella, creamy manouri cheese, roasted tomatoes, pistachio pesto, and fresh mesclun greens — a fresh, layered flavor bomb.
3. Po’ Boys BBQ – Psyrri
Agias Irinis Square
Bringing Southern US BBQ to downtown Athens, Po’ Boys is a temple of slow-smoked meat. Their brisket sandwich, smoked low and slow and served in a fluffy roll with inspired toppings, is a must for meat lovers. Chef Vasilis Sporos has mastered the grill — and it shows.
4. The Black Salami – Exarchia
Corner of Mavromichali & Methonis
A cult favorite with daily queues (that no one minds waiting in), this small bakery delivers some of the city’s most coveted sandwiches. Try their signature “UFO” bun filled with crispy bacon, cheeses, lettuce, and tomato — simple, indulgent, and unforgettable.
5. Carpus – Kypseli
Fokionos Negri area
Chef Michalis Vrachiotis combines deep culinary knowledge with street food sensibility. His showstopper: focaccia filled with 16-hour slow-cooked brisket, BBQ sauce, spinach, pickled cabbage, cucumber pickles, and wild mustard. Crunchy, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
6. Nosh Lobster & Brioche – Kolonaki
Kapsali Street
Just a few months old, Nosh has already become the go-to for lobster rolls in Athens. Their buttered brioche roll packed with juicy lobster, hollandaise sauce, and a sprinkle of chives is luxury in every bite.
7. Guarantee – Koukaki
Veikou Street
With over 35 years of history, Guarantee is a local legend. Their secret? A huge selection of premium ingredients and uncompromising quality. Try the white ciabatta filled with French goat cheese, roast beef, grilled mushrooms, and a duo of pesto sauces — one with chives, the other with sweet red peppers.
8. Focacceria Napul’è – Syntagma
Petraki Street
Chef Francesco Granata’s focaccia alone is worth the visit. Build your sandwich with imported Italian cheeses and cured meats, like in their standout “Rustica” — a rich combo of prosciutto cotto, mortadella, burrata mousse, roasted potato cream, and fresh vegetables.
+1: everest – Various Locations
All around Athens
No gourmet list is complete without acknowledging the classic. everest has been fueling Athens for decades. Their grab-and-go sandwiches offer creative combinations too. Two favorites: the vegetarian carob baguette with feta, tomato, green olive tapenade, red pepper chutney and olive oil; and a bold ciabatta stuffed with spicy meatballs, pesto rosso tomato sauce, smoked cheese, fries, and mayo.
