by Katerina Vnatsioy

In front of you, a steaming plate of ladero. Next to you, plenty of feta. And even more bread. The wise Greek cuisine (and we ourselves, of course) always made sure these three went together. Ladera are summer’s favorites—and our appetite’s, too. What other category is both so tasty and so nutritious at the same time? Grab your fork (and the loaf of bread), and let’s go try some of the city’s most praised ones, while summer is still in full swing.

Taverna tou Oikonomou

This tavern has been exactly the same since 1930, when it first opened. The only change the new owner (who took over two years ago) made was a thorough refresh. But he didn’t touch the recipes—or the cooks, who have been preparing them here for decades. So the ladera (for which the tavern has always been famous) keep their place on the menu—and I don’t think they’ll ever leave. You’ll find zucchini, oven-baked eggplants (imam), okra, and stewed giant beans, as well as a “ladera platter” if you can’t decide. Don’t forget to dip the fluffy bread from Kora bakery into your plate—you won’t need anything else.
Kydantidon 32 & Troon 41, Petralona, 2103467555

Therapeftirio

Just a few steps from Oikonomou’s tavern (right across the street), you’ll find Therapeftirio—which a friend of mine calls “the doctor of the poor.” Meat dishes, home-style stews, fresh fish, delicious seafood—there’s nothing this “doctor” doesn’t cook. Among all these delights of Greek cuisine, don’t skip the ladera: giant beans, okra, green beans, and proper gemista at proper prices. Finally—because honestly, how expensive can okra get?
Kydantidon 41, Petralona,  2103412538

Filippou


This restaurant is not just about pots, trays, and aromas—it’s a piece of the city itself. For over 100 years, it has fed all of Athens: politicians, prime ministers, artists, and workers alike—because when it comes to food, we’re all equal. Every day, 25 different dishes are cooked in Filippou’s kitchen: half for lunch, half for dinner. And of course, ladera hold a special place: green beans, peas, eggplants, giant beans, briam, okra, and the famous gemista.
Xenokratous 19, Kolonaki, 2107216390

Vlassis

Another historic restaurant with decades weighing on its pots is Vlassis. Its kitchen loves preparing all those Greek classics we grew up with, staying faithful to tradition—and to great flavor.
Naturally, ladera are never missing from the menu. In fact, they are enriched daily: gemista, peas, spinach rice, green beans, briam, and imam with Tsakonian eggplants so good you’ll lick your fingers!
Maiandrou 15, Ilisia, 2107256335

Koutsou & Co

In the quiet embrace of an Athenian arcade, Argyro (Koutsou) welcomes you with care and kindness, serving whatever the pot yielded that day. The few tables are adorned with jars of fresh flowers and linen tablecloths. In the kitchen, fine olive oil is never missing. How could her gemista not be perfect—or that lemony briam, topped generously with crumbled feta? Every day there’s also a “ladero of the day”—ideal for dipping plenty of bread and savoring every bite.
Xenofontos 15A, Syntagma,  210 3252848