DK Travel : Athens

Athens is simultaneously known as the Classical, marble-pillared cradle of Western civilization and as a modern urban sprawl of concrete and traffic. Between the extremes lies a kaleidoscopic city, where the influences of East and West entwine in the markets, cafés and tavernas, built upon ancient ruins and rubbing shoulders with gold-leafed Byzantine churches.

Ratka

A Kolonaki classic, this distinguished restaurant is still the preferred dining scene of Athens’ elite. Serves a global mix of dishes in refined surroundings.
Rebecca Camhi Gallery

This gallery presents both Greek and foreign contemporary artists. Visits by appointment. Check the website for current exibitions.
Red

Set in Athinais (see Athinais), Red is all opulent sofas, velvet drapes and stone walls. Within this seductive world, Yiannis Tselepis turns out the most exotic versions of Mediterranean cuisine in town, hitting a peak in dishes like tournedos-rossini of wild boar and foie gras.
Red-Figure

A revolutionary method of Classical vase-painting: the outlines of figures are painted on with red glaze, creating flowing, active images.
Rembetika Emerges, 1870s

When the Greeks came out of 400 years of Turkish occupation, one of the first art forms to coalesce was rembetika, a form of music that can be compared, culturally, to the American Blues. Heavily influenced by music and instruments from Asia Minor, rembetika lyrics tell of life’s underside: drugs, destitution, erotic love and squalor.
Rembetiki Istoria

The original moulded walls and ceilings of this favourite bar, tucked into an early 20th-century building, are a nice contrast with the earthy music.
Republic, Plato

Still the blueprint for the best way to run a government.
Restaurant 24 Hours

A stand-by for the wee small hours, with an enormous menu that ranges from taverna fare to schnitzel to pasta.
Retsina

Not subtle, but affection for this wine with pine resin cuts across all age and class barriers.
Rock ‘n’ Roll

There is nothing rock ‘n’ roll about this Kolonaki classic, just vintage hits, suited businessmen tucking into steak and chips and a Saturday post-shopping crowd.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- €50-€60
- €over €60