Mahairitsa Tavern, Athens
Lunch at Mahairitsa Tavern, tucked inside the bustling Varvakeios Central Municipal Market, turned out to be one of those meals that reminded us why we enjoy eating where the locals eat. There was nothing fancy about the place. Just simple tables, a lively atmosphere and a constant stream of regulars dropping by for their midday meal. That is usually a good sign.
We started with warm grilled pita served alongside three traditional dips. The smoky aubergine spread was my favourite, while the creamy taramasalata and bright yellow fava bean purée were equally satisfying. The earthy beetroot salad was refreshing and a welcome contrast to the richer dishes.
For mains, we shared grilled sardines, charcoal grilled prawns, fried calamari and a seafood pasta generously loaded with mussels and prawns. Everything was cooked simply, allowing the freshness of the seafood to shine. The sardines were wonderfully juicy, the prawns sweet and succulent, while the calamari was lightly crisp without being greasy. The seafood pasta was comforting rather than elaborate, with a rich tomato based sauce coating every strand of pasta.
To finish, we were treated to complimentary Greek yoghurt drizzled with honey and sprinkled with biscuit crumbs. Thick, creamy and not overly sweet, it was the perfect ending to a hearty local lunch.
It may not have been the most refined meal of our Greece trip, but it was certainly one of the most authentic. Surrounded by Athenians enjoying their lunch break, we felt like we had stepped briefly into everyday life rather than simply passing through as tourists. Sometimes, those are the meals you remember most.
