Athens isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think about good sushi, but that’s changing fast. Fresh fish arrives daily from the islands, a handful of chefs have trained in Japan itself, and a few addresses prove you can eat serious sushi far from East Asia. Here are five spots worth knowing, from the most intimate omakase counter in the city to a lively izakaya with a proper sake list.

Sushimou, Syntagma

This isn’t really a restaurant in the usual sense. It’s a twelve-seat bar where chef Antonis Drakoularakos, who trained in Japan, works in a traditional edomae (a traditional style of hand-pressed nigiri sushi) style. There’s no fixed menu. You say “omakase” and the chef decides what to serve, course by course, based on whatever’s freshest that day. It’s an experience, not a quick meal, so book ahead and leave yourself some time. Expect to pay around €50 per person, depending on the season and what the market brings in.

Address: Skoufou 6, Syntagma Website: sushimou.gr

Shiraki, Syntagma

A small, warm, almost family-run place where Japanese chef Shinya Shiraki prepares everything by hand. There’s sashimi, nigiri, and a wide range of rolls, but the salads are what regulars keep coming back for, especially the green salad with sesame dressing. Prices are fair for the quality.

Address: Nikis 17, Syntagma Website: shiraki.gr

Akira Sushi Bar, central Athens

Akira’s original branch is in Ilioupoli, but the central location is far more convenient if you’re already exploring downtown. Expect varied rolls, poke bowls, and Greek tuna that actually tastes like it. The vibe is relaxed, the cocktails are solid, and the prices let you order a bit of everything without overthinking it.

Address: Stadiou 30 at Korai 4, near Klafthmonos Square Website: akirasushibar.gr

Nakama, Kolonaki

A casual, approachable sushi bar that’s become known as one of the best-value spots in the area. Playful roll names, quick and friendly service, and a shrimp salad with wasabi and yuzu-truffle dressing that keeps coming up in recommendations. A solid choice for a fast lunch or a low-key evening without spending much.

Address: Massalias 5, Kolonaki, near Panepistimio metro station Website: nakama.gr

GAKU Sushi Izakaya, Syntagma

If Sushimou is about quiet focus, GAKU is the opposite: a proper Japanese izakaya with a long sake list, cocktails, and a menu that runs well past sushi into modern Japanese classics. It picked up a star at the FNL Best Restaurant awards, and it suits a proper night out with friends better than a quick lunch.

Address: Apollonos 2, Syntagma Website: gakusushi.com

The takeaway

Athens deserves a second look next time you’re here. There are indeed many mediocre places, like in any city, but if you know where to go you can find very good quality. There’s real range on offer, from Sushimou’s quiet counter and Nakama’s easy prices to GAKU’s lively izakaya scene, and something here fits almost any mood or budget.