Avli Restaurant in Athens, Greece

Avli is a hidden gem serving authentic Greek dishes in a charming alley near Monastiraki.

Avli is tucked away next to a shuttered, graffitied shop, and is easy to miss. The tiny entrance is labeled “αυλή” (Avli).

Inside, a small alley has been converted into a charming Greek courtyard with lots of small tables.

Avli’s small kitchen and pantry.

Doors of erstwhile workshops have been painted a cheery blue, and a dining area now occupies the open space in between.

The whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows, furniture, and music give the space a great Greek vibe.

The courtyard is actually quite long and features several tables.

Every available inch of the space has been used to maximize seating…

Each nook and cranny has been painted, decorated, and fitted with tables and chairs.

Water is served in the same bright red aluminum jugs that were used to deliver coffee to the workshops in the 80s.

Omelets are their specialty as it was the first dish they started serving apart from coffee and sweet liquors.

A colorful and refreshing Greek salad.

Keftedes (Greek meatballs) with onions are succulent on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Guests love Avli’s kolokithokeftedes (zucchini balls) and homemade dip.

The owner, Takis, worked as a server in the original coffee shop and then bought the place and turned it into a restaurant.