Where to begin? Kouklis may be one of the best kept secrets in Plaka, from tourists, that is! I have been to Kouklis many times since 2004 on several different trips. This restaurant is the epitome of the traditional Greek dining experience, without going overboard or finding yourself in a tourist trap or "turn and burn" type of taverna.
Here is what you can expect: A small two-story traditional taverna with a fantastic porch in which to dine or enclosed if you prefer the warmth and nice smells on those cooler nights. Also, upstairs has two very small outside porches that will accommodate 2 people seeking a more romantic setting. The food is very traditional Greek meze. Meze are smaller portions in which you will be inclined to try several different plates of various dishes. Especially nice here are the homemade dolmades in a light lemon sauce, the lightly fried eggplant, the tzaziki, Greek village salad and the flaming sausages which are always a hit. The waiter will bring to your table a large try with anywhere from 8-12 different meze plates; try them all! The prices are very reasonable per plate (usually 2-4 euros each) and a meal for two will come with a bottle of water, a carafe of red or white wine and bread.
If you are seeking a delicious alternative to souvlaki platters or gyros and don't want to find yourself in a crowd of gawking passers-by and street hustlers dropping by your table every 3 minutes, you simply must try Kouklis when visiting Plaka in Athens.
Tip: Sunday afternoons are fantastic for people watching from the upper or lower porch areas. Locals come in to this area for a volta (stroll) and the fashion and people watching is fantastic.
Enjoy!