Open since 1968, Sissifos is in the touristy Plaka area on the northern slope of the Acropolis hill. A sidewalk hawker, who did a good job in filling up the outside roof garden with customers, lured my friend and me into this taverna. As advertised, there are great views of the vast Athens cityscape from the outside dining area, although the setting sun is very strong at dinnertime. Large sunbrellas will do their best to shield diners until sunset; then they are taken down ceremoniously by the waitstaff to improve the overall scope of the views. There is also a nice dining room with orange-tinted walls below the roof garden level, but this space was deserted on the day of our visit since the weather was fabulous outside.
Once you are seated, you are presented with some bottled mineral water, but it is not free. We were so thirsty that we accepted it eagerly, and then we ordered tall glasses of Alfa beer (I liked this a little better than the more popular Mythos brand). The bookish menu is very extensive and lists items in several languages. The Greek standards (like dolmades and moussaka) and the lamb with seasoned potatoes are delicious all the way around. The staff seemed pleasant and efficient enough, though my friend was pointedly comparing them to various family acquaintances.
Because of its touristy location, your typical tab at Sissifos will be in the moderate range, but that is not bad considering the quality of the food and the overall appeal of the dining experience. There is supposed to live music, but on the evening of our dinner there was none. As it was, the marvelous views of the city are entertaining enough.