ATHENS | If you’re a fan of Greek pita wraps, especially if you’re a purist, Lefteris o Politis is a must visit. The tiny standing room only spot was opened in 1951 by Istanbul-born refugee Stavros Savvoglou, and has been serving up the same excellent souvlaki, or to be precise, tylichtis, ever since.
Named for Stavros’ son, Lefteris, the venue is today run by his son, Tasos. Wrapping each tylichtis to order is Christos Patestos, a familiar face at the front window who took over from Lefteris in 2005. Unlike the gyros or souvlaki that you might be used to, the pita here is served with marinated long meatball and sausage like kebabs (bifteki and soutzouki), sprinkled with a bit of paprika and, if you choose the spicy option, chilli flakes. Rumour has it that there’s a special spice blend for those who ask for it ‘extra spicy’.
Along with meat (a closely guarded five ingredient recipe), the pita is also filled with tomatoes, onion, and fresh parsley. And that’s it. It’s the old school way, with fries and tzatziki not really becoming common fillings until the 1980s. And you know what? These don’t need anything more.
The meat is juicy and wonderfully charred, and the soft, fluffy pita, pushed against the kebabs while grilling for an infusion of fat and meat sauce, is wonderful. Grab one each of the regular and spicy versions, and you’re in tylichtis heaven.
Lefteris o Politis
Satovriandou 20
Athina 104 32
Greece
Telephone: 021 0522 5676
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 10:00am to 9:30pm
Sat: 10:00am to 5:30pm