The Greeks know how to do skewers, especially when it comes to olive oil-drenched pork or chicken on a stick, or even better, wrapped in pita bread and cushioned by French fries. Surprisingly, some of the best street food in Athens isn’t Greek at all. Birdman, a Japanese pub below Syntagma Square, serves yakitori and kushiyaki—including neck-to-tail cuts—in a warm, dimly lit room. Try the Ume Bloody Mary and linger for a second cocktail—there’s a Japanese-designed Hi-Fi system that plays music at all hours. —Elena Clavarino

Elena Clavarino is a Senior Editor at AIR MAIL