Nolan

Nolan is a relaxed, modern bistro on Voulis Street, a couple of minutes' walk from Syntagma Square, and it has become one of the most reliable places in the centre for creative cooking at fair prices. The Michelin Guide awards it a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking and lists it in its most affordable price band.

The current incarnation, which Michelin calls Nolan 2.0, is run in the kitchen by chef Michalis Nourloglou. The menu is short and concise, mixing Greek cooking with ideas and ingredients from around the world. Dishes noted by the Michelin inspectors include sea bream tartare with the fresh fish of the day, dried fruit and a hint of citrus, and shredded, breaded beef cheeks on cream topped with truffle. Plates are designed to share, so ordering several for the table is the best approach.

The room is light and airy, with large windows onto the street, and there is a terrace for warmer weather. Service is friendly and well informed, which the Michelin Guide also praises. It is listed as family friendly, and the atmosphere is casual enough for a quick lunch as well as an unhurried dinner with friends. It suits travellers who have had their fill of traditional tavernas and want to see a newer side of Athens dining.

Nolan opens for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday, according to the Michelin Guide. Tables can be booked online through the restaurant's website, and booking is sensible for dinner, especially at weekends, as the dining room is not large. Ask about the dishes of the day, as the menu changes regularly.

Syntagma metro station is a short walk away, and the restaurant is well placed between Syntagma and Plaka, so it works for lunch between sightseeing stops at the Parliament, the National Garden and the Acropolis. The streets between Syntagma and Monastiraki are full of bars, so it is easy to continue the evening nearby. The same team also runs a second venue, Proveleggios, which can be booked through the same website. The air-conditioned dining room is comfortable in the summer heat, and credit cards are accepted.