Cookoomela Grill, Athens: Vegan Souvlaki with Soul
- Roman Witt
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Plant-Based Passion in the Heart of Exarchia
If you think you’ve tasted Greek street food, think again—because Cookoomela Grill in Exarchia flips tradition on its head, and fills it with mushrooms, lentils, and a whole lot of heart. This 100% vegan grill may be small in size, but it delivers big flavor, bold ethics, and warm hospitality, all thanks to the incredible vision of its founder Antonis Margaritis.
A true pioneer, Antonis didn’t just want to offer vegan souvlaki—he wanted to redefine what Greek street food can be. And with Cookoomela, he’s done exactly that.
🧆 Mushroom Magic: What’s on the Menu?
At Cookoomela, mushrooms are the main event—sliced, marinated, and grilled until they deliver the rich umami and bite that rivals meat. Whether you're vegan or just curious, you’ll find something to love among their flavorful wraps and burgers.
⭐ Signature Wraps (all 100% vegan)
The Yellow – With mustard mayo and herby grilled mushrooms
The White – Avocado cream, fresh tomato, sautéed mushrooms
The Red – Tomato sauce, almond cheese, lentil-based soutzoukakia
The Rainbow – A combo of sauces, textures, and color—customer favorite!
Each wrap is served in fresh, fluffy pita, packed with hand-cut fries, onions, tomatoes, and sauce. You can also order gluten-free lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
🍔 Other Favorites:
Vegan Mushroom Burger – Juicy, grilled, and served with love
Lentil Meatballs (Soutzoukakia) – Spiced, saucy, and deeply comforting
Hand-cut fries – Fried in olive oil, naturally
Vegan desserts & Sicilian-style cannoli – A sweet surprise to end your meal
Prices are budget-friendly (most dishes €4–6), making this a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying vegan lunch or dinner.
🧡 Meet Antonis: The Soul Behind Cookoomela
More than just the owner, Antonis is the heartbeat of this place. With over two decades in hospitality—including years in New York—he returned to Athens to create something meaningful. His idea? Use his platform to show that Greek comfort food can be compassionate, creative, and delicious.
“We Greeks love meat,” Antonis admits, “but people started queuing up after just two weeks.”– via Culinary Backstreets
Whether he’s working the grill, chatting with customers, or giving directions to the best bar in Exarchia, Antonis brings genuine warmth and joy to every interaction.
🍴 Small Space, Big Atmosphere
Cookoomela’s location on Themistokleous Street is humble and cozy, with just a handful of stools and a standing counter. But the vibe? Welcoming, artsy, and full of life—much like the Exarchia neighborhood itself.
There’s no flashy décor, but that’s the point. It’s authentic, approachable, and all about the food. Sustainable values guide everything from recyclable packaging to filtered water, and even the cleaning products are eco-friendly.
📍 Location & Opening Hours
Cookoomela Grill📍 Themistokleous 43–45, Exarchia, Athens🕒 Open daily: approx. 13:00–24:00🕒 Sundays: 14:00–22:00(Always check Instagram or Google for updates)
This is the kind of place you can swing by after exploring Exarchia, or grab a late-night bite on your way home from a gallery or concert nearby.
💬 What People Are Saying
“Tasty vegan souvlaki… well priced, fresh ingredients, friendly staff.” – HappyCow reviewer“The owner was lovely and welcoming. A must-visit for anyone in Athens.” – TripAdvisor“Best vegan burger I’ve ever had.” – Google Maps review“The rainbow wrap? Life-changing.” – Local foodie
✨ Final Thoughts: A New Greek Classic
Cookoomela Grill isn’t trying to imitate tradition—it’s creating a new kind of Greek street food that’s just as satisfying, just as soulful, and infinitely more sustainable. If you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just looking for something fresh and honest in the Athenian food scene, this is the place to be.
💡 Feeling inspired?Learn to bring Greek plant-based cooking into your own home at our Soybird Greek Cooking Classes – where we celebrate bold flavors, local ingredients, and a more mindful way to cook. 🇬🇷🌱🧑🍳
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