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The economic crisis has forced us to remember our mothers’ authentic and economical cuisine. Here are 10 places in Athens where you can enjoy wonderful homemade dishes without spending a fortune.

Kitsoulas

The place does not get old. It is a fantastic choice for those who love cheap homemade food in the northern suburbs. The food has been the same for years, with constant quality. Baked lamb, lamb stew with fried potatoes, lentils, beans and many other dishes from Kitsoulas’s kitchen every day and no one will be disappointed.

Information: 25 Filikis Eterias, Halandri, 2106814798.

Hitirio

Located in Agios Dimitrios it is one of the most delicious eateries. Very experienced chef Costas Sintakas cooks here every day, presenting daily Greek cuisine. The ordinary hall with wooden tables and chairs offers only dishes of the day. All kinds of legumes, such as peas, lentils, okra and more alternate on the menu. The pies are always made of a hand-made filo pastry and the moussaka and Pastitsio are always present on the menu, as well as cooked meat. And all this is offered at incomparably low prices. Information: Hitirio, 9 Aidiniou, Agios Dimitrios, 210 9713282, 10-13 euro / person, www.xitirion.gr.

Filippou

Located in Kolonaki, Filippou has existed since 1923. This place in Xenokratous Street has been preferred by people of all ages for years, as well as by celebrities who love enjoying some of the best cooked dishes. Lamb with lemon, rooster stew, squid, okra, beans and a lot of other favourite traditional dishes can be found here. Information: 19 Xenokratous, Kolonaki, 210 7216390.

Manas Kouzina Kouzina

This is a relatively new place in Agia Irini. The restaurant is small, with beautiful decor, a black and white tiled floor and a large hot showcase with all meals of the day. You can try exclusive dishes from various Greek regions, such as "Kleftiko" from Crete, pasta with zucchini from Naxos, "sofiko" from Ikaria, hotchpotch with aubergines from Naxos and many others. Appetizers are also served after 10:30 p.m.

Information: 27 Elou, 210 3252335, www.facebook.com/manaskouzinakouzina.

Papandreou

The historical restaurant in the meat market, with its famous lamb soup "magiritsa" and lovely tripe soup, has recently moved to the next street. Every day, you can try delicious soups, traditional beans, as well as chicken with potatoes, pasta, stuffed peppers and fresh sausages. Information: 68 Elou, 210 3214970.

Melilotos

The place boasts international fame. You will sit on tables placed right on the sidewalk and enjoy various dishes, such as peas with artichokes and fennel, beans with mushrooms and red peppers in the oven, pie with yogurt and handmade filo pastry. All meals are of the day and altered daily. Information: 19 Kalamiotou, Athens centre, 210 3222458, http://www.melilotos.gr/en/.

Diporto

This wonderful underground facility takes us back to years ago when taverns were a favourite for the Athenians. The wooden tables, large pans and barrels in the décor create an authentic atmosphere, which is ideal for you to try various specialties, such as chickpeas, sardines, sprat and cod, potato stew with celery, etc. Information: 9 Sokratous & Teatrou, 210 3211463.

Oikonomou

This is one of the first taverns in Petralona which has still retained the quality of food, as well as its visitors. The old-fashioned spirit is reminiscent of other times and the wonderful dishes complement the breath of old Athens. You will find beef stew, oven-baked lamb with potatoes, squid with spinach, beans, stuffed cabbage and pork with leeks and celery. Information: Oikonomou, 41 Troon & Kydantidon, Ano Petralona, 210 3467555.

Trifili

If you are fans of Olympiakos, you must overcome it and visit the place which is close to Panathinaikos Stadium at least once. It has been unchanged since 1962, when it first opened. The big barrels, small tables and wonderful smells of the few dishes (just 7-8) will win you over. Be sure to try cod with garlic sauce, which is unique, as well as stuffed fresh cabbage leaves, meatballs and chicken livers. Information: 7 Panathinaikou, Ampelokipoi, 210 6446585.

Rozalia

This has also been a classic place in Exarcheia for years. It is open around the clock and cherishes the philosophy of Greek cuisine. During the summer, its garden opens and there you can enjoy stuffed cabbage, meatballs with sauce, pork with sauce and stew. It is a favourite place for students. Information: Exarchia Square, 210 3302133, http://www.rozalia.gr/?language=en.