Bar Amore captures a laid-back simplicity that feels instantly familiar- like an Athenian aperitivo, reworked through the lens of an Italian-style tsipouradiko in Neos Kosmos.

Open from late 2024 and just seven minutes from Syngrou-Fix metro, it hasn’t taken long to find its crowd, settling into that early-evening sweet spot the city has been missing.

Here, Italian flair meets Greek meze, kefi and meraki in a way that just works. This Greco-Roman spritzeria that’s been quietly building a following- has become a go-to for locals looking to ease into the night. It sits somewhere between a bacaro and a cicchetti bar, but with a distinctly Athenian vibe.

What sets it apart is its sense of timing. Amore is a place built around aperitivo- where drinks start from 5pm and in doing so, it brings something fresh to Athens’ bar scene, blending Italian ritual with Greek comfort flavours and a laid-back, everyday approach to going out.

From Syngrou-Fix, a short walk leads you into a small square where tables spill out onto the street, conversations overlap, and glasses are rarely empty. There’s an ease to it- a kind of low-key buzz that builds gently and sets the tone for the rest of the night.

Inside, you’ll likely be greeted by Skevi Erotokritou, the owner and a familiar face within Athens’ bar scene. With a background that includes Blue Bird and Joshua Tree, her approach feels instinctive and is shaped by time spent travelling through Italy, particularly the South. As she explains, while northern aperitivo culture tends to get the spotlight, it was Sicily that felt closer to Athens- something that reflects the direction of Bar Amore.

At its core, the space is simple, authentic, and welcoming. There’s no sense of imitation- instead, a natural blending of Greek and Italian influences that feels inviting and lived-in. It’s this balance that defines Amore- not an Italian concept placed in Athens, but something that sits comfortably between the two.

Greco-Romana Atmosfera

The atmosphere leans warm and sociable- the kind of place you settle into even if you are doing it solo. Meze, wine, and spritzes move easily between the tables, carried by a sense of allegria, philoxenia, and dolce far niente– that familiar Mediterranean ease that keeps you there longer than planned.

The Amore Space

The design leans into a Mediterranean palette, grounded by earthy textures and a slightly retro, collected feel. Outside, small tables and stools line the street, while inside, the space stays intimate. Gingham tablecloths, candles set in reused wine bottles, and a handwritten wine list reflected in a mirror give it a sense of character- relaxed, a little nostalgic, and comfortably worn-in.

Behind the bar, the details build on that mood- a Palermo sign, vintage Metaxa bottles, and portraits of Italian icon Monica Bellucci and Greece’s late and much- beloved Marinella. Wood, glass, and small nods to Greek heritage sit alongside each other, giving the space a mix of references that feel like they’ve come together over time. 

Aperitivo & Cicchetti

The bar menu follows the same philosophy- simple combinations, handled with confidence. It moves easily between Italy and Greece, from mortadella Bologna and noumboulo to mozzarella and graviera, designed to be ordered gradually and shared across the table.

The drinks sit comfortably alongside, balancing Italian aperitivo staples like Campari and Averna with Greek touches such as Mastic and Tsipouro from Volos. It’s a list that encourages pairing- something bitter, something crisp, something to match the pace of the evening.

Standouts on the food side include burrata with mortadella, pistachio, basil pesto, and arugula, while the blue cheese chips with prosciutto and pickles are one of those dishes that has become a staple across the room. The Carpaccio di Manzo, finished with Pecorino Romano, arugula, and Sifnos capers, leans more classic, while a seasonal artichoke carpaccio, inspired by Florence and dressed simply with ladolémono, Parmesan, and sea salt, keeps things lighter.

On the drinks side, the focus leans into spritz culture, with a Cynar Citrus Spritz, a well-made Limoncello Spritz, and a rotating Negroni offering anchoring the list, as well as a few considered non-alcoholic options like a Crodino Spritz and alcohol-free Vergina Lager.

My Innamorata Moment

The Cynar Citrus Spritz stood out immediately- balanced, gently bitter, and layered- cutting through the richness of prosciutto and blue cheese while picking up the sharpness of the house pickles. While the Assyrtiko Anthesis 2022 from Charalamboglou Winery offered the perfect close to the night- crisp, restrained, and well suited to the pace of a long, unhurried catch-up.

When to go…

Between 5 and 7 p.m., there’s a softness to the pace- the true aperitivo window. Later in the evening, especially on weekends, the space fills out, but it never loses its sense of ease. 

Perfect for…

Easy catch-ups with friends, first dates, casual evenings and a solo aperitivo. 

Price range: €20–30 per person

Opening hours: Mon: Closed | Tue–Thu: 5 PM–12 AM | Fri–Sat: 5 PM–12:30 AM | Sun: 5 PM–12 AM

Location: Menaichmou 1–3, Athens 

Main image by Bar Amore