Discover the best places to eat, drink and shop in Kolonaki, the chicest neighbourhood of Athens.
Tucked into the graceful slopes of Lycabettus Hill, Kolonaki is where high fashion, café culture, and old-world glamour effortlessly converge. Once the exclusive domain of Athens’ social elite- this polished neighbourhood now draws art lovers, coffee aficionados, and discerning locals alike. Neoclassical mansions stand shoulder to shoulder with designer boutiques from Dior to Prada, while the city’s creative crowd lingers over espresso in open-air cafés and curated bookstores.
But to truly savour Kolonaki beyond its polished surface, take your time. Dine in chic bistros, sip espresso at sidewalk cafés, and unwind in intimate wine bars as the city transitions from day to night. This is where politicians rub shoulders with fashion insiders, the pace softens, and people-watching becomes an art form. Consider this your definitive guide to eating and drinking your way through one of Athens’ most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Eat + Drink
Brunch time…
Philos Athens: Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, this all-day spot serves an excellent breakfast– perfectly cooked eggs, top-notch coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger.
Queen Bee: An all-day bakehouse in a chic 1940s Art Deco setting, serving freshly made croissants, cinnamon buns, and crispy pies.
Me: Light, airy, and filled with lush greenery, this spot offers fresh juices, delicious smoothies, and excellent coffee.
Zinglee: A sophisticated Parisian bistro vibe with highlights like Tsoureki French Toast, eggs benedict, and melted chocolate pancakes topped with seasonal berries.
Zurbaran: Sleek all-day bar and restaurant featuring mini tacos and grilled avocado with marinated salmon, plus a fabulous outdoor dining area.
Best Coffee…
Filion Café: A hub for artists and thinkers, serving excellent coffee alongside homemade Greek and French-inspired desserts.
Da Capo: Kolonaki’s iconic Italian-style café, perfect for people-watching over a specially blended coffee amid locals, celebrities, and politicians.
Cultivos: Relaxed atmosphere with great coffee and a tasty selection of sweets, sandwiches, and light bites.
Long, lazy lunch…
Mpirmpilo: Charming old-world tavern known for authentic Greek classics like arakas stew, gemista, and soutzoukakia meatballs.
Nikkei Florestra: Innovative Peruvian-Japanese fusion in a bright, aromatic setting that transports you straight to Peru.
Brutus Tavern: Upscale underground steakhouse famous for olive-fed Wagyu Tomahawk and dry-aged burgers, paired with a premium wine list. (Closed for the season, reopens in autumn.)
Brunello: Modern Italian eatery celebrated for creative, artful dishes and an impressive wine selection.
Frankie: Casual Italian bistro and bar offering fresh handmade pasta and authentic Sicilian-inspired fare.
Standout Dining…
Simul: Modern Greek bistro spotlighting seasonal, organic ingredients and creative dishes like deconstructed moussaka and lamb tataki- paired with boutique Greek wines in a sleek setting.
Iodio: Seafood-focused gem from talented chef Georgianna Hiliadaki, blending Mediterranean tradition with modern technique; expect dishes like Sea Urchin Risotto in an elegant, minimalist space.
Oikeio: One Michelin star with a rustic-chic vibe, serving reimagined Greek classics like moussaka and octopus, this is perfect for cozy evenings or sidewalk dining in summer.
Papadakis: Fine dining by renowned chef Argiro Barbarigou, combining signature Greek recipes with stunning city views.
Treat Yourself…
Désiré: Classic pastry shop offering timeless treats from syrupy chestnuts to delicate millefeuille.
The Dark Side of Chocolate: A French vintage-inspired chocolate lab where chocolatier Aristotelis Panagiotaros crafts inventive chocolates infused with cardamom, pink pepper, Greek herbs, and more.
Sweet Alchemy: Stelios Paralios’ boutique patisserie on Irodotou Street, famed for exquisite truffles, handmade biscuits, and signature cakes that are hard to resist.
Kora Bakery: Artisan bakery specialising in long-fermented sourdough and viennoiserie, using premium ingredients for a creative range of breads, pastries, and cakes.
Drinks…
Mantzarou: Exceptional cocktails and a buzzing vibe, with locals lounging on the cozy upstairs terrace or spilling onto the street below.
Mai Tai: Stylish hotspot known for inventive cocktails like Tsipouro infused with Florina peppers and elderflower tonic.
Minnie the Moocher: Glamorous bistro offering deluxe spirits, signature cocktails, and an extensive wine list, served with chic glassware and flair.
Mayor: American-style brasserie with classy décor, ambient lighting, and a brunch-to-dinner menu that hits all the right notes.
Nido: Gastro-bar perfect for after-work unwinding, serving funky bites, good wines, and a lively soundtrack.
Local tip: Ratka is Kolonaki’s best-kept secret with attentive service, enchanting atmosphere, and delectable food. No website, no Instagram- just timeless cool!
See + Do
Ethnikos Kipos Gardens: A lush, peaceful retreat tucked just a short stroll from Kolonaki’s busy streets- perfect for a quiet breath of fresh air.
Kolonaki Square: By day, locals sip freddo cappuccinos at cozy cafes; by night, the square pulses with chic crowds enjoying fine wine and carpaccio at the coolest bars.
Patriarchou Ioakeim: Kolonaki’s luxe shopping street, where high-end boutiques mingle with artisan stores selling everything from designer shoes to gourmet treats.
Dexameni Square: Historic and unpolished, this is a longtime haunt for poets and friends, buzzing with open-air cinema nights, icy tsipouro, and laid-back vibes.
Lycabettus Hill: The steep climb or cable car ride rewards with breathtaking panoramic views from Athens’ highest point- ideal for and anyone chasing the city’s best sunsets.
Culture Fix
Museums
Don’t miss the Benaki Museum for everything from Byzantine relics to modernist art. The Museum of Cycladic Art showcases iconic minimalist marble figurines, while the Museum of the History of Greek Costume offers a rich look at Greece’s sartorial heritage.
Galleries
Gallery Skoufa champions modern Greek art from the 1930s to today. Zoumboulakis Gallery is a 50-year institution known for diverse shows and a chic design store. Athens Art Gallery and Eleftheria Tseliou’s intimate space spotlight emerging and established Greek contemporary artists.
Where to Shop
Kolonaki is a top destination for luxury shopping, where chic boutiques showcase both Greek talent and international designers. Whether you’re after high-end fashion or unique gifts, this stylish neighbourhood invites endless browsing. Some of our favourites include-
Carpo: Beautifully packaged local roasted nuts, premium coffee, and handmade chocolates -perfect edible gifts.
Phaon: A refined boutique offering curated fragrances, scent products, and elegant flower arrangements.
dtales: Concept store featuring carefully selected brands like Sabina Musayev and Alberto Audenino.
ID Fine Jewellery: Designer fine jewellery with limited editions and bespoke pieces crafted in Greece for discerning travellers.
Shoe Box: Eclectic, unique shoes and bags that stand out.
Bespoke Athens: Founder Vassilis Bourtsalas welcomes clients to his “tailoring lab” in Kolonaki, where craftsmanship meets timeless, custom-made style.
Meant to be Mint: Luxe second-hand shop packed with top designer labels from Chanel to Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
How to get there?
Take Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the Airport Station to Evangelismos Station, journey time is approximately 40 minutes. You can also board the X95 Express Bus from the airport to Rygillis Station, otherwise, catch a cab from the airport (also around 40 minutes depending on traffic) at a flat rate of €40 during the day.
