Brunch by day, elegant bar by night, Nuera Athens stays up late mixing artisan cocktails in the glamorous seaside neighbourhood of Glyfada.
This sophisticated new place has a cool atmosphere and friendly staff to match. The idea behind the modern bistro was to create a relaxed yet polished atmosphere using vintage chic décor.
Architect and interior designer Zisis Papamichos has filled the open space with colourful patterned tiles that are mixed between wooden floorboards. The room also boasts a range of mirrors, alluring chandeliers, plush lounges, and soft velvet chairs; as well as green splashback tiles (featured on an arch behind the bar) and lush plants that create warmth.
Brunch or lunch here pairs perfectly with a morning or afternoon shopping spree along Metaxa Street, which is lined with boutique after boutique.
Morning options include Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon; Avocado Toast with grilled bread, avocado, cherry tomatoes, home pickles, and flax seeds; or a healthy Breakfast Bowl of yogurt, oat, bio honey, walnuts, almonds, bio tahini, chia, fresh fruits, and bitter chocolate.
Choose from a selection of salads such as Mesclun Salad of grilled goat cheese, Parma’s ham, apple, pear, walnuts and raspberry vinegarette; or the Buffalo Burrata. Mains include Creamy Black Tagliatelle with salmon, pepperoncino, parmesan and rocket pesto; Beef Fillet Medallions with potato foam, mushrooms, asparagus and marsala wine, as well as Seabass with celery cream vegetables and sauce with citrus-zest olive oil.
The talented team in the kitchen have also created a delightful dessert menu with the standouts being the Lemon Crème Brulée of biscuits, meringues, red fruits, and lemon ice cream; and who can resist a good Pavlova made with fresh meringues, mascarpone cheese, strawberries, pistachios and raspberry ice cream?!
Given the cocktails are designed by The Clumsies award-winning mixologist Nikos Bakoulis, it comes as no surprise that Nuera’s drinks list is a main feature. Skilled bartenders mix cocktails that complement the Mediterranean flavours on the menu. We recommend you try the Olive Negroni made of Tanqueray Ten London dry gin, black olive, vermouth and cocoa bitter; or the Chios Sour with Skinos Mastiha, Elderflower, Basil and Salted Honey.
The bistro’s prime location means it fills up fast with locals from the southern suburbs, other Athenians who come here to shop, as well as international visitors- creating a pleasantly varied ambience.
Located on the fifth floor of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC), the newly opened Delta has set its sights on becoming a world-class culinary destination.
With a stunning dining room, wine cellar and a bar run by the famous Baba au Rum team- Delta is definitely a place to add to your list if you are looking for a fine-dining experience in Athens.
Delta Restaurant
The dining room, with a floating garden, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bay of Faliro, is modern and sleek; blue velvet chairs and round tables give guests an intimate feel in what is in fact a large, open space. Behind the impressive menu are two talented chefs- Thanos Feskos and George Papazacharias- who have worked at award-winning international restaurants. Using raw ingredients from their own farm in Attica and working with different fermentation techniques, the team at Delta create dishes with a Scandinavian and Japanese influence. The end result is a 17-course tasting menu boasting a mysterious haute cuisine narrative that gradually unfolds through the three different menus: Omnivore, Vegetarian, and Vegan.
Delta Bar
Delta’s sculpted bar is one of the largest in the world and can sit up to 50 guests who are able to enjoy unique cocktails and spirits created by Baba Au Rum. Thanos Prunarus, a world-renowned and absolute spokesperson of fine drinking, is behind the mixology that has a focus on the contemporary local distillery, with new Greek brandies, liqueurs, and aged tsipouro accompanying top international distillates (whiskey, rum, tequila, vodka, gin, etc). This is completed by gastro pairing suggestions from the bar lounge menu that includes Grilled wings filled with aged hazelnuts and mushrooms seasoned with salted plums served with a sauce of smoked egg yolk, or Grilled lobster with fermented ramson and plums served with a sauce of whipped salted strawberries.
Delta Wine Cellar
For an enchanting wine tasting experience, Delta’s two wine cellars are available for private booking, where guests can enjoy unique wine labels while tasting one of the three available menus. The impressive list contains some 800 labels selected by Aris Sklavenitis and Fedon Dernikos- both award-winning and top of their class sommeliers, who have curated an integrated list that will enhance the gastronomic experience. The cellars are filled with local and international varieties, with hundreds of labels covering the entire wine universe spectrum – old and new.
The culturally rich, historic, vibrant and cool Athenian neighbourhood of Psyrri is packed with precious antiques, talented local artisans, authentic Greek tavernas, boho bars, charming cafes and loads of visitors who come here time and time again to enjoy a spot where the modern world blends in beautifully with old-time charm.
With so many amazing bars to choose from, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to grab a drink in Psyrri, for your next visit to the Greek capital!
Wine lovers this one’s for you! With a great range of local and international reds and whites- Cinque is laid back, casual and inviting.
A: Agatharchou 15, Athina
Tranzistor Bistroteque
If you want to feel Psyrri’s charm, this is a great place to grab a table and sit back and enjoy a drink with the locals.
A: Protogenous 10, Athina
Styl Café
This traditional all-day cafe/bar is a great place to chill after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
A: Evaggelistrias 1, Athina
BOO café
One of the coolest spots in terms of decor and ambiance, it’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner or late-night drink.
A: Lepeniotou 22, Athens
Foundry Hotel Rooftop Bar
On a warm Athenian night, there’s nothing better than heading to a rooftop bar like this to enjoy a refreshing drink and a fun vibe.
A: Sarri 40, Psyrri
The Artist Rooftop Bar
Another great spot in the Greek capital that offers lush cocktails on a buzzing rooftop!
A: 7 Kalamida St, Psirri
Kings Theatre Wine Bar
One of the most popular Bistrot and wine bars in the heart of Athens, Kings Theatre is not to be missed when visiting this vibrant neighbourhood- even if it’s only for one quick drink!
A: Karaiskaki 26, Athina
Be Social
Perfect spot to grab a casual drink and then sit back and enjoy people-watching in this historic part of Athens.
A: Agios Aanargiron 17 & Taki 10, Athina
To Lokali
An all-day bar/restaurant that serves modern Greek mezedes paired with your drink of choice.
A: Sarri 44, Athina
DOS Gardenias
If you are looking for a funky Latin joint, look no further than DOS! Here you will enjoy a cool Cuban-inspired atmosphere as you sip on your Mojito.
A: Ivis 21, Navarchou Apostoli 17, Athens
Cantina Social
This locally loved cafe/bar is a great spot for a casual drink any time of the day.
A: Leokoriou 8, Athina
Clockwork Monkey Bistro
A super chic spot that offers a great atmosphere, amazing food and delicious cocktails!
Known as the “neighbourhood of the Gods” Plaka, built in the shadow of the Acropolis, is the most authentic sample of old Athens, with hints of the new romantic side to the city.
This wonderful neighbourhood has been continuously inhabited since antiquity, which is why you will find a combination of the Ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. Neoclassical buildings, car-free alleyways, charming cafés, and small gardens with bougainvillea and street art are a few reasons as to why this neighbourhood is our favourite in Athens, and one we believe needs to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
How to get there?
From Syntagma Metro station you can take Voulis Street straight ahead until Kydathinaion Street. From Monastiraki Station, walk Adrianou Street from the flea market. Alternatively, from Acropolis station, you can cross Dionisiou Aeropagitou and then enter at Vyronos Street.
For Brunch or Lunch
Bakaliarakia tou Damigou – A family-run fish taverna, opened in 1864. It is situated in the basement beneath Brettos Bar. Don’t miss the battered cod with garlic sauce. (Kydathineon 41)
Vyzantino Restaurant – A traditional spot that has been here since 1948. (Kydathinaion 18)
I Palia Taverna tou Psarra – The oldest restaurant in Plaka, first opened in 1898. Famous for its fresh fish. Try the spaghetti with seafood and loukoumades. (Erotokritou & Erechtheos 16)
To Kafeneio – Housed in a 400-year-old building, which from time to time was the residence of many famous Greeks, they serve traditional but creative Greek dishes. (Epicharmou 1)
Scholarhio Ouzeri – Known to locals as Kouklis (named after its owner) it boasts a dining room from another era. (Tripodon 14)
7 Food Sins – A gourmet Greek gastro-pub offering a distinguished atmosphere and exquisite Greek dishes. (Filomousou Etaireias Sq. 1)
Best Cafes in Plaka
Yiasemi, a picturesque place that is the most Instagrammable bistro-café in the neighbourhood, with tables outside on the staircase. You can just sit and relax, watching people go by. (Mnisikleous 23)
Café Melina, a retro café dedicated to Greek actress and political activist Melina Merkouri. (Lysiou 22).
Kimolia Art Café, a backstreet, colourful and unique café, hidden in the alleyways of Plaka. (Ypereidou 5)
Anafiotika Café, stands out for its position, on the famous steps. Ideal for a coffee during a morning stroll or a Greek meze later on in the day. (Mnisikleous 24)
Café Plaka, for its fireplace during winter and its calming roof terrace for the sunny mornings. Taste the pancakes and take photos in front of the pink house. (Tripodon 1)
O Glykys, a traditional kafeneio for coffee, tsipouro, homemade delicacies, and backgammon, of course. (Geronta 2)
Dioskouroi, a favourite student hangout – and not only! (Dioskouron 13)
For Casual Street Food
Souvlaki O Kostas – The best souvlaki of Athens. For almost 6 decades it remains untouched by the modern attempts of Greek souvlaki stores. It used to be at Adrianou 116 in Plaka since 1950 but in the last years, it was transferred a few streets further down. (Pentelis 5)
For a Cocktail/Wine
Brettos Athens’ oldest distillery- established in 1909 by Michail Brettos, it’s almost impossible to pass by and not pay attention to the illuminated bottles displayed behind the bar, filling the walls up to the ceiling. Specialising in colourful cocktails. (Kydathineon 41)
Mono Wine Restaurant– An all-day wine restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, fancy cocktail recipes, and more than 120 choices of wine, it’s two steps away from Plaka. (Mpenizelou Palaiologou 4)
Oinoscent – Just a step outside Plaka’s borders too, this wine bar has more than 1000 bottles to choose from. (Voulis 45-47)
Insider Tips- Something you may not know about Plaka is that during the 60s it used to be the place for traditional boîtes,small live music venues, like cabarets, inspired by the French Nouvelle Vague cinema movement. Today most of them are closed (like the legendary boîte Esperides) but you can still find a few, like Apanemia and Vatraxoi. For traditional Greek live music, you can also visit Lyra, which fills the alleyway with music every night, and the Perivoli tou Ouranou, one of the oldest venues for laikain Athens.
For Some Fine Dining…
2Mazi – boasting modern interiors inside a neoclassical mansion, they serve inventive gastronomic creations using local products. It’s a tasty twist on Greek (island) cuisine. (Nikis Street 48)
Daphne’s Restaurant – One of the most famous Athenian restaurants with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, a hot spot for politicians, artists, and celebrities. (Lisikratous 4)
Best Desserts in Plaka
Arte Athens – Unique and traditional handmade gelato, using fresh ingredients. (Tripodon 16)
Maniera Gelateria – based on traditional Italian recipes, using natural Greek ingredients. (Adrianou 87)
Places to Shop
Flâneur – Here, contemporary Greek artists sell innovative handmade products, such as prints, t-shirts, and gifts. There are also items such as outdoor gear, backpacks etc. (Flessa 1)
Forget me Not – Souvenirs from contemporary Greek designers, including gifts, stationery, home accessories, clothing, and books as well. (Adrianou 100)
Ioanna Kourbela– One of the most celebrated contemporary Greek designers. The Kourbela family workshop opened in Plaka in 1971, offering handmade knitwear. (Adrianou 109)
Elaias Gi – At this shop, you can find a big selection of good quality olive oil and tree-based products, like soaps and kitchenware. (Adrianou 122). Same at Evonon (Adrianou 124)
Byzantino– Since 1987 Kostas and Babis have created ancient pieces of gold jewellery. (Adianou 120 & Pandrossou 17)
Angelo– The Ouzo King sells a great variety of Ouzo. (Adrianou 120)
For Greek leather sandals visit Sandals4u (Adrianou 88), Achillion (Adrianou 110) and Christonia Vintage (Adrianou 83).
Athens Protasis, for handmade products, designed and manufactured in Greece by taking raw materials from around the world. (Adrianou 136)
For Pre-Loved Items
Martinos Antiques – Since 1895, it is as much a museum as a shop. It boasts an impressive range of furniture, decorative items, Islamic art, fine art, and jewellery. (Pandrosou 50)
Elliniko Spiti – Dimitris Koutelieris makes in his workshop furniture and art of dismantled ships, houses, and other recycled materials. (Kekropos 14)
For Something Unique…
DotAhartis a special art lab, where you can apply your imagination to create your own ceramic inspired by Athens. A special place to buy handmade gifts as well. (Afroditis 12)
Best Parks & Gardens
Ragava Park or “Eleokipos” (Olive Garden), is a tiny park, where you can find the steps that lead to Stratonos Street and the gate to Anafiotika neighbourhood.
The charming Lysikrates Square with views of the Acropolis and the imposing Choragic Monument of Lysikrates.
Historical Finds…
The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments opened in 1991, it’s constituted by the collection of musicologist Foivos Anogiannakis.
Frissiras Museum, opened in 2000, with contemporary European art.
The Jewish Museum, with a collection of rare books, textiles, and domestic and religious artifacts.
The Athens University Museum, with many transcripts and old photos,
The Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou, with archaeological finds and artworks from the prehistoric period up until nowadays
The Benizelos Mansion, the oldest house in Athens has been transformed into a museum.
The Children’s Museum, with art created by children.
Plus, the Roman Agora, was built between 19-11 BC as an expansion of the ancient Agora to the East, from donations of Julius Caesar and Augustus.
The Fethiye Mosque, the Agoranomion and the Tower of the Winds, a 12-meter-tall clocktower designed by the astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhos, considered the first-ever meteorological station, and worked as a sundial, telling the time of the day by the position of the Sun in the sky, a waterclock (with water coming down from the Acropolis) and a wind vane.
The Choragic Monument of Lysikrates, a wealthy patron of theatrical plays performed in the theater of Dionysus. In 1658 a French Capuchin monastery was built on this site, where Lord Byron also stayed during his second visit to Greece. In 1818 the first tomatoes ever in Greece were planted in the monastery’s garden.
The 11/12th-century church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, the interior decorated by 13th-century Byzantine wall paintings, as well as the beautiful 11th-century church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas. Moreover, the church of Agioi Anargyroi – Holy Metohi Panagiou Tafou, was constructed in the 17th century as a convent, and from the 18th century, it functioned as an embassy church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The two-storey house at Periandrou Street was once the home of the great poet Kostis Palamas. There is also a marble slab to indicate so. At Kydathinaion 9, there is the residence of the families Seferiades and Tsatsos. The ground floor was allocated to Giorgos Seferiades, the famous Greek poet Giorgos Seferis. The upper floor was the residence of Ioanna Tsatsou, sister of Seferis and wife of Konstantinos Tsatsos, President of the Hellenic Republic during the period 1975-1980. At Dioskouroi Street 4, you can find the personal archives of Nobel Laureate poet Odysseus Elytis and an exact representation of the poets’ study room as well.
Don’t miss…
Cine Paris, an outdoor cinema where the screen is on the rooftop with a stunning view of the Acropolis. Its trademark is the Greek collectible versions of foreign films’ posters.
Anafiotika, is a unique neighbourhood within a neighbourhood. Like a small Cycladic island with white cubic houses and blue doors and windows, it’s partially covered by bougainvillea – built by craftsmen who were called by King Otto to build his palace-, Anafiotika is an oasis in the centre of the Greek capital.
The street art– Many philosophical artists have left their marks on the walls or stairs of Plaka. You can find phrases like “Next to you, I learned to live, I learned to exist” as well as, “Whatever we lost in the fire, we will find in the ashes” and “By stepping backward no one has ever moved forward” among others.
One of Athens’ newer bars, Santarosa represents a ‘new breed’ of all-night hangout in Athens. Stylish, alternative, with intriguingly-put-together DJ sets and an artsy, playful approach, it draws a youthful (but not only) and hip crowd.
Style/ Décor: Moody and atmospheric, gothic lighting, an old mosaic, a wooden ceiling, plants, and Athens’ longest bar (14m), this non-underground dive bar is inspired by the exoticism of the Tangiers. The long bar gives the narrow space a lively buzz that stretches throughout the bar as well as a strip of stools lined along the window across it.
What makes it special? Apart from the slightly glamorous yet decidedly edgy ambience, Santarosa has made quite an imp[act via social media for the mystical haiku posts it shares as well as for having its own mixcloud soundtrack channel. Many people return here for not only the very well mixed drinks (Negroni is excellent here) but also the original and varying choice of music played on different nights by sophisticated DJs. You’ll hear everything from German ambient electro of the 1980s to B movie soundtracks and spiritual jazz. The nibbles are nice too: instead of the usual bowl of peanuts, here you can accompany your drink with cold cuts by Arapian store.
When to go: This is a pure-blood bar, not a café by day or an all-day bar. It opens at 18:00, which is probably the ideal hour to arrive if you want to sprawl out at the bar and have a quiet chat.
Tip: Asklipiou has become one of Exarcheia’s coolest streets for bar-hopping. On this street, you’ll find several other places well worth visiting. Among them are popular bars Rinokeros, Tralala, Kokki Café, Ipovrihio, and Blue Fox.
A “contemporary European gastronomic bar”, this place serves brunch in the mid-morning and a great selection of sexy cocktails at night. With a recently renovated space and cocktail menu, this elegant bar near Syntagma Square especially draws a chic after-work crowd.
Style / Décor: Like its cocktail menu, the décor leans toward classical elegance. A shiny wooden bar and polished wooden floors, modern versions of classic items like chandeliers and leather stools and gilded gold-framed mirrors create an ambience of old fashioned opulence and contemporary urban charm at once.
What makes it special? This bar prides itself on its cocktails. The ways in which they are mixed, the ingredients they contain, and the way classic recipes are given a unique twist or completely creative drinks are there for hours of tasting, are characteristic elements here. Release the Kraken, with rum, spicy mango chutney and lime or Liza Banana ball with Metaxa 12 stars, roasted coffee, pineapple, banana essence, kaffir lime leaves and peanut butter powder are just two examples of the bar’s original take on drinks. For something almost completely Greek, try Mastiqua with Skinos mastic liqueur, chia seeds, tahini, bergamot, agave syrup with Saffron from Kozani, Greek coffee powder and orange aroma.
When to go: Any time of the day, depending on whether you’re more hungry or thirsty. Apart from its brunch menu, 42 Barstronomy serves a delicious choice of salads, risottos and Bao buns. At the bar you can accompany your drink with a great and mouthwatering choice of ‘bar bites’ that include mac and cheese croquettes, tempura shrimps, beef tartare and truffle chips.
Tip: The bar also has a private room, the Angus Hudson Butler’s Lounge, complete with Persian carpet, chess table and Chesterfield sofa, which needs to be booked in advance.
Let’s put it this way: you don’t come here for a ‘great meal’, you come for The Experience.
Certainly, you are well rewarded by both, at one of the city’s most prestigious, elegant and imposing hotels, the Grande Bretagne, which is almost synonymous with Syntagma Square. Then there is the view, or better, oh so much better, views. You can’t help but feel on top of the (Athens, at least) world fine dining at this garden restaurant as you are served by friendly, professional staff under the moon and stars. There’s the Acropolis, lit beautifully in shimmering gold, as if she is posing for you; and there’s the Parliament Square and Syntagma, like a theatre set below you. And lush Lycabettus Hill, with St George church twinkling its lights at the top. Greenery all around and elegance at every glance, in one of the city’s most classic hotspots for the glitterati.
Type of cuisine? Pronounced Mediterranean influences presented in haute cuisine compilations. Flavours are fresh, rich and true to their quality ingredients. Don’t expect experimental or highly gourmet gastronomy, although creativity and finesse are definitely not lacking.
Type of eatery? Super-elegant and the ideal place to take someone very special to you for a truly chic dinner.
The low down… This is a classic luxury hotel restaurant and expects you to respect its codes of attire (Evening Dress Code, after 18.00, is elegant and smart-casual. Beachwear of any kind, shorts or flip flops are not allowed). Being a hotel, regardless of its glamorous history and appeal, it does have a slight hotel-feel. But if that’s something you’re not expecting, why go at all?
Décor/ Ambience? Ideally, sit outside to relish the surrounding glories of the Athenian landscape in combination with your beautifully prepared meal. In the evening hours the restaurant becomes a-buzz with a combination of international hotel guests and both local and foreign outside visitors. The ambience is sophisticated, vibrant and chic without feeling heavily so.
Entrees? We tried the Trilogy of carpaccio with sea bass, salmon and tuna with yuzu sorbet and mastiha oil, and Homemade ‘ravioli’ with goat’s cheese, green pea cream and tomato syrup. The carpaccio was as delightfully fresh and zingy as you’d hope, with the flavours from each fish carpaccio remaining distinct, and the mastiha oil was hardly traceable, only adding to the flavour without standing out. The ravioli was soft, creamy and comforting but the flavours were a little blended.
Mains? We tried the Lamb duet, grilled carré and slow-cooked leg, with smoked Florina pepper and potato filled with a cream of basil and ‘volaki’ cheese from Andros. This was an earthy dish, with warming, delicate flavours in the lamb and smoked pepper and a refreshing tang from the basil and goat’s cheese potato side.
Dessert? For over five years, the dessert menu here is curated by French patissiere Arnaud Larher, who stands amongst the top 10 chocolatiers of France. We tried the Pistacchio Choux with pistachio cream and crunchy salted praline and the Chocolate Bomb with a hazelnut filling. Both were divine, but (subjectively, as all reviews are after all) I would return to the GB Roof Garden Restaurant again and again just for that row of choux.
Something to drink? Between 2014 – 2016 the GB Roof Garden Restaurant was awarded the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award, and the restaurant’s wine list continues to be excellent. Cocktails are very well mixed too. Try the Guava Martini.
Price range? With an entrée, main and dessert per person you can estimate the bill will come to a total of around 160 € without wine or cocktails.
Location? Vasileos Georgiou 1 A, Syntagma (8TH Floor).
Opening hours/days? Lunch: 13:00 to 16:00 & Dinner: 18:00 to 00:00. Bar: 13:00 to 00:00
You’ll probably find decent, perhaps even great wine at most decent bars around Athens today. But if you want a place that specialises in wine and offers amazing varieties -that you can enjoy by the glass too – look no further than our guide! You’re welcome!
A For Athens
Vibe: Smart-casual, friendly, relaxed rooftop bar with stunning views of the Acropolis and city.
Wine List: Greek and foreign wines in a newly extended cellar that can house up to 2,500 labels.
Food: Anything from the restaurant’s dinner menu, from burgers and malt chicken to finger foods and meze dishes. The sommelier is happy to suggest foods that pair well with your wine of choice.
Location: Miaouli 2, Monastiraki
Baratin
Vibe: Cosy, casual-chic, friendly, all-day bar-restaurant with small tables as well as a large monastic bench and an outdoor square.
Wine List: Around 140 labels from Greece and abroad, 42 of which can be sampled by the glass. Baratin’s knowledgeable and friendly sommeliers are happy to help you imbibe on exactly what you desire.
Food? Try the carefully sourced Greek cheeses, salads, sea bream risotto and cold cuts for an ideal accompaniment.
Location: Dekeleias Avenue 120, Nea Filadelfia
BoBo
Vibe: Trendy, chic, hipsterish
Wine List: Around 200 labels from Greece and abroad as well as cocktails made using Greek wines (not easy to find elsewhere!).
Food? Indulgent accompaniments to share with your wine buddies include cevice, roast beef with truffle sauce and homemade mayo, stuffed figs with caramelised onion and creamy goat cheese and bruschetta with Greek cheeses.
Location: Anastasiou Zinni 36, Koukaki
By The Glass
Vibe: In an elegant arcade facing the Russian Orthodox Church, chic, buzzy.
Wine List: You can choose among 250 Greek and global wine labels, 50 of which can be served by the glass using the Coravin system.
Food? An array of modern Mediterranean platters and appetizers, many of them designed especially to be paired with their wines.
Location: Filellinon and Georgiou Souri 3, Syntagma.
Cava Vegera
Vibe: Friendly, laid back and smart-casual.
Wine List: Over 1000 Greek and foreign labels.
Food? A menu based on deli products that are seasonal and make for great accompaniments to your wine of choice. The menu changes every three months.
Location: Poseidonos 11 & Vas. Pavlou 61, Voula.
Cinque Wine Bar & Deli
Vibe: An ebullient ambiance usually pervades in this compact, cosy and familial locale.
Wine List: Very special because here you’ll find only Greek indigenous varieties passionately sought out by the wine-fanatic owners. The Monastiraki store organizes excellent wine tastings.
Food? Homemade chutneys, great platters of deli foods from Greece and abroad.
Location:Agatharchou 15, Psyrri & 10 Vorreou St Monastiraki
Fabrica De Vino
Vibe: Modern, upbeat, elegant but unpretentious. A-buzz during weekend nights.
Wine List: 600 labels by 150 producers from around Greece, 20 of which that can be sampled by the glass.
Food? Mainly fish and seafood (try the fish fillet sandwich), as well as some well-prepared meat dishes.
Location: Emmanouil Benaki, Exarcheia
Fiali Wine Bar
Vibe: Elegant, minimal and fresh décor with a laid back, chic crowd.
Wine List: Selective and lesser-known but good-quality labels from small wine producers around the world, 40 of which can be sampled by the glass.
Food? A gratifying selection of tasty, cold and hot Tapas, salads, pizza and other comfort food.
Location: Dekelias 108, Nea Filadelfia
Heteroclito
Vibe: Cultural, homey, low-key chic.
Wine List: Over 200 labels from Greece and abroad.
Food? Homemade quiches and pies, platters of cheese and cold cuts.
Location:Fokionos 2 & Petraki 30, Monastiraki
Kiki de Grece
Vibe: Elegant, upbeat, smart-casual.
Wine List: Around 60 Greek and foreign wine labels.
Food? From appetizers to mains, you’ll find a great selection of Greek-Mediterranean dishes.
Location: Ipittou 4, Syntagma
Materia Prima
Vibe: Contemporary, urban-chic and cosy.
Wine List: Over 500 wines from around Greece and abroad, including labels you won’t find in most other places. Expensive wines can be sampled by the glass using the Coravin method. Wines can also be bought to go.
Food? Breakfast and brunch during the day, finger foods and Mediterranean meals in the evenings.
Location: Falirou 68, Koukaki, across the EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Monk grapes and spirits
Vibe: Arty post-industrial open terrace with a laid-back ambiance.
Wine List: 200 labels from 136 wineries in Greece and 16 countries, many expensive labels can be sampled by the glass via the Coravin method.
Food? Modern Greek cuisine.
Location: Aghias Eirinis Square, Monastiraki
Oinoscent
Vibe: Originally a wine shop that has now added seating, this is very much a wine-centric point in town for those who take wine seriously.
Wine List: Over 1000 labels from all over the world. Every week there is a new selection of wines that can be sampled by the glass.
Food? Cheese platters and Mediterranean dishes.
Location: Voulis 45-47, Syntagma.
Paleo
Vibe: Wine bottles line the high-ceilinged stone walls of what was once an old storehouse, and at the end of the room from top to bottom stands a large cava.
Wine List: Over 350 labels mainly from southern France, Spain, Italy and Greece.
Food? A decent range of Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, from appetisers to mains.
Location: Polidekous 39, Piraeus.
Scala Vinoteca
Vibe: Sophisticated, intense, stylish.
Wine List: Over 200 labels from Greece and abroad.
Food? Refined and contemporary Mediterranean dishes with influences from Latin America, Spain and Italy.
Location: 50 Sina str. & Anagnostopoulou, Kolonaki
Vinarte
Vibe: A stylish and classical-modern large open space ideal for work dos and larger gatherings.
Wine List: Over 250 labels from quality Greek winemakers and abroad, including a selection of hard to find Italian wines. Here you can try any wine you like by the glass via the Coravin method.
Food? Try the platter with aged cheeses and cold cuts, as well as other Mediterranean dishes.
Location: Marangou 18, Glyfada
Vintage
Vibe: A large, modern open space for smart-casual wining and dining with great service.
Wine List: The only place in Athens where you can choose among 600 labels to try by the glass – either a full glass or even just a half glass.
Food? Platters with quality cheeses and/or cold cuts, original Greek-inspired appetisers like Pastitsio croquettes and mains.
Location: Mitropoleos 66-68, Syntagma
Warehouse
Vibe: Sophisticated but unpretentious, laid back and indulgent.
Wine List: With a wine cellar stocked with over 500 Greek and foreign wine labels, Warehouse has become known for its quality selections and serves around 150 of them.
Food? Greek ingredients farmed by select small producers around the country, food platters and salads.
Location: Valtetsiou 21, Exarcheia
Wine Not
Vibe: Swing jazz music, after-work chill, industrial décor.
Wine List: Around 90 wine labels, 20 of which can be sampled by the glass.
Food? Try the cheese and cold cuts platter with homemade chutneys and jams.
Location: Kalogrezis 12, Halandri
Wine o’ Clock
Vibe: A tiny place with a few benches on the pavement where you can people-watch as you sip wine.
Wine List: Around 70 well selected wine labels, many of them from Greece and 20 of them that can be sampled by the glass.
Food? Small platters with flavoursome bites that are just what you need to accompany good wine.
Location: Lebessi 10, Makryianni
Wine Point
Vibe: Usually busy and lively, with occasional live gigs and a laid back, smart-casual crowd.
Wine List: Over 200 labels to choose from, and with a different Greek winery and its wines presented as a special every month.
Food? Finger foods and bites like bruschetta, olives, cold cuts and cheeses from around Greece.
Vibe: Jazzy (with occasional live gigs too) and easygoing with a chic twist. Beautuifully scenic outdoors with a view of the Parthenon to get drunk on.
Wine List: Regional wines from Greece that are really hard to find elsewhere, as well as top selections from foreign wineries. Around 160 labels of which 40 can be sampled by the glass.
Food? Choose anything you like from the Chocolat Royal Restaurant menu of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.
Location: Apostolou Pavlou 27, Thisseio
Wine Up
Vibe: With a lovely outdoor garden, this is the ideal place to relax with friends in a casual set-up and simply enjoy great wine in the summer months, but gets a little more trendy and modern indoors during cooler months.
Wine List: Featuring over 200 Greek labels, many of which are organic and produced by small quality wineries around Greece.
Food? A variety of platters starring quality Greek seasonal ingredients from creamy cheeses and punchy olives to juicy tomatoes.
Ergon House (Greece’s very first Foodie Hotel) Retirè is the newest addition to the Athenian rooftop scene (it opened in Summer 2019). Want a view of the Acropolis from an iconic rooftop location? Want to sip world-class cocktails designed by the top bartenders in Greece while doing so? If you answered yes to both, then this is your spot.
Type: Rooftop bar
The low down: Proper cocktails and a relaxed summer vibe, in the heart of Athens.
Bar menu: The drinks menu at Retirè has something for everyone. Cocktail aficionados will revel in the summertime delight of the Watermelon Mule or the Vodka Basil Collins. There is also an impressive range of Greek wines (try their crisp Malagouzia) and local beers.
Bar food: The bar food menu changes seasonally, from gourmet hot dogs to seriously good burgers (more extensive food options can be found at Ergon House on the Ground Floor of the building).
Décor/Ambience: Decked out with beach-chic wicker furniture and hues of white and beige, you’ll feel like you’re on a dreamy island escape.
House cocktail: Signature cocktails include the Blue Margarita and Green Negroni, created by the awarded team at The Clumsies, currently listed #6 Best Bar in the world.
Cocktail/spirit price range: Cocktails are priced between 8 and 10 €, spirits from 8 – 14 € and a local beer sets you back around 6 €.
Clientele: Small groups of friends, first dates, in-the-know travellers.
Dress code: Casual, but don’t be afraid to glam it up a little.
September is when holidays are ending and our psyche subtly but surely begins to shift from summer flimsiness to autumnal focus.
Perhaps this year even more, with the threat of more lockdowns looming over us, we want to make the most of the sunshine, outdoors and chances to explore. In Athens, September is usually a kind and mellow month, when the city comes back to life and (always somewhat chaotic) order. It’s the time
…when the sun is still hot but not scorching and swimming is still perfectly pleasant.
Throughout the week, the loveliest and most central – not to mention the largest in the capital – pool to visit is the one at Hilton Athens. It might not be cheap, but the sheer size of the pool and lovely greenery surrounding it, quality of its water, Coronavirus-cautious cleanliness, excellent service, and satisfying Oasis poolside restaurant menu will keep you relaxed and carefree for hours on end. On the ground floor of one of the city’s most architecturally fascinating hotels, designed in the 1960s, the pool here attracts mainly low-key glamourous types, families, and singletons who just want to chill in style. Another brilliant handful of great swimming options awaits you at Piraeus port, just 20 minutes’ train ride on the green line from the centre of town. Hop on a ferry or flying dolphin and within an hour you can land at lovely Argosaronic islands like Aegina, Angistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses to spend the day at lovely beaches, eating fresh fish and sipping a sunset cocktail before returning to urbanity.
…when kefi-fuelled night owls reunite after a summer apart and make the most of being outdoors while it’s still warm.
Head to the bars where you can be part of the crowd pouring onto the pavement, courtyard or rooftop and watch the world go buzzily by, like Ipittou on Ipittou Square in Syntagma, Baba Au Rum in Monastiraki, Blue Parrot in Metaxourgeio, Floral or Warehouse in Exarcheia, Latraac Cafe & Skate Bowl in Kerameikos, Bios in Gazi, Couleur Locale or
Taf The Art Foundation in Monastiraki, Drupes & Drips in Koukaki, Briki in Mavili Square, and Six Dogs or Atlandikos in Psyrri. Or take the quiet path and stroll at sunset time or under the stars in magical places like Philopoappou or Pnyx hills, Lycabettus, the Zappeion gardens, Anafiotika, and Plaka’s backstreets, the upper fringes of Kolonaki and the village-like part of Mets.
…when we start to look ahead at how we will prepare our home and wardrobe for winter with a touch of Greece.
Whether you’re in Athens during September as a visitor or resident, it’s an exciting time to go window-shopping and start dreaming of how you’ll add classic or ultra-contemporary Greek touches to make your home and wardrobe both cozily comfortable and pleasurably stylish. Maybe you want a knitted lambswool fisherman-style pullover or elaborately-embroidered cushion covers that you can find in some of the finer tourist shops of Plaka like Loom. Or vintage stores with an international selection, including Greek designer specials, found around Kolonaki, Monastiraki, and Exarcheia. It may be classical-style jewellery or objects d’art inspired by Greek culture and sold either as a direct replica or with an extreme modern twist and found at specialty shops in the Cycladic Art, Benaki, Benaki Pireos Annexe or Lalaounis Museums or at Greek concept stores like SOPHIA, Forget Me Not or Paraphenelia.
