Grasshoppers: a hot new entry to Athens bar scene 

Not your average bar, Grasshoppers near the centre of Athens is a place where all the details have been seen to, and the cocktails are no exception. 

By Gina Lionatos 

The low down… Grasshoppers is a striking contrast to the all-day cafe across the road (incidentally under the same ownership) in the neighbourhood of Neos Kosmos. Here you’ll find an intriguing space, a thought-provoking cocktail menu designed by mixologist Nikos Sotiropoulos, and a focus on seriously good bar food. Just a stone’s throw away from the Onassis Stegi Cultural Centre, Grasshoppers opened its doors in May 2022 and is already a favourite among Athenians who take their drinks seriously.   

Décor/ Ambience: There is something decidedly grown-up about Grasshoppers, despite the associations of youth and inexperience that the name conjures. The use of the signature dark blue hue throughout the space, textural touch points (from the walls to the menus) and sleek interiors make Grasshoppers a bar that could easily be found in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.  

Something to drink: The cocktails have been named after the types of couples you might find at a bar (see: Flying Lovers, Fervid, Unbearable). The Vulnerable is a delightful concoction of dry gin, chamomile, peach, almond, citrus and fresh herbs. 

Menu: The menu offers classic cold dishes like beef tartare and salmon gravlax as well as sandwiches and cheese plates. All are made to order and prepared next to the bar. 

Order my fave dish: The Vitello Tonnato boasts delicately sliced veal, dressed in lemon sauce with tuna, mayonnaise, mustard leaves, smoked eel and capers. 

Price range: Bar food ranges from 6-9 € and a cocktail will set you back 10 €. 

Perfect for: A night of sipping, chatting and mingling with friends. A great date night option.

Location: Eurudamantos 6, Athens

Opening hours/days: Closed Mondays, Open from 6pm-2am Tuesday-Sunday.

 

1st Athens Cocktail Festival & Cocktail Week Ready to Kick Off

The Greek capital is ready to toast the summer season with the 1st Athens Cocktail Festival & Athens Cocktail Week.

By Gina Lionatos 

With what is fast becoming the hottest bar scene in Europe, it was only a matter of time before Athens stepped up with its own cocktail festival to open the summer tourist season. With the support of the Municipality of Athens, and as a part of the ‘This is Athens Festival’, the city will move to the rhythm of the largest cocktail festival in Greece.

Insights Greece - 1st Athens Cocktail Festival & Cocktail Week Ready to Kick Off
Athens 1st Cocktail Festival

The first Athens Cocktail Festival kicks off over a cocktail-filled two days at the “Lighthouse” of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre on 20 & 21 May 2022. 

After that, the action extends to the city’s bars for all to enjoy. Athens Cocktail Week will run from 22 to 28 May 2022 and will see the best bars in Athens hosting a series of guest nights and special events. All the excitement will culminate on the closing night on May 28, 2022, with a large closing party in the city center.

Information on events is still unfolding, so to stay updated, tune into @athenscocktailfestivalofficial’s social media on Instagram for details.  

Pre-sale tickets to Athens Cocktail Festival include two cocktails and are available through viva.gr at  https://www.viva.gr/tickets/festival/athens-cocktail-festival/

 * All the activities of Athens Cocktail Festival & Athens Cocktail Week, are supported by the Municipality of Athens as well as by AMKE Metron Ariston – Making Responsibility a Trend and operating in light of the Responsible Consumption and green practices.

Insights Greece - 1st Athens Cocktail Festival & Cocktail Week Ready to Kick Off

Main image by This Is Athens | Amalia Kovaiou ©

Athens’ Chic New Rooftop Bistro With 360-Degree Views of the City

Located on the 8th floor of the Hondos Centre in Kallithea, a 10-minute drive from the centre of Athens, this stylish new all-day rooftop garden bistro overlooks the entire capital city from above.

So, if you are searching for a chic spot in Athens to grab brunch, lunch, or cocktails- add Delicate Café to your list! Here you can enjoy an artisan coffee of your choice, a delightful brunch menu, and handcrafted cocktails- all while enjoying 360-degree views of Athens. On the one hand, you have the striking Acropolis Hill, while the stunning Aegean Sea is on the other. And with a retractable glass roof- you can sit out here rain, hail, or shine!

The Parisian-inspired terrace is filled with a mix of soft pink and green velvet chairs, marble tables, a charming mint coloured fountain, and endless floral arrangements that add a soft touch to the open space. This has become a regular haunt for Athenians from all over the city who come to experience the wonderful atmosphere- and to grab an Instagram-worthy photo (of course)!

Choose from the brunch menu which includes scrambled eggs, Croque Madame, and pancakes; and if you are after a light lunch there is a range of sandwiches and salads including Caprese, Traditional Greek Salad, and Quinoa. If you are after something more filling there are also handmade burgers, pasta, and risotto; as well as grilled chicken, pork, and the special of the day.

Those with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice as there is a lovely range of cakes and pastries, as well as croissants and profiteroles on the dessert menu.

And if you’re just after a refreshment, you can choose from a long list of coffees, fresh juices, herbal teas, and of course a wonderful list of local wines, aperitifs, and cocktails; including the Delicate Mule, which features pink gin, lime, and homemade ginger ale.

A: El. Venizelou 108-110 Kallithea, Athens

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 9 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 8 pm