A Hot New All Day Bar Has Just Opened in Athens 

Having only opened its doors a few nights ago, this hot new drinking spot in Athens, is the talk of the town; and how can it not be when it’s the brainchild of Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis, the creators behind award-winning bar The Clumsies, and their talented friend Dimitris Dafopoulos. 

Type: All-day bar.

The low down: Line Athens serves grape-less wine (yes there’s such a thing), nomad beer, and artisan bread (a few types to choose from)- making this cool spot in the centre of the city “the” place to visit for magnificent cocktails, fabulous bar food, and a great laid-back vibe. 

Bar menu: The impressive drinks menu includes cocktails such as the New York Sour featuring Mastiha/lemon/ Bruxo Mezcal/line port; grape-less wines from Greece including a Honey-why-in with cotton mead/pineapple/passion/fennel, and a Fig Why-in of the Askada variety from the region of Karditsa. For those that love a good beer, you can throw back a line lager or a line west coast.

Bar food: From King oyster spaghetti and Cabbage roll beef tartare to hot dogs with pork sausage and an Athenian salad with lettuce, celery, carrot, and parsley– the food has been created by young up-and-coming chef Pavlos Kiriakis, who has designed the enticing menu to be shared amongst friends. 

Décor/Ambience: This stunning former gallery of Zouboulaki has been given a minimalist yet chic makeover by the talented Nine Design team who have added plenty of industrial touches. Featuring mainly concrete, metal and wood, the neutral tones are mixed in with a splash of colour- creating a fine, warm texture to the open space.  

Cocktail/spirit price range: Cocktails are priced at 10 €, wines 6.50 to 7  € a glass and beer is around 6 €.

Dress code: Casual and relaxed.

Opening Hours: Open from noon to late evening Monday-Sunday

Address: Agathodaimonas 37, Kato Petralona

Line Athens

Athens’ Favourite Concept Store and Cafe Reopens

Set in a stunning 1930’s neo-classical building, Philos Athens, (part cafe/ part event space/ part boutique) located down Solonos Street in chic Kolonaki, is the Greek capitals’ ultimate destination store and favourite weekend hangout alike!

Having closed its doors over a year ago (due to the pandemic) Philos’ loyal local fanbase was overjoyed at the store’s recent re-opening; allowing visitors to once again experience three levels of delightfulness (it’s so carefully thought out, it makes you feel right at home.)

From the moment you step inside, you’re immediately drawn into a real living space- featuring a grand wooden staircase, distressed walls, classic meander tiles and an eclectic mix of furniture that’s so warm and welcoming – you can easily sit here all day admiring the authenticity of this exceptional setting. With a finely curated edit of brands that combines high fashion with exciting emerging designers; Philos’ minimal space is filled with homewares, art, books, magazines, apparel, jewellery, shoes and other accessories.

Throughout the sleek store are beautifully displayed covetable pieces and distinct items that you’ll no doubt want to take home with you. The concept behind Philos is to evoke and inspire. Here customers don’t just come to shop. They come to engage, to sit back, to enjoy the energy, the people; and to discover the stunningly restored space that still reveals so much about its rich history (the building was once the property of Greek art collector Evripidis Koutlidis.)  

On the ground level is where you’ll find the cozy eating area. Philos’ delightful menu is based on the principles of simplicity and farm-to-table dishes- using local vendors and seasonal produce. From fresh eggs (made any which way you like) to French Toast with cinnamon and honey; plus their great coffee, refreshing salads and healthy juices- it’s easy to see why Athenians from all over the city love coming here for brunch on any given day of the week. 

But not only- as it’s open till late- you can also arrive here in the afternoon, or early evening and enjoy a light dinner, along with a fine wine or your favourite drink of choice!  

A: Solonos 32, Kolonaki

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 9 am to 12 am, Saturday- 10 am to 12 am, Sunday 10 am to 8 pm

Minu, a Sanctuary in the Heart of Athens

By Gina Lionatos 

Minu is one of those places that is hard to describe in one word. However, they manage to sum themselves up in three: plants, objects, cafe.

Minu is a charmingly designed sanctuary in the heart of Athens’ Psyrri district, where you can shop hard-to-find homewares, peruse (and get lost in) an extensive collection of plants, or sit back with a refreshment in the elegant courtyard. Of course, at one point or another, you’ll end up doing all three of these things. 

The low down… As soon as you step into Minu, you’re taken in by the exotic plants that seem to softly envelop you from all angles, designer homewares and unique gifts (think copies of Kinfolk magazine and glassware that Don Draper himself would insist upon). Walk a little further in to find a long coffee counter stacked with freshly baked cakes, friendly staff and beautifully situated seating options for groups and couples. The cafe/bar is self-service, so place your order at the counter and be sure to explore the entire space before you take a seat as the space is filled with rare plants and surprising touches in every nook. The challenge you’ll face at Minu is deciding on one place to settle in.

Type of cuisine? Minu is a delight for the senses, and this philosophy is carried through to the food on offer. The menu at Minu has been designed by Athinagoras Kostakos (a rising star in Greek cuisine, currently the culinary director at Scorpios Mykonos and Meraki London) and features fresh flavours, artfully presented.

Décor/ Ambience? A thoughtfully designed space, Minu combines an aesthetic mix of Scandinavian minimalism with touches of art deco. Attention has been paid to every detail, from the sprawling pink marble bar to the bathroom tapware. The ambience is decidedly serene and is perfect for intimate catch-ups, informal meetings, or even solo dining with your favourite book, or a design journal you picked up from the gift store.

Menu? Brunch is the sweet spot on Minu’s menu, including the house-favourite Happy Egg Bowl with poached eggs and avocado or the aptly named Scrambleness. The menu varies seasonally and also includes salads, bao buns and a pork katsu sando to remember. 

Something to drink? By day, there is a great range of coffee, healthy smoothies and tea on offer. In the evening hours, give their house Negroni a try, or sample a perfectly chilled glass of Biblia Xora rosé.

Price range? Brunch is priced between 8-16€

Location? Sarri 50, Athens

Opening hours/days? Open from 09.00-23.00 Monday – Sunday