Athens food Archives - Insights Greece

5 New Athens Patisseries You Shouldn’t Miss

If you are foodies (like us) who are always on the hunt to eat at the best spots anytime you travel somewhere, then get ready to experience the best flavours around Athens- a city quickly filling up with a great range of patisseries that are glossy and new with boutique beauty!

Kokakias (48-50 Patriarchou Ioakeim, Kolonaki)

Kokakias is the Greek diminutive for coque, a domed cake made of syrupy sponge that’s filled with a velvety cream and covered in a chocolate glaze, is the star of this small, pink patisserie. Indeed, you’ll find the dessert in several creative renditions here, created by pastry chef Manolis Stithos, known for his work with Funky Gourmet restaurant. Try the bright red Red Velvet coque with Madagascar vanilla, whipped cream and red fruits, the lemon-flavoured Ekmek coque with crispy cantaloupe and light vanilla cream, or the pistachio praline and Aegina candied pistachios as well as the Ferrero coque. Also tasty are the other desserts they prepare, such as the profiterole which instead of chou centres around mini coques with vanilla cream, hazelnut praline and bitter chocolate glaze.

Insights Greece - 5 New Athens Patisseries You Shouldn't Miss

Candy’s Caravan (3 Giannitsopoulou 3 Glyfada)

How about something different? Like, say, pancakes on a stick for hassle-free indulgence, yummy and syrupy baba in a burger wrapper, or red velvet cake, chocolates, crunchy dumplings and many more indulgent treats. All this and more can be found at Candy’s Caravan, a fast-food-themed confectionery and unique concept store in Glyfada. Also an Instagrammer’s paradise because of the truly mouth-watering and amusing presentation.

Little Darling (119 Ethnarchou Makariou, Argyroupoli)

If you’re looking for a raw dessert that’s still just as delicious as a “regular” one, except that these desserts replace sugar with healthier syrups, are usually not baked and include ingredients like fruit, dried fruit, healthy powders like lucuma and nuts, then Little Darling is where you’ll find exactly what you want. This ‘secret’ spot has been known for some time by vegans and lovers of a healthier diet who visit the patisserie in Argyroupoli for raw vegan desserts made from amazing guilt-free ingredients. Some desserts to try are the white chocolate and hazelnut cream, passion fruit and mango tart and the raw carrot cake with carrots, nuts, raisins and spices. Even if you are not vegan, they are well worth discovering.

In Love Again in Athens (3 Kliitiou Street, Monastiraki)

This is the sweet sibling of the well-known and awarded bar “Baba Au Rum” bar, and opened at the beginning of September. In essence, it’s a concept store that marries quality coffee with sweets inspired by popular cocktails, and a florist. The Mai Tai tart is made with vanilla cookie, lime cream, bitter almond meringue and bergamot flavours; the Zombie profiterole contains fluffy noodles filled with aged rum-flavoured cream, white chocolate, a pomegranate glaze, grapefruit jam and pineapple and the Piña Colada cheesecake has coconut baked cream, a crispy cookie base and is topped with pineapple chunks. The rum baba is not missing from the menu, and you’ll find it in two versions, vanilla or caramel and passion fruit syrup, orange and peach. Also, try the vegan cinnamon cream vegan baguette made with oat milk and Iu honey. The entire menu is curated by chef Michalis Nournoglou.

Ourse (39 Mystra 39, Ano Glyfada)

At Ourse you’ll find sweets inspired by French culinary philosophy – with a lot of butter and cream – and a Greek character, since almost all the raw materials are Greek and mainly from small producers nationwide. Don’t miss out on the Flan Parisién, one of the most famous Parisian pastries, with thick cream and a sweet aroma of real Madagascar vanilla; the Paris-Brest with a chou puff pastry base filled with pistachio praline cream; pistachio ganache montée and pistachio crumble, and the Aegina pistachio tart that plays with four different textures of the nut. You’ll also find fluffy, chewy macarons in a wide variety of flavours, sinful chocolates to eat two by two, ice cream and apple pie – if you get there on time.

Athens Street Food Festival 2022 Taking Place Throughout May

Throughout the month of May, Greece’s largest food festival will have its doors open in the cool neighbourhood of Gazi, as talented chefs prepare to serve visitors some of the most popular Greek “street food” and other enticing recipes from around the world.

On the 6-7-8, 13-14-15, 20-21-22, as well as the 27-28-29th of May, the 5th edition of the Athens Food Festival will take place at one of Athens’ old depot stations, with the entire space being filled with stalls offering a range of casual international cuisine.

Having hosted over 400,000 visitors so far (prior to the pandemic) the Athens Street Food Festival has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Greek capital. This year organisers are expecting thousands more local and international visitors to attend- as they will once again be able to experience a great range of flavours and flair from all corners of the globe- including those of Mexico, Japan, France, Italy, Vietnam, the U.S, and needless to say, Greece!

Insights Greece - Athens Street Food Festival 2022 Taking Place Throughout May

There will be plenty of traditional Greek street food to try- such as the country’s much-loved souvlaki, spanakopita and loukoumades- plus international favourites like burgers, mac and cheese, tacos, hotdogs, and gelato. The Festival will also be showcasing new food trends that have become popular over the past year.

If you are a foodie who happens to be in Athens during the month of May, do yourself a favour and head over to the old depot station in Gazi, which will be filled with plenty of food, drinks, music and a great vibe!

More details on the programme of the Festival will be announced shortly, so keep an eye out.

Date: Weekends between 6 – 29 May 2022

A: Old Depot, OSY, Pireos & Ermou, Gazi

W: Athens Street Food Festival

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Where to Find the Best Classic Greek Desserts in Athens

Greece is home to some of the most delicious homemade, traditional and mouthwatering desserts and here we share where to find the best classic Greek desserts in Athens!

If you are in the Greek capital searching for feel-good classics that still delight, here are five of the city’s most unmissable patisseries (some have been around for more than a century) where you can taste the best Galaktoboureko, Ekmek, Baklava, and more authentic Greek desserts!

Varsos (5 Kassaveti 5, Kifissia)

This classic confectionery store in Kifissia originally opened in 1892 in the centre of Athens as a sugar and dairy shop and moved to the north in 1922. Hardly having changed in terms of décor and selling chocolate and nut-stuffed croissants that the Prince of Wales was a fan of, “authentic” Varsos has it all. The retro café-pastry shop on Kassaveti Street is an essential stop for its meringues, cream puddings, fruit leather, jams, flaky cheese pie, galaktoboureko, kaimaki, and other ice creams- and lots more!

Insights Greece - Where to Find the Best Classic Greek Desserts in Athens

Konstantinidis (22 stores throughout Greece)

In 1920, Gregorios K. Konstantinidis set up the chain’s first confectionery shop, and five years later his sons brought it to Greece. Since 1954, when the family created its own recipes, Konstantinidis has become a synonym for eclairs and millefeuille, which to this day remain their most famous desserts. Nowadays, apart from the classic recipe with vanilla cream, two variations are offered: with chocolate and mixed.

Hara (339C Patission Street, Ano Patissia)

The famous Patissia patisserie first opened in 1969 and immediately became famous for its excellent quality ice cream – especially the “Chicago” ice cream (one scoop chocolate and one vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a cookie). The recipe has remained the same for 49 years. So have the quality ingredients such as fresh milk from farms in Parnitha, Kilkis and Trikala. The store’s other desserts include the sari Kadai Kifi and the ekmek, either with kaimaki ice cream or in the “Guzel” version.

Afoi Asimakopouloi (82 Harilaou Trikoupis, Athens)

This is one of the oldest pastry shops in town, as it has been operating since 1915. The former dairy shop of Charilaou Trikoupis has evolved into one of the most famous confectionery shops in Athens with a wide range of sweets. Nowadays, the business is run by the third generation of owners. Regular patrons recommend you try the handmade chocolates and ice cream (also handmade), luscious pastries and fluffy cakes, traditional brioche and rich chocolate mousse.

Kosmikon (Avenue. Ionia 104, Agios Nikolaos, 102 Ag. Alexandrou Street, P. Faliro, 34 Halandriou Street)

This is the oldest sweet intersection between Greek and Turkish pastry making. It serves perhaps the best galaktoboureko in Attica, but the baklava and other syrupy sweets have also got a huge fan base by now.

Main Image by Varsos

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8 Best New Places to Eat in Athens

Athenians love eating out and despite the hardship over the last year, new culinary pleasures are popping up all over the Greek capital. If you are looking for a great spot to grab some brunch, lunch, or dinner in Athens, we’ve rounded up eight fab new eateries for your next visit.

Linou Soubaris & Sia

This amazing new “no-frills” restaurant is all about bringing it back to basics. From the décor and design to the food and drinks, the simplicity makes it even more appealing. With an open kitchen and industrial layout, here you will find a range of natural candles (that you can purchase) displayed throughout the space. With a gastro-bistro feel, chef Lukas Mailer creates modern dishes using seasonal ingredients and products that are made in-house, including black pig sausages and smoked swordfish. The menu changes regularly but one thing that remains the same is each dish is designed to bring back memories of classic Sunday dinners. There is also a small but great Greek organic wine list to choose from.

A: Melanthiou 2, Athens

Insights Greece - 8 Best New Places to Eat in Athens

Brutus Tavern

Located in Kolonaki, this new premium steakhouse is the perfect dinner spot for those who enjoy finely cooked meat. Featuring stylish décor and an elegant vibe, the dining area boasts mirrors and white tiles, while the menu includes dry-aged mince, wagyu ribeye, New Zealand rib steak, and smoked pancetta.

A: Leventi 3, Kolonaki

Milos

Including popular eateries in New York, London, and Miami, this is the first Milos restaurant in Greece. Part of the boutique hotel, which just opened its doors, offers fine Mediterranean dishes from acclaimed founder and executive chef Costas Spiliadis. Using fresh and locally sourced produce, the kitchen team works with distinguished farmers and fishermen to provide a delightful menu that focuses on seafood.

A: Kolokotroni 3-5, Athens

Gastone

This modern eatery describes itself as being somewhere in between “a fancy version of an American diner and a Greek hasapotaverna (meat tavern).” Ideal for lunch or casual dinner- here you can choose from the grill and rotisserie, or the great range of burgers and seasonal salads. There’s also locally sourced freshly cut cheeses and cold meats (from producers all over Greece) on offer; as well as an impressive wine list featuring upcoming Greek wineries.

A: Praxitelous 43, Athens

Kalon Restaurant

Another new addition to Kolonaki, Kalon combines traditional Greek flavours with modern twists. Featuring stylish indoor and outdoor spaces, here you can choose from dishes including Seabass carpaccio with zucchini, Black eye beans, lentils and wild rice, Octopus with Fava; and mains such as Prawn giouvetsi, Baby chicken marinated in sun-dried tomatoes, or one of our favourites- the “Skioufihta” pasta with pumpkin and Greek prosciutto.

A: Pl. Filikis Eterias 14, Kolonaki

Senta Japanese

If you are in the mood for some Japanese, executive chef Nick Politakos is ready to take you on a culinary journey filled with signature rolls, hosomaki, suzuki tempura and kani sake- just to name a few. We highly recommend the shared menu if you are there with friends, which allows you to taste lots more of the fresh dishes and flavours on offer.

A: Voukourestiou 3, Athens

Loco Taqueria

Having opened its doors in November of 21, this new taqueria/tequileria in the centre of the city has fast become a local favourite for all those who love Mexican food (who doesn’t). So, if tacos and tequilas are your thing, make sure you head to Loco where they also serve Tuna ceviche, Aquachile sea bass, Pork Iberico, and some seriously delicious churros.

A: Kalamiotou 15, Athens

The Makers

One of our favourite new brunch spots; this cool concept store that sells handmade aprons, t-shirts, bags, tea towels and other items is the perfect place for a good coffee. They also offer a delightful breakfast menu- featuring smoothies, pancakes and waffles, as well as many healthy options such as bowls of yogurt with granola and fresh seasonal fruit, refreshing salads, healthy crepes and plenty of egg-based dishes.

A: Praxitelous 37, Athens

Main image: Brutus Tavern

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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.)

Insights Greece - Athens’ Favourite Concept Store and Cafe Reopens

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

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The Return of Café Boheme, an Athens Classic

Fourteen years after opening on Omirou St in Kolonaki, the atmospheric Café Boheme bar-restaurant, with a loyal following amongst a sophisticated Athens’ clientele, reopens in a different location with fresh décor and a new attitude.

Since my mid-’30s and until it closed, within a few months of the pandemic hitting planet earth, Café Boheme was my stomping ground, a hangout where I felt I belonged to a vibe, a tribe, and a lifestyle. It was then a small and super-cosy, dimly lit and polished little place where the DJ and sometimes live acts kept us dancing closely till the wee hours, as we chomped on truffle pizza and sipped great wine. Always beautifully decorated with pink liliums on each table and immaculate seasonal décor for themed parties usually organised by co-owner Cassandra Wagstaffe, with her mother Alison Wagstaffe’s beautiful paintings decorating the walls, it made every one of its customers feel at home.

Insights Greece - The Return of Café Boheme, an Athens Classic — Image Courtesy of Bovary | Panagiotis Malliaris

But its dinky size and lack of outside seating areas made it impossible to keep hold of in the face of a global pandemic, so owner Dimitris Manolakis and his team, including his daughter Maria who helps manage the place, looked for more open horizons. Within a year they got to work on an elegant neoclassical building, formerly the well-known Barbayiannis establishment, to create a new Café Boheme. With high ceilings and colonial-style fans, stone walls, a long glossy bar and a long monastic bench indoors, and tables dotting the wide pedestrian street outside, they’d found the perfect new spot. Almost immediately, new customers came to discover it as much as old clients ran to re-live the Boheme buzz.

And apart from the warm hospitality and pretty décor of the place, most of its current fans visit for the mouth-watering menu, as the place has gone from bar-restaurant to restaurant-bar. Using high-quality Greek ingredients sourced from top producers around the country, the chef prepares sophisticated (but unpretentiously so) and often wholesome, comforting dishes. The culinary style could be described as Mediterranean – with elements of classic Greek, French and Italian above all.

Pizza in various thin-crust renditions remains a star on the menu, but elegantly prepared and flavour-packed fish, meat and plenty of vegetarian dishes keep everyone happy. My go-to favourites and the tastiest, most satiating foods that I highly recommend are: juicy biftekia (beef patties) with truffle-flavoured mashed potatoes, succulent grilled seabass with boiled greens, a salad with melty goat’s cheese and glazed figs, baked aubergine with tomato sauce and crumbled Feta and grilled salmon with grilled vegetables and crunchy baby calamari. If you’re at Café Boheme with kids, and that’s a very good idea because the wide pedestrian street makes for a good play area too, apart from pizza you can also try the crispy potato ‘rocks’ and club sandwich.

With affordable prices, a charming ambiance, professional service, delicious dishes and an accessible location (the nearest metro is Panepistimio), Café Boheme is likely to become one of your favourite haunts too. Here’s to a new era for a hangout with a special character.

A: Emmanouil Benaki 94, Athens

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday- 10 am to 2 am

Main Image Courtesy of Bovary | Panagiotis Malliaris

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7 Best Bakeries in Athens

From traditional to modern bakeries, if you are in the Greek capital and looking for some freshly baked bread, pies, biscuits, or any Christmas sweets, we have rounded up the Top 7 bakeries in Athens that will satisfy all cravings.

Takis Bakery

One of Athens’ most famous and oldest bakeries; just be prepared to wait as there is always a queue of people trying to get their hands on the freshly baked goods. From traditional sourdough to sweet honey bread, muffins, carrot cake, and other handmade pastries, Takis’ sells around 50 types of bread including prozimi, multigrain, baguettes, and koulouri.

A: 14 Misaraliotou, Koukaki

Insights Greece - 7 Best Bakeries in Athens

Mama Psomi

This fantastic bakery in Koukaki sells freshly baked bread, pies, and pastries. From wholewheat, prozimi and rye, to koulouria, melomakarona and croissants- there is a huge variety of baked goods on offer each day.

A: 42-44 Zaharitsa & Zinni Street, Koukaki

Pnyka

This traditional Greek bakery is located at three spots throughout Athens centre. Here you will be able to find a huge range of bread including white, wholegrain and buckwheat. You can also pick up a box of your favourite Greek cookies- perfect for the festive season.

A: 13 Pratinou St, Pangrati, 24 Petraki St, Syntagma, 26 Tositsa St, Exarchia

Kora Bakery

This sourdough and viennoiserie bakery in Athens uses long fermentation methods, which makes their products more nutritious. Using the finest ingredients Kora sells a delicious and creative range of artisan bread, pastries and cakes.

A: Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou 44, Athens

Betty’s Bakery

If you are looking for a place that offers a wonderful range of artisan bread from traditional right through to seasonal bread for every special occasion ( Easter, Christmas loaves of bread, etc) this is the perfect spot!

A: Kassandras 10 St, Athens

Queen Bee

This all-day bakehouse is set in a stylish 1940s art deco building and has been given a major redesign with a focus on the sleek open kitchen. The elegantly displayed handmade products include sourdough, croissants, cinnamon buns, and pies. Tip: try the crunchy double-baked croissant with delicious almond filling!

A: Patriarchou Ioakim 45, Kolonaki

Tromero Paidi

This French-inspired artisan bakery and patisserie uses 100% Greek grains. Every day there are about ten different varieties of bread each of which are matured and baked on the spot, so you can enjoy your fresh loaf straight out of the oven!

A: Papadiamantopoulou 30, Athens

Main Image: Queen Bee by K Studio

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Modern Eatery in Trendy Pangrati

Popular with locals who love to dine out, Lost Athens is one of the restaurants that have served to up Pangratis’ trendy profile.

The menu is separated into four categories: ‘With Hands’, ‘With Fork and Spoon’, ‘With Fork’ and ‘With Spoon’, which immediately reveals the restaurant’s original take on dining. Created to inspire fun, playfulness and experimentation among urbanites who simply want a good time – and great food to go with it, it showcases Greek as well as international street food favourites. Customers are encouraged to try several dishes in the middle to share so they can try as many tastes as possible. Upon arrival you are welcomed with the soup of the day served in a paper cup.

Type of cuisine? Mediterranean-Asian-American fusion.

Type of eatery? Modern, relaxed and hip. Almost everything here is made from scratch using fresh, mainly local but also exotic ingredients.

The low down… Owner Vasilis Stefanakis put it this way: “This is a place that welcomes every style of person, in whatever mood or clothes they may be when they come. The simplicity in decor is deliberate; we are not building expectations of a gourmet, fine-dining experience but in fact, that is what we are delivering; our menu is meant to surprise and delight you.”

Décor/ Ambience? Laidback and buzzy during the weekends. Simple, post-industrial décor by Circus Agency with neon signs such as one that reads ‘Enjoy Your F**ing Dinner’, targeted at today’s high-stress lifestyle and graphic design artworks combined with comfy leather chairs.

Entrees? Try with the Mussels with cucumber salsa, ponzu cucumber and pickled mustard seeds or the Greek Salad with tomato dressing, mousse volaki, carob biscuit and strawberry ice water.

Mains? The Hanger Steak Black Angus with grilled corn, romesco and chilli oil or the Greater Amberjack Sashimi with ponzu, tomato, celery mayonnaise, mango gel, watermelon and radish, or the Stuffed Squid with shrimp, green pea puree and fragrant oil. End with the Chocolate Custard Hazlenut Cake.

Something to drink? Apart from a decent wine list with Greek and foreign wines as well as some good cocktails, Lost serves a large choice (around 55) of craft beers from Greek micro-breweries (‘The Chill Journey’).

Chef says: Chef Kostas Nasiopoulos tells IN+SIGHTS GREECE that he has “taken street-food concepts and combined them with refined cooking techniques and sophisticated as well as feel-good and indulgent ingredients. This is food with no borders – it’s from our souls. We’ve put our hearts into creating it just right.”

Price range? Around 35 to 45 € per person without drinks.

Location? Archelaou 7, Pangrati

Opening hours/days? Tuesday- Friday: 6pm -2am, Sat-Sun: 2pm – 2am

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5 Best New Places to Eat in Athens

Despite its ancient age, Athens is always blossoming with novelty of every kind – edible and drinkable being among the most exciting forms.

After a year of home delivery Athenians are rejoicing that they can be their good, old extrovert selves and spend endless hours dining out under the sky while watching the world go by. Here are the five hottest new food places to visit ASAP.

Dopios

Near the Varvakios Market, you’ll find Dopios (Skouleniou 1 in Aghio Theodoroi Sq), which is themed on Asian cuisine and meze dishes and has a menu created by well-reputed chef Christoforos Peskias. Try almirikia boiled greens with Japanese-style oil and lemon sauce, or black garlic sauce (skordarlia) with popcorn shrimps. Although culturally playful the meze restaurant aims to showcase authentic Greek products made by local producers and small farms.

Insights Greece - 5 Best New Places to Eat in Athens

Galiantra

Greek street food served from a food truck in an old parking lot-turned pebble-covered eating space is what you’ll find at this new alfresco eatery in Metaxourgeio (Avdi Square, Iatrakou 4). Chef Gogo Deligianni invites guests to seat themselves on colourful barrels and soak up the summery Athenian vibes. Try the grilled meatballs (keftedakia) or soya sloppy joes with dairy-free mayo for vegans, the fish n chips and salad with strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and graviera cheese, and sip an icy cocktail.

Cherry Blossom

What’s a 50s American diner doing in the centre of Psyrri (Lepeniotou 26)? Cherry Blossom is like a time travel machine with checkered black and white tile floors, waitresses in A-line skirts, and cute neon signs. It serves American classics like burgers with gooey cheese pouring down the side, tall ice cream smoothies, sticky ribs, and fried eggs on stewed meat. Good old-fashioned comfort food a la Americana for anyone tired of souvlaki.

Tzoutzouka

At Tzoutzouka in Rouf (Meg. Vasiliou 32) you shouldn’t expect the food to be artfully presented and perfectly Instagrammable, but you should definitely expect it to be flavoursome and authentic. Local recipes with bolshy creative touches by chef Argyro Koutsou evoke feelings of childhood nostalgia in Greeks and are made using lovingly grown, high-quality local ingredients from small farms. Try the fava from Schinousa with fresh pickled calamari, lemony giouvetsi with Tinos country sausage, and stuffed aubergines.

Manouka

More of a wine bar than a restaurant, this new place on the roof garden of Utopia Hotel (Ermou 46) overlooking the Acropolis, Lycabettus, and the Athens Metropolis Cathedral serves a great variety of protected designation of origin (POP) products along with over 100 Greek wine labels. The all-day menu includes dishes as varied as finger foods, snacks, cheese, and cold cuts platters, burgers, scrambled eggs, and prawn dumplings.

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Top 16 Eateries in Psirri

The culturally rich and cool Athenian neighbourhood of Psirri 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 eateries to choose from, we’ve rounded up 16 of the best restaurants and taverns in Psirri, for your next visit to the Greek capital!

Arodou– This mezedopolio also has a live band for guests to enjoy platters of dishes while listening to traditional Greek music.

Insights Greece - Top 16 Eateries in Psirri

Voliotiko– A traditional tsipouradiko, it serves authentic Greek dishes and flavours, which are served indoors or in the charming courtyard.

Oineas Restaurant- Has a mix of traditional and modern dishes that are based on fresh, seasonal produce.

Stou Mamma– By far one of the more modern taverns in the neighbourhood when it comes to both decor and dishes; as the chef takes traditional recipes and adds modern twists.

Krasopoulio Tou Kokkora– Once a historic music tavern, this long time local favourite serves homemade dishes, including the chef’s “plate of the day.”

I Orea Penteli – Known for its grilled meat platters, this authentic taverna also serves great side dishes to add to your mains.

Avli– A lovely spot where you can eat authentic dishes (cooked over a gas stove) in the charming “Avli” (garden).

Lithos– With both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, Lithos is a mezedopolio, where you can enjoy traditional Greek food and live music.

Kafenio Tis Ivis– This tsipouradiko is popular amongst locals, who come here to catch up with friends in a casual setting.

Atlantikos– For the freshest seafood in the heart of Athens, this psarotaverna has a huge range of grilled fish, octopus and lots of other seafood.

Taverna Tou Psirri– Traditional tavern with indoor and outdoor areas, with a range of meat, seafood and vegetarian plates to choose from.

Odos Aisxylou– If you are searching for a traditional grill house, this is it. Any meat you can think of is grilled to perfection and served with a side of your choice.

Nikitas – One of the most popular taverns amongst locals and international visitors, Nikitas’ has a great reputation for both its food and service.

Gostijo– This is the only kosher restaurant in Psirri, serving Sephardic Mediterranean cuisine.

Mavros Gatos– It’s a small, hole-in-the-wall, authentic Greek tavern serving a range of classics from dolmadakia and moussaka through to crispy pites (pies) and homemade sweets.

Oinopoleion Cookhouse– A great choice if you are in search of an old-style tavern (surrounded by greenery) that serves good food and has live music.

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The GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar

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

Athens Athens bars Athens food Athens restaurant Athens rooftop Grande Bretagne Greece Greece holiday Greece travel Greek food Greek travel Hotel Grande Bretagne Lycabettus Hill Syntagma Square

The Chess Café in the heart of Athens

Venture outside the tourist box to see how Athens’ ever-changing present syncs with its age-old past! The book ‘111 Places in Athens You Shouldn’t Miss’ was written to offer you exactly that. This is just one of 10 unmissable places that even locals often miss, offered exclusively for IN+SIGHTS GREECE readers by the guide’s publishers EMONS.

For a kafeneion, it is uncharacteristically quiet. But patrons don’t come to Panellinion to argue over politics or football (or both simultaneously as in many cases the two are inextricable). Nor do they come to indulge in the counter-culture ambience of other area cafés. They come to play chess. And every single table in the café is set up with a chess set, ready for the contest.

Panellinion isn’t the sort of place that attracts passersby. Scuffed tables, a marble mosaic floor typical of 1950s and 1960s kitchens, stiff wooden chairs with flaking paint, and, at first glance, a clientele of mostly pensioners. The coffee is almost exclusively Ellinikos, individually brewed over a gas flame. The décor is mostly framed photos, including one of the original, far grander premises at the corner of Benaki Street that it occupied for the first eight decades after its founding in 1885. Pride of place among these souvenirs of its history is a magazine spread from 24 August, 1992, featuring Gary Kasparov, the Russian former world chess champion, who not only stopped by Panellinion but simultaneously played – and won – 30 games against the café’s regulars.

Chess isn’t just a game, but a philosophy. Or, as the Emanuel Lasker quote tacked to the service counter notes, ‘On the chessboard lies and hypocrisy do not survive long.’ As a game, it enjoys enduring popularity in Greece, with active clubs throughout the country. Panellinion is more of a haven, a place where players go to share their love of the game, rather than compete for a title. Like the décor, this love for chess has remained steady over time. Perhaps the one thing that has changed is that the coffee house no longer charges customers by the hour so they can continue to contemplate the board without anxiety about running up a bill. And there’s no rush to leave: Panellinion will stay open until the final checkmate. checkmate, even if it takes hours. Unlike our fast-paced lives, chess requires strategy and patience.

Address: Mavromichali 16, Athens 10680, +30 210 3634492

Getting there: Metro to Panepistimio (M 2); bus 21, 22, 54, 60, 100, 224, 608, 622 or 732

Hours: Daily 8am – 9pm (or later)

Tip: The old antenna atop the Law School Library on the corner of Solonos was used for Morse code transmissions to the government-in-exile in Cairo in World War II.

111 Places in Athens That You Shouldn’t Miss can be found at all major bookstores worldwide as well as online at Amazon.

Athens Athens cafes Athens coffee Athens food Chess Cafe Greee Greek holiday

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The GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar

Let’s put it this way: you don’t come here for a ‘great meal’, you come for The Experience.

The Chess Café in the heart of Athens

Your Curated Guide to Greece

If you are foodies (like us) who are always on the hunt to eat at the best spots anytime you travel somewhere, then get ready to experience the best flavours around Athens- a city quickly filling up with a great range of patisseries that are glossy and new with boutique beauty!

Throughout the month of May, Greece’s largest food festival will have its doors open in the cool neighbourhood of Gazi, as talented chefs prepare to serve visitors some of the most popular Greek “street food” and other enticing recipes from around the world.

Greece is home to some of the most delicious homemade, traditional and mouthwatering desserts and here we share where to find the best classic Greek desserts in Athens!

Athenians love eating out and despite the hardship over the last year, new culinary pleasures are popping up all over the Greek capital. If you are looking for a great spot to grab some brunch, lunch, or dinner in Athens, we’ve rounded up eight fab new eateries for your next visit.

Linou Soubaris & Sia

Brutus Tavern

Milos

Gastone

Kalon Restaurant

Senta Japanese

Loco Taqueria

The Makers

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!

Fourteen years after opening on Omirou St in Kolonaki, the atmospheric Café Boheme bar-restaurant, with a loyal following amongst a sophisticated Athens’ clientele, reopens in a different location with fresh décor and a new attitude.

From traditional to modern bakeries, if you are in the Greek capital and looking for some freshly baked bread, pies, biscuits, or any Christmas sweets, we have rounded up the Top 7 bakeries in Athens that will satisfy all cravings.

Popular with locals who love to dine out, Lost Athens is one of the restaurants that have served to up Pangratis’ trendy profile.

Despite its ancient age, Athens is always blossoming with novelty of every kind – edible and drinkable being among the most exciting forms.

Let’s put it this way: you don’t come here for a ‘great meal’, you come for The Experience.

The Athens Guide