What’s on in Athens This Week: October 9

The first tree leaves may be falling and the weather may be getting colder – but Athens’ cultural scene is on fire! The first week of October finds the capital with plenty of great events taking place and we’ve rounded them all up for you. 

Book as Art
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

Exciting news for art lovers in Athens! The Gramma Epsilon Gallery is hosting the Books as Art exhibition, curated by Paolo Cortese and supported by the Italian Institute of Culture. Featuring works by over 30 international artists, this group exhibition challenges our perception of what a “book” can be. Don’t miss the chance to see works dating back to the 1960s alongside contemporary pieces- from conceptual to fibre art, the three-dimensional pieces on display explore the diverse possibilities of books as a means of artistic expression.

Entry: Free

Date & Time: 1-20 October, Thursday-Saturday

Αddress: Gramma Epsilon Gallery, 6 Agathonos, Monastiraki

Oedipus in Search of Colonus
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

This radical VR installation by Loukia Alavanou, who represented Greece at the 59th Venice Art Biennale, will be shown for the first time at Onassis Stegi. A 15-minute film, shot with 360° VR technology and members of the Roma community from Nea Zoi in Aspropyrgos of Western Attica, in the roles of a cast of actors who follow in the traces of Oedipus. As the creator underlines, this installation aims to evoke questions around the themes of aging and death, human dignity and universal freedom, immigration, displacement, minorities, racism, and human rights.

Entry: 8 €

Date & Time: 11-30 October 2023, Wednesday-Sunday 6 pm-11 pm

Address: Onassis Stegi, 107-109 Syggrou Avenue, Neos Kosmos

Website: Onassis.org

Tickets: ticket.onassis.org

Pytheas Travels
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

“Pytheas Travels” is a staged audiovisual simulation highlighting the experience of being on a passenger ship, travelling from the Mediterranean to the seas of Scandinavia. It is a maritime story, a fictional journey and a critical look at the mass tourism industry and its effects on environmental, cultural and social structures. Accompanied by music from pioneering Norwegian composer and performer Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje, it’s inspired by the historical journey of Pytheas, who in 325 BC sailed north from Marseilles to a place he called Ultima Thule, the mythical island, to reach the “frozen seas.”

Entry: 5-24 €

Date & Time: 13-15 October 2023, Friday-Sunday 8.30 pm

Address: Onassis Stegi, 107-109 Syggrou Avenue, Neos Kosmos

Website: Onassis.org

Tickets: ticket.onassis.org

I Puritani
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

This year’s 100th anniversary of the birth of the greatest Greek soprano of all time is just one more reason to fill Athens with dedicated events in her honour. At the Olympia Municipal Theater- where Maria Callas started her career back in 1944 – the famous opera “I Puritani”, a performance that marked her rise to stardom will be performed this week. The special event is presented by the City of Athens Choir, the Athens State Orchestra, and the stunning soprano Christina Poulitsi and American tenor John Osborn are found in the leading roles.

Entry: 5-40 €

Date & Time: 14 October, 8 pm

Tickets: ticketservices.gr

Αddress: Olympia Municipal Music Theater Maria Callas, 59 Akadimias Historic Center 

Meet Market
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

If you love searching for special items to decorate your home, or love accessories for yourself or as special gifts – we’ve found a great place for you to visit during your stay in Athens. The Meet Market is a nomadic spot filled with innovation and creativity- featuring locally made clothes, jewelry, accessories, care & wellness products, art & decor, baby items, delicious treats, vintage collectibles, street food – plus a bunch of interactive games, DJ sets & good vibes.

Entry: Free

Date & Time: 14-15 October 2023, 12 am to 12 pm

Address: Peiraios 100, Athens, cultural venue of “Technopolis”

Website: themeetmarket.gr

Athens Cocktails Party
Insights Greece - What's on in Athens This Week: October 9

If you would like to taste some of the finest cocktails – created by Athens’ leading mixologists from some of the best bars in the Greek capital – head to Kypseli Municipal Market this weekend. The cool event is the brainchild of George Apergis, founder of local electronic music collective Modular Expansion, so you can rest assured there will be plenty of great tunes to listen to as you sip on your favourite drink.

Tickets: Free admission

Date: 14 October 2023

Time: 3 pm – 11.30 pm

Address: Kypseli Municipal Market, 42 Fokionos Negri, Kypseli

Best Cafes in Plaka 

Plaka, built in the shadow of the Acropolis, is an authentic sample of where old-world Athens meets the new.

It’s a place where you will find ancient ruins on almost every corner; as well as a variety of charming cafes serving coffee, drinks and desserts, with the most historic views.

Here, we’ve rounded up our favourites when visiting this beautiful part of the city! 

Yiasemi is a picturesque spot that’s become the Instagrammable bistro-café in the neighbourhood thanks to all the jam-packed tables lined along the staircase. You can sit and relax, watching people go by, while also sampling the great vegetarian buffet breakfast that features delightful dishes made using fresh, local produce. A: (Mnisikleous 23)

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Café Melina is a retro café dedicated to Greek actress and political activist Melina Merkouri, features plenty of images and decor honouring the late actress. With an indoor and outdoor seating area, the all-day menu includes mezedes, as well as crepes and homemade desserts. A: (Lysiou 22) 

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Kimolia Art Café, a colourful and unique cafe that’s hidden in the alleyways of Plaka; Kimolia is set in a historic 1925 building, allowing visitors to step back in time with its traditional decor and ambience. A: (Ypereidou 5)

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Anafiotika Café, located on the most famous steps of the neighbourhood; is the ideal place for a coffee during a morning stroll or a Greek meze later on in the day. A: (Mnisikleous 24)         

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Café Plaka is a great place all year round but we love it even more in winter for its fireplace and a wonderful roof terrace where you can sit and enjoy the sunny mornings. Tip: try the pancakes and take photos in front of the pink house. A: (Tripodon 1)

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

O Glykys is a traditional kafeneio that serves great Greek coffee, tsipouro, and homemade delicacies. Here you will find locals enjoying a game of tavli (backgammon), of course. A: (Geronta 2)

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Dioskouroi, located right in the centre of old Athens, this cafe recently received a new design without losing its traditional atmosphere and appeal. It’s a favourite amongst students, locals and tourists alike, who come here for a coffee in the morning and a cocktail or wine during the evening.  A: (37-39 Adrianou)

Insights Greece - Best Cafes in Plaka 

Athens’ Blossoming Wine Bar Scene  

A wonderful variety of wine bars have sprung up all over Athens, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed chat with friends over a glass of good wine, complemented by equally good food. 

Notable bottled wine production didn’t start in modern Greece until the 1960s when substantial investments in facilities and technology first took place. Nevertheless, the traditional low demand for bottled wine by Greek consumers kept its quality relatively low. Since the 2000’s remarkable efforts in bottled wine quality improvement by wineries and vine farmers brought about spectacular results. 

As a consequence, low domestic demand has since surged and Greeks have begun to consume more and more bottled Greek wine, either as part of their entertainment or as an accompaniment to their food.

So, while fifteen years ago the term wine bar was mostly unknown to the Greek public, nowadays, every remarkable bar and restaurant cluster in Athens has its own place dedicated to wines. Most wine bars in Athens employ knowledgeable staff, feature a large variety of wines, and offer complimentary or even main dishes; with quality (most of the time) ranging from descent to high-end.

Athens has been an attraction for the past few centuries for both Greeks and foreigners alike. Its ancient history and ruins worked as a time travel in its visitors’ imagination. 

Modern Athens has changed a lot from the time of its liberation from Ottoman rule when it was already a prominent destination for knowledgeable travellers to the various lands of the Mediterranean Sea. 

But up until recently, Athens was still a destination of historical interest only. Tourists used to visit Athens for a few days to see the antiquities before they embarked on their trip to the islands of the Aegean, where they mostly spent their vacation time. 

Thanks to the information technology burst, internet proliferation, and the increase of its users and time spent on it, more and more people have discovered that Athens offers more than history and sunshine. 

Its Mediterranean climate urges its people to go out and enjoy themselves. This outgoing need has created and sustained a vibrant entertainment scene in the city for the past few decades, which is well-synched with global trends.

Dance clubs, generic and various music genre-oriented bars, concert halls, Greek urban and folk live music halls, Greek, ethnic cuisine, and gourmet restaurants comprise the melting pot of Athenian outdoor entertainment.

Within this lively amusement scenery, wine bars have sprung up in the city like mushrooms filling a gap between nightlife entertainment and the need to have a meal outdoors and socialize. Relaxed evening talks around a bottle of good wine, complemented with equally good snacks and food was an experience that may have been lacking in Athens- but that has now changed. 

As luckily, the city’s young wine bar scene has grown; and very well at that. It features many young-gun sommeliers and established restaurateurs whose services offer real added value to the customer. 

The wine bars of Athens are redefining the way we Greeks drink wine and offer those already familiar with them a chance to not miss them while far from home. So here’s a list of great wine bars to choose from, for your next visit to the Greek capital! 

Oinoscent

Perhaps the most famous wine bar in Athens. Located just a stone’s throw away from Syntagma Square, Oinoscent is a wine bar and restaurant. Its wine list is focused on international vineyards but it also features several Greek labels from selected wineries. The food menu is focused on small, dish varieties that are very tasty. Prices are slightly on the higher end of the spectrum but the quality justifies the premium. Don’t miss the chance to inspect the wine cellar in the basement!

Heteroclito

This cozy little wine bar, not far from Syntagma Square, is another great option for getting to know domestic wines. All labels on the list are also available for retail purchase at cellar prices. Their wines combine ideally with carefully selected local varieties of cheese, hams and other delicacies, which are available in its unique space downtown. 

Materia Prima

This sophisticated wine bar, a few steps from the new Museum of Contemporary Art in the Koukaki district, is ideal for quiet wine drinks in the evening. It has a detailed wine list and offers troves of interesting wines at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, choosing Materia Prima as a date destination with your significant other might not be recommended as you may find its wine list pretty distracting!

Vintage

Imagine a chic, rustic, warm, atmospheric penthouse apartment decorated in earthly colours with a laid-back feel; now, add a 1200+ bottle wine list and you’ve got Vintage. What is more, are the many choices for those who love meat and cheese, as well as its central location in Athens, since it is very close to Syntagma Square. 

Manouka

Perhaps the wine bar with the best view in all of Athens. It’s located on the rooftop of Utopia Hotel and once there, you can enjoy the wine while staring at the Athenian horizon ranging across from the hill of Lycabettus, the Parthenon to the city’s old but still operating sky Observatory and along from Mount Hymettus at the background all the way to the Parliament at the forefront. The 100+ labels focus on Greek vineyards; framed by simple and delicious dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine. What else can one ask for?

Paleo 

Heading down to the southern suburbs of the city and specifically to the once industrial zone of Piraeus, lies an exemplary wine bar housed in a stunning converted warehouse. The décor is very original where the shelves filled with empty bottles give the feeling of a wine depository, the chairs are painted with wine landscapes and the tables are made of repurposed wine barrels. The owner is an experienced sommelier and offers his guests a list of 300 labels from the European South accompanied by Mediterranean dishes.

Cava Vegera

Featuring two wine bars across the city (Glyfada and Voula), Cava Vegera is the perfect antidote to the overcrowded city centre scenery. Both bars pay tribute to everyone who truly loves wine, by offering wines and dishes from across the Mediterranean and around the world. Cava Vegera wine bars also feature a wine store, upstairs, where you can find close to 1,000 different wine labels that you can drink in-store for a small corkage fee.

Cheers!

6 Coolest Concept Stores in Athens for Brunch and Shopping

Start your mid-morning with a spot of shopping and a delightful brunch menu at one of the coolest concept stores in Athens. 

Do you think it’s difficult to find a place that combines gardening advice and small Greek independent clothing labels with a shot of espresso and fluffy pancakes? Not anymore.

Imaginative concept stores are popping up all over Athens, offering a great range of unique items and services. Below we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Athens concept stores for your next trip to the Greek capital.

MINŪ ATHENS

A vivid space in Psyrri, Minu combines the sale of indoor plants, furniture and designer objects, with works of art. At the same time, you can enjoy a cup of organic coffee, homemade lemonade or tea with a homemade cake or taste one of the Asian-inspired dishes on the menu created by Athinagoras Kostakos.

A: Sarri 50, Psyrri

EAST COAST

A concept store with a surfing vibe and an environmental conscience. KVD2137 is the store’s clothing brand made using 100% organic cotton and water-based dyes. Here you’ll only find reusable cups, cork coasters, soy candles and a vegan menu. Taste the protein bread with fig and mushroom, the carob bread with scrambled eggs or the vegan cinnamon rolls. 

A: Palaiologou 9, Piraeus

WILD SOULS

A concept store that feels more like a gallery of nature’s wild treasures, it highlights both the nutritional benefits of nuts, as well as the incredible value of simplicity. Apart from the protagonists (nuts), at Wild Souls, you will find smooth and crunchy almond butter, hazelnut butter, and super-rich cashew nut butter; all free from preservatives, sugar and palm oil, elements that Areti, the owner, dislikes. Don’t miss the halva and the American style sweets. 

A: Voulis 36, Syntagma

ANAMESA CONCEPT STORE

The brightly coloured basement on Nikis street is full of creations by Greek and international designers (that focus on sustainable and ethical fashion), Instagrammable accessories, design objects and tasty smoothies. Don’t miss the personalised handwritten packaging with your personal style tips by ANAMESA and the daily updated stickers collection.

A: Nikis 24, Syntagma

PLEGMA

This concept store combines interior design with tasty food and coffee. Handmade ceramic mugs, pots, small furniture items and decorations, stationery, utensils, bags, accessories, serving items, personal care and household items that are perfect for gifts. Enjoy energy bowls and light lunch choices such as a soba noodle salad, while browsing design books and magazines or city guides. 

A: Efranoros 10, Pangrati

PHILOS

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 capital’s ultimate destination store and favourite weekend hangout alike!

A: Solonos 32, Kolonaki

 

5 Bookshop Cafés in Athens You Should Know

Everyone knows a good book requires a warm cup of tea or coffee. Yes, you can get this at home but there’s something special about a good bookstore café where you can pick up a pastry and a warm beverage before diving into the latest chapter of your favourite genre. So we’ve compiled a list of the best bookstore cafes in Athens, for those who can’t get enough of those good, old fashioned books! 

Little Tree Books & Coffee

Located just around the corner from the Acropolis Museum, Little Tree is the ideal place to relax and read your book while enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee or tea, and a light homemade snack. The food here is prepared using a variety of fresh local ingredients and the desserts are simply delicious. Apart from its cozy atmosphere and nice snacks, Little Tree is also stocked with interesting books of all sorts and holds an exceptional selection of children’s books.

A: 2 Kavalotti, Makrygianni

Booktalks

Located in Palaio Faliro, Booktalks is the creation of two bibliophile bloggers who came together in order to combine books and coffee, their simple everyday pleasure. Stop by to relax, read, enjoy a hot cup of coffee and savour its treats. Don’t miss the various book presentations and literary events that are held at Booktalks.

A: 47 Artemidos & 58 Agiou Alexandrou, Palaio Faliro 

Evripidis Kifissia

Located in the northern suburb of Kifissia, Evripidis, one of the oldest bookshops in Athens, is a meeting point for fruitful discussions with a cup of coffee. Evripidis first opened its doors in 1955, and now covering four floors, it attracts bibliophiles from all over town. Its large collection of Greek and foreign language books, as well as a wide variety of children’s books and its inviting coffee shop, are the reason why. It also features a small stationery shop adjacent, where brands such as Mont Blanc, Moleskine, Clairfontaine, and Waterman are found. 

A: 310 Leoforos, Kifissias

Insights Greece - 5 Bookshop Cafés in Athens You Should Know

Lemoni 

At Lemoni you can find an excellent selection of specialised books on art, Japanese poetry, and mythology, postcards, Moleskines and table books, while enjoying your coffee. If the day is warm, head to the backyard garden, take a seat and sink into your book, without being interrupted.

A: 22 Iraklidon, Athens 

Free Thinking Zone

A warm place where you can share ideas, read a book and enjoy a coffee. The bookstore hosts permanent and periodic book collections and is the perfect spot to meet new people and take part in a discussion while having a coffee. Various events, including cultural, political and social, take place on the premises. 

A: 64 Skoufa, Athens  

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

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 

12 Places to Get the Best Coffee in Athens

Finding the best coffee in Athens can be a bit of a gamble, as there’s no shortage of coffee shops, welcoming in customers with frothy cappuccinos and friendly conversation.

But if you are as serious about your coffee as we are, there are a standout selection of cafes and roasters in the city that are worth seeking out for expertly brewed cups of coffee paired with delicious pastries, as well as warm service and a cool vibe. Below, we’ve rounded up a list of exceptional coffee shops (close to Athens centre) that are perfect for that caffeine hit any time of day!

Peek a Bloom

Following the success of their popular cafe Mind the Cup in Peristeri, this talented team opened up a conveniently located cafe close to Syntagma Square, inside an open-air alley just off Lekka. This bright space with huge windows that double as outside seating next to the coffee bar. This cool cafe starts you off with a delicious breakfast in the morning accompanied by their great coffee. 

A: Lekka 14, Athens

The Underdog

Set in a charming street close to Thissio metro station, this award-winning all-day cafe/ bar is located in an airy, warehouse-style space. Also featuring a courtyard, they serve specialty coffee that will no doubt please any coffee lover! The team is most known for their flat white and espresso, which are made using quality beans that arrive regularly from South America and Africa.  

A: Iraklidon 8, Athens 

Dope Roasting Co.

This cool espresso bar, coffee roasting store and bakery, is set in a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building in the heart of Athens. Located at the corner of Vissis and Athinas street in the center of the Greek capital, they serve some of the finest coffee you’ll find in the city; and there are delightful pastries and homemade desserts to choose from. 

A: Vissis 25, Athens

Taf

Just a short walk from Monastiraki, here you’ll find expert baristas that brew their own beans. By far a local favourite, Athenians from all over town head here to try premium beans carefully sourced from all around the world. This is definitely one for those who truly appreciate coffee. And we should mention, they make a pretty good traditional Greek coffee too! 

A: Emmanouil Benaki 7, Athens

Charlie’s Coffee Boutique

This great espresso specialty bar uses single origins from all over the world and has become another hit amongst locals since its fairly recent opening. The perfect place to grab a takeaway coffee and a delicious treat, or you can also sit outside and enjoy the cool buzz.  

A: Papadiamantopoulou 148, Athens

Faba Coffee Roasters

This specialty coffee shop near the Supreme Court of Athens serves freshly roasted specialty coffee and handmade sweets and savoury snacks. Boasting a retro feel, this is a great spot to sit back and read a book or a quick catch-up with friends. 

A: Kirillou Loukareos 43, Athens

A Tot

From great coffee to homemade treats, this amazing little spot serves fresh specialty coffee using exclusive espresso blends from around the world. Another local fave thanks to its delicious tarts, homemade cookies and gluten-free/vegan-friendly sweets.  

A: Lekka 28, Athens

Motiv

Here you’ll find carefully selected specialty beans from around the world. Always freshly roasted and in a variety of tasty characteristics, depending on the season, you can enjoy your coffee inside or outside the cool little store. There’s also a great range of herbal tea, small meals, snacks and sweets to choose from. 

A: Emmanouil Benaki 20, Athens

Lot 51

This ultra-cool all-day cafe/ bar serves the perfectly made espresso and if you are looking for a place to hang out all day (and maybe get a bit of work done) this one is for you. Lot 51 also offers a great brunch menu that focuses on eggs and healthy morning options.  

A: Papadiamantopoulou 24Β, Athens

The Rabbit Punch

The Rabbit Punch offers delicious, seasonally-sourced coffees that can be enjoyed at the casual cafe or as a take-away. Here you can also choose from a great all-day brunch menu with creations that are based on fresh, seasonal produce. 

A: Eufranoros 40, Athens

Samba

This corner cafe stands out for its great coffee and its wide selection of croissants, pastries, tarts and other sweet treats- perfect spot to start the day, or for an afternoon pick-me-up! 

A: Solonos 36, Likavittou, Athens

Kaya

Located inside ‘Stoa Bolani’ close to Syntagma, this “no-frills” take-away espresso bar is all about the coffee and great service. Offering a house blend and a great range of local roasters, this is the ideal place to grab a coffee in between exploring the heart of downtown Athens! 

A: Voulis 7, Athens

Main image: Motiv Cafe 

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

10 Amazing Restaurants in Athens Riviera

Heading south from the Greek capital you will come across a stunning coastline known as the Athenian Riviera. Here you will discover some fine restaurants serving fresh seafood and creative dishes made from seasonal and locally sourced produce.

With so many great options to choose from, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourites for you! 

Krabo

Set in Vouliagmeni, here you can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu with seasonal and fresh dishes. The executive chef uses solely organic and local ingredients to prepare succulent summer dishes.

A: Thespidos, Vouliagmeni 

Matsuhisa

Serving Nobu’s signature sushi, Matsuhisu has brought a touch of Japanese flavour and culture and the charm of fusion philosophy to the gastronomic map of Athens. Beautifully nestled in one of the city’s most stylish locations, the Astir Palace, Matsuhisa Athens offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

A: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni

Mercato 

For great Italian check out Mercato- an upscale Italian trattoria that’s also located at famous Astir Palace. Savour authentic Italian dishes and cocktails from the Spritzeria, which can be enjoyed in the warm indoor space in winter and on the alfresco terrace overlooking the Athenian Riviera in summer.

A: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni

Island 

If you like to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, head to Island where you will surely spot international designers, artists and athletes. The restaurant serves Mediterranean flavours and the modern dishes are all created by the award-winning chef, Nikos Skliras. 

A: 27km South of Leof. Athinon Souniou

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Restaurants in Athens Riviera

Helios

For one of the best views and great Latin American food, make your way to Helios. Relax poolside, while savouring zesty ceviches and tiraditos, piquant tacos, guacamole and grilled meat cuts, along with a range of signature cocktails.

A: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Restaurants in Athens Riviera

Ithaki

One of the areas most loved places, which frequently serves some of the world’s leading A-listers on their visits to Athens is Ithaki, in Vouliagmeni’s Laimos. Here you can taste the freshest fish and a range of local seafood, as you enjoy the magical sunset. 

A: Apollonos 28, Vouliagmeni 

Moorings

If you are searching for a spot to enjoy a late lunch or evening dinner with a magnificent view, head to Moorings, where you will be treated to panoramic views of Vouliagmenis’ natural landscape, as well as a delightful menu. 

A: Marina Vouliagmenis, Vouliagmeni 

Ark

With renowned chef Yannis Baxevanis behind the menu, Ark offers signature dishes that are inspired by the Aegean sea. Along with the masterly crafted menu, you can also choose from an exceptional range of wines, beers and distillates from Greek producers.

A: Grigoriou Lambraki 2, Glyfada 

Varoulko Seaside 

This leading seafood restaurant located in Piraeus is a fine dining experience, where guests can taste quality seafood cuisine prepared by the famous chef Lefteris Lazarou while enjoying the picturesque views of the Mikrolimano Marina. 

A: Akti Koumoundourou 54, Piraeus

Agora Riviera

Inspired by the Cycladic islands, Agora offers guests a simple and relaxed vibe, while serving a great and fresh range of dishes that are perfect for lunch or dinner by the sea.

A: Iliou 8, Vouliagmeni  

16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood

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! 

Zampano 

With a Parisian-bistro feel, this spot is ideal for champagne brunches, long lunches and dinner/ drinks with friends. 

A: Sarri 18, Athens 

Barrett Bar 

For a casual and sleek bar that offers a cool vibe all day long, make your way to Barrett. 

A: 11 Protogenous Street, Psyrri

The Hatters Athens

A chic and cozy little joint that’s loved by locals; perfect choice for a catch-up with friends. 

A: Lepeniotou 11, Athens 

Buena Vista Social Bar

For a great range of cocktails and bar food, head to Buena Vista, where you’ll also enjoy views of the Acropolis. 

A: Agiou Filippou 7, Athina

Cinque Wine Bar

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

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood

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 

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood

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

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood

Cantina Social

This locally loved cafe/bar is a great spot for a casual drink any time of the day. 

A: Leokoriou 8, Athina

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood

Clockwork Monkey Bistro 

A super chic spot that offers a great atmosphere, amazing food and delicious cocktails!

A: Agias Theklas 5, Psirri 

Insights Greece - 16 Coolest Bars in Psyrri Neighbourhood