Playgrounds, trampolines and a huge variety of plants, flowers, trees and animals make this a wonderful area to take your children to.
Throughout the year, but especially during the hot summer months, Athens’ National Gardens are a wonderful leafy getaway. Kids can feed the ducks, watch swans, peackocks, parrots, goats and turtles in action, play at the large playground and play among a unique variety of plant, tree and flower species. They can explore the grounds and enjoy a picnic on the grass, playing in a gazebo, looking at ancient ruins and mosaics, crossing bridges over ponds, throwing twigs into running streams and admiring the sundial at the park’s entrance.
The National Gardens were created in 1880 as a commission by Queen Amalia of Greece, and has an impressive array of plants from all over the world. Located between Kolonaki and Pangrati, behind the former Royal Palace (now the House of Parliament), it’s a great place to visit in between stops to other child-friendly areas. There is also a café here if you’d like to stop for a refreshment.
Next to the Gardens is the Zappeion Megaro, the first building to be built in honour of the modern Athens Summer Olympic Games of 1896, where kids can enjoy scootering, running and playing in the large green grounds. Between the Zappeion and the National Gardens is Fokianos Sports Park, a fun and relaxing stopover for children as it has a seated outdoor café area as well as several features to keep children active: a climbing wall, basketball courts and trampolines. There is also a nice café serving child-friendly meals like homemade pizza and club sandwiches as well as adulty-friendly offerings like Aperol Spritz, salads and wines.
While in the area cross over Vas. Konstantinos Ave to see the Panathenaic marble stadium, originally constructed as a racetrack in 330 BC, rebuilt in marble by Emperor Herodes Atticus in 144 BC and renovated fully in 1896 to host the Olympic Games. Once here, visit the museum where all the Olympic torches from past games are housed.
Sure, you’ve got a lot to see, do and buy as you casually stroll the elegant streets of Kolonaki, but to experience the true magic of this famed Athenian neighbourhood you need to check out the cool cafes, trendy bars and classy restaurants.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way around this ultra-chic district. We suggest you do yourself a favour and just bookmark this list.
Part Four | Coffee & Sweets
Da Capo
Kolonaki’s most famous café is Da Capo, an Italian-style coffee shop with green vintage seats facing outwards, making it the ideal spot for people watching. Here you will find a mix of locals, socialites, celebrities and politicians sipping on the specially blended coffee for hours on end.
Portatif Cafe
There’s no shortage of charm in this neighbourhood thanks to places such as Portatif Café. With its French inspired décor and feel, they are renowned for their homemade tarts, croissants and eclairs- plus a variety of tea and good coffee- making it the ideal spot for an afternoon pick me up.
Filion
If you would like to rub shoulders with local artists and intellects, head to Filion, where you will overhear plenty of conversation regarding politics, the arts, history and culture. Apart from the good coffee, they also have a great variety of homemade desserts from traditional Greek sweets to French inspired pastries.
LowCal
LowCalopens its doors each day at 7am, so if you are in need of a caffeine hit bright and early- this is of you. Serving healthy dishes and sweets, the modern all- day café has a cool industrial feel, with lots of wooden and metal finishes.
Cultivos
Having only opened its doors in January of this year, Cultivoshas already become a hit amongst locals who come here morning, noon and night to enjoy the chilled vibe, great coffee and nice range of sweets, sandwiches and light snacks.
Queen Bee
Queen Beeis an all-day bakehouse. Set in a stylish 1940s art deco building, it’s 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.
Kokakias Pastry
If you don’t have time to sit down for a coffee and cake but are in need of a sugar hit, walk inside Kokakias Pastrystore where you will be blown away by the gorgeous displays of decadent desserts, gelato and handmade chocolates that will be placed in pretty packaging so you can take away and enjoy.
Sweet Alchemy
Greece’s most popular pâtissier Stelios Paralios has a small boutique store Sweet Alchemy on Irodotou Street, where you can taste one of his delightful creations. With a wide range of chocolate truffles, handmade biscuits and a variety of Stelios’ famous cakes- deciding what to choose here is not easy!
Marega Apo Spiti
For the best meringues in town head to Marega Apo Spitiwhere you can indulge in an airy and creamy pavlova topped with fresh strawberry, lemon, or other fresh berries of your choice. If pavlova doesn’t do it for you, try the delicious homemade cheesecake or chocolate mousse!
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.
Organic, vegan, gluten-free, blessed by angels before packaging – you name it and you’ll be able to find a store selling it.
Mangos, papayas and avocados from Crete. Endless varieties of Greek and exotic mushrooms and truffles from Epirus and Evia. Seitan, vegan cheese, kale crackers, gluten-free-anything and other packaged vegan or super healthy bioproducts. Ethically farmed meat and fish. Biodynamic and organic wines. Pure olive oil and honey of all grades, shades and tastes. Salt pipes and Neti pots. Health supplements in the form of liquids, potions, capsules, and powders. Oil press extractors. By now the health-food and alternative wellness trend is in full swing in Athens and bio minimarkets are regularly opening their doors to new streams of keen and increasingly savvy customers. Here’s our reliable guide to the best places where you can stock up in the capital.
What you’ll find: Organic food products, vegan, vegetarian and raw food products, health supplements, household cleaning products and essential oils. Anything special? A great variety of organic pasta from Greece and abroad.
What you’ll find: Fresh groceries (including avocadoes, mushrooms, papayas and mangos from Crete and Evia) eco-friendly cosmetics, organic foods and household cleaning products and cosmetics from around Greece and the world. Anything really special? The store can create a Bach flower remedy blend of your choice at a good price.
What you’ll find: As the store’s name suggests, there are vegan food products a-plenty here – a broad variety of meat and cheese alternatives as well as sweets. Also, a good range of green cosmetics, superfoods and supplements. Anything really special? Vegan pet food.
What you’ll find: Organic food products, superfoods, health supplements, household cleaning products, natural/green/ethically produced cosmetics for face and body. Anything special? A broad variety of gluten-free products.
What you’ll find: A supermarket chain in many areas of Attica, this is where you’ll find practically anything and everything organic, fair trade, ethically farmed, vegan, gluten free and green. Anything special? A huge selection of healthy kid-centric products in the food and cosmetics categories.
What you’ll find: A more than satisfying array of fresh food products (groceries and refrigerated goods, as well as frozen, dried and other packaged foods from Greece and abroad. Essential oils, flower remedies, superfoods, supplements and books.Anything really special? The cosmetics range includes a large variety of face and body products including organic Henna hair dyes.
What you’ll find: Organic food products of all varieties, superfoods, supplements and cosmetics. Anything special?A great array of innovative wellness-related equipment and appliances like humidifiers, dehydrators, wooden flour mills, blenders, juicers, an oil press extractor, a salt pipe and ecological cups.
What you’ll find: Books, gardening accessories and products. Organic cosmetics, eco household items, supplements and superfoods and an array of quality health foods. Anything special? A good range of wellness tools and items like salt inhalers and salt crystal lighting.
Sure, you’ve got a lot to see, do and buy as you casually stroll the elegant streets of Kolonaki, but to experience the real magic of this famed Athenian neighbourhood you need to check out the cool cafes, trendy bars, and classy restaurants.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way around this ultra-chic district. We suggest you do yourself a favour and just bookmark this list.
PART FOUR | DRINKS
Matzarou 3
For exceptional cocktails, a fabulous set-out, and a great vibe head to Matzarou 3 where you can enjoy your drink of choice amongst the local crowd who can be found upstairs at the cozy terrace or spilling out onto the street.
A: Mantazarou 3, Kolonaki
Mai Tai
Some of the best cocktails in Athens can be found at Mai Tai, a stylish spot where the talented barmen create specialty drinks such as Tsipouro infused with Florina peppers, olives, and elderflower tonic. Enough said.
A: Ploutarchou 18, Kolonaki
T5
Fancy a drink in between all that shopping? T5 is a cozy all-day bar with a very attractive crowd that come here for the tasty concoctions and tempting bar menu- with lots on offer to accompany your Martini.
A: Tsakalof 5, Kolonaki
Minnie the Moocher
For a more glamorous atmosphere, Minnie the Moocher is a classy bistro with a wide selection of deluxe spirits, signature cocktails, as well as an extensive wine list. And we can’t forget to mention the gorgeous glassware and chic serving dishes that make the experience extra special.
A: Tsakalof 6, Kolonaki
The Stinking Bishop
For a more laid-back vibe, The Stinking Bishop is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy a lovely cheese platter with friends. The extensive wine list includes local varieties as well as many whites and reds from Italy, France, and Spain.
A: Loukianou 36 & Spefsippou, Kolonaki
Warehouse
For an all-day wine bar, Warehousesits on the border of Kolonaki and neighbouring Exarcheia. This local favourite is loved for its range of wines and refreshing cocktails. Providing a chilled atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to sit back and have a glass, or two, or three…
A: Valtetsiou 21, Athina
To discover the best places in Kolonaki forBrunch, Lunch and Dinnercheck out our guides here.
Sure, you’ve got a lot to see, do and buy as you casually stroll the elegant streets of Kolonaki, but to experience the true magic of this famed Athenian neighbourhood you need to check out the cool cafes, trendy bars and classy restaurants.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way around this ultra-chic district. We suggest you do yourself a favour and just bookmark this list.
Part Three | Dinner
Nikkei
Nikkei is a unique resto-bar, where talented chefs create innovative Peruvian flavoured dishes using Japanese techniques. The bright decor and rich aromas bring you one step closer to Peru!
A: Ksanthipou 10 & Square Deksamenis, Kolonaki
Malconi’s
For a gourmet Italian gastropub experience make your way to Malconi’s, which attracts a cool after-work crowd. Offering fine Italian dishes and desserts, we suggest you also try one of their impressive signature cocktails.
A: Patriarchou 43 & Ploutarcho 23, Kolonaki
Spiros & Vasilis
If you are looking for a piece of France in the heart of Athens, Spiros & Vasilisis a historic restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. The Province inspired menu includes all the classics, and its luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces are reminiscent of a chateau.
A: Lachitos 5, Kolonaki
SIMUL
SIMUL is a modern Greek bistro serving ‘seasonal ingredients only’ dishes. The fresh and organic-based menu includes the head chef’s creations of the day, so make sure to ask what specials are being whipped up in the kitchen!
A: Ipsilantou 63, Kolonaki
Drakoulis
Meat lovers rejoice. Drakoulis offers an enticing selection of hand-picked premium meat cuts served raw, or cooked to perfection, plus exotic salads and unique desserts. The ultra-sleek set up gives off a very New York vibe.
A: Skoufa 52, Kolonaki
Alo
For a cosy and upscale experience head to Alo restaurant where the food is flavoursome and filling. Using prime quality and locally sourced ingredients, this place is renowned for its fresh seafood, Greek labelled wines and creative cocktails.
A: Griveon 1, Kolonaki
Papadakis
For a fine dining experience, Papadakisserves dishes created by famous Greek chef Argiro Barbarigou. Not only do you get to taste some of Argiro’s best recipes- but you are also in for a spectacular view.
Sure, you’ve got a lot to see, do and buy as you casually stroll the elegant streets of Kolonaki, but to experience the real magic of this famed Athenian neighbourhood you need to check out the cool cafes, trendy bars and classy restaurants.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way around this ultra-chic district. Now we suggest you do yourself a favour and just bookmark this list.
Part Two | Lunch
Frankie’s
Frankie’s is a casual Italian Bistro & Bar serving farm to table dishes such as fresh handmade pasta and authentic Sicilian inspired food.
A: Skoufa 42, Kolonaki
Giacomo
For an elegant ambiance, Giacomo is another Italian eatery where you can order antipasti, pasta, pizza, risotto, salads, as well as seafood and meat dishes.
A: Xenokratous 21, Kolonaki
Brunello
If you are after a modern Italian joint, Brunello’s prides itself on food art, creativity and above all, taste. The dishes are delightful, and the wine list is impressive too.
A: Loukianou 21b, Kolonaki
Kiouzin
Kiouzin is a Greek restaurant with lots of surprising twists. The vintage décor creates a charming vibe and the talented chef here specialises in modern and experimental Greek dishes.
A: Likavittou 16, Kolonaki
Mpirmpilo
For authentic Greek flavours and a charming old-world vibe head to Mpirmpilo which is known for its mouthwatering traditional dishes such as Arakas (peas & potato stew) Gemista (stuffed vegetables) and Soutzoukakia (meatballs in a homemade red sauce).
A: Ploutarchou 26, Kolonaki
Barbounaki
If seafood is your preference Barbounaki is a casual but sophisticated spot where you can savour fresh fish, grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, sea urchin, mussels and prawns.
We love spending endless hours walking along the elegant streets of Kolonaki, a fashionable neighbourhood that has no shortage of high-end boutiques, stylish concept stores, cool cafes, trendy bars, and classy restaurants. So we’ve put together an in-depth guide revealing our favourite places to shop around here- designed to help you discover this ultra-chic district.
Part One | Concept Stores
SOPHIA Enjoy Thinking Live is an art and design lovers’ heaven where you can source stunning and unique handmade home decor, lifestyle, and fashion items, stationery, as well as organic beauty products. Here you can also take part in curated events and workshops with talented local artists and designers.
A: Pindarou 15, Athina
A: Solonos 36, Athina
Graffito
Philos Athens is a multifunctional space that brings together stunning designs and homeware items. It serves as a restaurant, cafe, event space, retail, and design studio. The beautiful shop is set up in a historical Athenian residence, offering a unique glimpse into Ancient Greek history and architecture. The store is currently closed due to COVID 19 but will be opening its doors again shortly.
A: Solonos 32, Athina
Philos Athens
DTalesis a revolutionary way to buy fashion. The pioneering store brings together designer wear from Paris, New York, Australia, and Europe, allowing customers to shop an unparalleled range of labels and pieces as well as beauty products, perfumes, accessories, deco-art treasures, and statement jewellery.
A: 6, Xanthou Street
i-D CONCEPT STORES is a curated space showcasing Greek fine jewellery designers, colourful, eclectic apparel, unique objects, and upcoming brands. This store is designed to allow visitors to feel and sense the merchandise and you will find a range of labels you won’t find elsewhere.
guide revealing our favourite places to shop around here- designed to help you discover this ultra-chic district. 
