Insider Tips from Athens Locals

Vlassis Kostouros | January 10th, 2022

Greece IsAthens

Answer quick! Six Athens locals share their best secrets and favorite things in the city.

Michail Tabakakis, Actor

It’s a date:

Oinoscent (45 Voulis) is the best wine bar in Athens. A meeting point for wine lovers, it’s a great spot even if you don’t like wine at all because the food menu is adorable.

Guilty pleasure:

The Birdman Smash. It’s the ultimate burger and mypersonal favorite as an official burger addict. Just what you want for your cheat day. Birdman (35 Voulis).

Shopping therapy:

Minu (50 Sarri). A concept store where you can buy everything in the place: the chair you’re sitting on, the cup holding your coffee, the mirror you’re taking selfies in, even the plants.

My secret is…

Ioanna Liberta (4 Ipatias). In the heart of the city, there’s a tiny street where a real artist works. Greek designer Ioanna Eleftheriou creates amazing jewelry for all fans of aesthetics and unique fashion.

Outdoor fun

Padel. A different kind of athletic fun. What’s better than Sunday morning with friends? Call three of them (you need four to play) and set a time to meet at Athens Padel Club in Glyfada (86 Andrea Papandreou Avenue).

Nadia Gerazouni, Director at The Breeder Gallery

It’s a date:

At Au Revoir (136 28is Oktovriou), the oldest bar in Athens (designed by renowned architect Aristomenis Provelegios), you’ll feels as if you’ve traveled back in time!

Guilty pleasure:

Late night dinners at Arta (52 Iasonos), a small place across from The Breeder Gallery. It serves delicious traditional keftedes (meatballs) and french fries.

Shopping therapy:

A Future Perfect + Friends (23 Praxitelous), a design store with a selection of wonderful homeware, clothes and fashion accessories.

My secret is…

Witzwort (15 Fan Vaik) is a fabulous old-style bar hidden in the residential area of Alimos.

Outdoor fun

A walk around Lycabettus Hill followed by an Aperol spritz at Prasini Tenta, perfect for panoramic city views.

Panos Giannikopoulos, Art Curator

It’s a date:

Squeeze in and get closer at the bar Santarosa (69 Asklipiou), a gothic- style space with a tangerine mood: great music and great drinks. Nothing can go wrong.

Guilty pleasure:

Pleasure knows no guilt. The ’nduja sourdough pizza and the burnt cheesecake at Proveleggios
(11 Paramithias) are both irresistible.

Shopping therapy:

Yiorgos Eleftheriades is my first – and most reliable – stop when in the mood to shop. His clothes are consistently great (29 Tsakalof)

My secret is…

The upper floors of Martinos Antiques (50 Pandrossou) that exhibit international contemporary artists, curated by Andreas Melas. A secret within what’s almost a secret, in a great location.

Outdoor fun

The city itself is one big arena for outdoor fun; its alleys, architecture, hills and gardens. I love Eleftherias Park, home to the Athens Municipality Arts Center. You can combine a vist to an exhibition with a drink in the park.

Irene Skylakaki, Singer-Songwriter

It’s a date:

I always take my friends from abroad to warm and cozy Yiasemi (23 Mnisikleous, Plaka) for delicious homemade pies and tarts on a rooftop with beautiful plants tended by Mariza (the owner).

Guilty pleasure:

I’m not a fan of guilt, but I am a huge fan of Italian food and, for me, there’s only one Italian restaurant that always hits the spot: L’osteria da Claudio (26 Kosta Varnali, Halandri), where the wonderful waiter Stelios presents the ever-changing menu.

Shopping therapy:

I hardly ever indulge in shopping therapy, but I do remember discovering the magical clothing market of Egaleo a few years ago. I’d happily go back to Casualito (27 Nikolaou Plastira, Egaleo) for their beautiful Italian fabrics and the even more wonderful people who work at this shop.

My secret is…

Down a hidden alley and safe from the bustling Kypseli crowds, Kick (26 Sporadon), is a super cool spot with delicious coffee, vegan delicacies and small fashion brands.

Outdoor fun

A dog-walk at Pedion tou Areos Park, especially during office hours when it’s quieter. Green spaces, breathing room, and a lady who feeds the birds Mary Poppins-style.

Yiorgos Mesimeris, Fashion stylist /Founder HardClo

It’s a date:

Heteroclito (2 Fokionos) is the most beautiful meeting place in Athens, ideal for good wine and relaxing with friends after work.

Guilty pleasure:

Undoubtedly the fresh croissants with cheese and jam that Dimitris makes at Le Petit Village (2 Fokionos). And don’t forget to try the refreshing homemade lemonade!

Shopping therapy:

I’m in love with Mov Skiouros (3 Aghiou Georgiou Karytsi Square). Let your thoughts travel and your imagination run wild as you look through the rare books you’ll find in this, the most beautiful bookstore in the city.

My secret is…

Diporto (9 Sokratous & Theatrou) is a traditional Greek taverna near the central market of Athens. Dimitris awaits you there, always ready to serve you his chickpeas and his best smile.

Outdoor fun

At sunset, I like to walk around near the Acropolis. There’s nothing better than watching the city lights go on as night falls.

Daphne Karavokyri, Journalist

It’s a date:

Kivotos (32 Dios, Kifissia) is a top taverna with good food served in large portions. It has the best meat dishes you’ll find in the city, and a Sunday feel every day.

Guilty pleasure:

For those days when you crave chocolate, head to Tzanetis (24 Iroon Politechniou, Nea Erythrea) and immerse yourself in the sweet hell of bitter profiteroles.

Shopping therapy:

For vintage clothes that remind me of Paris, I go to the Kilo-Shop (120 Ermou). At The Scent in Kolonaki (10 Skoufa), there are scented candles, perfumes and creams that will bring you ease and inner peace.

My secret is…

Safe House (1 Vakchon & Leoforos Dionysou, Dionysos). Hidden in a forest outside the city, this is a place where it feels like time has stopped and you’re free from the troubles of everyday life. Another secret? Elvit in Kifissia (68 Dionysou), the butcher shop that you’ll want to frequent every day.

Outdoor fun

Alsos Syngrou (2 Mykalis, Maroussi). is an urban oasis where you can revel in the magic of nature and the sense of freedom that such greenery gives.