6 Prominent Creatives Share their Athenian Guilty Pleasures

Vlassis Kostouros | September 16th, 2022

From the perfect summer date to a swim and great shopping, an artist, a writer, a creative director, a visual artist and two designers reveal their favorite haunts in the Greek capital.

Aristotelis Barakos, Designer

Summer date:

Cocktails on the beautiful terrace of The Foundry Suites Athens (40 Sarri), looking up at the Acropolis.

For a swim nearby:

At beautiful and tranquil Zen Beach and restaurant (Vouliagmeni) you can take a dip, have a coffee, a juice or something to eat from their tasty menu, all with a view of the endless blue.

Night out:

There are so many choices in this city. I love a new spot in Kypseli, Bar Eprepe (1 Agias Zonis). This has become one of my favorite hangouts, and the perfect starting point for a fun night out.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

A juicy burger and a Paloma at Sousourada in Exarchia (44 Mavromichali), either before or after a haircut and some pampering at the Cassidy & Co. hair salon nearby. Yes, guilty as charged! I love to spoil myself!

Shopping tips:

The Hyper Hypo bookstore in Psyrri (10 Voreou). It’s the ideal place for art, design & fashion addicts, and owners Andreas and Stathis can guide you through their excellent selection of international books and magazines.

Foivos Oikonomidis, Writer

Summer date:

Heteroclito (2 Fokionos). My favorite wine bar, in the heart of Athens, is my go-to place in the summer, for the wines, the cheese, the staff, the philosophy quotes they write on a blackboard… everything, really!

For a swim nearby:

Pefkodasos, Schinias. On a good day at the far end of the beach, under the tall trees, the water is cool and clear, and there aren’t that many people around. What’s more, it’s less than an hour from downtown.

Night out:

Paper Tiger (7-9 Sofokleous). A friend took me here not that long ago and it became an instant favorite of mine. The decor, the people, the urban vibe in its outdoor area surrounded by tall buildings, the drinks, the music: it feels like the start of a memorable evening.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

Guerilla Chef Burgers (33 Solomou). Opposite the School of Architecture in Exarchia, my favorite cheeseburger awaits me. You know, that really special burger, not the one you find everywhere. Guerilla grills it to perfection. I guess that’s why they only serve that one burger, and nothing else. You don’t need anything else.

Shopping tips:

Kopria Store (30 Eressou). I, too, discovered indoor plants during lockdown – and they definitely helped me stay sane. Simply passing by Kopria is enough to bring you joy.

Lydia Vousvouni, Creative Director and Co-Founder Kiohne

Summer date:

Prasini Tenta (66 Ploutarchou) on Lycabettus Hill has become one of my favorite spots for a summer date. You can enjoy a cold drink and take in the beauty of the city – endless views of the urban environment, the Acropolis, and the sea. Perfect.

For a swim nearby:

Driving to the end of Daskalio Beach near Keratea, for absolute tranquility, sunbathing on the rocks and a good swim in the crystal clear sea.

Night out:

Linou Soumpasis kai Sia (2 Melanthiou) is a gem in the neighborhood of Psyrri with an exceptional take on traditional Greek cuisine. They use top-quality ingredients to create rich and seductive flavors. The wine list features some rare and interesting labels, each with their own story to tell.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

From Kora’s bakery (44 Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou), the croissant filled with apaki from Mani, kasseri cheese and mustard béchamel is the highlight of my day. It is viennoiserie artistry made in a fabulous space in Kolonaki.

Shopping tips:

Scandinavian aesthetics at its finest at the amazing Myran Store (3 Fokilidou), just below Dexameni Square in Kolonaki. Here you’ll find amazing furniture and other design objects, all from top international names, to make your home even more beautiful.

Panos Profitis, Visual Artist

Summer date:

Drupes Spritzeria (20 Zitrou) for a prosecco and some cold dishes. It’s the perfect place to sit outside, chill and talk.

For a swim nearby:

At Legrena Beach, on the way to the Temple of Poseidon; even the ride there is great. The water is clear, so it’s the perfect place to bring your goggles or mask and dive into the underwater world.

Night out:

A nice place to escape the city center in search of a gentle sea breeze is the Athens Riviera. There, you’ll come across Island (27th km, Athens-Sounion Avenue), a timeless destination where you can dance the night away next to a rocky beach.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

Saturday mornings at Krinos (87 Aiolou) for loukoumades, a place that’s been in operation since 1923. I like that they haven’t changed the interior in all those years, and they still serve on those traditional metal plates. I usually have my loukoumades with a topping of chocolate-flavored praline with a scoop of their amazing vanilla ice cream on the side!

Shopping tips:

Zacharias Records (20 Stoa Ifestou). If you’re searching for good quality sound, then vinyl’s the answer. At Zacharias, you’ll find a huge range of vinyl records spanning just about every musical genre, from punk to avant-garde jazz! I can get lost in there for hours.

Ioanna Petra Tsantaki, Designer – Owner

Summer date:

Baba au Rum (6 Klitiou), one of the city’s best bars, hidden in a small downtown alley. Here, you can enjoy after-work drinks and cocktails, and, as the evening wears on, let’s just say that things can get interesting!

For a swim nearby:

Sounion is a coastal area close to Athens. If you have time to explore the coves, you’ll find some hidden gems, and you’ll feel as though you’re on an island.

Night out:

Praxitelous Bar (33 Praxitelous) is a great choice for a fun night out. This small watering hole is located in a historic building with a glass ceiling. Groovy music combined with a friendly atmosphere.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

Cantine Mavili (3 Dim. Soutsou) is the best place to grab a bite after a night out. Their hot dog is pure bliss, and you’ll hear some very interesting stories while standing in line to order!

Shopping tips:

Avissinias Square is located between Ifestou and Ermou streets. This small square hosts one of the best flea markets in Athens; you can find an endless variety of items, from antiques, old books and clothes to old love letters.

Artemis Baltoyanni, Art Advisor – Founder The Intermission

Summer date:

At an open air movie theater. I usually go to Cine Flisvos in Flisvos Park, the closest one to my home.

For a swim nearby:

A small dock at the edge of Kavouri Beach. Crystal clear water, a beautiful coastline, sand and trees just a few kilometers from the city center.

Night out:

Hollywood Bar (8 Navarchou Nikodimou), for its cool atmosphere and awesome music.

Guilty (edible) pleasure:

Epic Gelato (2 Dorileou) for creative flavors with a nostalgic touch (Halva flavor), and Bon Bon Fait Maison (30 Petraki, Athens) – their ice cream brioche sandwiches changed my life!

Shopping tips:

Amazing arts and crafts gifts at ARCH workshop store (5 Gkoura). Here, you’ll find a fantastic collection of accessories, artworks, ceramics, homewares, jewelry and printed materials.