eat and drink - koukaki
BREAKFAST / COFFEE / CAFE
Morning Bar: You'll find a range of Northern European pastries and treats here that have now become specialities in this miniscule café-bar. Its scones, galettes, cinnamon buns and perhaps the best cheesecake in town are all consistent best sellers.
Bel ray: Understated parlor with sidewalk dining, offering generous sandwiches & salads, plus hearty soups.
Guarantee: Guarantee is the place that made sandwiches fashionable back in the day. Celebrating 27 years of service, this spot still serves delicious and tasty sandwiches, known in the neighborhood and beyond. Make your selection among the charcuteries and other garnishes and make sure to order the fresh squeezed orange juice
Takis Bakery: Carrot cake, carrot cake, carrot cake! Takis bakery is one of the most famous old bakeries of Athens, and almost always has a queue, so be prepared to wait. Passed down from grandfather to son to grandson, this multigenerational bakery serves amongst other treats, "lipsopita" which is a sweet bread with honey, an amazing quiche lorraine with leeks and delicious cookies.
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DINING
Seawolf: The menu at Seawolf Athens Restaurant is limited but perfect, offering dishes such as tuna tartare, octopus ravioli, fish tacos, wild greens salad and shrimp orzo. The ceviche is outstanding and the cod roe dip is a must-try
Svoura: The menu features original Greek flavors using products sourced from local producers and an assortment of Greek wines bearing aromas from all over the country. This new hot spot serves hearty dishes such as slow-cooked ribs, lamb pie, and veal chops along with vegetarian options.
Birdman: Birdman is a deservedly hot and hard-to-get-into yakitori and cocktail bar, by star Greek chef, Aris Vezenes. But if you go do yourself a favor and try their smash burger.
Nolan: Nolan is a sleek foodie hotspot in Syntagma commonly billed as the pioneer of Athens' blooming Greek-Asian fusion scene.
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DRINKS
Kinono: Around the corner from the apartment. This is a great spot for having a drink while taking in the neighborhood buzz. Go at sunset before the crowds start to gather.
Tiki bar: has a colorful and exotic character, music to match and an extensive cocktail list starring its specialties – the Zombie, Piña Colada and Mai Tai.
Drupes Spritzeria: An absolute gem in Athens. Hidden in a small street, this bar serves a few kinds of spritzes along with snacks of cured meats and cheeses. Make sure to come in the morning for a coffee as well and grab a cheese pie from their bakery across the street.
The Line: The bar and kitchen adhere to sustainable and zero-waste practices, and there's a full in-house fruit wine (made with fermented fruits, such as figs and pomegranates) on site. They also product two beers and a lager
Lotte: Although tiny, this quaint bistrot is the perfect setting for a Sunday morning coffee or an early evening drink. Nestled in a little corner square with a clear view of the Fillopappou monument to the left and wall of the Acropolis to your right.
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WORTH THE WALK
Linou Soumbasis: The menu changes based on market availability. Greek products like black pig sausage and smoked swordfish are made in house. The wine list features only Greek natural wines.
Sychelles: The cuisine is gourmet and the atmosphere is casual. The menu is based on products from small, local producers. Try the pappardelle with veal and mushrooms and smoked pork.
Feyrouz: The family that owns and runs Feyrouz hail. from Constantinople Offering amazing dishes like their own peinirli and lahmacun this is a great place to grab a bite on the go. Indulge in the variety of traditional Levantine desserts at their pastry shop across the street. Try the delectable kunefe and housemade baklava.
Anana Cafe: A favourite specialty coffee shop in the city. It sources beans from some of the best farms in South America. Sit in the gorgeous foyer and enjoy a vegetarian and vegan brunch.
Prasini Tenta: The menu features unique Greek flavors and an assortment of Greek wines sourced from vineyards from all over the country.
Enjoy a coffee on one of the three balconies that undoubtedly offer the best view of the whole of central Athens. Keep walking up the hill to the chapel of St. George to catch a glimpse of an unforgettable sunset
Ermou 18: This is a great spot for having a drink while taking in the beautiful view of the Acropolis. Go at sunset before the crowds start to gather.
Baba Au Rum: This place is ranked on the world's 50 best bars and after trying any of its refined cocktails, you'll immediately see why. Unsurprisingly, the bar makes its own liqueurs, syrups and infusions and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients such as organic local herbs and spices.
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