Athens
The SO NESPRESSO City Guide is published by the Nestlé Nespresso S.A. Group, Avenue d’Ouchy 4-6, 1006 Lausanne — Switzerland. Publication Director Guillaume Le Cunff. Executive Editor Lise Peneveyre. Concept/Production Les Digitalistes, 9 rue Emilio Castelar, 75012 Paris. Tel.: +33 (0)1 43 44 55 20. Editor-in-Chief Boris Coridian. Art Director Virginie Oudard. Coordinator Sophie Bouniot. Editorial Secretary Amélie Modenese. Contributors to this City Guide Mickaël A. Bandassak, Julien Blanc-Gras, Marina Coriolano-Lykourezos, Lily Ferraro, Frédéric Stucin. Translation TagLine. Photolitho Compos Juliot. Printer Mohn Media Mohndruck GmbH. © Copyright 2020 Nestlé Nespresso S.A. All rights reserved. Nespresso, the names of the various Nespresso coffee varieties and the Nespresso logos mentioned in SO NESPRESSO City Guide are trademarks of the Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. that may be registered in certain countries. This magazine is printed on FSCMix-certified paper.
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Athens, a land of myth and legend, a city of surprises. This City Guide takes you to sites of every genre, from famed to far-fetched, blazing a trail along which you can explore this animated, hospitable and energetic capital city. We follow in the footsteps of nine well-established Athenians – a festival director, architects, chefs – to visit their favourite places, their secret hideouts, their geographic sources of inspiration. To the strains of the national string instrument, the bouzouki, set a course for an adventure in Athens.
RESTAURANT
GREEN SPACE
BAR CLUB
COFFEE SHOP
THEATRE
MARKET
SHOP
HOTEL
MUSEUM/ HISTORIC SITE
We suggest that you contact the establishments and sites you wish to visit to confirm the days and hours they are open.
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Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, architects The Karampatakis brothers opened their architectural firm in 2004. Since doing so, they have ceaselessly mined inspiration in the spontaneity and vibrancy of Athens, a city that is at once historic, modern and post-modern. Today, their work is known worldwide and parallels the recent resurgence of Athens’ tourism. Studio K www.k-studio.gr
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NIKOS DANIILIDIS
Athens Central Market
ATHENS CENTRAL MARKET “We cook a lot and love everything having to do with it, from shopping to food plating. This market is a multisensory experience that simply engulfs you. It’s a way to understand the pace of Athenian life. You’ll find everything here – meat, fish, vegetables. The tomatoes are superb.”
The Acropolis Museum
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM “You might expect a museum like this, but this one, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi, is incredible. A must after an Acropolis visit.” Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, 117 42 Athens +30 21 0900 0900 theacropolismuseum.gr
NOLAN “The modern version of gourmet Athenian dining from a young chef who’s half Greek, half Japanese. The dishes are conspicuously Greek, rooted in simplicity and sharing, but with real contemporary flair.”
Athinas 42, 105 51 Athens +30 21 0325 0647
QUEEN BEE “Like most Greeks, we love coffee. This place is inside an old Art Deco building and takes you back to the Athens of the 1930s and 1940s. This is one of our favourite spots and the French baker’s croissants are scrumptious.”
Voulis 31-33, 105 57 Athens +30 21 0324 3545 / nolanrestaurant.gr
MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART “Cycladic art, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C., has a simple geometry that makes it very inspiring.”
Patriarchou Ioakim 45, 106 76 Athens +30 21 0720 9933
Neofitou Douka 4, 106 74 Athens +30 21 0722 8321 / cycladic.gr
NATIONAL GARDEN OF ATHENS “This verdant paradise is behind the Parliament building, a place to take a ‘constitutional’ in the shade of venerable trees. It’s a revitalising alternative to the hubbub of the city where adults jog, children play, and exhibitions and ducks provide entertainment. A perfect place to relax.”
DIPORTO “An old-style restaurant next to the market. You don’t order from a menu – you just sit down and they bring you food. They sometimes have live accordionists. Very authentic.” Sokratous 9, Theatrou, 105 52 Athens +30 21 0321 1463
Diporto
Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, 105 57 Athens +30 21 0721 5019
ATHÉNÉE “A gourmet restaurant, formerly dubbed Zonar’s. It’s a sure thing if you want a quality meal.” Voukourestiou 9, 106 71 Athens +30 21 0325 1430
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Christina Martini, shoe designer After a career with several of the world’s biggest names in fashion, she started her own business in Athens, bringing the Spartan legend back to life in leather. Christina is determined to add a new facet to luxury while assiduously honouring Hellenic tradition. Ancient Greek Sandals Kolokotroni 1 105 62 Athens +30 21 0325 5485 ancient-greek-sandals.com
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AMA LACHEI “This friendly, lively restaurant was created in a former primary school out in the Exarcheia quarter. Tables are set up in the courtyard under the trees.”
ILIAS LALAOUNIS JEWELRY MUSEUM “I especially like this museum founded by Greek jewellery legend Ilias Lalaounis. It used to be his workshop, but it’s now a place where you can see not only his own designs, but decorative arts of many eras gathered from all over the globe.”
Kallidromiou 69, 106 83 Athens +30 21 0384 5978 restaurant-47828.business.site
CAFE AVISSINIA “I love going to this old Athenian bistro in the Monastiraki district. They’ll serve you great moussaka to be enjoyed as you look out at the Acropolis.”
4 Kariatidon & 12 Kallisperi, 117 42 Athens +30 21 0922 1044 lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr
SIX D.O.G.S “I recommend swinging by this place for a night you’ll remember for a long time to come, in part for the Greek and international DJs that are brought in for incredible sets. It’s a bar, concert venue and cultural centre all in one. Who says you can’t have it all?”
Kinetou 7, 105 55 Athens +30 21 0321 7047
HETEROCLITO “If you want to sample Greek’s great wine, Heteroclito is the place for you. The list of wines by the glass is a wonderful way to taste the talents of local winegrowers.”
Avramiotou 6-8, 105 51 Athens +30 21 0321 0510 / sixdogs.gr
Petraki 30, 105 63 Athens +30 21 0323 9406
COCO-MAT ATHENS BC “This hotel boasts a breathtaking view of the entire city while wrapping you in well-being. I just love the sleek, modern design and furniture made from natural materials.”
LITO “Athens has a great number of superb jewellers, but Lito is my favourite. This curio cabinet in the Kolonaki district sells pieces combining stones with unexpected materials.”
Falirou 5, 117 42 Athens +30 21 0723 0000 / coco-mat.com
Irodotou 25, 106 74 Athens +30 21 0729 5177 / litofinejewelry.com
DOPE ROASTING CO “As far as I’m concerned, this place serves the best coffee in town. I recommend it for breakfast any day, or brunch on weekends. The cinnamon roll and the turkey bagel are to die for.”
GALAXY BAR “The Galaxy Bar is the ultimate hangout for night owls, but you have to find it first, set inside a downtown shopping mall. Enjoy cocktails in the retro ambiance.” Stadiou 10, 105 62 Athens +30 21 0322 7733
Vissis 25, 105 51 Athens +30 21 0321 5209
Dope Roasting Co
KONSTADINOS XENOS
Galaxy Bar
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Costas Voyatzis, design influencer His design-dedicated site, Yatzer, is renowned in Greece and beyond, racking up 2.5 million page views a month. With one prestigious collaboration after another, Costas Voyatzis has now been named by industry media as one the most important influencers in his field. He explores his city to discover new gems. yatzer.com
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Monsieur Didot
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The Rabbit Punch
THE RABBIT PUNCH “Top-notch staff, ample portions, original dishes – you can’t help but fall in love with this fun and friendly place. Ask for the Almond Milky Way, an espresso-tinged cocktail.”
MONSIEUR DIDOT “This place is so peaceful and serene that you feel right at home. The comfy ambiance and warm tones make for a matchless experience and, better yet, they use local, organic ingredients.”
Effranoros 40, 116 35 Athens +30 21 0756 7840 / therabbitpunch.com
Sina 48, 106 72 Athens +30 21 0363 7625 monsieurdidot.com
FRATER & SOROR “Choose from an endless list of deliciously entertaining cocktails to enjoy in an elegant setting, especially on their great patio.”
SAPOU “This restaurant is the Athenian version of its big brother on Antiparos, the island in the Cyclades. As you might expect, they serve the things that made the island location such a success: excellent meats, fresh ingredients, with a cosy décor and a very respectable wine list. Reservations are a must.”
Aminta 6, 116 35 Athens +30 21 0721 3720
OHH BOY “This coffee shop serves organic food and all the dishes are prepared with love and can be eaten there or as take-away.”
Naiadon 2, 116 34 Athens +30 21 0723 0626
Archelaou 32, 116 35 Athens +30 21 1183 8340
DIMITRIS ECONOMIDES “A little bit of Paris in Athens! This contemporary pastry shop opened in 2019 and makes and sells nothing but French pastries and cakes. The chic interior has a distinctive Parisian elegance and everything is delicious and presented with great care, all in neoclassical décor.” Leof. Kifisias 340, 154 51 Neo Psychiko +30 21 0675 5000 dimitriseconomides.com
Ohh Boy
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Katerina Evangelatou, theatre and festival director Theatre is as much a part of Greek history as it is Katerina Evangelatou’s DNA. This artist, a world-renowned theatre and opera director, recently took the helm of the prestigious Festival of Athens and Epidaurus, hoping to add an experimental edge to the event’s venerable heritage. greekfestival.gr
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View from Mount Lycabettus
PLAKA DISTRICT “I love strolling through Plaka and walking around the amphitheatre. When I’m not working, this is where I spend half my day.”
MOUNT LYCABETTUS “It’s simply the most incredible view of Athens at sunset. It will take your breath away.” lycabettushill.com
ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS “This 5,000-seat amphitheatre, built in 161 AD, is the perfect ending to a lovely stroll down Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. We’re planning several shows there for our festival.”
MARINA FLISVOS DISTRICT “Though it’s far from the hustlebustle of downtown, there are still many modern cafés and friendly restaurants around the marina, with plenty of luxurious yachts and sleek sailboats to admire.”
Dionysiou Areopagitou, 105 55 Athens
Acropolis Museum Café
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM CAFÉ “The floor-to-ceiling windows give you a splendid view of the Acropolis. The perfect place for a cup of coffee after your visit, accompanied by sweet or savoury dishes.”
SYNTAGMA SQUARE “This corner of the city is now where I like to hang out, trying the new coffee shops and restaurants that open regularly. It’s also a very lively area and great for shopping.”
GIORGOS VITSAROPOULOS
Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, 117 42 Athens +30 21 0900 0915 theacropolismuseum.gr
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National Garden of Athens, page 5 The Parliament Guard
Fresh olives at the Athens Central Market
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Apollo statue at the Academy of Athens
The artisan district of Psiri Downtown shopping mall on Voulis Street
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Lefteris Lazarou, chef His Greek epicurean restaurant was the first to be awarded a Michelin star. He’s also one of the country’s most respected chefs, specialising in dishes made with fresh-caught seafood. This kind, generous soul promotes the flavours of his country worldwide. Varoulko Seaside Akti Koumoundourou 52 104 35 Piraeus +30 21 0522 8400 varoulko.gr
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BASEGRILL “The best place to eat meat and it’s all cooked to perfection! The restaurant also makes its own wines. If you want to experience Greek terroir, this is it.”
BALTHAZAR BAR “This bar feels utterly bucolic, tucked inside what was once a neoclassical house. The garden and pergolas gently whisk us away from the urban hubbub into a world of welcoming refinement.”
Leof. Konstantinoupoleos 64 121 33 Piraeus +30 21 0575 7455 / basegrillathens.gr
Tsocha 27, 115 21 Athens +30 21 0575 7455 / balthazar.gr
HOTEL GRANDE-BRETAGNE “This luxurious, Art Deco hotel has an outstanding rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Mount Lycabettus and the Olympic Stadium.”
THE ZILLERS “The Zillers, a hotel in the lively Plaka district, has the timeless charm of neoclassical architecture. The rooftop looks out over the entire city, the place for a magical moment of gourmet dining.”
Vasileos Georgiou A 1, 105 64 Athens +30 21 0333 0000 / marriott.com
CAFFÈ CLEMENTE VIII “This café is a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square and specialises in Italian coffee, which you can enjoy with a pastry on the side. A great place to recharge after a shopping spree or museum tour.”
Mitropoleos 54, 105 63 Athens +30 21 0322 2277 thezillersathenshotel.com
BABA AU RUM “While the name makes its speciality obvious – the menu is positively dripping with rums! – Baba au Rum also serves cocktails crafted from spirits from every corner of the world, ensuring customers have an incredible experience each and every time. A treat for the senses.”
Voukourestiou 3, 105 64 Athens +30 21 0321 9340
VEZENE “Chef Ari Vezene’s restaurant is as warm as his creatively served dishes, all so delectable you can’t wait to share them.” Vrasida 11, 161 21 Athens +30 21 0723 2002 / vezene.gr
Klitiou 6, 105 60 Athens +30 21 1710 9140 / babaaurum.com
Vezene
Baba au Rum
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Alexandros Tsiotinis, chef He describes his cuisine as “the place where classic meets contemporary and Greece meets the world”. The chef sees culinary art as a form of pictorial art, so he takes great care to work accordingly with colours and compositions, making each plate an exotic painting all its own, a trip around the world to be taken with a fork. CTC Diocharous 27 161 21 Kesariani +30 21 0722 8812 ctc-restaurant.com
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To Lokali
Cv Distiller
FITA “A restaurant focused mostly on seafood (and more) with a menu that changes with the seasons and kitchens that open onto the dining room. The terrace is quite nice, especially on market days, as you can watch real-life Athens in action. Reservations required if you want to be sure of getting a table.”
TO LOKALI “Athenians love this Greek pub with its welcoming ambiance, amazing cocktails and ample dishes. The garden is perfect for a breath of fresh air.” Sarri 44, 105 53 Athens +30 21 0325 0673 / tolokali.gr
CINÉ PARIS “An outdoor movie experience you’ll never forget, right at the base of the Acropolis. The film selection is eclectic, classic and contemporary films shown in their original versions.”
Ntourm 1, 117 45 Athens +30 69 7434 0034
THE CLUMSIES “This bar promotes the concept of ‘perfect imperfection’, a fail-proof recipe for fun with plenty of (good) surprises in store. A friendly atmosphere and signature cocktails that are well worth the trip.”
Kidathineon 22, 105 58 Athens +30 21 0322 2071 / cineparis.gr
CV DISTILLER “This bar is both vintage and modern, with an international whiskey menu that will make your head spin. The ambient jazz and vaulted ceilings create a delightfully cosy atmosphere.”
Praxitelous 30, 105 61 Athens +30 21 0323 2682 / theclumsies.gr
Chatzigianni Mexi 7, 115 28 Athens +30 21 0723 1767
LAKE VOULIAGMENI “Hidden just a 30-minute drive from the city centre is a lake with a water temperature that never varies, no matter the season. A great place for families, but avoid holiday periods, when the banks quickly become overcrowded!”
The Clumsies
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Marie-Madeleine Lorantos, entrepreneur In 2012, this enterprising Franco-Greek woman opened Athens’ first wine bar in what was, at the time, a deserted part of the city. Today, she puts her passion into practice and, as a successful trailblazer, is now witnessing the renaissance of her adopted neighbourhood and the world’s recognition of Greek wine. Heteroclito Petraki 30 105 63 Athens +30 21 0323 9406 heteroclito.gr
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Radio Athenes
Psaron 38, 185 46 Piraeus +30 21 0461 2674
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TO EIDIKON “This typical taverna is also a grocery store. It opened in 1920 and shelters the souvenirs of generations of Greeks. To Eidikon sometimes hosts concerts at which everyone unabashedly sings and dances.”
FABRICA TOU EFROSINOU “This restaurant, with a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options, is a delicious alternative to meat or fish meals and a blessing for gluten-free fans. Everything’s organic and the selection of rare wines will delight everyone, from the curious to the connoisseur.”
RADIO ATHENES “This non-profit institute works hand-in-hand with local and international artists to hold exhibitions across many realms, including dance, applied arts, literature, even philosophy.” Petraki 15, 105 63 Athens +30 69 4668 7907 radioathenes.org
Anastasiou Zinni 34, 117 41 Athens +30 21 0924 6354
PALEO “This wine store made a home inside an old warehouse in Piraeus. Specialising in wines from Spain, Italy, France and Greece, it works hard to give small winemakers time in the spotlight and keeps its selection as varied as possible. You can trust whatever they recommend.”
AKIRA MUSHI “A fashion house of minimalist lines and low-key style offering an ethical collection rooted in clear-cut values and crafted with local raw materials.” Fokionos 2, 105 63 Athens +30 21 3024 5341 akiramushi.com
Polidefkous 39, 185 45 Piraeus +30 21 0412 5204
Paleo
Akira Mushi
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Danae Yfanti, Nespresso Boutique manager Danae is as passionate about coffee as her fellow Athenians. She’s a fan of cappuccino freddo and enjoys it throughout the day, no matter the season. She reminds us that the way friends propose a get-together is by saying, “Let’s go get a coffee!” Boutique Nespresso Kolonaki Pl. Filikis Eterias 21 106 74 Athens
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Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Couleur Locale
STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER “This was built in the southwest suburbs of Athens, so it’s easy to reach via public transport. It’s just magnificent inside and out, with a sea view, exhibitions… it’s also just a lovely place to sit and read a good book.”
COULEUR LOCALE “This downtown restaurant becomes a bar after sundown and has a wonderful rooftop offering a great view of the Acropolis.” Normanou 3, 105 55 Athens +30 21 6700 4917 couleurlocaleathens.com
NUMISMATIC MUSEUM CAFÉ “Stop by this great café after you visit the museum to see its gorgeous hidden garden.”
District of Freedom Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364 176 74 Kallithea +30 21 6809 1000 / snf.org
El. Venizelou 12, 106 71 Athens +30 21 0931 9884
NUMISMATIC MUSEUM OF ATHENS “It’s said to be one of the world’s most important and complete museums of its kind, with an astounding collection of more than 500,000 ancient and modern coins.”
BURGER 29 SUPERB BURGERS ’N BUNS “If you get hungry while you’re at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, you can go here to enjoy a good homemade burger. Just a 10-minute walk.”
El. Venizelou 12, 106 71 Athens +30 21 0363 2057 / nummus.gr
Epaminonda 29, 176 74 Kallithea +30 21 3011 6842 / burger29.com
136 72 Acharnes +30 21 0246 4666 or +30 69 7225 6215 flabouri.gr
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FLAMBOURI REFUGE “If you’re hungering for adventure, rent a car in Athens and head to Mount Parnitha. You can hike, stay overnight in a refuge, and enjoy a traditional Greek meal – all at a reasonable price.”
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Burger 29 Superb Burgers ’n Buns
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUES & CUSTOMER SERVICE Order online for home or office delivery: nespresso.com Find the Nespresso Boutiques IN AND AROUND ATHENS: NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE KOLONAKI
Pl. Filikis Eterias 21 106 74 Athens
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE NEO PSYCHIKO Leof. Kifisias 168 115 25 Neo Psychiko
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE GOLDEN HALL Leof. Kifisias 37A 151 23 Marousi
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE PIRAEUS Vassilis Georgios A 24 185 35 Piraeus
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE KIFISSIA Levidou 11 145 62 Kifissia
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE GLYFADA Grigoriou Lampraki 18 166 74 Glyfada
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE MCARTHURGLEN
Oikodomiko Tetragono E71, Gialou Spata McArthurGlen Designer Outlet 190 04 Athens
NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE NEA SMYRNI
Eirinis 2 171 21 Central Square Nea Smyrni
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