Image by Maria Porfyriadi

Brazilian cuisine at its best! You might need a magnifying glass to find it, as it is buried in a maze of small alleys and pedestrian streets in the eastern part of downtown Athens, but once you’re there (provided you’ve managed to obtain yourself a parking space) all that awaits will definitely compensate your efforts.

Not necessarily a budget dinning destination but if you can confine yourself in a traditional Fesuada (the most typical Brazilian dish, consisting of black beans served with four different kinds of meat, rice, spinach with orange and farofa, served in a ritual process) and a couple of Caipirinias (typical Brazilian cocktail) you wouldn’t need to exceed €30.

Needless to say, salads are a must, though. The one I always go for is the Salad del Caribe. A heavenly combination of lettuce, pear, emmental cheese and mushrooms, all dressed with a magnificent mango sauce that will guarantee to make your mouth water as soon as it reaches your table.

Their desserts wouldn’t be the main reason I’d visit them, yet they have acquired a famed reputation. Milky textures with lots of syrups and coconut flavours… Again; not my cup of tea but apparently having their own extended fun club!

The place is tiny so it would be advisable to reserve a table, especially on Friday evenings, weekends and public holidays. Staff are as welcoming and pleasant as can be!

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Kitrinos Skiouros | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Brazilian) | Per person € 27
Dimitressa 21 | Syntagma | +302107211586
Till 00:30 daily

Image by Petros Sideris

This is one of my latest most frequented restaurants, serving affordable, delicious traditional Asia Minor-inspired dishes.

A charming ambiance in a single dwelling building made of stone, with a beautiful garden. Customers can be seated either in the garden in warm days, or in their lovely homely-feeling interior.

Everything seems to be very carefully chosen; their food ingredients, the presentation of their dishes, even the waiters’ appearance.

Their cooking is melt-in-your-mouth heaven. They make the best T-bone I’ve ever had. Also, their sofrito (beef cooked with lots of garlic and vinegar) and “bekri meze” (a delicacy made of wild boar) are truly worth trying!

On the whole, a highly recommendable restaurant, offering incredibly satisfying but uncomplicated dishes.

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Bahari | Snacks, Restaurants (Asia Minor)
Athanassiou Diakou 12 | North suburbs | +302108055695
From 12:00 daily

Image by Maria Porfyriadi

This nice little cosy cafe-bar with interesting snack selections and home made pastries located on a small terrace between the back yards of office buildings.

Try one of their freshly made tarts; my personal favourites are either the one with the mushrooms or the one with tomato-basil-pine nuts and goat cheese.

Absolutely love their pasta & cheese souffle, as well as their Boheme Salad, a mixture of fresh greens, with blue cheese & a Greek smoked cheese called Metsovone, green apple, walnuts and a balsamic & honey dressing

They also bake different pies every day so it’s always a pleasant surprise.

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Menta | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Greek) | Tarts from € 7.50
Agion Theodoron 10, Kifisia | North suburbs | +302108080173
Daily

Image by Maria Porfyriadi

Whether it’s warm or cold in Athens, the seaside is always a choice for the residents of this versatile city.

This spot is located away from the centre, right on the shoreline, at the far end of the peninsula of Vouliagmeni, inside the marina by the same name. Anywhere you look… it’s blue you see!

Day & night, year round… this place soothes your mind at the view of the endless blue. Just visit to take in the experience or even stay either for a beverage, a quick snack or even a full meal which could be rather pricy but totally worth it!

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Moorings | Bars, Music, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.)
Marina Vouliagmeni | South suburbs | +302109670659
10:00 – often till after midnight

Image by Petros Sideris

A café / bistro right under the Holy Rock of the Acropolis, with a lovely cuisine of simple, earthy tastes.

A big fireplace indoors and coffee tables placed in an amphitheatrical manner… outside.

Have a coffee, a jasmine tea, a glass of warm wine or one of their hand-made pastries; them alone can be more than a satisfying experience with their creamy, chewy fillings!

It’s a great people-watching spot. A calm place to relax and enjoy the conversation with friends in the middle of such a busy area! Unexpectedly peaceful…

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Yasemi | Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (Bistro)
Mnisikleous str., Plaka | Monastiraki
Daily