If you are visiting the archaeological park of Acadimia Platonos, one of the most prestigious educational establishments of ancient Athens, which was founded by the philosopher Plato, you must also take a walk in the nearby neighborhood of Kolonos. Between the modern high-rises, you come across the small houses of Kolonos, built between 1900 and 1935. Their unadorned facades and simple construction with just one floor and a small yard give the impression that their owners, who were primarily middle-class Athenian citizens at the time, recognized the sanctity and significance of the nearby Acamidia. Some of these houses are still inhabited by elders who refuse to leave them, but most of them have fallen into disrepair over time. It is an image of an authentic part of Athenian everyday life that is fading and worth preserving in every way.
But in order to have a complete experience of the neighborhood you must visit Mouries. This place was for many years a traditional cafe, which, when the owner died, his children (with their mother as a cook) took over and turned into a tavern. The food here, homemade and delicious, is a journey through time to an era of purity and authenticity. It does not matter what you order because everything is made with the same care (however, my favorite dish here is the meatballs). But apart from the food, the place itself has a simplicity, honesty, and laid-back atmosphere that wins you over from the first moment.
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nothing can prepare you for the burst of colors when you enter the mezzanine studio: rich shades of blue and green, along with vintage furniture and paintings.
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My walk usually ends up in Valitsa, a beautiful cafe and restaurant. Valitsa has a unique interior, with one wall covered by old, authentic suitcases.
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A nice dessert is a perfect conclusion to a satisfying meal or an accompaniment to a delicious coffee. But in Koukouvaya, a cafe in the center of Athens, enjoying an excellent dessert becomes an end goal in itself.
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"Kimolia" in Athens is a family-owned, all-day cafe hidden in the central narrow streets of Plaka. I love their orange-flavored chocolate...
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Blame the Sun in Athens is the newest taproom in Koukaki! This bar emerged in the quarantine - maybe that's why it's called that way?
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Amandine's Bagels on Nikis streets in Athens is where I get my breakfast from. My favorite bagel from there has avocado, salmon and a special sauce!
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"Nolan" is one of the finest restaurants in Athens. It provides a Greek-Japanese gastro experience you shouldn't miss.
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Visiting the "Hammam Baths" in Athens is a very pertinent experience, as the city is a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Relax with a massage...
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The meticulous look and distinct flavour of Pâte et Crème's sweets are captivating. And the perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemon tart is unforgettable.
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They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
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263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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