Dec 29, 2024

To Bakaliko tou Filippa Athens

Here, time has stopped

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
""To Bakaliko tou Filippa" in Piraeus, Athens: a grocery store/meze place that's the same since 1912, when you'd always have something to eat when shopping."

There are some spots where time has stood still. One of them is Philippa's grocery store (To Bakaliko tou Filippa, Το μπακάλικο του Φίλιππα in Greek), which has basically stayed the same since 1912 when it first opened in Piraeus, Athens. Back then, it was common for grocery stores to have some tables for the customers and offer wine and something like finger food or small portions of food (meze). At the same time they sold fruit, vegetables, legumes, cheese etc, all carefully selected and of great quality from different parts of Greece.

The store still works somewhat like that with its current owner, Philippas, a kind man who serves the tables with an everlasting smile on his face. It's as if something from that time stuck with him. Philippa's meze is simple in concept, yet delicious in taste and the prices are really good too. Add to all this the regular customers (of which there's quite a few) and there is no way you'll get out of there without having somebody talking to you and telling you their stories. And to top it up, place all this scenery in a building overflowing with history and a little doorway leading to the back parlor and the hidden yard.

Personally, when I leave the store, I usually shop kefalograviera cheese, the same one that's served in the store. I think it's a nice way to get a tasty "souvenir" from there and have a reason to return when it's over!

About this spot

Deligiorgi 18

Meatballs:

€

5

+30

2114080630

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

Ktistakis
antonis-tsapepas-2

Ktistakis – Loukoumades from heaven

Ktistakis is hidden in the streets around Omonoia Square but deserves every moment you will spend searching for it. It makes only one thing: delicious little loukoumades.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Jan 9, 2025
Mrs-Dalloways
asiminamitrothanasi

Mrs Dalloway's – You can buy yourself flowers

The flower bouquets are naturally dried and painted with water-soluble, non-toxic colors. The dried flowers can decorate a space for 1 to 2 years!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Jan 8, 2025
Au-Revoir
andreaspapadopoulos

Au Revoir – Classic and unique

"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

FOOD Str – Quality burgers in Monastiraki

"FOOD Str" in the center of Athens is my spot of choice when I'm out late drinking and need a cheap (vegetarian!) burger or some fish and chips!

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Babouras – Feel the buzz of Petralona

"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Eugenides Digital Planetarium – Across the universe

The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Rema Pikrodafnis – Athenian wilderness

"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
Alsos-Neas-Smyrnis
dimitrishall

Alsos Neas Smyrnis – Your lovely neighbourhood park

"Alsos Neas Smyrnis" in Athens is my neighborhood park where I go to run. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy a low-key Athenian park setting.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Homesick – Retro mode in Eksarcheia

"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Parko Eleftherias – Picnic time in the oasis

"Parko Eleftherias" in Athens is one of the few well-kept, moderately large parks in the city. I recommend it for picnics and just relaxing on the grass...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

HBH Coffee Bar – Classy and loungy

"HBH Coffee Bar" in the Athens neighborhood of Exarchia is perfect for when I need something beautiful and quieter to get some work done on its mezzanine.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
dimitrishall

Mousiko Kafeneio – The neighbourhood bar

It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Dimitris

Hall

Jan 8, 2025