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!
Deligiorgi 18
Meatballs:
€
5
+30
2114080630
Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
At Tarantino Burgers, the secret of its success are great raw materials. The burgers are 100% black angus ground beef, and the fluffy buns are made with their own recipe.
by
"Zouridakis" in Athens, in the central market, has all the Cretan specialties you can imagine - but my favorite is the Xigalo cheese. Don't miss it, along with some raki!
by
"Αstor" Athens is my favourite indie cinema hall in town. I would say that if Athens were a cinema, it would be here. Indulge in Greek culture here...
by
"Diomidous Botanical Garden" in Athens, only 30 minutes from the centre of the city, is the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean...
by
MOMO is a cafe/bar/restaurant in Athens with an exquisite backyard that will give you back the time that's been stolen from you...
by
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.
by
Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.
by
There are always dishes of the day in addition to the set menu, so no two visits to Mandragoras are ever the same. And kontosouvli is always available.
by
It does not matter what you order when you visit Mouries because everything is made with the same care (however, my favorite dish here is the meatballs).
by
262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 262 Insider Tips