Upscale Kolonaki is the perfect all-day destination for excellent coffee, aperitifs, expertly-mixed cocktails, and plenty of people-watching. Elegant and artfully decorated establishments attract a high-profile crowd, where you’re likely to encounter at least a few fashionistas, politicians and local celebs. And with the British Embassy nearby, it’s the kind of place where James Bond 007 would go for his legendary Martini (after dispatching a few bad guys, of course).
Here we present you with a selection of some of favorite places to quench your thirst, at any hour of the day.
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Morning
Petite Fleur (44 Omirou) is a dollhouse-like establishment serving hot chocolate, teas, coffees and desserts. The house specialty is the Valrhona chocolate drink, served in a large porcelain cup; it’s well worth the 10-minute wait.
To Tsai (Lykavittou & 19 Soutsou), as its name suggests, serves over 80 different kinds of tea and an impressive selection of homemade sweets and cakes, along with delicious soups and quiches. You can also peruse the on sale teas and teapots, which are also available online.
Locals like to gather in the courtyard of The Daily (47 Xenokratou), a laid back neighborhood café tucked away from the all the Kolonaki hustle and bustle. It serves coffee, specialty teas and a selection of alcoholic drinks, as well as the usual snacks like croissants and toasted cheese sandwiches.
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Right in the middle of Kolonaki Square is the classic Da Capo café, where customers buy their coffee and panini at the counter before selecting the perfect position for a spot of people watching.
Taking the whole “coffee and breakfast/brunch” concept up a few notches is Queen Bee (45 Patriarchou Ioakeim), which serves a broad selection of delicious pastries, eggs and burgers, all made in-house, alongside numerous hot drink options.
Café Merlin (9 Vasilissis Sofias), located on the first floor of the Theocharakis Foundation, is a cozy choice for chilly winter days. The café-restaurant also has a satisfying Mediterranean lunch menu.
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AFTERNOON-EVENING
At Chez Michel (15 Irodotou) you’ll feel a distinct after-work vibe; a favorite hangout for high end business folk working in the area.
On pedestrian-only Haritos Street you can stop at La Esquina (43 Haritos), an all-day bar with a fun and friendly atmosphere for cocktails and burgers.
Another buzzy all-day bar just off Kolonaki square is Mayor (19-20 Filikis Etairias), set on a sidewalk that’s ideal for watching the world go by. There’s also a pretty courtyard at the back for those seeking peace and quiet.
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If you’d like to rub shoulders with famous politicians and entrepreneurs, order your coffee and omelet at Vivliothiki (18 Filikis Etairias), hidden away for extra privacy at the bottom part of Kolonaki Square.
Heading in the direction of Syntagma Square along a boutique-lined street is Ombre Aperitivo (4 Voukourestiou), which has an elegant and cozy ambiance inside and out.
Coffee and snacks with a dazzling panoramic view of the city is what you’ll find at Prasini Tenda, reachable after a short but uphill and steep hike (be warned!) up the stairs on Lycabbetus Hill (from Aristioppou & Loukianou).
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NIGHT
Year-round and for several decades, Skoufaki (47 Skoufa) has been inviting in locals and visitors to try its great drinks and enjoy its lively music (daily DJ sets) and themed parties.
Minnie the Moocher (6 Tsakalof), tucked away in an arcade, is reminiscent of a Prohibition-era bar. Chesterfield-style furnishings, jazzy décor touches and expertly mixed drinks combine for an all-day service that really heats up at night.
Pair your top quality wine with a unrivalled selection of cheeses and charcuterie from Greece and abroad at Stinking Bishop (36 Loukianou), the perfect spot for catching up in a relaxed yet stylish ambiance.
Ippopotamos (3B Delfon), a historic bar between Kolonaki and Exarchia, has an extensive drinks menu and film noir-inspired interiors, separated into small rooms that are decorated with old posters. The music here ranges between jazz, rock, and soul.
Bar 56 (56 Ploutarchou) is an absolute must for serious rum and whisky drinkers, although it serves other drinks too. This out of the way place with its cozy atmosphere keeps its streams of twinkling Christmas lights on all year round, and tempts tipsy wannabe jazz musicians with its piano.
