42 Barstronomy: 42 is definitely one of the most beautiful and timeless bar restaurants in the country. 42 can be found in an atmospheric shady alley. A prestigious & classy interior space, dominated by wood, has as its centerpiece an impressive bar. With an ambience of old-fashioned opulence, yet contemporary urban charm at the same time. The cocktails are phenomenal, as one of the owners is undoubtedly one of the most talented mixologist of the city. Cocktail syrups are created in house, and are made with one of five different varieties of ice depending on the needs of the drink, with a menu boasting both creative and classic cocktails. On the food side, 42 Barstronomy serves a delicious selection of salads, risottos, beef tartare, burgers, beef tagliata and more.
Tip from a Local: During the day, 42 Barstronomy serves coffee and food, and while it’s very delightful to enjoy a coffee in the shady alley during the summer months, it is the nighttime that this establishment comes to life. The centerpiece bar is gorgeous, with very comfortable stools. On our nights out for dinner and drinks, we prefer a seat at the bar, dining from the bar menu and watching the talented bartender mixologist create amazing cocktails. Having dinner at the bar means you have a front row seat all night, while drinking cocktails and dancing (the vibe on the weekends is very lively!). As you can imagine, food is served until late at night, while other restaurants are closed. Although 42 has a good wine menu, we do encourage you to try the cocktails. For an authentic Greek cocktail experience, order a cocktail made from Mastic Liqueur; the taste is unique… you will either love it or hate it, but we bet you will love it!
Contact details: Kolokotroni 3 (Inside Bolani Arcade), +30 213 005 2153, https://42barstronomy.gr/ (4min walk from Syntagma square, 11min walk from Monastiraki square, 14min walk from Omonia square).
Odori Vermuteria di Atene: In the back streets of central Athens, situated on a charming cobblestone square, you will find Athens’ first bar specializing in vermouth & the aperitivi culture, a tribute to the “old world” Vermouth bars that once flourished in Torino, Italy. Odori is a café, bar and Italian restaurant rolled into one, and is the perfect hangout at any time of the day or night. The ambience projects an elegant and stylish Italian atmosphere, with a large impressive cooper bar, “botanical” wallpaper that gives the feeling of being surrounded by green hedges, and metal birdcages that serve as ceiling lamps; this place is very photogenic. True to its Italian nature, Odori features a 500-degree Celsius wood-burning oven for authentic pizzas that are baked for only 60 seconds, as it is done in Napoli. The menu is complemented by comfort foods such as fresh pasta, salads and bruschettas. The topnotch cocktails are created by one of the most awarded bartenders in the country and who is a co-owner of the bar.
Tip from a Local: Different times of the day offer a different experience, but we love coming here either early in the afternoon for Aperitivo and Pizza, or later at night for cocktails and bruschettas. We also appreciate the salads, which are full of flavor and not boring. We recommend that you try the vermouth, either on the rocks or as a long drink, and you will be positively surprised. We come again and again for the Bloody Margarita pizza, old fashioned capricciosa pizza, caesar salad, carbonara spaghetti & tartufo nero pappardelle.
Contact details: Skouleniou 2, +30 210 331 4674, https://odorivermuteria.gr/ (8min walk from Syntagma square, 7min walk from Monastiraki square, 10min walk from Omonia square).
Noel: Noel is polymorphous and sensual all-day bar/restaurant, with a festive holiday atmosphere all year-round, because after all, Noel means “Christmas” in French. While it features vintage décor, sparking lights, vibrant colors, plants in every corner, baroque dining spaces, and a grand arcade with inviting tables and stools, above all Noel exudes warmth and coziness. This bar/restaurant has quickly become one of Athens’ hottest spots, and you’ll quickly discover why as you will be immediately impressed by the design of the stylish space as soon as you enter Noel. Wonderfully crafted cocktails with Mediterranean character and international cuisine are perfectly blended together with a charming mix of 1980s, ’90s and jazz music. All in all, Noel in Athens is a chic space, home to championship-class cocktails and great food, so it feels like Christmas every day at Noel.
Tip from a Local: The mixology team behind the cocktail menu is of the highest caliber, often receiving international accolades. The signature drinks are constantly rotated, and we suggest trying one of their creative cocktails. Whichever you choose, you will leave satisfied. In our opinion, the highlights of the food menu include the signature Greek salad, the spicy mussels in wine sauce with crispy potatoes, veal cheeks with truffle teriyaki and mushrooms, and the spaghetti with eggplant, zucchini, tomato and chicken. For the less adventurous, there are also burgers and pizza available, which are good, but there may be a better option for those nearby. If you visit during the day, you may prefer to sit alfresco, but at night you simply must experience the “inside vibe” of this unique place.
Contact details: Kolokotroni 59B, +30 21 1215 9534, https://noelbar.gr/to-noel/ (8min walk from Syntagma square, 6min walk from Monastiraki square, 11min walk from Omonia square).
