KOUKOUVAYA:
Koukouvaya’s story begins in Chania, Crete in 1997, and since then its reputation has spread throughout Greece and beyond as one of the best spots to enjoy a dessert. When it opened in Athens, we were absolutely thrilled and have been loyal customers ever since! On a small, shaded pedestrian street in Agias Eirini’s square, KouKouvaya has built its nest in a wonderfully detailed space featuring the central figure of the wise owl, of course! Here you will savor a unique and delightful experience that you will remember forever.
The most famous dessert is the ZOUMERO (Greek for “juicy”), which is a fluffy chocolate cake dipped in rich, warm, chocolate syrup, and topped with whipped cream. Another signature dessert is IGLOO, which is a combination of chocolate sponge cake and rich vanilla custard, based on egg yolk and fresh cream. It is served out of an igloo shaped mold sprinkled with caramelized almond crumbs and chocolate syrup. ERASMIA, is a combination of moist chocolate cake and orange flavored custard topped with whipped cream, orange glaze and chocolate flakes. For those looking to taste some traditional Greek desserts, they also serve homemade LEMONOPITA, lemon cake soaked in syrup richly covered with lemon custard topping, KARIDOPITA, a dark spongy semolina cake with walnuts and cinnamon drenched in syrup. (Superb with ice cream), and EKMEK KADAYIF, string dough drenched in syrup covered with vanilla and mastic custard, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Tip from a Local: The menu includes signature as well as traditional Greek desserts. Everything is homemade! The servings are generous, thus if you are in a group, we suggest you order a variety and enjoy a spoonful from each one. Your only concern will be which to choose from the menu, and that’s why one visit while in Athens is NOT enough. In Koukouvaya, make sure to pair your dessert with coffee or tea, and let the weather guide your seating either inside or outside. PRO TIP! Zoumero has become so famous, and the demand is so high, that the owners have invested in airtight packaging (aircraft cabin allowed) that eliminates the need for refrigeration, until you are home wherever in the world that is.
Contact details: Skouze 1 (Plateia Agias Eirinis), +30 210 331 8700, https://www.facebook.com/koukouvayadesserts/ (8min walk from Syntagma square, 5min walk from Monastiraki square, 12min walk from Omonia square).
CHOUREAL:
Choureal is a pastry shop, featuring a unique and awarded concept – the first of its kind in Greece– specialized in handmade profiterole. In 2019, after four years of successful operation in Thessaloniki, the owners took the leap to expand their business, launching the second Choureal in one of the busiest neighborhoods in the capital city of Greece. The main concept of the project is that the customer becomes an observer of the production of the profiterole, and then he receives the final product at the end.
The Profiteroles are made to order, in an ‘a la minute’ fashion. This means that the desert is always fresh and tailor-made, according to the visitor’s desire. The fragrant pastry “choux” are always freshly-baked, since they are produced every hour.
On order, the choux are filled with either a silk patisserie cream with Madagascar vanilla, or hand-made ice cream. The ritual continues by choosing which of the high-quality chocolates will cover the bowl, and ends with the choice of the dressing. Thus, one can taste her/his small masterpiece fresh, with high quality ingredients and with the flavor tones of his desire: dark or white chocolate, praline, caramel or with hand-made ice-cream instead of patisserie cream.
Tip from a Local: Yes, Choureal is famous for the profiterole and definitely worth it. Trust us, the freshly baked crunchy choux filled with velvety patisserie cream are to die for. Éclairs are made daily and literally melt in your mouth. They are available in a variety of amazing flavors, and we advise you to come early if you want to have the full selection to choose from. Oh, their ice cream is fresh, handmade and characterized by its rich full flavor. Mainly outdoor, yet sheltered seating (a couple of stools inside), or enjoy to go.
Contact details: Diomeias 2 & Ermou 18, +30 210 331 7883, https://www.choureal.gr/en/ (4min walk from Syntagma square, 8min walk from Monastiraki square, 16min walk from Omonia square).
IN LOVE AGAIN:
One of the newest and coolest pastry shops in Athens. This lovely venue was launched by the talented team from Athens’ award-winning bar Baba au Rum located just across the pedestrian street. In Love again is a “multifaced” concept store where you can enjoy irresistible sweets inspired by popular cocktails, savory treats leaning towards brunch, enjoy quality coffee and purchase plants. The store is well designed in a minimalistic style with vintage ‘50s touches, decorative plants and great music, featuring a small outdoor area and an open workshop inside where you can see the magic happening. There are also delightful vegan and dairy free options available. No plastic is used, and the long-term goal of the owners is zero waste. On Klitiou street, you will definitely feel In Love Again!
Tip from a Local: The sinfully seductive sweets we usually prefer are the Mai Tai lemon tart, the Spicy Baba, the Zombie profiterole, and the Pina Colada cheesecake. Beside the crafted to perfection desserts, come early on for your morning caffeine fix or later in the evening to try one of their coffee cocktails such as Coffee Negroni or the Espresso Martini. In Love Again closes at 11:00pm which is the perfect time to jump across the street to the cocktail bar. Enjoy!
Contact details: Klitiou 3, +30 210 324 2627, www.instagram.com/inloveagain_athens/ (8min walk from Syntagma square, 7min walk from Monastiraki square, 12min walk from Omonia square).
