Oinoscent: This unique gem opened its doors back in 2008 and was the first wine bar in the heart of Athens. Since then, Oinoscent has evolved not only into a meeting point for wine lovers but also, into a great Mediterranean inspired restaurant. The underground wine cellar contains more than 1.000 different labels from across the world. You can expect 50 different choices by the glass from a very powerful wine list which is refreshed each week. Located just a stone’s throw away from Syntagma Square, Oinoscent is the only gourmet wine restaurant, however it exudes a friendly and pleasant vibe. We admit it, Oinoscent is our favorite wine bar/restaurant in all of Athens, not just Athens city center.
Tip from a Local: With indoor and outdoor seating available, Oinoscent accepts dining reservations only and tables are available for 2.5h. The bar and service area welcome walk ins, however, so don’t be afraid to stop by. Also, you can also purchase wine to enjoy later or even to take back home with you! Don’t be shy to ask Sommelier questions, or to follow his/her advice, do try something you have never tried before, especially wines that are not typically found by the glass. We love the whole menu, however we have our favorites. Tarama/tomato for a starter, the “pink” cacio e pepe pasta, octopus skewer with deep fried polenta, beef tartare, flank steak. If you do not fancy a meal, there is a very well curated cheese and charcuterie selection. In our opinion, desserts are not of the same gourmet standard, but of course they are quite nice. Reservations, especially for weekends, are highly recommended.
Contact details: Voulis 45, +30 210 322 9374, https://www.oinoscent.gr/ (4min walk from Syntagma square, 11min walk from Monastiraki square, 18min walk from Omonia square).
Vintage: This elegant, timeless bar & bistro housed in an abandoned historical building, shows true appreciation and knowledge of wine. As they proudly share on their website, “Vintage holds over 1200 labels with 850 of them served also by the glass, which is quite phenomenal in worldwide scale and makes the world’s largest “by the glass list””. Each wine is served in the proper vessel, and special care is taken to optimize the temperature of the wine, so guests are able to experience its full aroma. Vintage is classified as more of a wine “restaurant” than a wine “bar” because it offers seriously good eats. The menu is a small but perfectly executed selection of creative dishes made with exceptionally fresh ingredients. Vintage is an excellent choice to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience paired with great wines.
Tip from a Local: Besides the large number of wines by the glass, you will also find an excellent selection of Champagne. If you do not skip dessert, be sure to pair it with one of their excellent dessert wines available, such as Muscat of Samos. With so many options, Vintage offers the choice to opt for a half glass, which allows you to sample a larger variety of wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to obtain the guidance of the Sommelier! We love double cooked potatoes with truffle pecorino, dakos salad with feta, tomato, onion, capers and olives, soutzoukakia (spiced rolled minced meat) in tacos, and the artisanal cheese and charcuterie selection. There is no outdoor seating.
Contact details: Mitropoleos 66-68, +30 213 029 6570, https://winebarathens.com/ (7min walk from Syntagma square, 4min walk from Monastiraki square, 14min walk from Omonia square).
Kiki de Grèce: A quaint, cozy wine bistro with contemporary Greek cuisine found on a beautiful pedestrian street near syntagma Square. At Kiki, you can taste a wide variety of Greek wines, even by boutique wineries, by the glass (close to 40 selections), at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is warm and romantic, with low lighting and outdoor tables. Kiki often hosts wine tasting evenings which become rapturous events!
Tip from a Local: Open also for lunch. The menu changes frequently, and usually there’s a delicious dish of the day, which is often a pie. We suggest that you try the Malgouzia or Asyrtiko if you prefer white wine, and the Xinomavro or Mavrotragano if you prefer red.
Contact details: Ipitou 4, +30 210 321 1279, https://www.facebook.com/kikidegrece/ (5min walk from Syntagma square, 10min walk from Monastiraki square, 18min walk from Omonia square).
