Kolonaki isn’t just Athens’ chic quarter; it’s where breakfast turns editorial and dinner reads like a tasting note. Between marble-counter cafés and designer bistros, the neighborhood edits Greek tradition with a polished hand – croissants with a Parisian accent, mezé with modern punctuation, sushi with skyline views. The crowd? Tailored, curious, and allergic to average.
From sunlit espresso and patisserie runs to seafood ateliers, smart carnivores’ dens, and Italian addresses with brick-and-brass charm, Kolonaki is a compact atlas of taste. You can graze through plant-forward bowls, pause for biodynamic wines, or settle into a steakhouse with cinematic swagger. Consider this your map to 30 spots where quality is the house style – and the vibe is unmistakably – and always – cosmopolitan.
Coffee & Brunch
Queen Bee
Parisian elegance defines this patisserie and café, adorned with marble countertops and brass accents. Signature items like buttery croissants, artisanal sandwiches, and specialty coffees are crafted with high-quality ingredients, elevating it within the city’s café scene.
Patriarchou Ioakeim 45
Da Capo
A minimalist Italian cafe in central Athens, Da Capo has a sophisticated ambiance with polished lines and neutral tones. They serve expertly brewed espresso, fresh panini, and delicate pastries, making it a favorite for people-watching in the square.
Tsakalof 1
Me Cafe
An all-day café with a steady rhythm from breakfast to dinner. Morning and brunch menus include coconut yoghurt with seasonal fruit, chia pudding, banana toast and acai bowls alongside a range of coffees and smoothies. Desserts include maple pumpkin cheesecake or gluten-free lemon tart, and there’s a full beverage list from fresh juices to wine by the glass. In the evening the menu widens to include dishes such as salmon, sea bass, chicken plates and a small pasta selection, keeping dinner easy and unfussy.
Kapsali 10
Wild Souls
Known for its nut butters, clean snacks and plant-forward bowls, Wild Souls attracts a steady stream of locals throughout the day. The menu revolves around quality raw materials, from tahini and handmade spreads to granola, energy bars and simple toasts. It works well for a quick breakfast, a light midday stop or takeaway items made with minimal processing and clear flavors.
Irodotou 14
Classic Greek Cuisine
To Kafeneio 1987
One of Kolonaki’s historic cafés returned this year with a full renovation and a new culinary approach under chef Kyriaki Fotopoulou. The menu reflects classic urban Greek cooking: daily soups, oven dishes, meatballs, lemon chicken, beef giouvetsi and meze suited to afternoons with wine. The update preserved the familiar neighborhood character while giving the kitchen clearer direction, and the space now holds a steady daytime and early-evening community presence once again.
Loukianou 26
Oikeio
This one Michelin star restaurant is cozy to eat at indoors in winter, to enjoy a stylish and rustic interior, and to sit on the sidewalk in summer. Dishes such as moussaka, sardines, and octopus in vinegar are cooked with loyalty to traditional flavors prepared with a modern flair.
Ploutarchou 15
Filippou
Known for its deliciously cooked traditional Greek food, this historic spot emphasizes homey simplicity in its decor and cuisine. Signature dishes include lamb kleftiko, pork in lemon sauce, and the shrimp salad, complemented by Greek wines. In summer, book a table across the street to experience the place as locals do.
Xenokratous 19
Dexameni
Lining both sides of a steep cobblestone street in leafy Dexameni square, this neighborhood cafe once favored by famous Greek poets and intellectuals and still drawing an interesting mixed crowd, doubles as a cultural hub. It serves meze plates like sausage with mustard, fried calamari or lentil salad alongside perfectly chilled local beers and house wine at its outdoor seating. Nearby is the open air Cine Dexameni (open May to October) and the impressive Roman Aqueduct the square is named after.
Dexameni Square
Modern Cuisine
Athénée
Formerly Zonars, Athens’ most historic high society coffee room, this beautifully modernized place still oozes glamor and charm but also appeals with its contemporary flair. It is ideal for winter dining indoors with its refined ambiance or summer meals or drinks outdoors amidst the city’s energy. Highlights include fresh seafood, innovative sushi, and decadent pastries. All dishes are made with premium ingredients and attention to detail.
Voukourestiou 9
Deka
A fresh arrival on the Kolonaki scene, Deka brings an artistic sensibility to its all-day format, with walls lined in contemporary works and a compact menu of ten plates designed for sharing. Breakfast and brunch draw an early crowd, while evenings shift toward wine, cocktails and a menu built around seasonal ingredients handled with clarity and restraint. Its atmosphere remains casual, though the space carries a certain polish that sets it apart from typical café-restaurants.
Ploutarchou 10
Simul
Modern Greek cuisine takes center stage here, with an open kitchen showcasing creative dishes like deconstructed moussaka, crayfish with black lentils, and lamb tataki with Xo sauce. The sleek, contemporary design complements the focus on boutique Greek wines.
Ypsilantou 63
Nice N Easy
This eco-conscious cafe inspired by 50s Hollywood highlights farm-to-table dining with modern and ethnic accents. The menu is constantly updated and always centers around top quality ingredients tht are seasonal, health and creatively put together. Vegetarian and vegan options are satisfuing in mains, appetizers and desserts, and the wine list includes organic and biodynamic wines.
Omirou 60
Ratka
Mediterranean flavors and sophisticated ingredients like oysters, escargot, pesto spaghetti and fresh salads, accompanied by top-quality wines are served at little tables on the sidewalk. This is one of Kolonaki’s top haunts for those who like to see and be seen.
Charitos 30-32
Diva
This recent gastrobar opening brings bistronomy to Kolonaki with an open kitchen and a bar that shapes much of the room’s edgy and playful identity. Chef-led cooking defines the menu, which evolves seasonally without leaning into theatrics. Evenings are lively without feeling chaotic, and the space has already gathered a loyal crowd who come equally for the food and the bar program.
Patriarchou Ioakeim 38
Chez Michel
An all-day café-restaurant with a strong neighborhood following, known for European and Mediterranean dishes served from breakfast through dinner. Daytime visits focus on coffee, pastries and lighter plates, while evenings shift toward fuller mains and easygoing bistro-style service. Many locals treat it as a dependable choice for casual meals across the week.
Irodotou 15
Fish
Iodio
The latest addition to Kolonaki’s dining scene, this restaurant is a seafood haven led by the acclaimed Chef Georgianna Hiliadaki, known for her groundbreaking work at the two-Michelin-starred Funky Gourmet. The menu artfully combines Mediterranean traditions with contemporary techniques, with dishes like Sea Urchin Risotto and ‘Giouvarlakia’ with grouper tartare. The sleek, elegant setting mirrors the sophistication of the cuisine.
Loukianou 36
Barbounaki
This fish restaurant serves authentic seafood in a cozy, unpretentious setting that nonetheless draws politicians and other personalities looking for a relaxed taverna-style fish dinner. Menu highlights include grilled sardines in a red sauce, fried fresh mullet, and shrimp orzo, all showcasing fresh Greek ingredients. A carefully selected range of Greek wines complements the dishes.
Charitos 39
Papadakis
Traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist shine in this art-filled space. Guests savor the soothing kakavia fish soup, sea bass carpaccio, lobster pasta, and lemon pie, while the curated wine list combines Greek and international labels to elevate the dining experience.
Fokilidou 15
Sea You Mezeri
A notable newcomer dedicated to seafood meze, serving oysters, raw preparations and modern takes on Aegean classics. The menu includes house-cured fish, octopus, tuna cuts, shrimp couscous and weekend specials meant to be eaten by hand. Its location within the Lemos arcade has quickly made it a point of interest for diners seeking contemporary fish dishes without formality.
Karneadou 25
Meat
Brutus Tavern
This upscale, underground steakhouse combines gastronomy with a cinematic ambiance featuring gold details and contrasting tones. Signature items include olive-fed Wagyu Tomahawk steak, American T-bone, and Armenian kebab, paired with an extensive wine selection.
Leventi 3
Farma Bralou
Specializing in farm-to-table meats sourced from its own farm, this rustic eatery delivers dishes like slow-cooked lamb, grilled pork chops, and homemade sausages. Earthy tones and wooden accents enhance the warm atmosphere, complemented by organic wines.
Solonos 49
Street Food
Cocona
A tiny spot with a styrong presence on pedestrian Milioni street, where you’ll find beautifully handmasde pies stuffed with delicious fillings. Cocona pairs its friendly service with creative pies with Smyrna-inspired flavors, like lachmajun, spinach and cheese, and creamy mushrooms, or with curry and chicken.
Milioni 10
Kalamaki Kolonaki
A classic stop for quick grilled skewers, this spot keeps things simple: pork, beef and chicken kalamaki, pita wraps, fries, mastelo saganaki, hummus and a few salads for balance. It draws steady traffic from people who work or shop in the area, especially at lunch when orders move fast and portions stay consistent. The flavor profile leans traditional, with well-seasoned meat, warm pita and the kind of no-nonsense service that suits a street-food pitstop. It’s an easy choice when you want something quick, affordable and reliably Greek.
Ploutarchou 32
Italian
Capanna
This cozy trattoria captures the essence of Italian dining with its rustic interior of exposed brick walls and wooden tables. Menu highlights include margherita pizza, tagliatelle al ragu, and panna cotta, paired with a curated selection of Italian wines and aperitifs.
Ploutarchou 38
Brunello
Rustic elegance defines this Italian eatery, where exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings create an inviting atmosphere. Signature dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu, wood-fired margherita pizza, and creamy tiramisu are complemented by an extensive wine list featuring Italian and Greek labels.
Loukianou 21B
Malconi’s
Classic Italian flavors meet modern design in this chic restaurant adorned with contemporary art and sleek furnishings. Diners enjoy dishes like pizza, ruffle risotto, pan seared gnocchi, and panna cotta, alongside Italian-inspired cocktails that enhance both lunch and dinner experiences.
Patriarchou Ioakim 43
Codice Blu
A well-liked Italian restaurant tucked into a leafy corner of Kolonaki where pasta, pizza and other Mediterranean-leaning dishes anchor the menu. Diners regularly praise the spaghetti frutti di mare, tagliata and fresh seafood alongside classic Italian staples like casarecce with pesto and gnocchi. Reviews note a pleasant outdoor seating area and an inviting atmosphere that suits both lunch and dinner, with portions generous enough for sharing. Wine by the glass and a balanced list of salads and appetizers round out the experience, making it a solid choice for relaxed Italian dining in the neighbourhood.
Loukianou 32
Asian
NYX Rooftop Japanese Gastrobar
This stylish rooftop spot combines Japanese flavors with stunning views of Athens. Minimalist, New York style glass and metal decor and floor-to-ceiling windows set the tone for creative dishes like tuna tataki, spicy tuna rolls, and miso-glazed black cod. The experience is elevated by a curated selection of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Omirou 19
Kiku
A long-standing Japanese restaurant with an Italian leaning that helped shape modern sushi culture in Athens. The kitchen focuses on top quality fish, clean cuts, caviar and precise technique, with sushi and sashimi at the center of the menu. A few warm dishes round things out, including grilled seafood and tempura prepared with care. The members-club style room draws luxury-lovers and is accordingly low-lit, polished and intimate, making it a popular choice for dinner when guests want something private and glamorous at once.
Xenokratous 21
Nakama
Tokyo’s izakaya culture comes alive in this contemporary space adorned with Japanese art and ambient lighting. Guests can savor sushi platters, ramen bowls, and tempura dishes, paired with Japanese whiskies and sake for an authentic experience.
Massalias 5
