Athens is a city where history brushes up against modernity in the most unexpected of ways. Walk out of a museum, having just stood inches away from a Picasso or an ancient Cycladic idol, and within minutes, you’re sipping a cocktail at a trendy bar that feels like a scene from a surrealist film.
The capital’s cultural hubs are surrounded by restaurants and bars that elevate the experience, ensuring that art doesn’t just stay within gallery walls but hops onto your plate and is stirred into your glass. Here’s where to eat and drink after soaking in some of Athens’ most intriguing museums in five different zones.
01
Benaki Museum Pireos Annexe, Gazi
This contemporary outpost of the Benaki Museum is a space where art, design, and cultural events unfold, capturing the dynamism of modern Greek creativity. The vast industrial-style building regularly hosts cutting-edge exhibitions, from photography retrospectives to avant-garde installations.
Restaurants
Aleria (Megalou Alexandrou 57): Refined Greek cuisine gets a contemporary spin in this beautifully restored neoclassical home. Expect meticulously plated dishes where traditional flavors—like slow-cooked lamb with fava—meet sophisticated technique. The courtyard is an oasis for leisurely dining.
Seychelles (Keramikou 49): A lively bistro in Metaxourgeio where the spirit of old-school Greek tavernas is reimagined with a modern sensibility. Plates of smoked mackerel, slow-braised beef cheeks, and hand-cut fries arrive in generous portions, best enjoyed with a glass of natural wine.
CTC (Oumplianis 14 & Ironda): Fine dining, but make it playful. Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis’ Michelin-starred restaurant serves a tasting menu that reinterprets Greek ingredients in unexpected ways—think sea urchin with fermented trahana or pigeon with a Mavrodaphne glaze.
Bars
Bios (Pireos 84): Part underground art space, part rooftop bar with a knockout view of the Acropolis, Bios pulses with the energy of Athenian creatives. Sip on a Negroni while catching an indie film screening or a live electronic set.
Latraac (Leonidou 63-65)A skate bowl, a laid-back garden bar, and a crowd of artists and skaters make this spot a magnet for the alternative scene. Expect craft beers, street-style cocktails, and occasional DJ sets.
Upupa Epops (Alkminis 7)A bohemian hideout with whimsical decor and a stellar cocktail list. The garden is magical, with fairy lights strung between palm trees, setting the scene for a night of expertly crafted drinks.
02
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Koukaki
Once a Fix brewery, now Athens’ temple of contemporary art. With ever-rotating exhibitions of Greek and international artists, EMST is where cutting-edge installations and thought-provoking works come to challenge perceptions.
Restaurants
I Fabrika Tou Efrosinou (Anastasiou Zinni 34): A rustic, slow-food haven where traditional Greek recipes shine. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect dishes like braised goat with wild greens and handmade pies.
Esthio (Dimitrakopoulou 7): An understated eatery with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a Balkan culinary profile reflecting the chef’s heartfelt roots. Simple cuisine with a sophisticated finish.
Gallina (Markou Botsari 49): Pure indulgence of the highest order – from juicy oysters to Wagyu beef and Beef Wellington your senses will feel pampered. Add wine from a fantastic list and it’s five stars.
Bars
Bel Ray (Falirou 88): Bel Ray captures Koukaki’s effortlessly cool energy. Evenings are fueled by imaginative cocktails and playlists that range from laid-back indie to upbeat funk and soul grooves.
ΚΙΝΩΝΩ (Falirou 48): A low-key favorite of Koukaki locals, Kinono is equal parts cafe, bar, restaurant, and creative hub. The drinks are unfussy but well-crafted, perfect for lingering over conversation.
Materia Prima (Falirou 68): A wine bar and bistro centered on natural and biodynamic labels. The sommelier’s picks are spot-on, best paired with a plate of artisanal cheese and charcuterie.
03
Basil & Elise Goulandris Museum, Pangrati
A relative newcomer to Athens’ museum scene, the museum beautifully presents a private collection that brings together 20th-century masters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet alongside Greek modernists, all housed in a sleek, light-filled space.
Restaurants
Ex Machina (Embedokleous 34): Industrial chic meets comfort food in this all-day spot serving standout brunch dishes and hearty mains.
Soil (Stratigou Rodiou 5): A green Michelin-starred experience that transforms local ingredients into artful tasting menus.
Akra (Effranoros 32): A modern Greek bistro with a Michelin star that reinvents traditional flavors with flair – try the sourdough and fire-cooked meats.
Bars
Abstract (Arktinou 10): A painterly approach to cocktails, with artistic garnishes and bold flavor pairings.
Chelsea Hotel (Proklou & Archimidous 1): A Pangrati-darling bar that channels old-school cool, with a solid whiskey selection and occasional live jazz.
Traka (Effranoros 2): Laid-back but sophisticated, with excellent negronis and a buzzy late-night crow
04
Museum of Cycladic Art, Kolonaki
Famous for its enigmatic marble figurines, the Museum of Cycladic Art transports visitors to the heart of the Aegean’s ancient cultures. Its thoughtfully curated displays vividly illustrate daily life and rituals from millennia past.
Restaurants
Iodio (Loukianou 36): A seafood specialist beloved for freshness and creativity. Signature dishes include sea bass ceviche, expertly grilled octopus, and seafood linguine bursting with local flavors. Pair your meal with crisp Greek whites for an effortlessly chic Kolonaki dining experience.
Athénée (Voukourestiou 9): An elegant yet relaxed atmosphere defines this bistro, where Mediterranean classics get an imaginative twist. Think shrimp risotto with saffron or beef carpaccio with citrus-infused olive oil. Ideal for leisurely brunches or stylish evening meals.
Brutus Taverna (Leventi 3): Bold flavors and sleek charm reign at Brutus, a contemporary meat-centered restaurant. Highlights include crispy pork belly, charcoal-grilled vegetables, and a lively crowd. Natural wines and craft beers further enhance the tavern’s convivial spirit.
Bars
Lykovryssi (Plateia Filikis Etairias 8): When in Kolonaki… This classic Athenian haunt is known for its perfectly poured drinks and timeless, buzzy and very chi chi ambiance. Order a classic martini or an aged whiskey, and settle into its sophisticated yet welcoming vibe.
Zurbaran (Patriarchou Ioakeim 38): Sleek and cosmopolitan, Zurbaran draws a fashionable set with creative cocktails and refined bites. Try the house Negroni or share tapas-style plates of tuna tartare and tempura shrimp while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Zelus (Ploutarchou 9): Where sleepless beautiful people go in Kolonaki to drink, dance and listen to great DJ sets in the late, late hours. At least one tenth of the crowd are people’s personal security guards.
05
The National Gallery, Hilton
Recently transformed through extensive renovations, the National Gallery beautifully narrates Greece’s artistic journey. From religious iconography to groundbreaking modernist pieces, the gallery offers a comprehensive look at the country’s artistic soul.
Restaurants
Cookoovaya (Hatzigianni Mexi 2A): Known as a modern culinary haven, Cookoovaya serves dishes centered around a wood-fired oven. Standouts include perfectly seared steaks, roast chicken with aromatic herbs, and seasonal vegetables charred to perfection. A vibrant, contemporary dining spot.
Vezene (Vrasida 11): This romantically elegant and contemporary place excels in brasserie-style, Greek-inspired cuisine, especially its impressive meat selection. Highlights include tender Wagyu beef steaks and smoky Iberico pork. Its chic, lively atmosphere pairs effortlessly with the meticulously curated wine list.
Vassilenas (Vrasida 13): A legendary fish restaurant, once a simple Piraeus fish tavern, it has a storied history dating back a century. Modern interpretations of Greek dishes are served in a sleek, warmly lit space ideal for special occasions.
Bars
Rock n Roll (Loukianou 6): An energetic bar that’s been a cornerstone of Athens’ nightlife for decades. Famous for its dynamic DJ sets, well-crafted cocktails, and lively dance floor, this is the spot to let loose after a refined gallery visit.
Bronco (Ploutarchou 10): Casually cool with an American-inspired aesthetic, Broncos delivers on atmosphere and drinks alike. Choose from creatively mixed cocktails or local craft beers, perfect for relaxed gatherings with friends.
Red Lion Pub Athens (Niriidon 16)A genuine British-style pub serving a variety of ales, stouts, and spirits. Comfortable leather seating, classic pub fare, and a cozy, familiar atmosphere make it ideal for unwinding and recounting the day’s cultural adventures.
