Without a doubt, rich wine lists are important, but the accompanying dishes are just as crucial for a complete experience. We recommend five interesting wine bars and restaurants that pay special attention to both their wine and food, with tables set at stylish rooftops, atmospheric arcades and city squares.
By the Glass
No matter how many times you visit this spot within the Ralli arcade, literally just a few steps away from Syntagma Square, there is always something new to be discovered in terms of wine and food. Approximately two hundred wine choices are served by the glass, from an overall wine range of roughly five hundred labels, including old vintages, domestic and imported, as well as sparkling wines and other categories. Guests may order side dishes such as cheese and charcuterie varieties, or have a proper meal, choosing from modern Greek and Mediterranean proposals.
3 G. Souri & Filellinon, Syntagma, +30 210 3232560, Website, Facebook
Manouka
Beginning our recommendations from the city centre, Manouka, a rooftop restaurant at the Utopia hotel, was launched early in the summer just gone by. It offers a superb view of the city’s peaks. The wine experience here, entirely Greek, offers a list of approximately 100 labels from domestic wineries. They include rare varieties. Also, the spot’s signature cocktails highlight Greek products, while the kitchen offers dishes of modern style.
46 Ermou, Athens, +30 210 3241814, Facebook
Helona
Hidden above the impressive Nektar wine shop on central Ermou St, Helona expresses its passion for wine on an elegant veranda with an urban-chic atmosphere. Its rich wine list is based on the produce of Greek wineries but also expands outwards to offer fine choices from the international circuit. Sparkling wines, champagnes, as well as premium spirits and cocktails also feature. Modern Mediterranean food flavours, primarily served to be shared, include bright ideas such as prawn souvlaki with potato salad and caper, as well as chicken tortillas with peppers and tomato cubes.
Materia Prima
Beginning its life in Koukaki, Materia Prima now also offers a second outlet in Pagrati, where its tables are set at Mesologgiou Square. The particularly extensive wine list, including a wide range by the glass, is one of the strong points of this place. Guests may try various Greek and international wines from a list that is often refreshed. The wines can be accompanied by small and larger dishes, such as octopus hot dog and eggplant; tacos with pork meat and yoghurt hummus; or eclectic Greek and imported cheese varieties, served with homemade marmalades.
3 Mesologgiou Square, Pagrati, +30 210 7255171, Website, Facebook
Vibo Bistrot
Emerging about a year ago, this elegant and stylish place with impressive glass walling, situated in the heart of seaside Glyfada, in Athens’ south, has been attracting plenty of attention. Its extensive wine list numbers about one hundred labels, Greek and imported, some of these available by the glass. Vibo Bistrot also offers a fine choice of sweet wines and distilled spirits. As for the food, besides its charcuterie and cheese platters, interesting bruschetta and salads, the spot also serves a modest number of main dishes, including free-range chicken with eggplant and fennel, as well as tuna with cherry tomatoes, samphire and Kalamata olives.
16 Grigoriou Labraki, Glyfada, +30 210 8948202, Website, Facebook
