Lakka Square is of strategic importance for anyone who wishes to get to know Arachova.
These all-day shops, located in and around Lakka Square, are ideal for people-watching – to see and be seen, to get a whiff of all the comings and goings in Arachova. You, and all of showbiz – don’t expect to see members of the real business and political elite here, as since the crisis they are still keeping their distance.
Beyond Lakka Square, there is also the “old” Papaioannou Square. Here, things that until recently were rather “sedentary” have taken off in recent years. Here too, there are shops that operate on a full-time basis and cater to all ages. But apart from these all day shops, there are also nice teahouses and stylish cafés with a cosmopolitan aura; pastry shops and historic cafés, all freshly renovated; traditional coffee shops that serve both Greek coffee and tsipouro meze; speak-easy style bars that have their own audience.
Sehre
A very popular place with a young well-to-do crowd. The interior is dominated by wood and numerous ski accessories – the owners Thymios and Avgeris Sehremelis used to be skiing champions. When it’s sunny, the outside tables are a big hit. Having done a lot of research on coffee, Sehre has a particularly unique blend sourced from a large company in Thessaloniki, offering at the same time excellent cold-brew coffee. Their food menu is concise and versatile, featuring traditional accents. Their mostly comfort dishes come with the motto “share the tribe”. The highlight of the menu is the high quality spirits and cocktails. Every Friday and Saturday, you will enjoy house music DJ sets. Delfon, Arachova, +30 22670 31518
Jay Oh!!
Although outside, the dreamy sofas with fur cushions under the lit heaters exude a truly cosy atmosphere. The interior is beautifully clad in stone, the walls are adorned here and there with companions of all-white plush teddy bears, and there’s a nice big, modern bar. Jay Oh!!! boasts an amazing brunch menu: pancakes, hearty omelettes, superfoods. In the evening, they serve mulled wine and delicious cocktails to the sounds of upbeat music. Lakka Square, Arachova, +30 22670 31182
Barile Resto Vino Bar
Modern and stylish decoration and a glass floor that reveals a special cellar featuring 40 wine labels, mainly from Greek vineyards. Barile’s main asset is its mouthwatering food menu, designed by chef Konstantinos Palyvos. Do not miss the scrumptious Greek style carbonara with fresh Cretan pasta (sioufihta), gruyere cream, Cretan smoked chicken (apaki) and dehydrated egg yolk. You should also try their bao bans filled with spetzofai (spicy Greek sausages with red peppers), as well as their warm potato salad with Greek truffle cream and fried trahana (traditional Greek, tiny, pebble-shaped type of pasta). In the evening, as the music gets louder, order a nice cocktail and mingle with the happy crowd. Lakka Square, Arachova, +30 22670 31007
Cine Celena
Large arched windows offering great street views and a nice cosy loft. The decoration is largely inspired by old classic films. A few old film cameras add a touch of nostalgia. Inside, soft earthy tones, nice sofas and cosy nooks for lounging, a few tables outside. The menu is quite simple, but there are plenty of delicious breakfast options, including hearty omelettes. In the evening, the mood swifts, becomes more convivial. Daily from 08:00. Lakka Square, Arachova, +22670 31401
E Bar Restaurant
Featuring an amazing glass roof, this restaurant’s design is very impressive. Just imaging what it would be like having a nice cup of coffee or a drink in here while its’ raining or – better even- snowing outside. Sophisticated industrial design, a lovely bar and cosmopolitan flair. The menu features hearty breakfast and brunch dishes, as well as main carnivore dishes. Although described as an all-day restaurant, it is its all-night activity that brings it to the forefront. Mainstream music, dancing and partying until the break of dawn. Between Lakka and Papaioannou squares, Arachova, +30 22670 31158
Paramount
Located in Livadi, a bit outside Arachova, Paramount is the perfect place to go before and after skiing. This all-day alpine chalet-style bar-restaurant is spread over two levels, featuring an impressive glass ceiling and large glass windows that look out over the snowy landscape and mountain peaks. Many delicious breakfast and brunch options in the morning, Mediterranean cuisine menu for lunch and dinner. The outdoor fireplace is amazing. Party-time from 11-12pm onwards, sometimes even in the afternoon (mainly on Fridays and Saturdays). Livadi, +30 22670 32400
Room Cocktail Bar
A small place running from 10am, offering nice brews and infusions, as well as delicious desserts, until dusk. Then, it shows its true self: house and electronic music, alcoholic drinks, cocktails, wine, beers. A few stools and high stands inside, and four little tables out in the alley. Convivial atmosphere, partying until early in the morning. Delfon, Arachova, +30 22670 31556, +30 693 2736033
Bonjour
Not exactly an all-day shop in the sense of excess that characterizes shops of this kind in Lakka Square. In fact it is a warm, welcoming place, on the ground floor of a stone building, serving good coffee, especially cappuccino, various types of tea, tasty sandwiches, omelettes, pastries and cakes, as well as excellent croissants and brioches. A diverse audience with no age barriers. Open from early morning. Lakka Square, Arachova, +30 22670 32330
O tea pineis
Something different in the all-day scene of the area. Firstly, tea rather than coffee is the focus and secondly, it is family-friendly, featuring an on-site playground. On the ground floor you can find endless varieties of tea from all over the world, as well as coffee, chocolate, wine, beer, nuts, dried fruit and tableware. In the cosy café-bar in the loft, you can have tea, coffee or anything else you wish. The dinnerware is like something out of “Alice in Wonderland”, while the floral samovars are dazzling. Delfon, +30 22670 31606
To kafeneio tou Zampa
A very old and beloved traditional café that dates back to 1938. Don’t expect something dull and boring. It is decorated in off-white shades and the hall is spread over two levels. Of course it serves Greek coffee and home-made spoon sweets (sweet preserves). But it also serves tsipouro with meze, which sometimes comes in unexpected forms, such as hot dogs or eggs with fries. Regular food such as hunkar begendi (lamb stew with aubergine puree) is also served. Pleasant, friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. Lakka Square, Arachova, +30 697 0014433
Belleville all-day pastry bar
The shop started as a confectionery in 1956 and after a complete renovation in 2019 it got its current modern form. The large windows offer amazing views of Arachova. There are many delicious breakfast options – omelettes, rice pudding, yoghurt with honey, cakes, croissants, sandwiches, apple pie. You will also find an endless array of desserts, such as orange pie, walnut pie, ekmek (syrupy shredded pastry with custard and whipped cream), chocolate or almond cake, banoffee, cheesecake and red velvet cake, as well as ice-cream. In the evening, drinks, wine and music. Delfon 7, Arachova, +30 22670 31492
