Written by thefoodist
Restaurants and wine bars, street food, good coffee and even better cocktails: Koukaki—the most hip neighborhood of Athens, just below the Acropolis and moments away from the Acropolis Museum—has it all. We gave them a try and here are our favorites.
From time to time, Koukaki is featured in various guides as the hottest tourist destination in Athens and locals see increasingly more travelers walking through its streets. Its authenticity and the multifaceted entertainment options that Koukaki offers surprise every visitor.
Its premium location, at the foot of the Philopappos hill and just a few minutes away from the Acropolis, is undoubtedly one of the reasons that Koukaki has become a hot spot for both locals and the more sophisticated tourists. Koukaki attracts a diverse crowd; that is where its beauty lies. Just take a walk to see pottery workshops and artist studios right next to car repair shops and new small street food establishments nested in the most unimaginable places.
For food and meze
Establishments serving meze, i.e. appetizers, are very popular in Athens. These restaurants serve small dishes which are placed in the center of the table for the entire company to enjoy.
Fabrica tou Efrosinou (34 Anastasiou Zinni Street) is a classic hangout for the gourmets of Athens. The Greek cooking of Giorgos Gatsos found a home in the artistic ambiance of this restaurant. The food is delicious, imbued with feeling and authenticity, and combined perfectly with the wines of the meticulously stocked cellar.
Opos Palia is a beloved destination where locals enjoy meze and ice-cold beer (2 Veikou Street). It started as an old café, which is why it will remind you of one, but it has developed into a meze tavern which has become a favorite among tourists. It gets unbelievably crowded during peak hours.
However, if you are looking for a sophisticated restaurant, MANIMANI (10 Falirou Street) is the place for you. In a two-floor neoclassical building in Koukaki MANIMANI serves authentic dishes inspired by the cuisine of Mani, Laconia, and traditional Greek cooking, but interpreted and executed through a modern lens.
Koukaki is the neighborhood of street food
Long before the invasion of social media and the immediate exchange of information, gastronomic news traveled by word of mouth. That’s how Guarantee, the legendary sandwich shop in Koukaki (41 Veikou Street), became a hot spot. For years, people wait in line to taste its exquisite sandwiches. The business is run by Giannis, a seaman who traveled all around the world and finally decided to open a gourmet sandwich shop. Create the perfect sandwich with fine meats and cheeses from around the world, handmade sauces, omelettes on the spot and different types of bread to choose from. Everyone knows that Guarantee also serves delicious fresh juices. Open every day (except for Sunday) until 17.00. However, by 16.00 they are usually already out of buns, so make sure you go early!
Tuk Tuk (40 Veikou Street) is a classic stop for Thai food (for takeaway or to enjoy there, at one of the few tables). At Dirty Mani (5 Dimitrakopoulou Street) you can find your favorite Greek fast food—souvlaki—in a more elegant version, as well as other wrapped foods and sandwiches. Although Koukaki is not famous for its Italian restaurants, you can have some pizza on the go at Giant (21 Georgiou Olympiou Street) or enjoy one at Meno Male (10 Veikou Street). Meno Male serves thinner-dough pizza. Try the 100% natural and fresh ice cream of Django (15 Veikou Street). For vegan options, make sure you visit Peas Vegan & Raw Food (40 Falirou St.).
Read the rest of the article here https://www.noupou.gr/en/guides/food-coffee-and-drinks-in-koukaki-a-mini-guide-of-must-places/
