February has arrived, and love is in the air as we journey towards Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re married with kids or young and in love, Athens has plenty of exciting restaurants, bars, and other foodie establishments to host a perfect date night. These are our six recommendations for a romantic dinner in Athens.
For a Parisian kind of elegance, look no further than L’Abreuvoir (Xenokratous 51; 2107229106), Kolonaki’s finest in French dining. Among white-linen tablecloths and silver candlesticks, the menu focuses on French classics, including steak tartare, mushrooms a la crème, and a particularly fine coq au vin. Top it off with their signature dessert, crepes Suzette, and glass of wine from their twenty-eight-page drinks list.
Meanwhile, nestled in one of Kolonaki’s cobblestone alleyways lies Il Postino (Griveon 3; 2103641414), a cozy Italian restaurant filled with dining-room tables and photos from vintage Italian movies. This tiny gem specializes in rustic Italian cuisine, their specialty being finely-made pastas (try their spaghetti alla carbonara or linguine scampi). Pick and choose from the wooden aperitivo tray and end the night with a coffee-drenched tiramisu worthy of any café in Rome.
If you want some old-world glamour on your romantic night out, visit To Treno Sto Rouf (Leoforos Konstantinoupoleos, Rouf Railway & Suburban Station; 2105298922), a restaurant, bar, and theatre space housed inside abandoned train carriages. Sit down in the restaurant car and try the cheese platter with cheddar, graviera, and emmental, or the buon viaggio pizza with prosciutto and rocket leaves.
Looking for a more offbeat venue for your date night? Visit The Royal Monkey (Levidou 11; 2108011679) in Kifissia. This brand-new eatery has an electric blue interior and an electric menu of international flavors. You’ll want to try everything, from the crab cakes to the chicken pad thai to the Indochina salad bowl with chicken, noodles, lime and chilli. Top it off with a Geisha cocktail with gin, sake, and plum green tea.
Those on the hunt for a more casual, hip dinner can zero in on Kifissia’s Common Secret (Leoforo Kifisias 324; 2106233810). With couches, shelves, and artifacts channeling a quirky English living room, this establishment makes fun food with the freshest ingredients. Highlights include handmade pastas, adorable mini-burgers, and refreshing salads. Stop by early to sample their brunch menu; one favorite is the “Greek Benedict”, featuring poached eggs, sausage, and fresh koulouri.
For a dreamy, Greek-island-inspired Valentine’s Day, head to Oneiria (Kolokotroni 8; 2114035993) in Halandri. Breathtakingly styled like an island home (with white-washed walls and the odd embroidered cloth), this brand-new eatery dishes up classic, made-with-love taverna fare. Enjoy fresh bread, fried potatoes with eggs and feta, a variety of mouthwatering meats, and the handmade “Pie of the Day”.
We wish you a happy, romantic Valentine’s Day this year! Stay tuned for more unique eats in Athens!
The Athenian Site 