Four New Bistros for Springtime in Athens

After a long, cold winter, spring is showing its face again, and the sun is finally shining on us. What better way to spend the longer days and warmer afternoons than exploring the city’s bistro scene? Old classics and new favourites collide in our recommendations for four fun bistros to visit in Athens this April.

Downtown in chic Kolonaki, Brasserie Lorraine (Spefsippou 1A) is a classic for light French dishes in a romantic atmosphere. The wine list also has an exciting array of French wines. Enjoy bouillabaisse soup, oysters Rockefeller, or warm foie gras with sweet pumpkin and Sichuan pepper. For a larger plate, try the duck a l’orange or the chateaubriand. Top it off with a Paris-brest with hazelnut praline or a golden apple pie with cinnamon whipped cream.

Also downtown in Thisseo, Lotte (Tsami Karatasou 2) is another classic with adorable antique decorations and a menu of delicate snacks and sweets served on floral porcelain China. Try one of their authentic quiches and tarts, a classic Greek portokalopita (orange cake), or a delicate vegetable soup with cream and croutons. Fans also love their cappuccino, fredo cappuccino, freshly squeezed juices, and creative cocktails.

Nearby in artsy Koukaki, Neratzia (Zan Moreas 6) is a boutique hotel and bistro that has all the trendy Athenians talking. They have comfy seats and a menu of Greek-inspired brunch dishes and snacks. Try the Greek bagel with smoked pork and mushrooms, the kasiopita (a flatbread pie topped with dried figs, cream cheese, and grape syrup), or the Greek pancakes with feta, honey, cinnamon, and fruit salad.

In Glyfada, Nuera Bistro & Bar (Kiprou 57) is perfect for a long afternoon with friends. A bistro with comfortable seats (and many couches), their menu is delicate and high-end. Indulge in cheese croquettes with bacon, chorizo, and tomato marmalade, baked salmon with almond crust, or one of their pinzas (smaller, flatter pizzas). They also have a vast drinks list with wine, vodka, rum, and gin.

Finally, the notorious bistro Feedel Urban Gastronomy in the city center just opened its sister shop in Glyfada—Feedel Asador (Nea Zerva 24 & Kiprou). This trendy eatery specializes in cooking dishes over an open flame, complete with a Greek-centric wine list and an exciting array of cocktails. Enjoy free-range roasted chicken with oven-roasted potatoes and mizithra cheese, a tomato beef stew with Cretan skioufikta pasta, or a small plate of roasted bell papers with black cherry vinegar and artisan white cheese.

Have a lovely springtime ahead—don’t forget to go out and make time for yourself and your friends and loved ones in the sunshine!