Baba Au Rum
Baba Au Rum
Baba Au Rum (Klitiou 6, Athens) – located near Syntagma Square, this is a bar for rum lovers (carrying brands from all over the world – from Cuba, to Puerto Rico, Mexico, Trinidad, etc. Interestingly, this bar made its way into the list of “The World’s 50 Best Bars” in 2014. At the minimum, it gets an “A” for offering patrons a cozy atmosphere, as well as for its variety of drinks. It also has occasional live jazz music.
Agyra Bar
Agyra Bar
Agyra Bar (Matogiannia, Chora, Mykonos 84600) – this local bar in Mykonos plays both Greek and international dance music – reflecting the diverse crowd that Agyra attracts. Agyra’s interior is chic, mostly in white, and the bar offers a fine selection of wine, exotic cocktails and popular brands of local and international liqueurs.
Pasaji Mykonos
Pasaji Mykonos
Pasaji Mykonos (Ornos Beach, Mykonos) – this is another Athenian restaurant that decided to extend its presence in Mykonos, due to this island’s popularity during the Summer. Pasaji has both a sushi bar and serves fusion Mediterranean cuisine. Its main attraction seems to be its prime beachside location (with luxurious sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as a large beach view bar terrace with a swimming pool and live DJs – a vibe similar to Playa D’en Bossa in Ibiza – on the other side of the Mediterranean).
Papagalos
Papagalos
Papagalos (37-39 Persefonis, Gazi, Athens) – this restaurant, located in the trendy Gazi district, is popular among the locals for its long, traditional dishes, along with the live music played on weekends (Friday & Saturday night from 11 pm, and Sunday from 6 pm).
Orizontes Lycavittou
Orizontes Lycavittou
Orizontes Lycavittou (Lycabettus Hill, Athens) — this upscale restaurant offers patrons spectacular views of Athens – a reason unto itself to be there. This is a popular restaurant for romantic couples. Dishes served there include lamb (slowly cooked with beer, thyme & honey – served with vegetables); mignion veal fillet with roasted vegetables and hand-cut French Fries; grouper cooked with sweet peppers, capers and velvet lemongrass sauce; and other seafood items, like lobster, and recently-caught Aegean fish.
New York Sandwiches
New York Sandwiches
New York Sandwiches (Sinopis 3, Athens) – frequent visitors to New York over the years recall that a number of local diners were owned & operated by Greek immigrants. So it’s no surprise that at least one Athenian restaurant would serve American diner food at the Greek capital, too. This eatery is dedicated to American flame-broiled hamburgers, along with various (breakfast-centric) egg dishes (like Eggs Benedict), and New York-style bagels (some of which can be converted into a sandwich – such as their Pastrami Bagel). A must-eat destination for home-sick Americans and those just looking for a juicy burger lunch.
Mr. Pug
Mr. Pug
Mr. Pug (Argirena, Mykonos Town) – this restaurant, whose owner (celebrity chef Georgios Venieris) drew inspiration from the cuisine of ancient royal Thailand, prepares dishes from that country, as well as from China. This restaurant, launched in Summer 2014, also has an open kitchen, and its seaside location, overlooking the Aegean, is another draw for diners here.
Mono
Mono
Mono (4C Mpenizelou Paleologou, Plaka, Athens 10556) – located in the tourist-friendly section of Plaka, this upscale restaurant serves dishes like duck breast terrine with sundried figs, pistachio and seared foie gras; Risotto Violane (with watermelon and parmesan & feta cheese); grilled salmon; and The Mono Salad (seared tuna mixed with watermelon, avocado, baby leaves and lemon wasabi dressing) – which is highly rated by visitors.
Labros
Labros
Labros (20 Poseidonos Avenue, Vouliagmeni, Athens 16671) – this restaurant, which has a view of Saronicos Bay, has been in business since the late 19th century, and has a prominent local following. Seafood is Labros’ specialty (given the restaurant’s extensive connections with local fishermen) – items served include saganaki prawns with fresh tomato, shrimps and feta cheese; seafood risotto, and lobster.
La Taverna
La Taverna
La Taverna (Laka Square, Mykonos Town) – this restaurant serves various Italian dishes, along with pastas and pizzas. A worthy stop for those wanting a break from Greek dishes and fish.
