Where to eat and drink in Koukaki: Coffee, brunch and meze near the Acropolis
Koukaki truly has it all: the feel of a neighborhood along with the vibrancy of an area that seems never to sleep.
- 15/09/2025, 16:11
It was only a few years ago when all of Athens wanted to go out and live in Koukaki.
This district at the foot of the Acropolis has seen great growth, becoming a point of reference for both locals and travelers. The truth is that it is one of those neighborhoods with all the qualities that make it unique: just a breath away from central Athens, right next to the Acropolis, with excellent public transport—metro, tram, and buses—and full of life thanks to its cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Coffee and brunch
Bel Rey, for the past ten years, has been one of Koukaki’s classic hangouts. It’s one of those places that come to mind at any time of day—whether for a relaxed coffee and tasty brunch with friends, or for drinks on a first date. Familiar and welcoming all these years, it remains a constant value in the area.
A hearty brunch awaits you at Hippy Hippo, which starts early with coffee and brunch and continues into the evening with drinks and cocktails. When you’re there, don’t forget to try their cheesecake.
Speaking of generous plates, This is Loco is famous for its menu. At its large wooden tables, with chairs reminiscent of school days, you’ll enjoy filling dishes—from eggs in different variations to tacos and quesadillas.
In the atmospheric space of Neratzia, you can enjoy your coffee with a touch of grandeur. This all-day spot on Zan Moreas Street is also ideal for after-office drinks—a perfect place to unwind before heading home.
One of the freshest spots in Koukaki is Tempo Social Club, an all-day wine bar restaurant. From morning until night, Tempo offers a refined experience with contemporary vibes. Evenings fill with melodies thanks to DJ sets and vinyls.
Street food
A neighborhood like Koukaki couldn’t possibly lack a wide range of street food options.
First stop, Guarantee with its famous “sandwich monsters.” All sorts of bread rolls are packed with rich fillings—cheeses, cold cuts, vegetables, and homemade sauces—all served generously.
For pizza, head to Giant, where the dough rests for 48 hours before being topped with fresh ingredients. The menu is small but full of creative combinations. The four cheese with fig, as well as the beef with eggplant and cream, are worth trying.
You’ll also find pizza at Pizza Dough!. In a New York-style setting, you’ll taste Neapolitan pizza with thin dough and a puffy crust. Standouts include the Famous Pepperoni and the Ella Ella Mortadella, with handmade basil pesto and mortadella. The pizza pairs beautifully with the wines from neighboring Fysika, for a complete experience.
For souvlaki, Koritsia—or “Oi Gynaikes” (“The Women”)—is the go-to in Koukaki. Their handmade gyro has gone beyond the borders of the neighborhood, while their bifteki is pure perfection. It’s best enjoyed without tzatziki and fries, staying true to the classic combination of tomato, onion, and pepper.
When it’s burger time, head up Dimitrakopoulou Street to Sam. From the very beginning, it gained a loyal following. The buns are made in-house and filled with handmade patties and their own sauces.
Wine, beer and spritz
One of Koukaki’s most famous spots is Drupes Spritzeria. On Zitrou Street, you’ll see everyone—from office-look types to laid-back folks in T-shirts and Vans—standing or sitting on crates, enjoying spritz and tasty bruschetta.
If you prefer a wine bar vibe, BOBO offers the perfect, warm atmosphere for an evening of wine and good company. The wine list is complete and carefully curated, and the dishes pair beautifully with every choice.
For beer in Koukaki, head to Strange Brew Taproom & Bottleshop. In this small shop on Falirou Street, you’ll discover their own beers as well as labels from Greek and international microbreweries you may never have heard of before.
Just a few meters away, on Veikou Street, Blame the Sun has its own taproom, serving its labels along with others from independent Greek breweries.
For a late-night drink, after midnight, “AnthropAS” is a bar where you don’t need to have your phone in hand—just your drink or beer—while listening to music.
Meze and food
The laid-back vibe of Potami is exactly what you need when you just want to relax. Under the string lights, next to the greenery, the meze dishes pair perfectly with your beer or wine.
You’ll also enjoy meze at Svoura—a favorite in Tinos as well. The dishes, based on Greek cuisine and seasonality, are served in the middle and constantly change.
If, on the other hand, you want a taste of the sea in the heart of the city, head to the pedestrian street of Olympiou, under the trees, where Lolos has set its tables. Order tsipouro and share with your friends marinated anchovies, tender calamari, and light-fried red mullet.
In Koukaki you’ll also find one of Athens’ most beloved Thai restaurants: Tuk Tuk. The small, colorful eatery feels like a corner of Bangkok. On your table will arrive tom kha kai—even if it’s scorching hot outside—along with chicken satay skewers.
Finally, the neighborhood is also home to one of Athens’ most viral spots, which hasn’t even been open a year: Voulkanizater. Behind its heavy crimson curtains, you’ll find Greek cuisine with Mediterranean and international references. Here, music doesn’t just play in the background—it’s a key part of the experience.