Cosy spots with fireplaces in the Southern Suburbs of Athens for cold winter nights

Remoutsiko in Agios Dimitrios is housed in a renovated farmhouse dating back to 1900 and is one of the must destinations for true meat lovers in the Southern Suburbs of Athens—and beyond. Its bestseller dish is undoubtedly the pork kontosouvli, while equally delicious options include, among others, charcoal-grilled lamb chops and pork belly. You can enjoy all this and more during the winter months, right next to the two fireplaces that are constantly lit in the restaurant’s indoor space. Its warm and familiar atmosphere creates the ideal setting for a night out with friends.

Tradition in fresh fish, high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared dishes are the reasons why Kastelorizo has maintained its loyal following for more than forty years. Its privileged seaside location places it among our top choices for seafood in the summer on the Athens Riviera, however during the winter months it also makes for an ideal, slightly different kind of night out. In fact, during the colder season, the fireplace discreetly warms the space, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

This is one of the most famous family tavernas in Vlahika, with a history of its own in Athenian—and particularly southern—dining and nightlife. You go to Tsolias for its excellent lamb chops, kokoretsi and kontosouvli, but truly all of the spit-roasted meats tempt you to try them. Its traditional décor creates a familiar atmosphere, while there is also a fireplace in the space that keeps you as warm as possible, even on the coldest days.

Stelios, the famous taverna of Alimos, which for years has been a steady point of reference for food lovers in the south, stands out not only for its honest, well-cooked dishes, but also for the fireplace that burns almost non-stop during the winter months, warming both the space and the company. The setting is simple and authentic, just like its cuisine, with an emphasis on proper grilling and clean flavours. Here, good meat takes centre stage, without unnecessary frills—and that’s yet another reason to arrive prepared, ideally hungry.

In the heart of Nea Smyrni, on the main square, you’ll find one of our favourite winter hangouts. We’re talking about the all-day café Aroma Plateias, whose atmospheric basement lounge feels like a winter chalet. A lit fireplace, modern art on the walls, large leather sofas to sink into with friends, and a glass frontage overlooking a carefully tended green garden combine to create the ideal setting for enjoying a hot chocolate, a cappuccino or a hot drink when the cold becomes more biting.

If you ever find yourself in the Panagitsa neighbourhood of Palaio Faliro and ask a passer-by where to go for food, everyone will tell you Tzitziras & Mitziras. In this mezedopoleio, housed in a beautiful detached house for forty years, you’ll find mouth-watering meze such as politiko kebab or hanging pork tenderloin souvlaki, which you can pair with a beer or a glass of wine. And what could be better than enjoying all this next to the fireplace inside, which remains lit throughout the winter months?

A classic choice for nights out with friends, Thoma’s koutouki is located in a quiet neighbourhood of Ilioupoli and is exactly what its name suggests: a relaxed spot with traditional décor, focusing on good wine and home-style meze. Even better, right in the centre of the indoor space there is a fireplace, so when the cold really sets in, make sure you grab a table nearby.

With the consistently Mediterranean style of its cuisine and a menu built around fresh, select ingredients, Latini in Varkiza always knows how to fully satisfy anyone who walks through its doors. So what if it’s right by the sea? It certainly deserves a place on this list, as throughout the winter it keeps its fireplace well stocked with logs, adding a family-like and warmer touch to the overall atmosphere of the space.

In a spacious dining room, with the fireplace burning relentlessly and setting the tone on cold days, the menu revolves firmly around good, well-grilled meat. Lamb or goat slow-cooked in a clay pot, charcoal-grilled pork fillet, kokoretsi, exochiko, lamb chops and spit-roasted dishes arrive at the table in generous, satisfying portions, as befits an authentic taverna. Depending on the occasion or the appetite of the group, there are also options beyond the grill, such as pies, pot-cooked dishes, moussaka and pastitsio, rounding out the experience with familiar, home-style flavours.