The best bars in Athens, now among Europe’s finest
- 03/07/2026
The Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list has just been released, featuring six Greek bars. Remarkably, the top two spots in the ranking are occupied by two bars from Athens.
A historic triumph for Greece’s fine drinking scene was celebrated at the inaugural Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony in Amsterdam. Greece emerged as the undisputed leader in European hospitality, claiming both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions in the overall ranking with two bars from Athens.
Overall, Greece secured six entries among Europe’s top 50 bars. In addition to five of the Greek capital’s most talked-about venues, Gorillas in Thessaloniki—created by Achilleas Plakidas—also earned a major distinction, deservedly taking the No. 33 spot.
Line, Petralona
Housed in a former art gallery, the Petralona-based bar—created by Vasilis Kyritsis, Nikos Bakoulis, and Dimitris Dafopoulos—was crowned the best bar in Europe. The venue stands out for its eco-friendly philosophy and innovative circular approach to ingredient management. It has earned global acclaim for its handcrafted fruit wines (Why-Ins) and avant-garde seasonal cocktails, a combination that is radically redefining the future of mixology.
The Bar in Front of the Bar, Syntagma
Claiming the No. 2 spot in Europe is The Bar in Front of the Bar on Petraki Street, a pioneering concept brought to life by Alexandros Tselepis, Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos, and Nikos Theodorakopoulos. This acclaimed cocktail bar seamlessly blends vibrant street culture with advanced, sophisticated mixology techniques. A mainstay in global rankings, the venue stands out for its daily-changing menu and innovative, terroir-driven cocktails.
Barro Negro, Syntagma
Coming in at No. 13, Barro Negro, Athens’ first authentic tequila and mezcal bar, envisioned by Giorgos Kavaklis and Stelios Papadopoulos. Since its launch in 2019, the project has masterfully channeled the vibrant energy of Oaxaca and Tequila into the heart of the city. The bar beautifully showcases contemporary Mexican drinking culture through highly inventive cocktails and an unparalleled, curated collection of agave spirits.
Baba Au Rum, Syntagma
Securing the No. 14 spot, Thanos Prunarus’ Baba Au Rum once again cements its enduring reputation. As an foundational pillar of the Athenian fine drinking scene, the bar has remained firmly on the global radar of industry experts for over a decade. Its sustained international acclaim is a testament to its uncompromised quality, unmatched expertise in rum, and notoriously warm, welcoming hospitality.
The Clumsies, Syntagma
Sitting at No. 30 is the very venue that put Athens on the global fine drinking map. Having maintained an exceptionally consistent track record in international rankings over the years, The Clumsies has evolved into a definitive case study for successful hospitality entrepreneurship. It continues to set benchmarks in the industry, consistently delivering outstanding drinking experiences and world-class hospitality to its guests.