Summer premium drinking on the Athenian Riviera
Exciting cocktails and renowned bartenders transform fine drinking and entertainment in the Southern Suburbs in a wander through the world of sophistication and elegance.
- 21/07/2025, 16:34
Avra Bar
Is the combination of fine drinking for demanding people and incredible views for romantics possible? Yes, of course it is possible, as Avra Bar of the top Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni is the ultimate destination that excites all the senses.
Bar Manager Manon Kapfer and her team are betting heavily on cocktails that honor seasonality, sustainability and innovation. Among the “alchemies” of the constantly evolving menu, the refreshing Orange—based on gin and sparkling wine with characteristic aromas of orange blossom and pistachio—stands out, as well as the Pear with tequila, pear, pecan and lemon at its heart.
Of course, there is no shortage of classics, as well as elevated bar snacks – try the flatbreads with tomato and basil or the sliders with Serres buffalo meat and you will remember us.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, 40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210 8901197
Island
It is the all-time classic brand of the Athenian Riviera, as it has contributed to the building of its legend. Thanks to its unique location and its cosmopolitan style with clear Greek chic influences, it is the hit of every summer.
Beyond the endless clubbing with DJ sets, among its highlights are the signature dishes of Nikos Skliras, the well-made sushi, the extensive wine list with exquisite labels from Greek and international vineyards, many vintage champagnes and rare spirits, top-notch service and, of course, unique cocktails from the experienced team of mixologists, involving both signature drinks and very strong classics.
27th km Athens–Sounio Avenue, Varkiza, Tel: 210 8925000
Ace Hotel
Undoubtedly, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens is among the most beautiful boutique hotels in the southern suburbs. With the classic charm of a 1970s resort combined with the aesthetics of today, the innovative infrastructure of the future and, above all, Art, it is a unique hospitality proposal.
But you will also come here for the cocktails, as this year the resort collaborates with Quixotic Projects, a creative cocktail label that has put its stamp on some of the most recognized bars in the world (with positions in the World’s 50 Best Bars).
Led by Carina Soto Velasquez, Josh Fontaine and the “general” of the mixology team Chris McNulty, it creates a tailor-made menu for each area of the hotel. This means that at the pool you can enjoy light compositions such as the Sunset Negroni with gin, and Campari with pineapple, coconut oil and sweet vermouth, while at the Lobby bar you will be seduced by an Athenian version of the Dirty Martini with vodka with olive oil, olive brine and bay tincture, which they have named Chrysanthemum. Finally, at the restaurant, you can indulge in a Medi Margarita that mingles Mexico with the Mediterranean.
1 Artemisiou Street, Glyfada, Tel: 210 0220188
Dot Beach Vibes
The bar restaurant whose motto is “slow living by the sea” is located a stone’s throw away from the waves on Voula’s first beach. It starts with coffee and brunch in the morning, while its sun loungers are the meeting point of the weekend.
As the day goes by, things get interesting in the restaurant area, with the sunset solemnly marking the time for cocktails. The list, which has been curated by Marios Marmaras, includes a section with cool aperitivi, among which Sunkiss with dry vermouth and peach liqueur and the non-alcoholic Zestini stand out.
The list also includes five signature drinks, each better than the other. However, we “surrendered” to the refreshing acidity of Fluffy Paloma and the sophistication of D’Estate Negroni.
A’ Plaz Voulas, 4 Alkyonidon Avenue, Voula, Tel: 210 8958872
Bagatelle
It carries all the glamour of its name, but Bagatelle Athens has a completely unique Mediterranean finesse. The menu is curated by executive chef Joseph Kahat, always under the high supervision of the group’s corporate chef, Rocco Seminara.
If you like French fusion with Mediterranean twists, you will find your paradise here. We loved the whole chicken baked in a salt crust and, of course, the award-winning, signature pizza of Bagatelle, which is one of the best sellers on the menu thanks to the three-day-aged dough and the topping of fior di latte mozzarella, truffle béchamel and aromatic fresh truffle.
As for the wine section, the cellar is “equipped” with suggestions both domestic and international, while the signature cocktails are not only gastronomic but also uplifting. Start with a fresh and refreshing Coquelicot Sour with liqueur, pineapple and its exotic tones. Of course, the music from resident DJs and guest performers contributes decisively to the joie de vivre feeling.
77 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, 166 71, Tel: 214 4448240
Swell Vouliagmeni
The coolest roof garden of Vouliagmeni by far, belongs to two brothers, George and Angelo. It has become a talk of the town both for the magnificent 360° view of the sea that will easily relax you after a tiring day, and for its very good sushi.
Along with the bake crab dynamite, the California happy rolls, the Naruto rolls and the new style sushi, you should definitely choose one of the special signature cocktails: Mamarita, Swell 22, Pineapple Lovers and Angelo — each with a different spirit as a base — have gained fans, and if you try them, you too will join the club.
17 Iasonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 211 1188935
Manko Athens
The culinary universe of the iconic chef Juan David Ocampo has been transferred to the seafront in a venue with a boho chic aesthetic, bespoke furniture and, of course, a sea view.
The menu here plays smartly with nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) options, but also with chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) proposals, while it does not offer any sushi at all. Here you will enjoy a series of tiradito, fried rice in the “aeropuerto” with grilled pork belly, shrimp and juicy omelette with scallops, lomo saltado (traditional Peruvian stir fry) and addictive bocado criollo — a mini tortilla with seared veal heart and smoked mayonnaise. For dessert, we highly recommend the chocolate with aji Amarillo pepper ganache.
The wine list, the cocktail list and the service are simply “smashing”, and the beach opens at noon while the incredible sunset parties begin in the afternoon. Every Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 PM, the dance music of the DJs dominates and lifts the mood to new heights.
110 Poseidonos Avenue, Glyfada, Tel: 216 6861900
Bungalow 7
It opened last summer and suddenly Glyfada regained the glamour it had when Asteria was frequented by international jet set personalities and glamorous movie stars. The ultra-elegant beach restaurant bar features an impressive bar in its lounge, large tables with comfortable seats with direct contact with the beach, as well as quieter corners, while in the pool with day beds there is also a separate area for their excellent sushi.
Chef Dinos Fotinakis directs the kitchen, creating a comfort idiosyncratic menu with roots in the Mediterranean and cosmopolitan influences. His raw dishes are a feast for the eyes and taste buds, while in the main courses meat dominates with a wide variety of origins and cuts.
In addition to the evening menu, they of course have delicious suggestions for breakfast and lunch, a comprehensive wine list, and well-made cocktails with unexpected ingredients, by Dimitris Karapanos and Vasilis Sgouromallis.
Asteria / 110 Poseidonos Avenue, Glyfada, Tel: 211 1907001
Published in “White Paper: The Big Business of the South”, NouPou Media’s special edition spotlighting the current landscape and future prospects of the Athens Riviera.