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Despite the “turbulent” publicity Syntagma Square is not a war zone but where the heart of Athens beats. Its surroundings burst with people shopping, walking and hanging around at really trendy cafes and restaurants .Plaka and the streets around Syntagma are always busy and buzzy. Nikis street on its borders with beautiful Plaka is a true gem for the Athenians. Especially vegetarian ones as it has the favorite vegetarian hangout restaurant with home made super healthy foods, called “Avocado”– famous for its carrot cake.
Next to Avocado “Four Seasons” organic supermarket has everything anyone can ask for. In Greece we produce amazing organic products with a huge variety of goats cheeses, yoghurts and other delis – like our own caviar, avgotaraho. Across the street there is a classic deli called “House of Wine” with excellent greek wines. Nikis street is the hangout for all yoga aficionados since “Nysy Yoga and Pilates Studio” is there, owned by Vivi Letsou – yoga guru of all greeks.
Further down in Navarxou Nikodimou street and corner with Voulis street, a great taverna called “Paradosiako Oinomageirio” , owned by lovely Mrs Eugenia, is always full not because of its location but because of its fantastic simple greek food. Further down in Pendelis street “Kostas” will serve you the healthiest and most delicious souvlaki pitta – not gyros! IF he likes you of course! You have to order it in the morning then go pick it up early (and hurry cause he shuts at 5pm). On the right of the Metropolis – our Cathedral – there is “Heteroclito” my favorite wine bar, sophisticated to the bone, serving greek wines with french allure.
On the left of Mitropolis Church there is Mono, one of the best restaurants in Athens – its decor is green and fresh .
The most beautiful and famous bar – restaurant in Plaka is called “Yasemi” located at the picturesque steps of Mnisikleous street. Full of young and goodlooking people.You smell jasmine and eat homemade greek food- love the lentils with sundried tomato and feta. To digest you walk up the steps till you reach the borders of the Acropolis and you see the view of Lycabettus from Anafiotika – a “twilight zone” neighborhood in the heart of Athens that looks exactly like the small white streets of Anafi island. Then you go down and enter hardcore Plaka.From all the tavernas in Kydathinaion street , I go to Vyzantino or Bakaliarakia – for fried cod. Do not forget to stop for a drink – ouzo or tintura- at the gorgeous bar of Vrettos – it s there since the beginning of the century. The coloured bottles create an incredibly beautiful decor.
Of course you have to stay either at all time classic Electra Palace – and get your hair done opposite at Michalis Anousakis- or at the state of the art “New Hotel” , in Fillellinon street, which is modern, hip and extremely comfortable. Its “New Taste” restaurant is a hang out for all famous greek politicians and stars- like Sakis Rouvas and a favourite of artists around the world who want to see the works of art of owner Dakis Ioannouand the notorious decor of the Cabana brothers.
New taste has the best Sunday Brunch with eggs benedict to die for. Its red velvet curtains will protect you from the occasional rioters.
In Athens you always end up living a double life any way ..In Athens you always end up living a double life any way ..
Photographs by Christina Politi
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