Insider tips and recommendations for wine and food when going out in Athens.
As the number of on-premise establishments in Athens offering excellent wine continues to grow, some venues stand out for various compelling reasons. Finding yourself in the perfect spot can be a highly gratifying wine experience.
SAY, ILOVE WINE picks for your guide the best places in Athens to enjoy wine.
Heteroclito Cave & Bar à Vin
Heteroclito Bar à Vin stands as a timeless exemplar that has weathered the test of time. As one of Athens’ pioneering wine bars, it holds the distinction of being among the first establishments to embrace natural wines, thus setting the stage for a burgeoning trend.
The majority of wines on offer come from indigenous grape varieties, and the pricing remains notably fair and inexpensive. A monthly rotation of wines by the glass introduces exclusive choices from small, artisanal producers, ensuring a dynamic and diverse experience. The establishment also boasts a discerningly chosen assortment of French and Italian wines.
Navigating the menu may warrant seeking advice, given the presence of wines that may initially appear obscure. Delectable pairings with wines, like Greek cheeses, charcuterie, hummus, and other delightful (vegetarian) snacks, can satiate your appetite and provide an excellent chance to savor a perfect fusion of food and Greek wine.
Situated in one of central Athens’ liveliest neighborhoods, this enduring classic has solidified its status as a must-visit destination for those spending time in the city. Heteroclito Bar à Vin continues to enchant patrons with its commitment to quality, variety, and a welcoming ambiance.
€ – €€€
Gamay Wine bar
Upon entering Gamay, one is immediately struck by an atmosphere of simplicity and elegance, setting the stage for a refined and enjoyable experience. As you settle into the welcoming embrace of the bar, it becomes evident that the spotlight here belongs to wine.
Named after the red grape variety Gamay, the signature grape of the Beaujolais region, this recently inaugurated wine bar has swiftly become a cherished haven for Athenian wine enthusiasts. Nestled in a vibrant corner of the Exarchia neighborhood in central Athens, Gamay offers a laid-back and unpretentious approach to savoring wine.
Gamay proudly showcases an extensive wine list featuring a carefully curated selection of exceptional artisanal wines. The focus lies on low-intervention, organic, and biodynamic wines, with a diverse array spanning Greek and international options from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the New World.
The selection of wines by the glass undergoes a rotation regularly, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving experience for customers. During my second visit, I had a glass of the delightful zesty Xarello El Vinyerons Naturel ’22 from Penedes , leaving a lasting impression, and the rich, mineral Chenin Blanc from Domaine Belargus “Ronceray” ’20 from Loire.
A thoughtful menu of comfort food compliments the diverse wine offering. Costumers can choose from classic options like cheese or charcuterie or indulge in more intricate, umami-laden dishes, such as ciccheti with tarama (fish roe) spread, tuna tataki with lemon or crab salad puree with green apple and pecan.
At Gamay, reveling in the simplicity of a savory bite and a glass of exquisite wine is undeniably a gratifying experience.
€ – €€€
PELEKANOS
Greek cuisine is a distinct culinary tradition, lovingly brought to life by Vivi and Nikolas at the “Pelekanos” ouzeri. Tucked away at 24 Sfaktirias Street, on a small pedestrian alley beside Athens’ first silk factory – currently being renovated into a museum and cultural center – this hidden gem has quickly become a favorite among Athenians who appreciate quality seafood.
In a dining scene increasingly fixated on reinvented Greek cuisine and avant-garde takes on traditional recipes, stepping into a place like Pelekanos feels like discovering an oasis. Every dish served is a reminder that true flavor and satisfaction don’t come from complex combinations of ingredients or fleeting trends but from simplicity and authenticity. The taramas are pure and unadulterated, with a texture far from that of mayonnaise, while the marinated sardines release a fresh, satisfying crunch with every bite. Fresh fish, straight from the fish market of Tinos, and traditional cheeses, such as the Pumpkin aged blue cheese Kariki, are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. The excellence of the ingredients is non-negotiable and forms the foundation upon which the deliciousness of every dish is built.
Regarding drinks, the menu offers a classic selection of tsipouro and ouzo without neglecting wine. Though only six wines are available, each is meticulously chosen – mildly vinified from organically grown grapes – ensuring that even the most discerning wine lover finds the perfect pairing for their meal. The wine list rotates monthly, with selections carefully curated to complement the flavors of the kitchen.
At Pelekanos, the authenticity of the dining experience is not a hollow concept but a genuine exchange between those who craft it and those who appreciate and understand it.
€ – €€