Emporiko Trigono

Baba Au Rum - No 14 on the 2021 World’s 50 Best list, as the name suggests, this bar specialises in rums and rum cocktails. It has been a long-time stalwart on the Athens bar scene and has only received such high global acclaim in the last two years. That said, it retains a decent portion of its soul and while not all the cocktails are perfect (the off-menu Jungle Bird I ordered was not great) it’s definitely worth going to. https://goo.gl/maps/FEpHQegP34xE5AXT6

The Clumsies - Fantastic bar that has now reached stratospheric heights of global acclaim with the number 4 spot on the World’s 50 Best in 2021. Should it be that high? Who knows. These lists are bullshit. But this bar isn’t - it’s great. It has several different areas - tables, terraces, loud music, standing room and a rectangular bar by the DJ booth. I prefer the main section with the bar but keep in mind the place is noisy and bustling - something I appreciate for the atmosphere. And yes the drinks are fantastic. https://goo.gl/maps/gPqjiEPEmdRNRg2g9

Hoocut - A well-trafficked reinterpretation of classic greek pita souvlaki street food using higher quality ingredients and more precise cooking methods, this place really got going when Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo showed up for a cook-off. And hey, the pita really is fucking good - definitely worth a stop for lunch or an afternoon snack. https://g.page/hoocut?share

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens - Fine, five star, historic 19th century hotel perched on Syntagma Square. It’s grand and quite lovely inside and a wonderful place to while away some time with coffee, a drink or even lunch in its lobby lounge. The prices are what you would expect at a place like this but if you need to open your laptop or have a meeting in comfort and with good service it is worth the investment. https://goo.gl/maps/D3Ux4cstuDYf3Yq86

Hilton

Vezené Athens - An Athens culinary institution with a well-known chef, Vezené remains an excellent destination for a high-end meal. The service is great, the wine list is solid, the garden terrace is lovely in the summer and the food is very good - although the starters do outshine the mains as, for some reason, they serve their steaks in regrettably sweet pan sauces. https://g.page/Vezene?share

Monastiraki

Norman Athens Bar - Solid, somewhat hipster hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar inside the warrens of the Monastiraki Flea Market. Good drinks. https://goo.gl/maps/4JsFEuHvKeBUk8Zh6

Plaka

Birdman - Japanese-inspired gastropub izakaya opened and owned by the head chef of Vezené Athens. The food is good, the vibes are good, the service is friendly and the menu includes a great collection of recent food trends - katsu sandwiches, smashburgers - that are executed fairly well. https://g.page/birdmanathens?share

Nolan - The chef here is half-Greek, half-Japanese which explains the fusion-y nature of many of the dishes. They are all executed well and very delicious - the place feels like it breathes new life into Athens’s sometimes slightly staid dining scene. Michelin Bib Gourmand. https://goo.gl/maps/YEZXAxcQZGRDCUrX7