Top 8 Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Athens
A city that excels in making the most of what it's got, Athens has a roster of rooftop restaurant and bars that's second to none, capitalising on the city’s stunning architecture and delectable cuisine. Here, a list of the Athens' best rooftop bars and restaurants serving ice-cold drinks, sumptuous food and breathtaking Acropolis views.
The Zillers Roof Garden
First course: the Acropolis. The Zillers, atop the hotel of the same name, boasts views of the Acropolis and the Metropolitan Cathedral. But it’s not just the view that has heads turning, chef Konstantina Faklari serves her own creation of traditional Greek cuisine with a killer wine list to match. Open from midday to midnight, you’ll definitely want to put this one on your list.
Mitropoleos 54, Monastiraki, +30 21 0322 2277; Facebook
Bios
Sitting on top of the busy street of Pireos, Bios offers colourful sun loungers, popsicles in cocktails (they call them papoto!), and cutting-edge music. With stunning views of the Acropolis (yeah, we’re going to say that a lot in this article), Bios is the perfect spot for after-dinner drinks or a casual catch up with long-distance friends.
Pireos 84, Kerameikos, +30 210 3425335; Facebook
Hytra
The Acropolis and Lycabettus on one side, and the Mediterranean sea on the other. From the seventh floor of the Onassis Cultural Center, you’ll find Hytra, a Michelin-starred restaurant that’ll have you coming back for more. The menu created by chef Tasos Mantis offers classic Greek flavours with a gourmet twist. We recommend the Cod with spinach, mustard seeds, confit onions and sugklino (a cured meat from Mani), it’s absolutely delicious! Reservations are essential.
Onassis Cultural Center, Syggrou Ave. 107-109, +30 21 0331 676; Facebook
Couleur Locale
We won’t lie, the first time you visit Couleur Locale, you may find the entrance a little erm, difficult to find. But once you’ve laid your eyes on the Acropolis views and postcard-worthy decor, you’ll see that it was worth the sweat. From mini burgers, chillout sounds and a bubbly crowds, Couleur Locale always delivers any time of day.
Normanou 3, Monastiraki, +30 21 6700 4917; Facebook
360 Cocktail Bar
If you reach out your arm far enough, you could almost touch the Acropolis from the terrace of the 360 Cocktail Bar - that’s just how close it is. A panoramic view, as the name suggests, 360 Cocktail Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Apart from the view, people keep coming back for their signature cocktail list. P.S. As one of the most popular spots on Athens, you might have to wait for a seat - but who's in a rush?
Ifestou 2, Athina 105 55, +30 21 0321 0006; Facebook
Andaman
Palm trees, exotic decor and the smell of coconuts. Enter Andaman: a rooftop restaurant and bar in Kato Petralona serving Thai cuisine and aromatic cocktails with Asian influences. The specials: soup with coconut milk and chicken and pad thai that’s out of this world! With a backdrop of pink walls, lush plants and the never-ending sky, you’ll be more than satisfied.
Pireos 187 & Alopis 65, Kato Petralona, +30 211 2104939; Facebook
A for Athens
Pristinely placed on top of the hotel of the same name - it's safe to say you’ll be a tad crowded here - but it’s probably worth it. Sure, there are other all day bars you can grab a cocktail with a view of the Acropolis, but you won’t find head bartender Thodoris Pirillos anywhere else. He and his team of mixologists offer a cocktail menu that’s based on the story of Odysseus and Greek hospitality, that keep the locals coming back. And if you’re lucky enough to get a prime seat with views over Monastiraki square - (crowded or not) - we promise you, you won’t want to be sipping your drink anywhere else.
Miaouli 2, Athina 105 54, +30 21 0324 4244; Facebook
Anglais
Designed by Zisis Papamixos and Zitateam, once you arrive at Anglais you’ll be greeted by laid-back tropical motifs, pastel shades and retro tiles. Once a canteen serving only Greek coffee in the 1980s, Anglais has now been transformed into an all-day restaurant and bar overlooking the Acropolis. In addition to your regular coffee and tea, the cocktail list includes concoctions like the Brigitte Bardot (gin, elderflower, passionfruit and orange jam) and General Montgomery (gin, espresso, lime and tonic) that’ll quench your thirst.
