Athens best tapas bars (according to a local)
Para Siempre
43 Charitos Str., Athens, Τ. 210 7210155
By Titi Velopoulou, Photos: Eleanna Kourkoulopoulou
At the vibrant Charitos Street, in Kolonaki, Para Siempre came to stay forever, as its name implies! The authentic style and unique aesthetics of this modern tapas bar have their own way to take you on a journey through Barcelona. Utilizing industrial elements such as visible concrete, restoration techniques, vintage tiles and handmade touches like the impressive square bar with doors from old refrigerators, the stools with bike pedals and the wooden decorative door on the wall, Mrs Dimitra Koutoulogeni, the architect, created a space with an intense sense of familiarity. After all, this was the objective of the owner Mr Sotiris Tsapralis and Mrs Helen Kostarelou, the life of the hangout. The menu is that of a typical tapas bar with Hispanic recipes and dishes celebrating the Mediterranean gastronomy. Its specialty might be a genuine paella valenciana, but its best sellers are the steamed clams and the rouladen from chicken fillet and jamon with pisto. Very delicious are also its bruscettas with imaginative combinations (such as tapas with eggs in tomato sauce and chorizo), perfectly accompanied by a fine bottle of wine. For the end, save some space for the chocolate tart. Tue.-Sun. 13:00-as late as it gets (13:00-01:00 the kitchen and weekends until 02:00).
Highlights
• An updated wine list, counting 68 labels from the Greek and international vineyard.
• The signature cocktails and its homemade sangria.
• The themed nights with wine tastings by known producers.
Tip
The space is ideal for business meetings and events, while it is the meeting point of diplomats, businessmen and members of the Parliament.
Los Gatos
17 Romvis Str. & Klitiou Str., Athens, Τ. 210 3240100, Μ. 6932 792531
By Titi Velopoulou, Photos: Christos Triantafillou
Hidden in a quiet urban pedestrian street downtown, this beautiful bistro managed to stand out from the bunch. Although reminiscent of the hangouts found in the Parisian neighborhood of Marais, its cuisine favors Spain. After all, it was the love of the owner Mary for Spanish culture and gastronomy and her coincidental acquaintance with chef Jose Arcas Perez from Barcelona who led them into a successful partnership and a menu with authentic Mediterranean orientation, constantly renewed based on the freshness of the ingredients and his inspiration. Next to favorite options such as the goat cheese with marmalade and crispy prosciutto, the struffed Portobello, the eggplant mille-feuille with yogurt sauce and meatballs with chorizo, there are also new additions to the menu such as the vitello tonnato, the big variety of Mediterranean dishes for starters, the cheese and cold meat platters and the chicken-bites marinated in ginger and lime. Don’t leave without tasting the bestselling authentic paella in various... versions! As for its cozy space, its characterized by a vintage atmosphere with antique furniture carefully selected from antique-shops, while the sight wanders towards the open cuisine and the refrigerator with the fresh sausages. Extremely popular during warm days and nights, the tables on the walkway are ideal for gazing over the urban… stroll! Non smoking policy. Daily 10:30-23:30 (the kitchen), Fri. & Sat. 10:30-01:30 (the kitchen).
Highlights
• The authentic paella (for 2) prepared à la minute.
• The fresh fish in salty crust, a new addition to the menu.
• The fine Spanish and Italian cheese/sausage platters.
• The updated list, counting around 50 Greek and foreign wine labels in value for money prices.
Tip
Try the handmade sangria.
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