Taverna Ton Filon  took over a 1950s taverna in the up-and-coming Kolonos neighbourhood. Keeping its traditional bones and homely atmosphere, founding partners Yiannis Mousios and sommelier Giorgos Kontorizos managed to create something unpretentiously perfect and Greek. Come summer, all the tables move outside to its very pretty courtyard under strings of lights, while a new bar for counter dining opened in late 2025. Wherever you sit, make sure to order its lemony, oregano potatoes, excellent bread and the chocolate mousse served in a silver coupe – the rest changes daily.  

Home of some of the most thought-provoking exhibitions we've seen, The Breeder is a gallery making moves amongst the art world. Founded back in 2002, though having relocated to an abandoned 1970s ice-cream factory in 2008, this site is an architectural design paradise. 

Athos opened its doors in 2025 in the Plato’s Academy neighbourhood. A generous open fire that nods to one of their Cretan origins, it is the kind of place you get stuck into wine or vials of tsipouro, while sharing plates from its short menu of comforting, traditional dishes that focus on meat and veg, such as chickpea stew. 

Loved by locals for good reason. All day this restaurant is bustling with people eating the best gyros and souvlaki.