Syntagma Square, we know it well, very well even. At least, that’s what we thought before we discovered this secret address. At number 2 of Syntagma square : a small snack-bar with a stunning view of Athens.
A totally improbable place
We have passed dozens, hundreds of times in front of this building located right in front of the Public store, almost at the corner of Karagiorgi Servias and Stadiou streets. Nothing to report. It is an office building of some kind, there is no incentive to enter. And yet, one of our acquaintances had confided to us, almost in a tone of confidence, that a little tavern was hidden on the ninth and last floor of this building.
So we walked through the door of the building and waited patiently for the elevator. A little perplexed, no signage mentioning the existence of a possible café or restaurant. In fact, the ninth floor does not even appear on the large sign in the lobby that lists the various businesses on each floor. We wondered if we had understood correctly. When the elevator arrived, we obediently pressed the button to go up to the top floor, telling ourselves that we would see… and, upon arrival, what a surprise !
The doors open directly onto a landing transformed into a restaurant. Nothing charming at first glance, except for the terrace that can be seen through the grills of the bay window. Go through the door that leads to it… the view is incredible.
The top floor of 2 Syntagma Square: a bistro with a view
The place is simple : a micro kitchen, a dozen tables installed on the terrace, folding chairs probably recovered from the surrounding offices. But the view is magnificent. In the foreground, Syntagma Square, the Parliament, the streets buzzing with activity seen from above. Just behind, the National Garden and the Panathenaic Stadium. On the other side, the Acropolis. It’s magic !
On the kitchen side, it’s basic but efficient. The “specialties” of this Cretan snack are the omelets, the minced meat (biftekia) and the Greek salad. There are also toasts, small bruschettas with tomato and feta, fries and sausages.
All served with a smile and a lot of kindness. You will be able to practice your best Greek, because here the boss does not speak English.
Don’t ask for coffee at lunchtime : the coffee maker is unplugged to make room for the deep fryer.
It’s really not expensive : about 5€/person. And the portions are generous. An excellent quality/view/price ratio.
The clientele is mainly composed of people working in the surrounding offices who have made this small address their canteen.
The charm of the place is as much due to its quirky side as to the incredible view and the good mood of the owner.
To discover Athens off the beaten track, we recommend you to try this small Cretan restaurant perched at the top of 2 Syntagma Square.
- Address: Syntagma Square, 2 Karagiorgi Servias Street, 9th and top floor – Google Maps
- Access by metro lines 2 and 3, Syntagma
- Open 10:00 – 17:00 from Monday to Friday // Closed evenings and weekends
- Price €
Laure M.
Updated on April 23, 2024
