Our beloved boutique hotel Monsieur Didot, accomodated in a wonderful neoclassical building in the heart of Kolonaki neighbourhood, presents us its favorite haunts within walking distance and a bit further!
Centrally located in Kolonaki and a step away from Neapolis of Exarchia, the hotel’s whereabouts can be considered strategic, especially by those travelers who enjoy exploring the city on foot! And that’s because they will have a lot to see a hop, skip and a jump away! For this reason, the co-owners of Monsieur Didot, Margarita Papaioannou and Natalia Georgopoulou, share with us, as well as their guests, their favorite hideouts in Kolonaki and the wider area. Check out the list of locations, in ascending order, based on their distance from Monsieur Didot:
Natalia Georgopoulou and Margarita Papaioannou
IT’S OH SO SOUVENIR TO ME (15m. away)
More than 50 Greek designers and artisans gather under the umbrella of this unexpected space, redefining the concept of “Greek souvenir”, with inspired and imaginative creations in decorative and utilitarian objects, clothing, jewelry and much more. (44 Sina str.)
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PORTATIF (45m. away)
It’s neither exactly a cafe nor exactly a pastry shop. Whereas it is both, combined in the most marvelous way! At Portatif, the quality of coffee and dessert is a level above usual. And one can enjoy them in mix & match floral porcelain tableware, surrounded by a homemade vintage setting. What must be mentioned is that every preparation takes place in front of you! The favorite desserts of Monsieur Didot are the dreamy millefeuille and the pistachio cake! (21 Sina str.)
MELISSA PUBLISHING HOUSE (80m. away)
A very particular publishing house, with an emphasis on fine arts, folklore and science. Here, you will find magnificent photoalbums and collections in Greek -but also other languages- which Monsieur Didot recommends as the best souvenir from your visit to Athens. The series for children stands out, in Greek or translated (mainly into English and French), because it promotes children’s out-of-the-box thinking, with a clear artistic orientation. (58 Skoufa str.)
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MAREGKA APO SPITI (85m. away)
Probably the best pavlova Monsieur Didot has tasted in Athens! The meringues are prepared before your very eyes, as if you were in a homely, sweet-smelling kitchen. Moreover, two wonderful girls introduce you to their evenly wonderful creations: macarons, bavarois, tiramisu, napoleon cake. Few and dreamy! (56 Skoufa str.)
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IPPOPOTAMOS (170m. away)
One of the most established bars of Monsieur Didot's neighbourhood, Ippopotamos is part of the history of Kolonaki for 40 years. Of a enduring value, on the same spot, welcomes all with equal cordiality, from younger to older ones, from alternative to more classic rock fans, 24 hours a day, on the beautiful pedestrian Delfon street or inside its terrific courtyard and the appealing interior of a typical Athenian residency. (3B Delfon str.)
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FREE THINKING ZONE (190m. away)
Bookstore, multipurpose hall, publishing house and arena to defend human rights. Part of its income from selling books & coffee is intended to support all its activistic actions. From the team that created the first board game for book lovers in Greece: Beat the Book Bug! (64 Skoufa & Griveon str)
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KORA BAKERY (260m. away)
The most noted bakery of Kolonaki distinguished in all aspects: architecturally, gastronomically and idealistically, pursuing the philosophy of slow living. A sourdough bread that needs 36 hours to mature before baking, an ice cream with goat cheese from the creameries of Ano Syros, hence... waiting in line to try the best croissant in town! (44 Anagnostopoulou str.)
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IT (400m. away)
Inside this territory of minimal design, where wood prevails along with natural materials, flavors have the first say. Inspired quality dishes with original freshness, accompanied by a wide variety of smoothies and cocktails. Tip: a delicious brunch is served daily! (29 Skoufa str.)
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PHILOS (400m. away)
From gastronomic hangout, to cafe-bar or concept store, words are not enough to describe one of the most elegant spaces in Athens. Housed in a 3-story neoclassical building with an enchanting rooftop terrace, this place is entirely handmade, tile by tile, and is itself a whole experience. Do your shopping, attend art exhibitions, enjoy coffee, drink of food. Must: its flavorful brunch! (32 Solonos str.)
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O PRIGKIPAS (450m. away)
The most alternative souvlaki in Athens! Here you will taste mutton on skewer, black pig and water buffalo meat, everything from small farms all around Greece. Moreover you will find eel and trout. But mostly all this will be wrapped in pita bread or fluffy sandwich bread, at street food prices! (23 Charilaou Trikoupi str., Exarchia)
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MARBLELLOUS (450m. away)
Marblellous loves to see marble everywhere. The company considers it extremely interesting to try to “translate” objects into the language of marble, especially those that are hard to imagine being made of marble (from thegreekfoundation.com). What would you think about a pair of marble earrings or a marble ornament for your Christmas tree? (18 Anagnostopoulou str.)
TANINH AGAPI MOU (500m. away)
A completely relaxing site for wine tasting, that hardly belongs to the wine bar category, as we know it. Here you will only find Greek labels and proposals suggestions from pioneer producers, rare Greek varieties and organic, biodynamic wines, which can be accompanied by cheese and charcuterie. Emphatic on sustainability, thus decoration materials and serving packaging consist of biodegradable, recyclable materials. (8 Ippokratous & Methonis str., Neapoli, Exarchia)
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YIANTES (500m. away)
A gorgeous dated Athenian domicile with an incredibly colorful courtyard, on the charming pedestrian Valtetsiou street, suggests traditional Greek flavors in a modern version. The atmosphere, the impeccable service and the flavors will definitely make you go again. For dessert, try the chocolate millefeuille in ice-cream version. (44 Valtetsiou str. Exarchia)
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ZACHARIAS ART & OBJECT (550m. away)
Atelier, workshop and store, this all-in-one open to creation field redefines the concept of accessory-souvenir, drawing inspiration from history of art and the popular culture of Athens. Must: the handmade creations from silkscreens on leather with prints designed and produced by the duo Zacharias & Alex. (54 Zoodochou Pigis str., Neapoli, Exarchia)
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JAZZ IN JAZZ (600m. away)
A well-hidden gem on the fringes of Lycabettus, for those who consciously seek authenticity, ignoring the "5 best must-have" lists. The music captivates you (it's just jazz, of course), the atmosphere is unique -takes you back 100 years or more in time- and the drinks -mostly whiskey- address to sophisticated drinkers. (4 Dinokratous str., Kolonaki)
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OYZERI LESVOS (700m. away)
The birthplace of ouzo, Lesvos island, came and took root in this area, over 60 years now. Authentic and traditional light meals -called mezedes- along with quality ouzo are served in this legendary shop, which is equated with the history of Athens. (38 Emmanouil Benaki str., Exarchia)
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I CAKE YOU (800m. away)
The first cookie shop in the city, full of smiles and delightful smells from the freshly baked creations of brothers Apostolis and Petros Bogris, is the ideal point to start your day sweetly. Monsieur Didot tried milk with peanut butter cereal, which you can't find anywhere else in the capital! (42 Themistokleous str., Exarchia)
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CYCLADIC MUSEUM - CAFE & SHOP (850m. away)
Housed in a building of exclusive architecture, the Museum of Cycladic Art hosts its permanent exhibition of Cycladic art, alongside some very interesting periodic exhibitions occasionally. The experience is completed with a visit to the cafe-bistro and definitely to the shop, where you can find an incredible collection of books and photoalbums for children and adults, jewelry and decorative objects of Cycladic art and more! (4 Neofytou Douka str., Kolonaki)
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IZAKAYA (950m. away)
Superb exotic atmosphere inspired by the land of chrysanthemums in an elegant listed building, Izakaya has become institution of the Japanese fusion cuisine in Athens. Placing the emphasis on sushi and rolls, with Asian touches in the salads, food here is incredibly tasty, with over 100 wine labels from Greek and international vineyards to accompany it. (8 Loukianou str., Kolonaki)
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MONSIEUR DIDOT
48 Sina Str. T. (+30) 210 3637625
monsieurdidot.com
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