Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins and sea views - it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s most exciting cities for wine. Across neighborhoods from Exarchia and Kolonaki to seaside Voula, a new wave of bars is reshaping the local scene. They champion Greek labels, natural wines, and small-batch imports, often matched with creative plates that go way beyond the usual cheese board.

Translation | Amaryllis Tsegou

Below are 18 wine bars where you can sip, snack, and soak in the city’s energy - one glass at a time.

Gamay - Exarchia

Named after the iconic Beaujolais grape, Gamay has quickly become an Exarchia favorite. The bar’s warm glow and relaxed vibe make it an ideal after-work stop. Sommelier and co-owner Yiannis Pappas selects over 130 labels, with at least 20 by the glass. Order the chef Miltos Armenis’ crispy pinsa topped with mortadella and pistachios - it’s a must.
42 Zoodochou Pigis St., Exarchia. Phone: (+30) 210-38.07.311

Heteroclito - Syntagma

One of Athens’ original wine bars, Heteroclito has been a go-to since 2012. Picture a Parisian corner dropped into the heart of the city: chatter at sidewalk tables, warm light over a marble bar, and a cool, effortless playlist. Owner Madeline - half French - mixes charm with serious wine know-how. Expect natural Greek wines, refined champagnes, and meze plates from hummus to truffle crackers.
Petraki & 2 Fokionos St., Syntagma. Phone: (+30) 210-32.39.406

Terroirist - Pagrati

A short walk from Varnava Square, Terroirist is the downtown sibling of the Halandri original. The space is minimalist but inviting, with a clear focus on Greek vineyards and well-thought-out pairings. Inside or outside on a sunny day, it’s a peaceful place to discover Greece’s new-wave winemakers.
28-30 Empedokleous St., Pagrati. Phone: (+30) 216-80.89.368

Paleo - Piraeus

Piraeus is a port city, but Paleo gives you plenty of reasons to stay ashore. Housed in a converted warehouse, it blends gallery-like style with industrial loft comforts. Owner Yiannis Kaimenakis - a respected sommelier - has curated an atmospheric space lined with bottles and anchored by an impressive cellar. Ten or so small plates are designed to highlight the wines; ask Yiannis for a guided pick.
39 Polidefkous St., Piraeus. Phone: (+30) 210-41.25.204

Karolos - Nea Smyrni

Tucked inside an arcade, Karolos is a mid-century hideaway where vintage furniture meets a modern wine list. The emphasis is on Greek producers and shareable plates meant to be enjoyed family-style. Cozy and quietly stylish, it’s the kind of place where “one more glass” always turns into two - or more!
41-43 Omirou St., Nea Smyrni. Phone: (+30) 212-10.65.556

Epta Martires - Neos Kosmos

Named after the “Seven Martyrs,” this buzzy spot evolved from a loud beer bar into a true wine hangout. Soft lighting, old Greek tunes, and fresh flowers set a warm mood. The list runs to over 100 labels - many available by the glass - curated by Australian-born philhellene Bradley Tomlinson. Friendly and unpretentious; book ahead, because after 8 p.m. it fills up.
3B Menaichmou St., Neos Kosmos

Linovatis - Kifissia

Tucked into a quiet corner of Kifissia, Linovatis (literally “the grape press”) channels a sense of calm and deep respect for nature. Brothers Christos and Alexandros Apostolopoulos - of Athens’ rooftop bars 360 and A for Athens fame - highlight organic and low-intervention wines from small producers across Greece, France, Spain, and Italy. The menu champions purity and simplicity, with a focus on seafood and raw dishes.
15 Diomidous Kyriakou St., Kifissia. (+30) 210-80.17.676

LOU - Syntagma

Tucked away just off Syntagma Square, LOU is small, intimate and full of character. About 75% of its wine list features Greek labels, most available both by the glass and bottle. There’s only a handful of tables available, making it an ideal spot for quiet conversations or romantic dates. Say hello to the owner - nicknamed Lou - to find out the story behind the name.
1 Chavriou St., Syntagma

Faidon - Voula

A firm favourite among locals in the southern suburbs, Faidon sits near Voula’s main square and strikes a balance between casual and refined. Wine barrels double as outdoor tables, while inside a handsome cellar showcases Greek and Italian labels, and a fridge filled with cheeses and cold cuts sliced to order adds to the charm. If you’re craving something more substantial, the Italian-style pizzas are a reliable hit.
28 Agios Ioannis St., Voula. Phone: (+30) 215-51.09.975

Ziraf - Exarchia

A newcomer that has quickly made its mark, Ziraf brings a playful, slightly exotic twist to the Exarchia scene. The wine list features 135 Greek and international labels, curated by sommelier Vasilis Papadopoulos. Chef Panagiotis Vasilatos serves comfort-style Mediterranean dishes - tacos, fish and chips, and a standout hot dog - alongside generous cheese and charcuterie platters sliced to order.
17 Kallidromiou St., Exarchia. Phone: (+30) 210-36.05.349

Warehouse CO2 - Downtown Athens

Just a short walk from Plaka, Warehouse CO2 is a haven for sparkling wine lovers. Devoted to champagne and bubbles, it proves effervescence is an everyday pleasure. Tables spill onto the sidewalk, creating an easy, street-side atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the elegant drinks. The small-plates menu is simple but cleverly chosen to complement the fizz. Before you go, browse the cellar - you’ll likely want a bottle for home.
1 Ypeirou St., Athens. Phone: (+30) 210-32.47.048

Wine with Eleni - Acropolis

Blink and you might miss this tiny, magical spot tucked between the Acropolis and Koukaki. Owner Eleni Kefalopoulou hand-selects each label, with a strong emphasis on Greek producers. In the warmer months, tables extend into the small park opposite, attracting post-theatre crowds who may discuss the night’s performance, lingering over a glass. In the winter, the bar welcomes visitors by appointment for tastings or private gatherings.
20 Misaraliotou St., Acropolis. Phone: (+30) 69-34.12.58.39

Bobo Wine Bar - Koukaki

Set across from the Museum of Contemporary Art, Bobo blends stylish design with serious wine expertise. Its cellar holds 130 labels - 30 by the glass - and the selection changes monthly. About 60% of the wines come from Greek vineyards, with the rest sourced internationally. Chef Giorgos Arkelis, formerly of London’s fine-dining scene, turns out dishes impressive enough to rival upscale restaurants. This isn’t just a wine bar; it’s a whole experience.
36 Anastasiou Zinni St., Koukaki. Phone: (+30) 210-92.44.244

Faos - Pagrati

Bringing a touch of the islands to Varnava Square, Faos - named after the ancient Greek verb phauo, meaning “to illuminate” - channels the relaxed elegance of Naxos, the owners’ home island. With blue-and-white décor and a wine list rooted in Greek varieties, it’s a tribute to local vineyards. Try the refreshing, citrus-driven ATMA by Thymiopoulos and pair it with one of the kitchen’s fresh sharing plates.
Varnava Square, Pagrati

Vibo - Glyfada & Piraeus

VWhether you stop by Vibo Bistrot in Glyfada or its Piraeus location, you’ll find a stylish yet laid-back setting. Both serve as all-day cafés and wine bars, offering around 100 labels with plenty also on offer by the glass. Pair your wine with a flatbread, meet friends for an easy evening out, or drop in during one of their events - from winemaker nights to DJ sets that turn the space into a lively social spot.
16 Grigoriou Lambraki St., Glyfada. Phone: (+30) 210-89.48.202
/ 10 Navarinou St., Piraeus. Phone: (+30) 210-42.20.422

Tempo Social Club - Koukaki

Created by three friends hailing from France - Emile, Simon, and Nicolas - Tempo Social Club feels like a modern Parisian bistro transplanted to Athens. True to its name, the space has its own rhythm: lively, warm, and effortlessly stylish. The focus is on natural wines, complemented by a menu that blends French influences with Greek ingredients. The atmosphere is youthful, friendly, and quietly sophisticated.
49 Falirou St., Koukaki

Feelin’ Tipsy - Kolonaki

Feelin’ Tipsy in Kolonaki leans into cozy elegance: mood lighting, soft jazz, and a wine list curated by Panagiotis Stremmenos that highlights New World regions. Expect around 100 labels, including 17 by the glass and inventive dishes from chef Dimos Balopoulos- the cacio e pepe flatbread with mushrooms is a standout. An inviting spot to unwind in one of Athens’ most refined neighbourhoods.
43 Charitos St., Kolonaki. Phone: (+30) 210-72.99.373

By the Glass - Syntagma

Located inside the Stoa Ralli arcade, By the Glass has been a pillar of the Athens wine scene for more than a decade. It works equally well for business lunches, after-work drinks, or a proper dinner. The cellar holds over 500 labels, including hard-to-find vintages and special releases. Founder Fotini Pantzia has created a venue that feels both classic and current, right in the heart of the city.
3 Souri & Filellinon St., Syntagma. Phone: (+30) 210-32.32.560