Spring is arguably the best time to head out into the city with friends. The days get longer, the weather warms up and the need for sunshine and fresh air naturally draws us to places with outdoor seating. You'll find everything from lively squares and courtyards to pavements filled with people unwinding, chatting and laughing.
Translation | Amaryllis Tsegou
At this time of year, cafés, tavernas, bars, and small hangouts come back to life outdoors. Here are some of our favourites for your next outing in Athens.
Taverns & restaurants
Pezoulas, Kallithea
You might spend hours at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center walking around the canal and the park, lounging on the grass to soak up some sun, or sitting on the ever-popular benches near the playgrounds while the kids play - but when it’s time to eat, the courtyard at Pezoulas is a no-brainer for us.
Pezoulas fish taverna has stood in the same spot since 1951 and, for 75 years, has been a go-to for anyone who loves good fish. Today, it’s run by the third generation of the family, who continue the tradition while also refreshing the menu with new dishes. You’ll find their excellent fish soup - a long-time signature - but also options like ceviche or fish carpaccio. Depending on the season, go for crayfish or shrimp, beautifully marinated and grilled in a truly unforgettable way.
Strong points include the service - always friendly and efficient - and the charming little courtyard out front, which feels like a taverna on a Cycladic island. Exactly what you want when you’re looking for outdoor seating.
Pezoulas. 11 Peisistratou St, Tzitzifies. Tel: (+30)210-94.22.684
Amante, Metaxourgeio
On what might be the most beautiful pedestrian street in the city centre, in an area that - despite some run-down streets - still has its little oases like Paramythias Street and Avdi Square, you’ll find Amante, a stand out Italian restaurant.
Housed in a lovely neoclassical building in a quiet neighbourhood, it immediately sets a relaxed tone.
The menu is purely Italian, but unlike one you’d expect. Sure you’ll find excellent crispy pinsa (one of the best I’ve had) and a refreshing caprese di bufala, but also more inventive dishes, like pasta combining carpaccio with shrimp, or spaghetti with squid and pesto.
The cocktails are strong too - I’d wholeheartedly recommend the Negroni!
Amante. 13 Paramythias St, Kerameikos. Tel: (+30)210-52.43.429 / (+30)693-78.93.747
Kyveli, Kypseli
Opened in 2016, Kyveli has since become a neighborhood classic. You’ll find it in Agios Georgios Square, ready to welcome you and serve up delicious meze.
The name references the actress Kyveli Adrianou, honouring an area known for its historic theatres. On the menu, you’ll find everything from interesting starters - like tabbouleh with black lentils - to pork and liver pans, skioufichta pasta with pork fillets, and grilled dishes.
It’s a great place to visit with friends and pair your food with beer, as they offer a good selection. Now that the weather is improving, make sure to grab a table out in the square - it’s easily the best spot.
Kyveli. 15 Eptanisou St, Kypseli. Tel: (+30)210-82.19.406
Oikonomou Taverna, Petralona
Outside Oikonomou - call it a taverna or a restaurant - the olive trees lining the pavement set the tone, alongside white tablecloth-covered tables and wooden chairs.
Inside, the aromas of warm food immediately make you feel at home. The terracotta tiles and the collection of artworks by Fassianos on the walls capture the eye. The whole place feels like stepping back in time, like a sepia photograph brought to life.
Everything here is fresh and seasonal and some dishes remain constant, but many change. And right now, the outdoor tables on the quiet street are waiting for you to enjoy your meal under the olive trees.
Oikonomou Taverna. 32 Kidantidon St, Petralona. Tel: (+30)210-34.67.555
Margaró, Piraeus
Piraeus is known for its authentic fish tavernas that serve fresh seafood without fuss. But Margaró takes that simplicity to another level.
Located opposite the Naval Academy in Hatzikyriakio, it has one of the smallest menus you’ll ever see - and you can memorise it instantly: shrimp or crayfish, red mullet or small fried fish (depending on the season) and Greek salad. That’s it.
Three dishes - one salad, one fish, one seafood - executed perfectly in one of the most skilled frying pans in the city. Is that enough? More than enough.
As for outdoor seating, tables are set right outside the Naval Academy gate, with large umbrellas for shade. But since the setting has a subtle island feel - who’d mind a bit of extra sun? It almost feels like just coming back from a swim. I might wish for a slightly better sea view, but if I stretch a little, I can catch a glimpse of it.
Margaró. 126 Hatzikyriakou Ave, Piraeus. Tel: (+30)210-45.14.226
Karavitis, Pagrati
One of Athens’ longest-running tavernas and well worth a visit for the experience alone. It dates back to 1926, and its trademark white building with tiled roof and gravel courtyard has barely changed since first opening.
You’ll notice the barrels at the back and the mulberry trees (another trademark) providing thick shade. As for the food, expect quality meat dishes, excellent fried courgettes, Greek salad, tzatziki, hand-cut fries and other traditional mezze - just like the old days.
Karavitis. 4 Pausaniou St, Athens. Tel: (+30)210-72.15.155
To Steki tou Ilia, Thiseio
We first discovered it when friends visiting from abroad insisted on eating in Thiseio. Given the location, we were a bit wary - expecting something overly “touristy”. Thankfully, we were proven wrong.
The menu includes all the classic Greek taverna staples, especially those common in tourist areas, but everything we tasted was well-prepared and far from careless. Juicy lamb chops, pork chops, great fries, fried courgettes, fresh boiled greens and Greek salad.
And then there’s the courtyard - green, well-kept, with a large rock at the back adding character. It’s the kind of place you’ll happily make your local.
To Steki tou Ilia. 5 Eptachalkou St, Thiseio. Tel: (+30)210-34.58.052
Galiantra, Metaxourgeio
If you’re looking for a place to eat while enjoying spring days and nights, Galiantra is for you.
With a lovely courtyard, fairy lights and excellent hot dogs, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit often. The menu, curated by chef Grigoris Kritikos, includes tasty meatballs, fries and juicy burgers.
Don’t expect formal seating - no typical tables and chairs here. Instead, you’ll find colourful barrels and string lights guiding you toward great food. One of the tastiest courtyards in the city. And don’t skip dessert - the tiramisu is a must.
Galiantra. 4 Yatrakou St, Athens. Tel: (+30)699-71.72.784
All-day spots (coffee, drinks, light bites)
Ble Papagalos, Metaxourgeio
For me, Ble Papagalos is the oasis of Metaxourgeio. I love everything about it - from its vintage interior (the philosophy remains unchanged even after its renovation) to its courtyard that feels like an old home garden and the tables spread out in the square under the trees.
Sitting there, with just enough sun on your face while you sip your coffee on those classic metal chairs, reminding me of the ones my grandmother had - that’s my idea of a perfect outing. Spring is the best time to visit, as you still get great weather, while avoiding the summer heat.
It’s a favourite for me and my closest friends and we’ll usually pair our coffee with a cheesecake in a jar, however it’s equally lovely in the evening, when the courtyard cools down and an Aperol spritz lifts your mood.
Ble Papagalos. 31 Leonidou St, Metaxourgeio. Tel: (+30)211-01.21.099
Momo, Kallithea
A hidden courtyard in Kallithea that’s easy to miss if you’re unaware of it. Tucked away in lush greenery and close to the train station, it’s ideal for long, relaxed conversations.
Great for coffee, breakfast and even a game of backgammon. My personal favourite is the avocado, egg, cheese spread, chicken and caramelised onion sandwich. You can also come later for drinks - there’s a solid cocktail selection and the lights in the courtyard make you feel like you’re on an island.
Momo. 95 Sapphous St, Kallithea. Tel: (+30)210-95.62.300
Diakopes, Alimos
True to its name (“Holidays”), this place makes you feel like you’re on vacation - even when you’re not.
With relaxed vibes, retro rubber chairs and playful signs (like the “sezlong”, “be cool,” “worry free” and such others, spelled in Greek), it’s all about unwinding. You can come for an early coffee or late drinks or beer and enjoy both brunch and snacks like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, pancakes and their must-try soft-serve ice cream.
At this time of year, the pavement tables are perfect for soaking up the sun.
Diakopes. 125 Ionias Ave, Alimos. Tel: (+30)210-99.01.910
¡Topa!, Kypseli
This Kypseli kafeneion has its tables out on Fokionos Negri pedestrian street, where you can enjoy wine, vermouth and tsikoudia alongside Cretan and Basque mezze.
The name (strongly resembling the Greek “opa”, strongly evoking celebration and good times) comes from the Basque word “Topa” (“cheers”), used when raising your glass for a toast. Expect sardines or mussels, snails with greens, dakos with Cretan cheese, padrón peppers, Spanish tortilla and thoroughly enjoyable churros with chocolate for dessert.
It’s usually busy, so a little patience may be needed - but the staff are always helpful.
¡Topa!. 43 Fokionos Negri St, Kypseli. Tel: (+30)210-86.60.889
Dexameni, Kolonaki
One of Athens’ most classic small squares, Dexameni Square, is full of old-world charm and is home to the trademark open-air cinema (seemingly from another era) and the traditional café-mezze spot -both of which share the same name: Dexameni.
On sunny days, people gather outside to enjoy coffee, tsipouro with mezze, or an Aperol spritz. The menu is simple - pies, fries with cheese, meatballs, dakos, marinated anchovies, salads and a few more small dishes - but combined with the sun and the calm of the square, they make life feel a little better.
Dexameni. Dexameni Square, Kolonaki. Tel: (+30)210-72.24.609
Amore, Neos Kosmos
One of those places that’s almost always full - especially these days. Its pavement tables are a major draw, perfect for sitting outside with a spritz and enjoying the weather.
The menu includes strong signature cocktails (try the Dirty Martini), classic spritz options, Negroni, Garibaldi and a rotating selection of selected Greek wines. A perfect match for relaxed spring outings.
Amore. 1–3 Menaichmou St, Neos Kosmos. Tel: (+30)210-92.27.998
Naif, Neos Kosmos
Since opening, Naif quickly transformed a previously quiet pavement into a lively meeting point behind the Onassis Stegi.
Relaxed and social, it works any time of day: good coffee alongside breakfast or brunch, perfect pizza, even better crispy chicken bites, salads, wine, or cocktails like Aperol or a great Paloma. Most seating is outdoors - and that’s exactly where you’ll want to be.
Naif. Leontiou 10 & Evridamantos, Neos Kosmos. Tel: (+30)210-93.34.946
Logiotatos, Kypseli
In the heart of Kypseli, Logiotatos wins you over instantly - especially if you grab a table in its courtyard, which feels like something out of a medieval fairytale.
That’s where it’s all at: soft lighting, calm music and a vibe that invites long conversations, lingering over drinks without noise. It’s the ideal spot for relaxed evenings outdoors, when you want to be out, while avoiding an overcrowded bar. If you want something livelier, you can always head inside, where things often turn into dancing until early morning.
Don’t skip the cocktail menu - it’s full of character and definitely worth exploring.
Logiotatos. 70 Ioannou Drosopoulou St, Athens. Tel: (+30)210-82.19.005
Kyrios Hou, Petralona
Set in the courtyard of a 1933 neoclassical building, Kyrios Hou has been putting out tables for years in a quiet corner of Petralona.
The intricate mosaic floors, mint-green building façade and its trademark outside space with metal tables reminiscing of an old Athenian home courtyard or traditional café. There’s even a nearby church that adds to the village-square atmosphere.
Come any time of day for coffee, tsipouro, aperitivo, or small bites - perfect for the season.
Kyrios Hou. 1 Yperionos St, Petralona. Tel: (+30)210-34.23.972
Hide & Seek, Chalandri
Now that the weather is warming up, the courtyard at Hide & Seek is well worth a visit.
It’s spacious and relaxed, with both indoor and outdoor bars. A great option if you want a night out without worrying about driving - the bus stop is right outside.
Try one of the cocktails created by Lykourgos, and don’t skip the food options either, both the menu and sharing dishes are worth it.
Hide & Seek. 254 Kifisias Ave, Chalandri. Tel: (+30)210-67.76.747
