Psyrri-ously Cool Drinking & Dining

As it happens, Psirri is home to the sole kosher restaurant in the capital: called Gostijo, it’s located at Esopou 10 and you can enjoy everything from sfoungato omelets and kosher moussaka to leek fritters, inside or in the couryard. An Athens classic not to be missed is the Karamanlidika deli restaurant in the spice market area (Sokratous 1). Owner Fanis Theodoropoulos will cheerfully remind you that pastrami is a word with Greek roots, and that the best comes from prime brined camel meat seasoned with Fenugreek. Try the fried Caramanli, an eggy, tomato-licious delight. Other great spots include Lithos Taverna (Esopou 17), the little taverna called Avli (Agiou Dimitriou 10) and, especially if you like wine, Oinopoleio (Aeschylou 12) where wine comes from the family’s own vineyards.

As an area known for its nightlife, Psirri is chockablock with bars, some more boisterous than others and with new contenders for the most inventive or atmospheric appearing all the time. Though technically not in Psirri but adjacent Monastiraki, a drink at 360 Cocktail Bar is definitely a memorable experience thanks to its stupendous rooftop view of the Acropolis. For a mix of moody romance that’s also resolutely upbeat (and loud!), breeze into Juan Rodriguez Compania de Bebidas (Pallados 3). You’ll feel like you’ve walked on the set of Casablanca, only this décor is full of color and luscious cocktails. You may have to remind yourself that while it looks like something straight out of the tropics, you’re actually in the center of Athens. Or we might also say, Psirri.