by Konstantina Voulgareli

The famous Stone Kiosk of Filothei, located at the intersection of Agia Filothei Avenue and Stavros Georgiou Street, is one of the most recognizable and historic buildings in the area, as it served for decades as the central “meeting point” for residents. The building belongs to the Municipality of Filothei–Psychiko and has been in operation since 1935, almost alongside the first houses that were built, when the beautiful suburb of Athens was created.

The history of the Stone Kiosk in Filothei

The building in Siadima Square is part of Filothei’s architectural heritage, an area that was designed as a “garden city.” Its stone construction is fully in harmony with the traditional character of the neighborhood and the aesthetic of the stone-built houses that define the area’s older residences.

Over the years, it has operated as a milk shop, a souvlaki place, a café, and even a mini market, serving the needs of local residents. Filothei locals used it as their meeting point — and continue to do so to this day. At the time, as we are told, it was run by a Mr. Fotis (no further details known), and students would gather there after school or when skipping class, mainly from the nearby Filothei high school, grabbing a cheese pie and hanging out. Some students also came from the College and the school of Psychiko, although due to distance they preferred Manolis’s EVGA shop at the terminal of bus line 24.

In the film Tembeloskilo (1963), directed by Stefanos Fotiadis, in a scene shot at this location, we see Dimitris Papamichail having his coffee there. Over the years, and with changing consumer habits, the building ceased operations and remained closed for a period, leading to its gradual deterioration.

The reopening of the Stone Kiosk

After years of abandonment, the Municipality of Filothei–Psychiko decided to make use of it. Thus, in July 2025, its reopening was announced, with the aim of bringing life back to this historic landmark of the area. The space was leased to the company Kora Bakery, which transformed it into a modern bakery-café (Kora Filothei). The intervention included a full renovation of the interior, while keeping the exterior stone structure intact. There, one can find the classic products of the beloved viennoiserie bakery, such as specialty coffee served from a side window of the stone building, bread, and a variety of tempting baked goods (such as croissants, buns, etc.) for which it has become famous, as well as a grocery-deli featuring premium products from Greek producers. Queues have already begun to form from those eager to try Kora’s viral baked goods and products.

Reactions from Filothei residents

However, reactions were not absent. The new use of the building as a food and beverage establishment sparked intense discussions in the Municipal Council and among residents, as concerns were raised about altering the purely residential character of the area.

Specifically, objections and complaints were expressed by residents and the municipal opposition regarding its conversion into a food-service business (coffee shop/bakery), arguing that this contradicts Filothei’s strictly residential nature and that it does not qualify as a shop providing essential goods.

The Municipality of Filothei–Psychiko maintained that the lease is legal and aims at the revival of the historic building with respect for its history.

Kora Filothei: Siadima Square, Filothei
Opening hours: Daily and weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Telephone: +30 212 214 9544