Layers of tradition, cream, spice and butter

By Nenela Georgele, Katerina Vnatsiou

Photo by Yusuf / Unsplash

Sweets with a history lost in the centuries. Profiteroles made infront of your eyes. Ice creams made only with fresh milk, pure ingredients and Greek fruits. Athens knows what a good dessert really means and awaits you with a sweet story at every corner. It is almost impossible to resist, so…don’t. Athens’ pastry scene is something worth trying.

Pastry Shops

Armenovil
Named after the beloved Thessaloniki dessert, Armenovil is a small pastry shop in Petralona dedicated to handmade sweets prepared with exceptional care and fresh ingredients. Their signature Armenovil, with layer of crisp meringue, velvety cream and caramelised almonds, is among the finest in Athens. Equally tempting are the profiteroles, syrup-soaked orange pie, walnut cake, chocolate pie, baklava and the beautifully executed Trigona Panoramatos. 2 Dryopon Str., Ano Petralona +306972157009

Choureal 
It was Choureal that first brought the magic of custom-made profiteroles to Athens – and its fresh, handmade pastries have left an indelible mark on the culinary world of the city. For divine eclairs and profiteroles you can customise to your tastes, this patisserie provides the ultimate indulgences to those who visit.  Syntagma,18 Ermou & 2 Diomeias Str., +302103317883 2 Ifikratous Str., Halandri +302106839913 / 39 Lazaraki Str. Glyfada +302108980988 Thessaloniki: 9 Palaion Patron Str. 
+302310252766 20 El. Venizelou Str., +302310285353

Sweet Alchemy 
The pastry chef who has changed the face of confectionary in Greece, Stelios Parliaros, studied art and pastrymaking in France. Author of eight books, since 2008 Parliaros has hosted the Greek TV show “Sweet Alchemies”. He has rightfully earned the title of the top Greek chef pâtissier. Evangelismos, 24 Irodotou Str. Kolonaki, +302107240205

Tulumbaki
Tulumba, one of Greece’s most traditional syrup desserts, is elevated to an art form at this sweet little spot in central Athens. Crisp fried dough soaked in fragrant syrup arrives in its classic version and more playful variations, including fillings of vanilla or lemon cream. Rich, nostalgic, and impossible to stop at just one, Tulumbaki offers a contemporary take on a deeply familiar Greek sweet tradition.  Panepistimio, 57 Panepistimiou Str. +302112185997

Zuccherino
Here you will find every dessert you have ever dreamed! Cakes, ice creams, pastes, many sweets without sugar, always fresh, with an emphasis on raw materials. Zuccherino has many shops around Athens, but you can see and order the desserts through their eshop: zuccherino.gr.  Monastiraki, 80 Mitropoleos Str. +302103213015 / Proteos & Seirinon Str., P. Phaliro, +302109830869 Aghiou Alexandrou & Naiadon P. Phaliro, +302109830049 12 2nd Maiou Str., Nea Smyrni +302109357590

4 Ice Cream Stops to Try in Central Athens

Long summer strolls through Athens are best enjoyed with an ice cream in hand.

Kayak
In Greece, Kayak has become synonymous with premium ice cream, a reputation reflected in its 19 Great Taste Awards. Every batch is made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients, fresh milk and some of the world’s finest chocolates. At its Acropolis outpost, alongside classic favourites, you’ll also find flavours inspired by Greek ingredients, including mastiha with pink peppercorn, pistachio with fig and rose loukoumi. 1 Dionysiou Areopagitou Str. +302109210400

Gellissimo 
If there’s one dessert that’s taken Athens by storm, it’s Gellissimo’s viral Lava Bowl. Picture a generous layer of pistachio praline topped with artisan gelato, finished with warm flowing pistachio sauce and crisp biscuit crumbs. It’s available in several flavours, but the pistachio version is the standout. Monastiraki, 11 Astiggos Str

Gelato di Natura 
Authentic Italian gelato made fresh every day with carefully selected ingredients, Gelato di Natura is the perfect stop during a stroll through central Athens. The everchanging selection of flavours ranges from timeless classics to more inventive 
creations, making the hardest part of your visit choosing just one. You’ll also find a delightful surprise: handheld mochi, perfect for a sweet treat on the go. Syntagma, 30 Petraki Str., +302103317361

Le Greche 
Premium Greek ingredients meet the finesse of Italian gelato-making. Each day, a tempting array of handmade gelati is crafted with culinary precision, offering a rotating selection of indulgent, irresistible flavors. Alongside the gelato, expect refined desserts, expertly brewed Neapolitan coffee, and even a few elegant cocktails. Syntagma, 16 A Mitropoleos Str. +302167006458/ 19 Patriarchou Ioakeim Str. Kolonaki, +302109244989/ 456 Mesogeion Ave., Aghia Paraskevi +302100101617/ 2-10 Lykourgou Str., Neo Psychiko +302130416299