by Konstantina Voulgareli
Something (new, exciting and very promising) has been happening lately on Konstantinou Ventiri Street. For those who don’t know it, this street is located right behind the former Hilton (and now The Ilisian), and over the past period it has been transformed into one of the city’s most must-visit gastronomic destinations.
The area around Hilton Athens and Ilisia in general is now considered a hot spot, both because of the new venues that are “popping up” on every corner like mushrooms, and the older ones that have established themselves in Athens’ nightlife scene. Cafés, bakeries, wine bars, and restaurants have found their home in this small but historic neighborhood in the city center.
On Ventiri Street alone, there are not one, not two, but eight options for going out, all sharing one common denominator: gastronomy. In short, this tiny street has turned into a hot spot, with Athenians and visitors flocking to see what is finally happening there and whether it’s worth a visit.
Pied à Terre
This is the latest hot arrival on Ventiri, counting only a few weeks of operation. Pied à Terre is an all-day wine bistrot, whose name in French literally means “foot on the ground”, but is used as an expression for a “second home”, an occasional residence in the center of a big city, used by someone who lives in the suburbs for short stays, often for work or leisure.
This is exactly what Pied à Terre aims to achieve: to become the go-to spot for someone who “moves” around central Athens, where they can drop by at any moment to grab a bite, drink wine, and relax in a cozy environment. It is also ideal for business meetings, lunch breaks, after-work drinks, and even candlelit dinner dates.
Owner and sommelier Giorgos Benos decided to open this French-style wine bistrot, bringing a Parisian air to the heart of the city, along with comfort dining. He entrusted chef Viktor Sinto with curating a menu of a few dishes that pair perfectly with the wine list. There you will find a wide range of labels from both the local and international vineyards, while you can try divine beef tartare (“the best in Athens”, as he proudly claims), served with toasted brioche bread from Tromero Paidi, delicious pavé potatoes, the distinctive pissaladière with anchovy, and desserts such as the Instagram-worthy crème brûlée.
If you stop by in the morning, you will find it open and can grab specialty coffee and something to eat, such as sandwiches and croissants. The décor is elegant and minimal, with French influences evident in the elaborate signage, the striped awning, and the minimalist paintings. Its small cellar also features an impressive collection of bottles.
Cookoovaya
The most popular restaurant in Ilisia has now completed over 11 years of operation in the Athenian gastronomic scene and remains a steady value. It is located at a strategic point on Ventiri Street and prides itself on serving Greek “wise cuisine”. Chef patron and owner Periklis Koskinas insists on his minimal style, with flavors that smell of Greece. His philosophy is based on seasonality and zero waste, and he collaborates with small producers, always selecting the freshest and purest ingredients.
The space is modern, minimal, and elegant, moving in earthy tones, with warm and elaborate lighting and a discreet luxury that creates a sense of comfort and hospitality. Its spacious white dining room and impressive open kitchen are the trademark of Cookoovaya.
O Agrios
Another recent arrival on Ventiri is O Agrios “The Dirty Butcher”, a new-age butcher’s taverna that made its appearance just before Christmas. The well-known grill master Giannis Kousteni cuts and grills premium meats while wearing his iconic headphones and, if you’re lucky, serves you himself, slicing the meat right in front of your eyes. Everything arrives juicy and steaming, of course with the necessary side dishes.
At this meat-lover’s spot you will find premium cuts as well as special dishes such as beef liver, sheep burger, lamb or mutton chops, a juicy “sidirodromos” cut, chorizo sausage, offal, sweetbreads, corned beef eggs, and breaded lamb brains.
In the large, warm dining room, old-school tables with white tablecloths dominate, along with wooden chairs reminiscent of a traditional old café. At the back, you will also find a well-organized bar with a wide variety of drinks for all tastes.
Diferente
A little further down is the Mexican restaurant Diferente, one of the most classic spots on Ventiri for years. In this charming place you can enjoy Mexican cuisine with your group, signed by chef Dimitris Politis. You will try dishes such as tacos, paella, fajitas, burritos, nachos, burgers, and drink plenty of refreshing margaritas.
You push the small metal door with the Diferente sign (which might not impress you from the outside), and immediately dive into a large, colorful world, where the décor screams “Viva Mexico”. Around you, decorations with sombreros, ponchos, bullfighters, Frida Kahlo pillows, patterned sofas, plants, and paintings on the walls — so many colors that you feel like you’re in a blooming garden. With boho vibes, a relaxed atmosphere, and a cozy environment, Diferente is an ideal place for weekday after-work meetups as well as weekend dates.
Rohas
Rohas is an all-day venue that transforms depending on the time of day. In the morning, it operates as a café where you can either grab a quick coffee to go or enjoy it on one of its comfortable sofas. You’ll even hear Greek rock music playing early on, such as Vasilis Papakonstantinou.
However, the “good stuff” is hidden behind the café, in a space that feels like a speakeasy. This is the Rohas live stage, which opens in the evening with its entrance on Hatzigianni Mexi Street. There, Greek bands and rock artists perform live, or parties are organized, turning the place into a club for dancing and fun. You can also rent the space for events.
Ateniese
A street that respects itself and aims to become a gastronomic destination must also have an Italian restaurant, right? So, about a year ago, Ateniese opened — an Italo-Athenian restaurant, as its name suggests. It is a refined trattoria serving delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, aiming to introduce guests to the culture of dolce vita and mangiare bene.
Simple yet timeless dishes we all love — pizzas with melted cheese or pasta such as creamy carbonara or cacio e pepe — make up the menu curated by chef Konstantinos Kostopoulos. Pizza lovers and pasta fans will find their temple here.
Agora Select
Agora Select is a story in itself. This all-day café-bar-restaurant, located on the corner of Ventiri before reaching Michalakopoulou Street, has been adorning the Hilton area for decades, exuding aristocratic elegance and the aura of old Athens. The outdoor wooden deck is filled with plants and resembles a blooming garden, while the sophisticated interior with glass walls and earthy tones mentally transports you to a luxurious restaurant abroad.
There, you can try dishes from Greek, Mediterranean, and international cuisine — from meat and fish to pasta, risotto, salads, and other interesting options. It is no coincidence that it is chosen by large groups and professionals for meetings, while it is especially beloved by older Athenians.
The Ilisian
Last but not least, the (former) Hilton itself. The most iconic hotel in Athens gave its name to an entire area, was written into Greek culture, and became synonymous with the luxury and glamour of a bygone era. Ventiri Street lies literally in its shadow, and it has passed some of its aristocratic aura onto the area, which was partly created thanks to it.
The Conrad Athens Hotel “The Ilisian”, as it is now called, is one of the most anticipated returns and will reopen, renovated, within the year. The private members’ club House of NYNN is already operating, as well as the Japanese restaurant Onuki. The iconic Byzantino restaurant is also expected to reopen as a French brasserie, along with the rooftop Galaxy Dispensary overlooking Athens.
In the same building, the private residences Conrad Residences Athens and Waldorf Astoria Residences Athens will also be housed, along with several additional gastronomic spots that have not yet been announced.
