It’s 6 am… the streets become saturated by the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries made with just the right amount of butter and sugar. You’re in a hypnagogic state, though you are gently awoken by the scent of the best bakery in Athens just a stone’s throw away, seeping through your window. You suddenly jolt out of bed, dressing in what you can get your hands on in a hurry, slipping on your shoes and, in an attempt to look half decent, you snatch your hair back as you stumble out the door on your quest for that morning croissant.

This is the scenario I’d imagine would occur if you lived in the city of Athens and were surrounded by a plethora of Greek bakeries. It’s quite literally the reality on your morning commute around the city, you’re engulfed by a myriad of aromas that give you notes of Spanakopita, Twice Baked Croissants, and Koulouria… the list goes on.

Athens pastries (in a third-wave type of way) are enticing even the most fussy pastry connoisseurs. They’re layered, textured and filled to the brim (they don’t skimp out here). This new wave of bakers in Athens are incorporating methods from all over the world and refining what this may look like when presented to the citizens of Greece.

Greeks are no strangers to bread either, you see, we could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if our appetite permitted (and for some, it might). With that being said, If you’re looking for artisan-made sourdough or traditionally-made loaves, for a sugarless start to the morning, then these bakeries in Athens will become a staple in your morning routine, I can almost guarantee it.

In an ever-evolving urban city like Athens, you can expect to find more savvy entrepreneurs and pastry-obsessed individuals opening up stores around the city who like to push the boundary when it comes to baked goods, and others who would like to revive and reintroduce traditional bread-making methods.

It is almost impossible to select the best bakery in Athens when you’re blessed with such a large selection of the brightest stars that make up the baking scene. So I’d like to call this series, the battle of the best bakeries in Athens! (I hope you brought your appetite)

An Ode To Greek Bakeries

A ‘fourno’ (AKA) A Traditional Greek Bakery, is like a pastime, something that is cherished and an integral part of Greek culture and its daily life. These Greek bakeries are often owned by small family businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is this aroma of freshly baked bread that saturates the streets in the early morning.

What can you expect from a traditional bakery?

We’re talking about the old school, transcendant favourites such as ‘Horiatiki Psomi’ (AKA) Village Bread, the ‘Koulouri’ which is a sesame-crusted ring of bread which many refer to as ‘Koulouri Thessaloniki’ (I love this paired with a Freddo Espresso or Frappe, goes down a treat.) We can’t forget the Greek Savoury Pies either, the lineup includes Spanakopita, Tiropita, Kreatopita, and many more. From time to time there may be some traditional Greek bakeries that also bake beloved Greek sweets such as ‘Kourabiedes’, ‘Baklava’ and the like.

There is an immense amount of pride and joy involved in operating these businesses, as they service the near and dear of the community, sprinkling a little joy into everyone’s morning. It’s amazing to see just how much this has evolved over the generations, and despite the growth of urbanisation in Athens, bakers are upholding traditional methods and businesses, as well as finding a way to interweave the rich culinary heritage into new concept bakeries in Athens.

Which Is The Best Bakery In Athens?

This bakery-obsessed guide will be introducing some new kids on the scene as well as some cult favourites. What I see in the best bakery in Athens is innovation, paired with the fundamental principles of an old school ‘fourno’ whether that be through flavour, ingredients, or method of baking.

Let’s roll…

01. Black Salami Microbakery – Exarchia

Situated in the grunge of Exarchia, Black Salami Microbakery is producing some (if not the best) sandwiches in Athens as well as some seriously huge Greek savoury pies… with a twist. They’ve taken your traditional fillings of the spanakopita, Tripitaka, and Kreatopita (you name it) and have slung it within a generous slab of freshly baked focaccia. It is light, crunchy, and oily in all the right places. Though don’t mistake its airiness for a light meal, it’s enough to fuel almost your whole day.

Artisanal sourdough is their middle name at the best bakery in Athens. All bread baked In-house uses high-quality Italian flour, There’s no compromising here. This corner spot has a selection of morning starters, lunch fillers and that pre-dinner snack you may need to get you over the line, and don’t shy away from some of the sweet treats like some seriously decadent brownies.

Sloppy Joe or Philly Cheesesteak? Take your pick and come back for more...

02. 72H Artisinal Bakery – Athens

This is for all the sourdough lovers out there. With a 72-hour resting dough, you can only imagine how fluffy and pillowy this bread is. Its slightly charred shell, soft interior… truly divine. If Athens pastries are your vibe (which I’m sure they are otherwise you wouldn’t be here) then you’ll find your way here. 72H Bakery and Eatery is taking Athens by storm.

Their pastries and dough alike have a refined sensibility and their looks could kill. They’re bursting with rich buttery flavour, paired elegantly with their ingredient counterparts. Today is a good day for an OG cinnamon bun with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting, or better yet… a savour Croissant prosciutto cotto, with pistachio bechamel & graviera cheese. *Isn’t this insane*

03. Kora Bakery – Kolonaki

Perched in the hilly suburb of Kolonaki, Kora is a favourite among the town locals and strangers afar. It’s made quite a name for itself, especially when baking celebrated holiday treats (did someone say Panetone in Greece?) Kora is known as a sourdough and viennoiserie bakery, often recognised by their bright branding and monolithic shopfront exterior. It has a nod to an old-school butcher with the plastic curtains (whatever that is) paired with a neon contemporary twist.

Take your time at Kora (though not as long as their fermentation methods take), here you’ll discover a story written on its walls (quite literally on the tiles) you’ll be able to sit near the water fountain, and quench your thirst after you’ve indulged in some sweet and salty baked goods like their choc chip cookie (amazing) or a flakey, buttery double baked almond croissant. I’d almost say to save your morning calories and devour this for brunch in Athens!

Can you see how this battle of the best bakery in Athens is unfolding?

04. La Linda Bakery – Glyfada

From South America down under to Greece, La Linda Bakery is your one-stop shop if you’re in the mood to try traditional bread from the Rio de la Plata, such as the Cremonas, Pan De Campo and Medialunas. La Linda is calm and collected, it boasts a paired back interior with travertine and concrete favouring the material palette. We all know how important it is to exhibit your sweets in a way that is a feast for the eyes, so a minimal interior allows for the perfect subdued backdrop.

When you walk inside La Linda, don’t be alarmed by the scrumptious monstrosity parked in the centre of the display, oozing out on all fours. This baby is their most loved Rogel (AKA the Argentinian millefeuille) that is layered with biscuits and dulce de leche… I’m drooling, how about you? It’s taking Athens pastries by storm.

05. Monokeros – Athens

Amongst the bakeries in Athens, Monokeros Bakery seems to be pushing the boundaries when it comes to bread making and all that comes between that. The world of bread is endless, and Monokeros’ daily fresh offerings of Cheddar, bacon & walnut, and lemon zest are as unique and delicious as they sound. Move over white sourdough… you’ve been outdone.

This bakery in Athens isn’t all about bread (although I wouldn’t mind that), they’ve released countless creations that have been equally delectable like their Baklava (but make it on a tart base) with chopped pistachios, almonds, and walnuts, or a mixture of filled Cruffins, think passionfruit and mango crémeux. Oh lordy… best bakery in Athens or what?

06. Bread BC – Halandri

Bread bread bread… it’s all I can think about, and Bread BC is the same. It’s an obsession that consumes you, and every waking hour is spent thinking of the soft, crusty pillowy texture. What does it mean to be all about bread? It means “creativity, flavour and conversation,” it’s about using quality ingredients, time and tested methods, with a little pizazz!

I’d just like to point out that although bread is in the name, Bread BC is also a viennoiserie and they’re housing some of your traditional Greek sweets like Melomakarona, and Kourabiedes. If you’re still not sold, can I fancy you with a Choux Choco Caramel, or perhaps a Cheesecake of the Basques? It’s French flair in Greece with those babies I’d say. Need I go on?

07. Neropistoli – Athens

Neropistoli – translating to water pistol (yes, the water gun pistol). Why? I wish I knew. But the name is just as inventive as their offering. Neropistoli is nestled in Athens in the gastronomic square of Voulis Street, a stone’s throw away from Plaka *in a sense*. It is a narrow double-height shop that packs a punch. Serving Cafeistas specialty coffee and a slice of (or should I say the whole of) a pistachio croissant. It’s the “nut of summer “colour of summer” and a crowd favourite across the globe *and mine…*

Handmade artisanal sourdough and pastries are at your fingertips in the Greek capital city. Specials are heaving in the summer season as all of our favourite fruits and veg are thriving. A favourite is the feta, honey croissant, and loaded focaccia (varying). With nods to French and Danish methods and pastries, Neropistoli is an upcoming star and one of the more playful new-wave bakeries in Athens. Just be mindful of the Neropistoli… it’s a trusty tool in this baker’s den.

Bakeries In Athens: The Round-Up

Trying to decide upon the best bakery in Athens is nearly impossible when each store has such a diverse flavour offering and style of baking. Each of the head bakers have taken their learnings from various parts of the world and decided to bring it all back to their roots, folding in some traditional combinations and recipes with a modern twist.

Greek bakeries are nostalgic. They manage to transport you back to the time of visiting your grandparents’ home and having them serve you a platter of freshly baked shortbreads or 2 servings worth of various sweet and syrupy cakes.

A new wave of Athens pastries is taking the nation by storm, from baklava swirls to pistachio anything really, these bakeries in Athens need to be on your hit list… Pronto!

What is your verdict on the best bakery in Athens?