There is nothing I like more than discovering foodie treasures that offer something amazingly tasty (sweet or savory) or different!
Generally speaking, my personal favorites are relatively relaxed, simplistic and budget friendly places that are dedicated to nourishing the stomach as well as the soul. However, during the festive Christmas season I love being bedazzled by sweet temptations! As they say . . . Tis the season to be jolly . . . and the perfect time for extravagance and indulgence!
Here are my 3 top choices for festive sweet temptations for Christmas in Athens:
The Little Kook Café is a place where, in December, Christmas fairy-tales come alive!
Located in the hip neighborhood of Psiri in the center of Athens, this unique themed Café is divided into small rooms on three floors that are adorned with incredible Christmas decor that mesmerizes and transports its visitors to a fantasy world with sweet wonders . . . . no matter what age!
Every surface of the Café is covered with amazing amounts of
Christmas objects and thus the tables and sitting spaces are rather tight . . . but since the place mainly sells coffee, hot chocolate, and other beverages together with cakes and desserts they can get away with it!
On my last visit, this past week, I asked one of the waitresses to bring me, what she considered, the Café's most representative dessert. I half expected her to suggest either a sweet or savory crepe but instead she sold me on the idea of a dessert called the Humpy Dumpy Nest . . . an impressive looking crunchy meringue base/chocolate ice-cream concoction that was truly hard to resist . . . even at 11 o’clock in the morning!!!
So, do as I did . . . step into fantasy land, forget the hustle and the bustle of the outside world . . . and indulge!
Address:
Karaiskaki Street # 17
105 54 Athens (Psiri)
Hours:
10 am – 11pm on weekdays
09.00 – 11pm on week-ends
Tel: +30 210 321 4144
Psiri is one of Athens’ districts that is packed with creative stores and quaint restaurants as well as must visit picturesque cafés . . . like my Athenian old-time favorite called The Serbetia tou Psiri.
At this cozy family run café, I’m sure you will feel at home while enjoying some of the best traditional Greek syrup drenched sweets, cakes and desserts Athens has to offer . . . all made in the Serbetia bakery, one floor above the café!
Whenever I’m in the area I’ll pop in to indulge! I love their scrumptious tasting old fashioned style Halva (semolina pudding) with cranberries that is made with a family recipe using butter instead of oil!
For Christmas, you will also be able to buy beautiful and festive looking Gingerbread Houses and Trees that are truly yummy . . . and an ideal Xmas gift for somebody special! The Gingerbread House costs €30.00 and the Gingerbread Tree €35.00.
Adress:
Eschilou Street #3
105 54 Athina (Psiri)
Hours:
Open daily: 9AM–2AM
Tel: +30 210 324 5862
Once you’ve been to Emi’s and tasted some of her cupcakes, cookies or special holiday season goodies you’ll know what I mean when I say; One bite is never enough!
I pretty much love everything I’ve bought in the Greek/Canadian family run shop since it opened in Kolonaki a couple of years ago . . . which is saying a lot as when it comes to baked goods I’m really fuzzy . . . to say the least!
For the festive season you will find amazing cookie Christmas Trees (€25.00) and Gingerbread Houses (€40.00) that have captured my heart! If you think a whole tree or a house is too much of a good thing, then I would suggest the tempting and beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies that are delicious . . . . and make lovely small presents too . . . at €4.50 each.
Adress:
Karneadou Street #7
106 75 Athens ( Kolonaki)
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 08.00 – 20.00
Tel: +30 21 1182 4230