There’s no more romantic setting in summer Athens than an open-air cinema. Often, we’re not really going for the film but for the ambiance. The tables, cold beers, popcorn, nachos, relaxed atmosphere, and lush courtyards with gravel paths and colorful potted plants create a perfect backdrop for relaxation and comfort. Something that concerns us even more than the movie itself, especially when with friends, is the food. Where can we find delicious appetizers, good souvlaki, ethnic street food, or whatever our appetite desires before we settle into our director’s chairs to watch a nostalgic vintage film or a promising new release?
Kifisia
A few minutes’ walk from the two open-air cinemas in Kifisia, Chloe and Bomboniera, the exotic bar-restaurant Buba is the perfect choice for after the cinema, staying open daily until 3 a.m. This atmospheric place takes us to Thailand with its décor, music, drinks, and especially its food. The dishes follow traditional Thai paths but also incorporate elements from other culinary cultures. Enjoy a refreshing mango or papaya salad with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts, fluffy bao with crispy duck, tender pork dumplings with soy, ginger, and chili, and velvety chicken curry with coconut milk and turmeric. The creatively crafted bar blends fine spirits with spicy, aromatic elements, fresh fruits, and herbs.
4 Papadiamanti, Kifisia, Tel.: 210 6231 151
Nea Ionia
In the area of Nea Ionia, there are three summer cinemas: Anixi, Nostalgia, and Tria Asteria. About a kilometer from all three, you’ll find Hohlio, a restaurant serving traditional Cretan cuisine with some twists. Try the delicious snails and stuffed zucchini flowers, handmade fennel pies and sarikopites to start. For the main course, the traditional pilaf is meticulously prepared, as evidenced by its aromas, texture, and taste. Also, the stifado and fried rabbit, as well as the slow-cooked lamb and roast, are all cooked over wood for hours. As for the sweets, the sfakian pies made and glazed on the spot need no further praise.
7 Kanari, Ionia, Tel.: 213 0366 117
Kolonaki
When obligations lead me to the center or when I run out of late afternoon strolls in Kolonaki, the idea of a summer cinema is almost always irresistible. Since my favorite urban cinemas that celebrate Athens’ center, like Cine Athenaia on Haritos and Cine Dexamenis in the square of the same name, have remained consistently great for years, snacks before the film naturally involve local spots. Thus, all roads lead to Patriarchou Ioakeim and Smash ‘n Bun for American-style burgers with fluffy potato bread and crispy chicken wings, keeping me satisfied throughout the movie. They use Greek dry-aged beef for their burgers, cooked well done, and wrap them in organic Greek cheddar. Even if the film is disappointing, the evening is saved by the food!
48 Patriarchou Ioakeim, Kolonaki, Tel.: 210 7249802
Nea Smyrni
If you live or find yourself in the southern suburbs, Nea Smyrni is worth a visit! Go to the cinema at Filip and then for dinner at Myrtia. The portions are generous, the environment pleasant, and the staff very helpful. The must-try is the chicken burger and the meat dishes in a serving large enough for at least two. It’s best to go with friends and share some dishes. The loukoumades they bring at the end, plain with honey or with praline, are the perfect end to the night. If you still have room for dessert, you can continue to Cremeria Vienna, a favorite gelateria with high-quality ingredients, not far from Myrtia. There’s a wide variety of sorbets in summer, but the Nutella flavor is a classic. If you have time and space, you can enjoy your ice cream on a waffle or crepe, and you can even take handmade ice cream bars home or on the way.
55 Aydiniou, Nea Smyrni, Tel.: 210 9370708 & 52 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Nea Smyrni, Tel.: 210 9329129
Varkiza
There’s no more pleasant summer experience than enjoying a movie by the sea. And the best part? Going for souvlaki afterward. Just a few steps from the summer cinema Ria is the legendary Zachos of Varkiza, serving delicious souvlaki for over forty years. Tasty gyros, skillfully grilled, and well-prepared skewers satisfy even the most discerning souvlaki lovers. Paired with a cold beer and good company, it’s perfect for summer nights in the city.
94 Vasil Konstantinou, Vari, Tel.: 210 9656 879
Exarchia
It’s almost impossible to miss a stroll through Exarchia in summer. Especially on warm nights, when the streets are filled with people, it’s even more enchanting. The summer cinemas in the area, the Ecran of Neapolis and the Riviera of Valteziou, have been a summer tradition for years. Before or after the movie, take a walk to Araxos Dairy to fill your cup with 2-3 scoops of ice cream. Fresh, creamy with wonderful aroma and taste, made with their own milk, it stands out from the first spoonful. Be sure to try the refreshing and sweet-sour yogurt with wild cherry, the wonderful orange sorbet with pieces of traditional orange pie, and the kaymak with pistachio cream, which disappears from the fridge within hours. For cream lovers, next to the traditional yogurt are vanilla, rice pudding with mastiha from Chios, and the delicious Belgian chocolate cream.
30 Didotou, Exarchia, Tel.: 210 362 7949
