From the moment I heard this place was opening, it struck a special chord with me. For one, it’s in the neighbourhood where I grew up and still adore — Kypseli, right on the pedestrian street Fokionos Negri. But more than that, it brings together flavours from two regions I don’t just like, but truly love.
The Basque Country, which left me utterly mesmerised after a trip a few months ago, and Crete — a place that never fails to impress, no matter how often I return.
Rooted in these influences, ¡Topa! promises simplicity, and already feels like a kafeneio that’s always belonged to the neighbourhood. Tucked into a corner on Fokionos Negri, just steps from the Municipal Market, it blends the unpretentious warmth of Cretan hospitality with the joyful spirit of Basque life. It’s a place for clinking glasses, lively conversation, and food that speaks simply — but powerfully.
The idea came from Danis Agapitos and Aris Sklavenitis, known for their work at Oinoscent. Together with chef Giannis Tsikoudakis, and after years of working closely, they set out to reinvent the urban kafeneio with a more spontaneous and neighbourhood-driven spirit. With a strong background in wine, food, and the art of good company, the trio searched for a space that could feel both like a hangout and a haven. Kypseli felt like the perfect fit — and so, ¡Topa! came to life.
¡Topa! is far more than just a kafeneio. It’s a vibrant meeting place where the soul of the Basque Country — vermouth, cider, pintxos — intertwines with the bold, ingredient-led simplicity of Cretan cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed but intentional, with unfussy tables spilling out onto the pedestrianised street, minimal décor, and an aesthetic that echoes a contemporary village square. Inside, a classic bar and a central counter invite both those waiting for a table and those who prefer the lively informality of standing — sipping, snacking, and toasting as they go. Even the name, “¡Topa!”, meaning “cheers” in Basque, feels perfectly at home here. It rolls off the tongue like something distinctly local — and in many ways, it already is.
On the menu, chef Giannis Tsikoudakis has composed a series of small plates with remarkable precision and balance. Think pintxos, jamón, pimientos de Padrón, and anchovies alongside slow-cooked tsigaristo, sfakianes pites, chochlioi (Cretan snails), and cuttlefish with sobrasada — a playful yet respectful dialogue between bold regional ingredients. Everything honours the raw product, presented with integrity and restraint. There’s careful attention to detail in every dish, from the creamy xygalo cheese to the wild mushrooms topped with egg yolk, and the signature txuleta steak, served sizzling on a hot stone.
The last two dishes, along with the Spanish tortilla, instantly transported me back to the Basque Country — to meals in San Sebastián and the small villages that dot the region. At ¡Topa!, it’s not just that they come close to those memories; at times, they surpass them.
Take the tortilla, for instance — made with eggs and potatoes, crisp on the outside, soft and yielding within. It was, quite frankly, better than the famed tortilla at Bar Nestor, the one that draws daily queues for its single, 16-portion batch. ¡Topa!’s version is more intimate, perfect for two to share, and hits that ideal texture between golden crust and creamy centre. Desserts follow the same comfort-driven philosophy: churros, crema catalana, Cretan sfakiani pita drizzled with Erekini honey, and a classic Basque cheesecake that somehow carries the scent of Crete.
The bar at ¡Topa! continues in the same spirit, offering drinks designed both to complement the food and to be savoured on their own. I tried the Topa Blanco Vermouth, which had a light, fresh character, though I wasn’t keen on the olives being stuffed. The wine list features around 90 labels from Greece, Crete, and Spain, alongside traditional spirits such as tsikoudia, raki, ouzo, and a selection of aperitifs. At ¡Topa!, there’s something for every moment. On my first evening visit, the vermouth proved an ideal companion to a glass of wine. But from midday onwards, you can start with one of their excellent rakis or explore the carefully curated wine list overseen by Aris Sklavenitis. Even the coffee has been thoughtfully considered — in collaboration with Kostas Spiliopoulos — ensuring a premium, expertly crafted espresso to kick off your day.
¡Topa! is far more than just a café — it’s a celebration of friendship and simplicity. A welcoming space nestled in the heart of Kypseli, offering flavours that journey afar and return rich with memory, history, and passion. If you cherish honest food, fair prices, and authentic character, here you’ll find every reason to raise your glass and say: ¡Topa!
Info: 43 Fokionos Negri Street, Kypseli, Tel. +30 210 8660889