In the heart of Athens, where Agioν Theodoroν Square buzzes with life and the warm sunlight reflects off the surrounding stone buildings, Odori Vermuteria di Atene continues to carve out its own story. Recently renovated, with more tables and a renewed focus on its culinary direction under the expert guidance of Chef Pavlos Kyriakakis, the essence of Odori remains unchanged: the bar. Here, cocktails are not just drinks but opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and ultimately, pure enjoyment.
Athens` first vermuteria needs no introduction. From the day it opened, Odori has successfully introduced the city to a new culture around vermouth and aperitivo, blending Italian elegance with Greek energy. Now, following a modest but meaningful renovation, the venue offers more space for dining without losing the vibrant pulse of its legendary bar. The bar remains a dedicated space for those seeking cocktails with a distinctively creative edge.
Creating a new cocktail menu is rarely an easy task. Deciding what will serve as the central theme, what the aim is, and whether it will ultimately succeed are complex topics I have discussed many times with Manolis Lykiardopoulos. He is the one who envisioned the overarching concept behind the menu, which was then brought to life and enriched by Pano Koutsagias and Tasos Dyrlas. They crafted a menu inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s painting The Garden of Earthly Delights, a work that perfectly aligns with Odori’s philosophy. Just as the painting is divided into intricate, detail-rich compositions full of references and symbols, the menu is divided into four thematic sections: Creation, Lust, Sinful Touch, and Paradise.
In the Creation section, the cocktails draw inspiration from the roots of aperitivo, featuring classics such as spritz and Americano, alongside the house vermouth, which brings that bittersweet complexity so loved by the bar. Moving into Lust, the standout is the Hiero Gimlet: a refreshing yet sophisticated drink crafted with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, parsley, bergamot, cucumber, and lime. It demonstrates that herbal cocktails can be both balanced and playful, redefining the possibilities of botanical mixology.
Beyond that, the Sinful Touch ventures into darker territory, where cocoa and chocolate take centre stage. The Bizarre Tiramisu, made with Bacardi Spiced Rum, PX sherry, espresso, mascarpone, and carbonation, is a true ode to the Italian classic. Meanwhile, Utopia combines Bacardi-infused notes with brownies, hazelnut, and chocolate bitters, offering an irresistible escape into a world of indulgence. In the Paradise category, non-alcoholic options provide a refreshing alternative, such as Forbidden Fruit—a vibrant mix of red berries, lemon, and pink grapefruit soda.
Amidst this creative explosion, some cocktails stand out. For example, Eve’s Americano combines white and dry vermouth with Three Cents Fig Leaf Soda, peach, and lemon balm, creating an aromatic aperitivo with a simple yet captivating charm. The Living PCN, a modern take on the classic Penicillin, brings whisky together with kombucha, enhanced by notes of ginger, apple, salted honey, and Johnnie Walker Black Label. Lastly, the Medusa Paloma with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, spices, and Three Cents Grapefruit Soda, offers a bold, summery sip — a delightful twist on our favourite cocktail.
To talk about the food, the new menu, which accompanies the recent minor refurbishment of the space, is crafted by Pavlos Kyriakis and features a selection of comforting Italian favourites. Expect delicate pizzas topped with burrata, nduja, or truffle, alongside fresh pasta dishes such as bucatini carbonara and gnocchi with mushrooms and hazelnuts. For antipasti, vitello tonnato and beef tartare steal the show, while refreshing salads and desserts — like tiramisù or calzone with Nutella — complete the experience.
The atmosphere at Odori remains consistently charming: a blend of old and new, urban chic and Italian allure, set in a lively square that comes alive in the evenings with low lighting, laughter, and clinking glasses. As Athens continues to evolve and change, Odori remains a steadfast haven — a small garden of pleasures for those who appreciate attention to detail and the finer things in life.
Info: Skouleniou 2, Athens | Tel: 210 3314674
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