Some places are easy like a Sunday morning. I recently discovered Lotte café-bistrot in the urban neighbourhood of Koukaki, hidden in a small garden square away from the Acropolis buzz and the hipsters of Dimitrakopoulou street. And it sticked with me.

Tiny in size, colorful in decor and filled with a collection of heart-warming artefacts of a bygone romantic era, Lotte quickly overdelivered as soon we walked in. Since the few colorful tables were full outside, so we opted in for the indoors bar. A slow-tempo nostalgic (and at times classical music) was playing, colorful vintage interiors and an elegant personal touch evident everywhere, from decor to orders being handed over the bar. Theodora, the owner and also resident of Koukaki, had noticed this spot on heir daily commute and decided to rent this on impulse, without even knowing what she would eventually do with it. A few months down the road, and with a little help from her friends, she opened this cute bistrot with a Parisian allure on the night of New Year’s eve in 2015. Fast forward to today, the place is filled with regulars and Theodora is busy tending to patrons delicious handmade savory pies and a couple of daily special desserts prepared by her mom. Luckily, on our recent visit, we stumbled upon a traditionally-made orange pie that melted in our mouth and was a great combo for our Greek coffee. For the more late hours, Lotte also serves spirits and tsipouro with a small selection of cheese and olives, just enough to work an appetite before your dinner plans!