Back in 2009 when I first moved to Athens, I had the pleasure of discovering this gem in the centre of Athens, tucked away (and up high) at the rooftop of a building on Syntagma square. This impromptu canteen of a corporate building, previously housing Motor Oil S.A., was soon after picked up by local media and attracted the kool kids.
38 years since it first opened, Mr Yiannis still daily serves the same simple menu.
As you enter the corporate building on 2 Karagiorgi Servias, there are still no signs to this rooftop canteen. You navigate yourself up to the 9th floor and are greeted by what looks like a common Athenian rooftop terrace, part of the concrete jungle. A few random tables and chairs make for enough space to host 15-20 people at a time which quickly creates an issue around lunchtime when the patrons from the area arrive.
The menu is simple consisting of three things: Greek salad, omelette with french fries and feta cheese and beef patties. Nothing less, nothing more. Ok, if you’re lucky enough Mr Yiannis may treat you with some raki in the end to wash down the high cholesterol lunch boost.
The terrace gets really hot during the summer months and is only open during weekdays; so plan accordingly. A retro-looking mobile unit of air-conditioning (pictured below) cools of the indoors area making up for a rather quaint feel. Tables are set outside and enjoy a great view under the tent to a wide spectrum of Athens, from the parliament building all the way east to the Acropolis hill.
If you can spare some time away from work during your busy day, make sure you visit, enjoy the food and the view to the sea!