ATHENS IS THE NEW BERLIN – THE BEST DESIGN- INTERIOR- CONCEPT- AND FURNITURE SHOPS IN THE CITY OF ORANGES

PHILOS – STORE, RESTAURANT AND STUDIO FOR INTERIOR DESIGN IN KOLONAKI

Sometimes you just need to be lucky. We did not have Philos on the radar. We were walking down Solonos Street and suddenly saw a nice door in a nice building. The sun was reflecting in the windows and we could not really look through and understand what’s hidden behind it. Luckily a friendly dude opened the door and welcomed us. Walk in, you’ll enjoy, I bet ya.

Adress Solonos 32, Athina 106 73

More info facebook.com/philos.athens/

Picture courtesy of philos.athens

ROMA 5 – THE FIRST DESIGN STORE IN ATHENS

It all started somewhere and this is probably the place of birth of design in Athens. Roma 5 opened in 1981. It’s logo kind of looks familiar to me but I forgive the owner Christos Papageorgiou since that’s… almost 40 years ago right? Wow! R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Adress: Roma 5, Athina 106 73

More info facebook.com/roma5design/

COFFIX – FUNKY COFFEBAR IN KALLITHEA

It’s bright, it’s colorful, it’s clean, it’s friendly, it’s shiny, it’s pink & happy yellow. It’s been designed by Miltos Kontogiannis and his Studiomateriality and this is a place made for fun. For sure you’ll have a great start into your day. I recommend the flat white it’ll reboot your hard-drive and get you ready for the streets of Athens.

Adress Doiranis 26, Kallithea 176 71

More info: facebook.com/coffixgr

Picture: Alina Lena

MYRAN – SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN IN KOLONAKI

What sounds like just another Scandinavian design shop is actually more. It is true that you’ll find the renown masterpieces of Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, the beautiful new creations by Swedish manufacturer Swedese and future classics from Danish Muuto.

However, just across the street is one of the most beautiful houses in the Kolonaki neighborhood which is definitely worth seeing and once you are here…. the store is nicely designed!

Adress Fokilidou 3, Athina 106 73

More info myran.gr

Picture courtesy of myran.gr

NUMBER 3 – THE EVOLUTION OF TWO COMMES DES GARCONS GUERILLA STORES

NUMBER 3 is the latest project of Dimitris Papadopoulos and Yiannis Kondilis, who previously collaborated with COMME DES GARÇONS to bring two of their celebrated Guerrilla Stores to Athens. The Guerrilla Stores, according to their intended design, have since disappeared – but in their place is NUMBER 3, an evolution of the concept.

Adress Patriarchou Ioakim 16, Athina 106 75

More info number3store.com

FALLAFELLAS – IT’S NOT DÖNER BUT IT’S GOOD

Well, I have to admit I am not really that much into vegetarian food. Especially when it comes to street food. I grew up with Berlin Döner… However, this Falafel is tasty and waiting is worth it even if the queue looks as long as at Mustafas Gemüse Döner on Mehringdamm.

Adress Aiolou 51, Athina 105 51

More info falafellas.gr

MINISTRY OF CONCRETE – ATHENS WORLD KNOWN STREET BOUTIQUE

Ministry Of Concrete was founded in 2010 to serve those who are passionate on living their life in the street. Sneakers, skateboarding, music, street art, basketball, urban fashion and anything else that becomes an inspiration for the people raised on concrete is what their life is all about.

The guys were so kind to give me a proper introduction to Greek Hip-Hop. Check out the pressure of Terror-X-Crew Video below and you’ll understand Athens is the new Berlin.

Adress Athanasiou Axarlian 5, Athina 105 63

More info ministryofconcrete.com

Picture courtesy of ministryofconcrete.com