The Sweetest Spots In Athens: Where to Indulge This Holiday Season

With the holidays just a month away and the city slowly slipping into its festive glow, there’s no better time to explore Athens’ vibrant dessert scene. From nostalgic Athenian charm to bold plant-based creations and modern style treats, the capital is full of delicious surprises waiting to be discovered.

Here are some of our favorite places for a sweet escap, whether you’re in the mood for something comforting, playful, or simply unforgettable.

Once a dessert sensation in Thessaloniki, Gellissimo Biscoto has quickly embedded itself into Athens’ dessert map since arriving a couple of years ago. Known nationwide for their iconic Pistachio Lava — a warm, velvety, pistachio-filled dream that has inspired countless TikToks — this spot is a must for anyone with a soft spot for indulgent sweets.

But this season, prepare to fall in love with the Melomakarono Lava, a festive twist that’s so fragrant and gooey, it might just steal your heart from the pistachio classic.

Beyond their signature creations, Gellissimo Biscoto offers a wide array of handmade treats: ice cream, pralines, waffles, crepes, pancakes,  all made with pure ingredients and serious craftsmanship.

Where: Astiggos 11, Athens


@itsmaryy____

For those craving something lighter, creative, or plant-based, Holy Llama is a revelation. This inspired bakery showcases the magic hidden in vegan cuisine, no animal products, no by-products, just full and expressive flavor.

One thing we absolutely loved? The no-sugar soft cookie. It may sound simple, but it’s truly to die for,  unbelievably soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and shockingly satisfying for a dessert without sugar. Pair it with their excellent specialty coffee and you have a guilt-free treat that still feels decadent.

Holy Llama proves that plant-based desserts don’t have to taste “healthy.” Here, they just taste good!

Where: Nikis 23, Athens


@holyllamacreativebaking

Inspired by the iconic cocktails of Baba Au Rum, this boutique pastry shop is a wonderland of creativity: beautifully crafted sweets, specialty coffee, lush greenery, and artful aesthetics. It’s one of those places where every dessert looks like it was made for your camera roll.

Among their standout creations:

• Ekmek — Ethereal, cloud-soft, fragrant with cinnamon and nostalgia.

• Devil’s Milk — A bold, cocktail-inspired dessert with layers of chocolate, spice, tropical notes, and silky cheesecake mousse.

• Tarta Masticha — A fragrant mastiha cream tart with bright citrus notes and pistachio for a crunchy finish.

Not only are they visually stunning, but they also deliver that ultra-satisfying “perfect cut” moment, the kind that dessert lovers live for.

A must for anyone who loves modern Greek patisserie with a twist.

Where: Kitiou 3, Athens


@inloveagain_athens

A place beautiful, sweet, and wonderfully old-school, this cozy French-style bistro is all charm. Think metal café chairs with cushions, soft lighting, vintage decor, and a calm warmth that instantly transports you to another time. The kind of spot where everything moves just a bit slower, in the best possible way.

The service is polite, warm, and genuinely caring. The barista-server is always eager to help and guide you through their specials. And the dessert you simply must order? The Lemon Pie, one of the best we’ve had. Bright, silky, balanced, and full of sunshine, the perfect treat for a cool Athenian winter afternoon.

If you’re looking for a quiet, atmospheric place to enjoy something sweet with style, this is it.

Where: Omirou 44, Athens


@matina_kyriazopoulou