PEPI NIKOLOPOULOU
A nostalgic nod to Italian flavors, but with a playful Athenian twist
In a charming corner of Menaichmou Street, an inviting “Italian tsipouradiko” has opened as owner Skevi Erotokriou likes to call it. Nestled among neighborhood gems like Anne’s Fine Cooking and Epta Martires, Amore offers a refreshing escape from the city’s bustling downtown, creating a cozy haven where Athenians can unwind with a casual aperitivo and light cocktails.
Skevi’s concept for Amore brings a nostalgic nod to Italian flavors, but with a playful Athenian twist. The ambiance is as warm as it is simple, drawing inspiration from Florence’s inviting charm. The small, blue tables topped with classic blue-and-white plaid tablecloths are arranged intimately, encouraging social connection. It’s a place that warmly welcomes you, whether you’re meeting friends or simply pausing after a long day.
Amore has quickly become the go-to spot for the city’s thirty-somethings and beyond, reviving the cherished Italian tradition of aperitivo in a distinctly Athenian way. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere has turned it into a neighborhood haunt where people gather to enjoy light cocktails and experiment with flavors.
The menu reflects Amore’s unique identity as a “tsipouradiko” with Italian influences, featuring a carefully curated list of cocktails and aperitivo drinks. Each offering is designed with a balance of classic Italian flair and modern twists, giving you a taste of Italy in every sip. Skevi’s creative mix of Mediterranean ingredients and seasonal touches ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Amore Spritzeria: Early Evenings and Italian Vibes
“We don’t stay up late here. We open at 5pm and close at midnight,” says Skevi Erotokritou, the creative force behind Amore Spritzeria. “That’s what I wanted: a quiet place with no dress code or pressure. You come as you are, somewhere between a sweet aperitif and a few light bites.” And it’s exactly this relaxed philosophy that makes Amore stand out as a serene escape, a place to unwind without the noise or the need to dress up.
In recent years, Athenians have embraced the Italian spritz culture, and Amore delivers it perfectly. With refreshing drinks that are lighter than traditional cocktails, spritzes like the classic Aperol Spritz are ideal for early evening relaxation. These drinks, easygoing and refreshing, fit seamlessly into Athens’ after-work scene.
A Menu Inspired by Italian Classics and a touch of simplicity
The drink list at Amore is carefully curated, offering spritzes with Aperol, Campari, and Cynar alongside a selection of beloved Italian cocktails. Fans of the classics can choose from staples like the Americano, Sbagliato, Negroni, and Garibaldi. Each drink, from the bitter edge of Campari to the herbal notes of Cynar, brings an authentic Italian influence to the table, making every sip feel like a mini getaway.
For those who prefer wine or beer, Amore’s menu also features a select range of wines from small producers and locally crafted beers, supporting independent makers while offering patrons a bit of variety.
The ambiance at Amore is as uncomplicated as the cocktails: warm, welcoming, and effortless. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where you can enjoy good company, whether you’ve come solo or with friends. And as the Aperol-tinted sunset fades into the evening, Amore continues to be a place for Athens to savor and relax, offering a laid-back alternative to the city’s often hectic nightlife.
Amore Spritzeria doesn’t just serve drinks; it offers a way to pause, unwind, and enjoy a taste of Italy without leaving Athens. A thoughtful selection of small tapas, is perfectly paired with the aperitifs. Each dish is crafted with simplicity and finesse, celebrating the essence of Greek ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.
Expect delicate, yet flavorful bites like Cretan acorn tomatoes and banderillas—tiny kebabs that pack a punch of taste. Fresh cucumber sticks and stuffed anchovies offer light, refreshing contrasts, while Corfiot coppa and anchovies from Mount Olympus bring rich, savory notes to the table. Seasonal fruit adds a sweet, natural complement; when I visited, they served these treats with sweet grapes, perfectly offsetting the saltier bites.
Adding even more to the flavor palette, the menu includes chorizo from Drama and egg tartar from Trikalini with a hint of toasted almond, blending traditional and bold flavors in a harmonious way. These small plates don’t aim to overwhelm; instead, they offer a delicious simplicity that elevates the aperitivo experience, inviting you to slow down and savor every bite.
A Place to Celebrate Simple Pleasures
At Amore Spritzeria, every detail reflects a journey—one that owner Skevi Erotokritou has taken not only around the world but also through years of experience in Athens’ vibrant bar and café scene. Skye brings a lifetime of travel and an open heart to this intimate space, weaving influences from around the globe into every corner of Amore.
As a Cypriot who has called Greece home for the past 20 years, Skye has left her mark on Athens with beloved spots like Blue Bird, each a sanctuary for those seeking a break and a bit of relaxation. With Amore, Skye has brought another of her dreams to life. “Amore was a little dream of mine that came true,” she says, and her passion for creating spaces where people can pause and savor the moment is clear.
