Felicità: A Culinary and Cultural Oasis in the Heart of Athens

The soft lighting, the inviting decor, and the friendly smiles from the staff set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

After an inspiring afternoon wandering the halls of the Benaki Museum, something wonderful happened—I ran into an old friend I hadn’t seen in years. The timing was perfect, and with smiles and quick excitement, we decided to continue the day together. We caught up as we strolled the short distance to Felicità, where the vibrant Athenian streets perfectly reflected our mood—a blend of nostalgia and excitement. Located just a short walk from the museum, Felicità provided the perfect complement to the day.

Tucked away in one of Athens’ bustling neighborhoods, this bar-restaurant had built up a reputation. Combining the lively atmosphere of a traditional Athenian eatery with a touch of modern sophistication, Felicità has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re in search of Mediterranean flavors with a twist or a refreshing cocktail, this spot promises an unforgettable experience.

A Warm Welcome. Atmosphere and Ambiance

From the moment you step into Felicità, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting ambiance. Architects Efi Malandraki and Varvara Kountzaki [A.Sylo design shelter], both friends, have brought out the masonry of an old bakery from the 1950s. In the center, a large, 8-metre bar runs through the space visually enhancing the inviting atmosphere. The internal planting and the redesign of the classical paving with marbles of different colours and shapes give the impression of being in an ancient Athenian courtyard. With its cozy interiors that blend rustic charm and contemporary design, the venue makes you feel at home instantly. The soft lighting, the inviting decor, and the friendly smiles from the staff set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

The space’s subtle lighting and well-thought-out decor create the perfect backdrop for any occasion—whether you’re on a romantic date, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying some solo time over a drink.

The Culinary Experience. Sharing Plates, Sharing Memories

Nikos Dinapoyas, a culinary talent known for his work at Materia Prima, The Clumsies, and Black Duck has created the menu. A celebration of seasonality and sustainability, embracing the “no waste” philosophy, which means that every ingredient is thoughtfully utilized, and every dish is brimming with flavor.

Based on Venetian tradition, you’ll find cicchetti—small bites like bruschetta topped with vibrant ingredients that pay homage to Italy’s culinary heritage. But it doesn’t stop there. The menu also includes pancetta croquettes, handmade gnocchi, and the standout paccheri pasta, each dish crafted with precision and care.

One of the must-try items is the tempura pickles, a Felicità signature that brings a playful twist to a classic. Crispy on the outside, with a tangy, savory bite inside, these are a perfect match for any of the aperitivos on offer.

With so much to catch up on, we decided to share a few plates. We started with a chicchetti platter that we could share the 6 pieces (Cicchetti are similar to Spanish tapas, consisting of bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing ) and we added some sample dishes: Μushroom Arancini, creme fraiche, parsley and Broccoli, almond cream, sultana,buckwheat, miso vinaigrette. The sourdough bread, marinated olives was a perfect companion for our stories.

As the night went on, we continued to: Greek veal carpaccio, aged parmesan, rocket, truffles and Black chickpea, smoked mackerel, Florina pepper. The flavors were fresh, full of life, and just as comforting as the shared memories we were recounting.

Drinks with a Dash of Inspiration

One of the most exciting aspects of Felicità is its cocktail menu, curated by Marios Iliopoulos, a well-known figure in the Athenian bar scene, having made his mark at Six Dogs and Architects of Time. Drawing inspiration from films shot in the iconic Cinecittà studios, Iliopoulos has crafted a list of drinks that are as cinematic as they are delicious.

Each cocktail name seems to echo the golden age of Italian cinema, with a touch of flair and intrigue. The drinks themselves are handmade masterpieces—there’s no shortcut here, with everything from syrups to jams prepared fresh in-house. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and breezy or a bold, complex flavor, the menu has something for every palate.

So we couldn’t resist the cocktail menu, and soon we found ourselves with two glasses of Felicità’s signature drinks. Mine was the Felicita Negroni with Malfy Gin con Arancia flavored with fresh coriander, Martini Italian Red Bitter, Lustau Rosso Vermouth, Orange that felt refreshing after a day of walking through galleries. My friend chose a classic cocktail with a twist: a Manhattan with Veroni Vermouth, Lustau Oloroso Sherry seasoned with coffee beans from Guatemala, Rose Water, Wild Seaweed Bitters.

For aperitivo lovers, the offerings range from alcohol-free options to more robust, spirit-forward concoctions. But perhaps the crown jewel of the menu is the eight different versions of the Negroni—a nod to the classic Italian cocktail, each iteration offering a twist that keeps you guessing. The menu also features reinvented classics, from the timeless Old Fashioned to more adventurous signature creations, all with Iliopoulos’ unique touch.

For those interested in exploring the wine list Konstantinos Bolas has curated it with care and love, crafted a wine selection that perfectly complements the restaurant’s culinary and cocktail offerings.

A special day in a special spot

As the evening drew on, I realized how special the day had been. What had started as a solo visit to the Benaki Museum had turned into a shared experience with an old friend, made even better by the warm hospitality and delicious food at Felicità. It was more than just a meal; it was a reunion filled with laughter, and the perfect setting. Whether you’re in Athens for a short visit or you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot, Felicità promises an exceptional blend of food, drink, and atmosphere that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality. I could still feel the echo of the art I’d just admired, and the ambiance at Felicità felt like a natural continuation of that cultural experience.

The heart bits of Felicità

The dream was born in 2017 during a trip to Italy. It was there that Konstantinos Bolas and Alexandros Kamperis first had the idea when, with friends, they found themselves singing the Al Bano and Romina Power anthem over and over again, crossing meadows in Tuscany and ending up in semi-subterranean aperitivo bars in the alleys of Florence and Siena. It was a long time ago, but six years later, the dream was about to come true.
It all started in Italy, but Felicita was meant to be a celebration that could be found in every Mediterranean city, in every neighbourhood, in every backyard. A celebration of friends – and strangers becoming friends – where food is shared, hot dishes, charcuterie and cheeses, unique aperitifs and selected wines flow freely, with laughter, hugs and conversations that last for hours. A place where, even when you enter for the first time, you feel like you’ve been there before – and want to go back again and again.