Kolonaki is reinventing itself. That alone could make for a full article, as openings in the city’s most cosmopolitan quarter follow one another at an impressive pace. Our starting point is 10 Ploutarchou Street — once home to a small neighbourhood mini-market — where, on 18 September, Deka opened its doors: the new project by Anastasis Bechrakis and Dimitris Loukidis.
Its name may take inspiration from its address (“δέκα” meaning ten in Greek), but it goes far beyond that. Deka becomes a symbol — a point of reference for a neighbourhood that cherishes the legacy of cosmopolitan Athens while yearning for renewal.
Designed by architect Georgina Erotokritou, the space strikes a balance between the aura of old Kolonaki and the elegance of contemporary modernism. Minimalist details meet clean architectural lines, creating a sense of understated sophistication. Deka is more than just an all-day bar — it’s a meeting point. Art plays an active role here, with works by contemporary artists adorning the walls and available for purchase, turning each visit into a subtle yet engaging cultural experience.
At the heart of the Deka experience lies flavour. Chef Marios Chasouras curates a menu to share built around ten carefully composed dishes. From burrata with cherry tomatoes, blueberries and carob rusk to sea bass ceviche with leche de tigre and crispy corn, the combinations show a distinct sense of clarity and balance. A more comfort-driven dimension emerges in the breakfast and late brunch offering — think fried eggs with stakovoutyro, asparagus and truffle, or a pastrami sandwich with cheddar and sweet pickles. These dishes make Deka a destination from the early afternoon onwards.
In the glass, the wine list spans Greece, Europe, Australia and Argentina, with ten selections striking a balance between the approachable and the refined. From a Moschoudi–Assyrtiko by Papargyriou to the classic Whispering Angel rosé, the intention is clear — wines designed to complement the food just as easily as they stand alone for an after-work glass.The cocktail list follows the same philosophy — both in number and spirit. Ten cocktails designed to match the rhythm of an evening that begins laid-back and might unfold into something more vibrant.
And this is where music steps in. From 8 p.m. onwards, live DJ sets set the tone at Deka — not overpowering the experience, but adding just the right touch of atmosphere. It’s the kind of soundtrack that pairs perfectly with a second glass of wine or a Negroni, maintaining that fine balance between conversation and a gentle urge to move.
What makes Deka stand out is its intention to offer something rare these days — time. Not just quality food or fine drinks, but a space where the day can stretch and unfold at its own pace: from a morning meeting to a long, unhurried evening with friends.
It’s an invitation to rediscover Kolonaki, not as a backdrop of the past, but as a living, breathing neighbourhood that’s being renewed with both restraint and imagination. A place where art, gastronomy, wine and good drinks coexist like notes in a beautifully composed melody.
Info: 10 Ploutarchou Street, Kolonaki