Zonar's (Athénée): The Grande Dame of Athenian Cafés

Founded in 1939 by Karolos Zonaras, a Greek-American chocolatier who returned from Pennsylvania determined to endow Athens with a café to rival Vienna’s Café Central or Paris’s Café de Flore, Zonar's has anchored the cultural pulse of central Athens for more than eight decades. Situated at the intersection of Panepistimiou and pedestrianized Voukourestiou Street—just steps from Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament—it quickly became the nexus of Greek political power and intellectual life.

Throughout the 20th century, the salon’s dark wood paneling, brass fittings, and plush leather banquettes provided the backdrop for heated debates and artistic creations. Composer Manos Hatzidakis, actress and Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri, Nobel laureate Odysseas Elytis, and international luminaries from Sophia Loren to Jorge Luis Borges spent afternoons nursing espresso and signature chocolates at its tables. Today operating under the name Athénée while meticulously preserving its historic spirit, it continues to serve as the city's premier high-society drawing room.

"To sit along the colonnade of Zonar's is to watch the political and cultural narrative of modern Greece glide gracefully past your table."

Design, Heritage & Atmosphere

The architectural restoration of the space honors mid-century Mediterranean modernism. High ceilings, bespoke Murano glass chandeliers, geometric marble flooring, and polished walnut trim create an atmosphere of discreet opulence. The outdoor seating under the colonnade of the Army Pension Fund building offers prime people-watching along Athens’ most exclusive shopping corridor.

Service here is executed in the classic European tradition: waitstaff dressed in crisp formal attire, beverages served upon polished metallic trays, and hot drinks accompanied by miniature artisanal chocolate truffles crafted using recipes passed down from Zonaras' original confectionery workshop.

What to Order: Historic Confections & Coffee

Zonar's menu balances heritage patisserie recipes with modern specialty espresso extractions:

• Classic Greek Coffee in Copper Ibrik: Prepared to order with an exceptionally thick crown of micro-foam (*kaimaki*), served alongside traditional almond *kourabiedes* or sesame biscuits.
• The Legendary "Chicago" Sundae: An iconic mid-century chocolate creation introduced by Karolos Zonaras himself—rich chocolate gelato crowned with dark hot fudge, toasted slivered almonds, and whipped chantilly cream.
• Vienna Melange & Freddo Royale: Double espresso pulled over hand-carved ice cubes, finished with cold dairy foam and dark cocoa dust.
• Fine European Patisserie: Delicate mille-feuille with Madagascar vanilla custard, dark chocolate tartlets, and traditional walnut-laced baklava.

Exploring the Syntagma Quarter

A morning visit to Zonar's is ideally combined with watching the ceremonial changing of the Presidential Guard (Evzones) in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square, followed by a quiet stroll through the shaded botanical pathways of the National Gardens directly adjacent.