DRINK > Materia Prima, Athens (15/20)

Tucked away in the lively neighbourhoods of Koukaki and Pagrati, Materia Prima is the kind of wine bar that quietly redefines what it means to drink well in Athens.

Here, the city’s creative pulse meets a deep reverence for the craft of wine, making it a must for anyone who believes a glass should tell a story.

AMBIENCE > Urban Soul, Intimate Heart

Step inside Materia Prima and you’re greeted by high ceilings, shelves lined with bottles from floor to rafter, and a gentle hum of conversation that feels more like a dinner party than a bar. The Koukaki outpost, just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis Museum, channels a vintage New York vibe—dim lighting, hanging glasses, and a sense of timelessness. In Pagrati, the bar spills onto Messolonghi Square, blending the energy of the city with a quieter, more contemplative mood. Both venues are intimate yet unpretentious, with design that is stylish but never showy. The staff—young, passionate, and deeply informed—are always ready to guide you through the experience.

DRINK > A Cellar for the Curious

Materia Prima’s wine list is a love letter to both Greek terroir and the wider world. Around 40 wines are available by the glass, starting from a modest 5 euros, with a cellar boasting some 800 labels sourced from both established and up-and-coming producers. The focus here is on natural and low-intervention wines, but classics are well represented for those who prefer their bottles with a touch of tradition.

For the adventurous, the “secret cellar” section—accessed via Coravin—offers rare pours you won’t find elsewhere.

The sommelier team, led by owner Michalis Papatsibas, are genuine storytellers. Whether you’re after a wild Greek orange, a French pét-nat, or a robust Italian red, they’re eager to share the narrative behind each glass. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations; their enthusiasm is infectious, and their pairings are spot-on.

EAT > Modern Mediterranean, Playful Pairings

The kitchen at Materia Prima matches the ambition of the wine list. Expect a menu that’s compact but thoughtful: think roast beef brioche, inventive carpaccios, and vegetarian dishes that are more than an afterthought. The style is contemporary Mediterranean, with Greek and French influences, and a focus on top-quality ingredients and clever combinations—trout with lettuce, fried teriyaki onion with taramasalata, or guinea fowl and quail for the more adventurous. Portions lean refined rather than rustic, each plate designed to complement the wine, not compete with it.

SERVICE > Passionate, Personal, and Unrushed

What sets Materia Prima apart is the warmth of its team. Sommeliers and waiters are as comfortable discussing the finer points of amphora-aged Assyrtiko as they are recommending a bottle for your picnic in the park. Service is attentive but never intrusive, and the atmosphere encourages lingering—whether you’re a solo sipper or part of a lively group.

THE VERDICT > Athens’ Wine Bar for the Modern Age

Materia Prima is the kind of place you’ll want to return to—whether you’re a local or just passing through. It’s a wine bar for the curious and the convivial, where every glass comes with a story and every visit feels like a discovery. Come for the wines, stay for the conversation, and leave with a sense that you’ve tasted a little of Athens’ soul.

#ALMANAK-MAGAZINE

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Image Credit | Materia Prima

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