Greek Donuts Loukoumades Athens
Fresh doughnuts with syrup and nuts from Krinos in Athens. Photograph: Why Athens

Where to find the best loukoumades in Athens

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Most European cultures have their version of doughnuts but Greek “loukoumades” (lou-kou-ma-des) would have to be the most sinful. If you’re going to indulge then you might as well have the best. These delectable, fluffy balls of dough will satisfy your deepest sweet cravings. We’ve chosen three of the standouts in central Athens.

KRINOS LOUKOUMADES

Since 1923

Krinos Loukoumades Athens Greek Donuts

Krinos Loukoumades. Photograph: Why Athens

Located in an impressive neo-classical building that was once Athens’ first pharmacy (from 1855), Krinos have been serving their special recipe of loukoumades for more than 90 years. The ingredients used is also part of the legacy (and flavour), where the same small-scale producers of the last few decades, continue to supply their raw materials.

Krinos Loukoumades Greek Donuts Athens

Krinos has been located in the same building for almost 100 years. Photograph: Why Athens

It was in 1923 that Minas Kassimatis purchased the building from the city, converting it into a confectionary palace, the first mega-store of its kind in Athens. Kassimatis introduced exotic sweets from his homeland in Asia Minor, but it was their loukoumades that ultimately captured the hearts of Athenians.

Krinos Loukoumades Athens Greek Donuts Nuts

Today you can enjoy these Greek style doughnuts, that are made in front of you as you place your order. Most prefer the traditional way, with honey syrup, cinnamon and crushed nuts. It’s a privilege to not only taste a bit of old Athens but to do so in one of its original cafeterias that brought so much pleasure to this city and its citizens of the 20th century.

Open: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm | Tue, Thurs, Sat 8:30am – 9:00pm | Closed Sundays

Address: 87 Aiolou St, Athens

For the taxi driver: Αίολου 87, Αθήνα

Closest metro station: Monastiraki

 

KTISTAKIS LOUKOUMADES

Since 1912

Photograph: courtesy of Ktistakis Loukoumades

Ktistakis freshly prepares their loukoumades while you wait. Photograph: courtesy of Ktistakis

Ktistakis, centrally located in Omonia, was established in 1912 and a favourite among Athenians. The Cretan recipe for their Loukoumades has been passed down to the third generation of Ktistakis’ and has remained one of the great mysteries of the city. You too will wonder how they get the honey inside the doughnut (we checked, it’s not with a syringe). They’re served the traditional way; at room temperature with cinnamon and sprinkling of sesame seeds on top, with an obligatory glass of water.  You can eat in or have them boxed for later.

Open: Mon – Sat 9:00am – 8:30pm | Closed Sundays

Address: 59 Socratous St, Omonia

For the taxi driver: ΚΤΙΣΤΑΚΙΣ, Σωκράτους 59, Ομόνοια.

 

LUKUMAΔΕΣ

Loukoumades Greek dessert Athens

Photograph: Lukumades

For the hipster version, head to Lukumades on Agias Irinis Square, where you can choose from every kind of variation your devilish self can think of including, chocolate drizzled toppings or with scoops of delicious ice-cream. If you haven’t tasted the classic Greek mastiha (a resin from the mastic tree) ice-cream, here’s your chance.

The shop is cleverly positioned near the trendiest square and night spots. Eat-in (limited seating) or take away.

Open: daily 8:00am till late

Address: 21 Aiolou St, Agias Irinis Square

For the taxi driver: LUKUMAΔΕΣ, Αιόλου 21, Αγίας Ειρήνης

 

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