Takis Bakery: Athens' most beloved bakery

Tucked beneath the Acropolis, Takis Bakery is where tradition, technique, and the perfect koulouri come together.

A beloved institution in Athens for both locals and visitors, Takis Bakery, or Fournos tou Taki, traces its roots back through three generations of dedicated bakers. It began with Takis Papadopoulos, born in Thessaloniki in 1948 and raised under the influence of his father, who worked in a local bakery.

When Takis moved with his family to Athens in 1961, he brought with him the original Thessaloniki koulouri, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and baked to perfection. Unlike the softer, chewier versions more common in Athens at the time, his koulouri stayed true to its northern roots and quickly gained a loyal following.

Today, this historic bakery in Koukaki is run by Takis’ two sons, Theodoros and Artemis, and it genuinely serves some of the best pies in Athens, maybe even in all of Greece. The shelves are filled with Greek staples like koulouri, bougatsa, and cheese pies, as well as modern additions like banana bread, savoury sandwiches, and cheese danishes — a nod to Takis’ time baking in Germany. With over 30 types of bread baked fresh daily, quality is a constant, and so is the queue. Arrive early.

There’s a real buzz at Takis,  both inside and along the small alley it calls home. The queue often stretches out the door, but it moves quickly, with the warm scent of butter, chocolate, cheese, and freshly baked bread drifting through the air. It’s one of those rare places that genuinely brings together tourists eager to try traditional Greek pastries and locals popping in for their morning koulouri or spanakopita. It just works, a neighbourhood staple that feels like a true gathering spot in Koukaki.

And just across the alley, you’ll find Dupes Spritzeria, a classic Italian spritzeria, also run by Theodoros. It’s the ideal spot to pair your koulouri or bougatsa with a seriously good coffee. Grab a seat, sip slowly, and enjoy your Greek breakfast while watching Athenian life unfold around you.