Varsos Kifissia — Restaurant in Municipality of Kifisia

Stepping into this place is like stepping back in time to the late 50's - early 60's, thanks to the decor. I figure adding up the ages of the patrons whom are currently sitting in this place I'd be approaching the number 8000.

The seating area here is vast and the senior members of Greek society gather as friends to discuss at length all the things old people like to talk about. I can imagine back in the 1980's and before a thick cloud of cigarette smoke lingered in the upper 2/3s of this inside atmosphere, but (thankfully) there is no more smoking on the inside this place.

Around since 1892 Varsos prides itself on still baking their traditional wares with the same recipe and ingredients as always. So if you are looking for traditional tasting Greek pastries this is the place to come, but pastry wise they are not stuck in the past. There is a wide variety of more modern pasties and cakes to select from as well.

If it is cold outside, or pouring rain and you want to sit somewhere with ample seating choices, drink got beverages and nibble on a variety of pastries all made with real ingredients then park yourself here, visit with friends or read a book alone. Varsos will...

One of the oldest patisseries in Athens since 1852! Their sweets, pastries and especially the traditional ones like galaktoboureko (custard filled pastry) baklava, kataifi are legendary.

Galaktoboureko (good luck pronouncing it!) is probably their specialty and a must try!

The shop has outside and inside areas with tables so you can enjoy their creations on the spot. Don’t expect any luxuries though, the shop is completely old school with the whole design and furnishing stuck back in the 30s!

They have great coffee and chocolate as well!

Avoid the tsoureki! Sadly it’s awful and has nothing to do with the tsoureki that people know since it lacks mahlepi, the main ingredient that gives it its characteristic flavor. It also feels, looks and tastes more like bread than anything else since the dough is nowhere near what it should be for a tsoureki dough! Unacceptable really for a patisserie...

The desserts are some of the best ones I have tried very fresh, excellent taste, and their sourdough bread was also very good however the customer service was terrible. Our server seemed annoyed when we called him over to order- after waiting for a long time for him to come on his own- and despite our best efforts to make him smile he barely said a word to us and he just seemed aggravated for having to do his work. This was very disappointing to experience since you expect an establishment that is located in an area like Kifissia to be one of good manners. We have had the pleasure to experience some of the best customer service in areas way less affluent and these are the ones that deserve support. Very disappointing to have to write this since as I said the food was excellent but such terrible service cannot go...