By Alaric 
If you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Athens then you must add Little Kook to your itinerary.
It’s an enchanting café in the Psyrri neighbourhood known for its larger-than-life fairytale decor.
It’s easily one of the most magical cafés I’ve ever visited and an experience I will never forget.
I’m utterly obsessed with fantasy worlds and this place was a dream come true.
Here is a review of Little Kook Athens and whether this whimsical café is worth visiting.
What is Little Kook in Athens?
Little Kook is an eccentric dessert parlour in the centre of Athens on Pitakki Street.
They first opened in 2015 but their fairytale displays keep getting bigger and better every year.
Their street is packed full of decorations that often go viral on social media.
It’s easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Athens and one of the most magical cafés in existence.
People are drawn to Athens to experience ancient sites with centuries of history.
But, this storybook café attracts thousands of tourists and locals alike!
It’s not just for children either, Little Kook is a place that welcomes all ages into their universe.
A whimsical street
Little Kook is famous for its colourful and extravagant displays.
The entire lane is filled with magical decorations and their presentations have grown in size and eccentricity over the years.
They originally started with colourful umbrellas but now have themes like Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Snow White.
The staff also dress according to the theme so you may have the Mad Hatter or Tinkerbell serve you at your table.
I’m super excited to see what comes next and they always post updates on their social media channels.
It’s good to know that the decorations change through the year to suit the season.
But, they have some permanent pieces like their Little Kook sign, Jack and the Beanstalk and two dragons that watch over the street!
One is black and one is gold (ish) and I couldn’t help but think of Andarna and Tairn from Fourth Wing IYKYK.
When does Little Kook change their decorations?
Little Kook changes their decorations three times a year. They have decorations for Spring, Halloween and Christmas.
Something that isn’t widely discussed is that they have (most of) their Christmas decorations up until March.
On my visit, although it was February they still had Christmas decorations up but most of them had been taken away.
They were in-between seasons so there were hardly any decorations in Pittaki Street.
I have to admit that this was a little heartbreaking. I showed up early expecting the street to be filled with all the quirky decorations.
I guess it gives me a good reason to return one day!
Inside Little Kook Café
Despite the street being mostly empty, I’m pleased to say that the interiors did not disappoint and were utterly breathtaking!
As soon as I walked in I was bewitched by all of the magical decorations.
The first room had a giant fairy sitting on a unicorn and was filled with antiques, coats of arms, bookshelves and flowers.
The room was painted in a vibrant blue with all sorts of keys, books and fairies hanging on the ceiling.
The next room was more of a tea parlour with vintage sofas, a grandfather clock and pink flowers and blossoms everywhere.
You could also find Mary Poppins and Pinocchio among the bric-a-brac.
Little Kook stretches over two floors and the top level has an enchanting Christmas theme.
Every corner was filled with trees, decorations, fairy lights, tinsel, candy canes and nutcrackers soldiers.
It was overwhelming to take it all in and it is easily one of the most magical cafés I’ve ever visited.
What’s on the Little Kook menu?
As soon as you sit down you’ll be given their gorgeous menu called the ‘Magical Kookery Book’ filled with recipes from the Fairies Kingdom.
You’ll find an entire range of artisan coffees, cakes, pancake stacks and sundaes with a fairytale theme.
They are mainly a dessert parlour but serve up brunch and savoury dishes too.
They also have a menu of magical cocktails and a range of beers, wines and soft drinks.
The day I visited, I had a tummy ache and was not in the mood for sweets or chocolate.
So, I opted for an Iced Freddo which I became thoroughly obsessed with in Greece.
It’s an espresso served over ice and it was really good coffee. I drink iced coffee all year no matter how cold it is!
Is Little Kook expensive?
Compared to other cafés in Athens and throughout Greece, Little Kook can seem expensive.
For coffee and cake for one person, you’re looking to pay anything from €15 – €20 (excluding tips).
Saying this, I visited a few themed cafés in Athens and they all had a very similar pricing model.
You’re paying for an enchanting experience which includes magical vibes, fairytale scenery and a creative menu.
Don’t think about the money too much and simply enjoy your time in this fairytale world.
If you compare these prices to themed cafés in London or other European cities, it’s a steal.
Is Little Kook worth visiting?
I thought that this magical café was worth every penny spent. Although there were no outdoor decorations, the interiors more than made up for it.
You can tumble down the rabbit hole and emerge in a realm filled with fantasy and wonder.
They had a lovely classical music playlist and the vibes were on point.
The service can be slow but I won’t complain as I loved spending time there and capturing everything as I was obsessed.
It’s so much more than your average café. It’s a fantastical experience where you can escape to Kookland and avoid reality for a spell.
Don’t skip Little Kook in Athens, it’s a place you’ll never forget.
Little Kook Toyshop
After you visit the café, I wouldn’t leave without visiting The Little Kook Toyshop.
Also known as the Little Kook Shop of Curiosities, it’s a treasure trove of enchanting gifts that remains open all year.
Every nook and cranny of this boutique is filled with toys, nick-nacks and decorations to purchase.
It was still a Christmas shop on my visit but they often change up their offerings for different seasons.
You could honestly spend an age admiring everything they have for sale.
Can you make a reservation?
At the time of writing, there is no way to make a reservation to dine at Little Kook.
There are phone numbers you can call but these aren’t typically used for making bookings.
It’s a case of showing up and waiting for a table which isn’t ideal as it’s typically a very busy café.
Saying this, most people visit Little Kook to take photos of the street. So, the crowds may be deceiving and wait times for a table may not be that bad.
I recommend heading here for opening time at 9 am to get a seat straight away.
How to find Little Kook in Athens
Little Kook can be found on Pittaki Street in the Psyrri Neighbourhood of Athens close to Monastiraki Square.
Athens is a very walkable city and so it’s very easy to arrive on foot. It’s near attractions like Plaka, Hadrian’s Library and the Ancient Agora of Athens.
If you’d prefer public transport you can take the metro or bus to Monastiraki and then walk for a couple of minutes to the café.
Taxi apps like Uber and FreeNow also work and they use local yellow taxis.
You can get dropped off on a nearby street like Karaiskaki. For obvious reasons, cars cannot drive down the Little Kook part of Pitakki Street.
Opening hours
Little Kook is open from 9 am to midnight Monday to Wednesday and 9 am to 12.30 am Thursday to Sunday.
So, there is plenty of time to visit even if you only have one day in Athens.
If you want to photograph the decorations on the street, I would arrive around 8.30 am to find it empty.
As it’s a busy café, I would visit at opening time to avoid waiting too long for a table. This is especially important on busy weekends and in summer.
I was expecting a big queue in winter but I quickly realised I didn’t need to worry.
I arrived at 9 am and was the only patron inside for a while. But, the staff were friendly and it meant I got lots of nice photos!
They also light up the entire street in the evening. I’m sure this would be a magical time to visit for cocktails and a sweet treat.
Photography rules
Little Kook can be strict about photography so I clarified the rules with the staff during my visit.
You can take as many photos and videos as you wish of the quirky decor outside in the street.
If you go inside Little Kook you must buy something and then you can only take photos.
No videos are allowed whatsoever, you’re not even allowed to make video calls to family and friends!
You’re also not allowed to photograph staff or capture the inside of the Little Kook Toyshop.
If in doubt always check the latest photography rules to avoid being told off.
Looking for more things to do in Athens?
There are plenty of incredible things to do in Athens alongside visiting magical cafés.
I wouldn’t leave without visiting the mighty Acropolis. This is the name for the lofty hill that can be all over the city skyline.
It’s one of the best preserved ancient Greek monuments in existence and dates back to the 5th century BC.
Your entrance ticket allows you to visit all of the attractions on the hill.
This includes the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and the Propylaea.
I would book your tickets well in advance via the official website and pick the 8 am time slot to avoid long queues and crowds.
Also, entering via the gate at the Southern Slope is best for shorter queues.
You can also stroll by the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the way up.
If you buy a combination ticket, you also get access to five more historic sites.
These include gems such as the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Roman Agora etc.
Plaka is a beautiful area with a plethora of restaurants, bars and shops as well as views under the Acropolis.
Speaking of incredible views, you should visit some of the rooftop bars in Monastiraki Square like A is for Athens, MS Rooftop and Attic Urban Rooftop.
Or, head to Syntagma Square to see the National Gardens and the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Plus, no visit would be complete without a hike or funicular ride up Lycabettus Hill to see panoramic views over the ancient city.
Read my Greece Travel Guides
How to visit Filopappou Hill – Best View of the Acropolis
Fairytale Athens – is this magical café worth visiting?
Save Little Kook Athens for later!
