Traditional zaharoplasteo (pastry shop) in Athens serving galaktoboureko and other Greek sweets since 1923. Standing room only.
Krinos on Aiolou Street in central Athens has operated as a traditional zaharoplasteo—Greek pastry shop—since 1923, making it one of the oldest surviving sweet shops in the city. The interior retains the aesthetic of a mid-century Athens confectionery: marble counters, glass display cases stacked with baking trays, and a standing-room arrangement that encourages rapid consumption rather than lingering. The signature item is galaktoboureko: a pastry of crisp filo layers filled with semolina custard and soaked in light sugar syrup, best eaten warm from the tray. Kataifi—shredded wheat pastry filled with nuts and soaked in honey syrup—is another house standout. Loukoumades (honey puffs), baklava, and kourabiedes (almond shortbread) complete the classic repertoire. Prices are low by any standard: galaktoboureko costs €3 per portion, kataifi €2.50, placing Krinos firmly in the tradition of Athens confectionery as accessible pleasure rather than luxury indulgence. The shop closes on Sundays and is not open late; the sweet pastries are best in the morning and early afternoon when the trays are freshest. The Aiolou Street location places Krinos within Athens' central market district, making it a natural stop during or after a visit to the nearby Varvakios covered market. The shop's longevity is itself a statement about the quality of what it produces.
Signature dishes
- Galaktoboureko — $3
- Kataifi — $2.50
Good to know
- Hours
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Reservations
- Not applicable
Location
87 Aiolou, Athens 105 51, Greece
37.9794, 23.7289 View on map
Highlights
- Traditional zaharoplasteo (pastry shop) in continuous operation since 1923
- Galaktoboureko—semolina custard in crisp filo with sugar syrup—the house signature dish
- Kataifi, baklava, loukoumades, and kourabiedes at Athens' most honest pastry prices
- Standing-room marble counter interior retaining a mid-century Athens atmosphere
- Located in the central market district near Varvakios—ideal combined with a market visit
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning or early afternoon for the freshest pastries, especially the galaktoboureko
- The galaktoboureko is the one essential order—everything else is secondary
- Closed on Sundays; plan for a weekday or Saturday morning visit
- Standing room only—eat at the marble counter and leave when done, as tables are not provided
- Pair with a Greek coffee from a nearby kafeneio for the full Athenian pastry experience
Accessibility
Krinos is at street level on Aiolou Street with no steps at the entrance. The interior is a narrow standing-room arrangement without seating, which may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users during busy periods.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is Krinos?
Krinos has operated as a traditional pastry shop since 1923, making it over a century old and one of the oldest surviving zaharoplastea in Athens.
What is galaktoboureko?
Galaktoboureko is a traditional Greek pastry of crisp filo dough wrapped around a semolina custard filling, soaked in light sugar syrup. It is the signature item at Krinos.
How much do pastries cost at Krinos?
Galaktoboureko costs around €3, kataifi €2.50, baklava €3—among the lowest prices for traditional Greek pastries in central Athens.
Does Krinos have seating?
No—the traditional standing-room counter arrangement requires eating at the marble bar. It is a quick-stop experience rather than a café.
Where is Krinos located?
At 87 Aiolou Street in central Athens, within the commercial district near the Varvakios covered market and a short walk from Monastiraki.