Lukumades

Lukumades is the shop that gave the humble loukoumas a modern makeover. It sits on the corner of Aiolou Street and Agias Irinis Square, one of the liveliest café squares in central Athens, and its bright, contemporary interior is a deliberate contrast with the city's old-school sweet shops. The business says its aim was to reinvent the classic round, crisp loukoumades with honey and cinnamon in a simple, modern shop, and it has since grown to several outlets.

The menu is much broader than at a traditional patisserie. Classic loukoumades with honey and cinnamon are still there, but you can also have them injected with fillings through the shop's signature injection process, served with ice cream on the side, or finished with a wide choice of spreads and toppings. The official city guide mentions sweet versions flavoured with mastic, lemon and chocolate, and savoury ones made with Greek cheeses, such as Cretan mizithra or feta with red Florina pepper, drizzled with honey and sesame, or served with molasses and pine nuts.

That savoury option makes Lukumades more than a dessert stop: a portion of cheese loukoumades makes a light snack in the middle of a day's sightseeing. Families and children enjoy the sweeter combinations, and portions are easily shared. It is a counter-service shop with a fast turnover, so expect to order quickly and either take a seat if one is free or eat on the square.

The shop is busiest in the afternoon and evening, particularly at weekends, when Agias Irinis Square fills with people meeting for coffee and drinks. Mornings and early afternoons are quieter. Opening hours are not listed on the official website, so check before making a special trip late at night. The team can be contacted by phone or by email through the website for orders and enquiries.

Lukumades is a short walk from both Monastiraki and Syntagma metro stations, just off Ermou Street. The Church of Agia Irini, the souvlaki shop Kostas and several specialty coffee bars are on the same square, and the Varvakios Central Market and Krinos, the historic loukoumades shop on Aiolou Street, are a few minutes away if you want to compare the old and the new.