Fouar, inspired by the French for "art fair," is situated in an atmospheric urban space on the first floor of a 1930s industrial building in the center of Athens, very close to Mitropoleos Square.
Special attention has been given to the decor, with terracotta tiles, trees in large flowerpots and a big skylight on the ceiling create the impression of an indoor garden or patio. A quiet oasis in the midst of a busy city, Fouar operates as a restaurant - with mainly Asian specialties, curries, noodles and tapas - and also as a bar, with live music events. A separate space within the property is designed as an art gallery to host art and photography exhibitions or artistic bazaars.
The cool patio at Fouar in Athens — Photo courtesy of Fouar
Fouar aims to be a space with multiple personalities, satisfying different tastes and preferences. Depending on which space you choose to sit in, you can enjoy a quiet meal, a cocktail or drink at the long bar or an evening with live techno or electronica music by upcoming musicians or even a party on weekends. Beginning in September, Fouar will operate also as an all-day space.
Some interesting selections from the menu include the green curry chicken, the noodles with vegetables and cashews, the vegetarian pad thai and the Lebanese chicken kebab. For starters, try the shrimp and leek won ton, the Tom Ka soup, the tabouleh or the caramelized onions and goat cheese tart.
Delicious desserts include chocolate mousse with strawberries and orange sauce, lemon tart and Asian fruit salad with ice cream. You will find the prices quite reasonable.
The cocktail list changes depending on the season, but make sure to taste the exceptional Fouar sour with vodka, mastiha, apple, basil and lime. Summer cocktails include tiki specials, and you can also taste 50 wine labels.
The team behind Fouar has a long and successful experience in stylish locales, which have been popular over the years, attracting a young distinguishing public with artistic tastes. But Fouar's not a place you will notice passing by; you must be in the know. You must choose to go there and find it in the small side street where it is located. That is part of the appeal.