The climate of a steppe (stepa in Greek) may be extremely harsh, with long, cold, windy winters and dry, very hot summers, yet the new, vibrant arrival of the same name in Exarchia brings about an oasis, offering precisely the opposite impact on the soul and mind, no matter the time of day.
The team behind it is familiar: These are the people who addicted us to the bohemian and carefree temperament of Kypseli’s It’s a Village, the same ‘serial hitters’ who introduced us to the virtues of the creatively reinvented meze followed by a delicious brunch at Louvre in Pagrati.
These folks bring a feel-good energy, breathing new life into the heart of the city’s neighborhoods with highly pleasant and even more affordably delightful suggestions. Well here, their aim is simple: to provide comfort, a moment of respite during the day for coffee and enjoyable treats, or an evening drink that effortlessly evolves into an impromptu celebration.
Regarding the space itself, an industrial aesthetic dominates without sacrificing the warmth and coziness, interwoven with lush greenery and charming retro details, like certain seating arrangements and appealing decorative elements. Their activity extends to the pedestrian street of Dervenion, where the city’s most delightful faces are already beginning their summer nights.
A good day starts with a specialty cafe of a blend 100% specially selected for Steppe, bearing the signature of Qualita Unica, with a beautiful sense of butter caramel and dry nuts, and also with a delightful menu curated by the executive chef Antonis Kleitos Malikis (known from Feedel and Local), who proposes comfort gastronomy with beautiful presentation and quality ingredients.
In the morning, you’ll savor eggs like never before—perhaps a poché with avocado fattoush on freshly baked bread with basil oil or crispy bacon, each simply amazing—healthy bowls and hearty sandwiches boasting premium ingredients. Notably, the menu is evenly split, with every dish having a vegan/vegetarian version (even in the food zone).
Later in the day, the atmosphere mellows, the first after-office aperitivos come and go, and the kitchen offers an array of options, from sandwiches with pulled beef to fish n’ chips and rigatoni with veal ragout and velvety smoked Metsovone cream. Ultimately, good food remains the perfect excuse to gather with loved ones and savor shared moments, especially in a place where enjoyment is guaranteed. This holds true for desserts as well—like the tiramisu mousse with chocolate brownie, absolutely stunning.
At the bar, you’ll find the most inspired signature cocktails, crafted from a list by Kostas Hatzis, featuring invigorating concoctions such as the Bobak the Marmot, with white tequila, lapsang tea, peach, homemade soda, and pink grapefruit with tomato water, or the Nandú the Ostrich with rum blend, spiced rum, homemade citrus liqueur, pandan, and lime.
The electric blue of its neon lights has already flooded social media, as it has captured our hearts with its carefree vibe that instantly makes you feel part of a summer party among friends. The kitchen closes at midnight, and the bar’s last call is at 2 AM.
Stepa Asklipiou 61, Exarchia, tel. 210362555
