The Athens City Museum bistro, Black Duck Garden, is a wonderful option for romantic ones. Because of its cozy atmosphere combined with the delicious plates served there, this historical significant open-air bistro is one of the best restaurant-cafés in all of Athens.
The story is simple: in 1833, Klathmonos square (where the museum and the bistro are located) was considered to be in the outskirts of Athens rather than the center as it is today; the area was inhabited by only a few families. The mansion of Stamatis Dekozis Vouros connected with the neighboring house in order to house the royal couple. From 1836 to 1843, King Otto and his wife Queen Amalia lived there until the new palace was constructed. The historical name of this building is the “Old Palace”.
The queen was responsible for the organization of their temporary home's garden. The “Garden of the Old Palace” was the first public garden in the capital with four entrances, a fountain and a pond with goldfish. The garden spread out over what today is Klathmonos square and reached to Kolokotroni square.
The Museum of the City of Athens – Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation was founded in 1973 and, in 1980, was opened by Lampros Eutaxias and a trust fund by his uncle, Alexandros Vouros. Today, the museum's garden is only a small part of what the garden used to be. However, the palm tree that Queen Amalia planted is still there keeping alive that part of its history.
The Black Duck Garden opened in 2013; the bistro's scenography is curated by Guy Stefanou. In warmer months, the bistro is open-air, but it is limited to the atrium during colder ones. The menu changes with the seasons, however, some classics are always found there. The choices are inspired by Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and include breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The ingredients are authentic and can be found from various places in Greece, thus giving an essence of traditional recipes. With so much variety, the plates can satisfy even the most demanding people. It is a nice place for a business meetings and ideal for either a drink in the evening, or coffee in the morning.
The space also houses various cultural events including performances and concerts with a retro mood in accordance to the decor both of the garden and the atrium. If you are lucky enough you may catch a theatrical monologue!
Many visitors find the Black Duck Garden to be a small gourmet gem the center of Athens. Finally, try one of their exceptional cocktails!
