A modern dining area featuring a wooden table, blue chairs, a large artwork on the wall, and stylish pendant lighting.

Bungalow 7: A New All-Day-Restaurant Rekindles the Athenian Riviera’s Illustrious Legacy

Words by Yatzer

Glyfada, Athens, Greece

With its opening in the 1950s, Asteria beach club was one of the first luxury resorts on the Athenian Riviera. An emblem of post-war optimism and Mediterranean glamour, it quickly became a beloved retreat for Greece’s elite, international royalty and Hollywood celebrities, who were drawn to its modernist bungalows, open-air restaurant, and iconic pool. Through decades of change, Asteria, which means ‘stars’ in Greek, has always retained its allure, with a series of establishments having reinforced its status as a cultural landmark and social epicentre. Bungalow 7, a new all-day bar-restaurant that opened its doors last summer continues this illustrious legacy.

A beautifully set dining table by a large window, overlooking a serene water view, with elegant dishes and drinks arranged neatly.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish group enjoys a sunset dinner at a chic restaurant, with elegantly set tables and beautifully plated dishes.

Photography by Nicholas Prakas.

A beautifully set dining table overlooking a serene waterfront, adorned with glasses of rosé and gourmet dishes.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Conceived as a nexus of gastronomy, leisure, and design, Bungalow 7 pays tribute to the greatness and glamour of Asteria in the 1960s while offering a fresh take on contemporary luxury. Athens-based ST_Architects, guided by the vision of co-owner and creative director Apollo Papatheocharis, have blended nostalgia and modernity and imbued the historic venue with playful sophistication rooted in mid-century elegance and Mediterranean charm.

Unfolding as a series of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces, the space feels more like a sprawling beach house than a swanky bar-restaurant, with each area offering a defined, different experience, enveloped in a relaxed, laid-back ambience. Add in chef Ntinos Fotinakis’ imaginative Japanese-Mediterranean menu, a stellar wine list, and a curated program of guest mixologists and DJs, and Bungalow 7 presents a sensory journey that captures Asteria’s enduring prestige and timeless allure.

A lively outdoor dining scene featuring several people enjoying meals and drinks amidst a stylish, tropical setting.

Photography by Nicholas Prakas.

A stylish, modern living room features two patterned sofas, greenery, a round coffee table, and a decorative figure against wooden walls.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

  • A cozy seating area featuring a patterned green and beige sofa, a modern black coffee table, and lush greenery in a natural setting.

    Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

  • A wooden wall serves as a backdrop for lush green plants and a decorative religious statue, creating a serene indoor space.

    Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

  • Chic lounge area seen through wooden-framed doors, featuring tropical wallpaper and stylish black and white patterned furniture.

    Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish café interior featuring a leafy wallpaper, modern furniture, and warm lighting with cozy, colorful seating arrangements.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish living room with two brown sofas, a green stone table, wood accents, and plants, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Stepping inside, guests are greeted by a spacious lounge area, complete with voluminous sofas and a large fireplace, immediately setting the tone for the venue’s unique character. More than just a restaurant, Bungalow 7 is designed to feel like a welcoming coastal retreat, where each area flows seamlessly into the next. From the Bar, Dining Room and Chef’s Table, to the intimate private dining area, Tea Room, Bedroom, and Library, through to the dining terrace and secluded garden, every corner has been designed for relaxation and conviviality, inviting guests to linger, unwind, and enjoy a refined sense of home by the sea.

Cozy modern living space with green sofas, wooden accents, a large window, and decorative art, illuminated by stylish ceiling lights.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Tying everything together is a mid-century modern aesthetic that echoes the property’s past. Architect duo Lila Sarantiti and Katia Tsouni of ST_Architects have created a warm, inviting atmosphere with wood-panelled walls and ceilings, marble flooring, and timber furnishings. Rich textures, organic patterns, and geometric shapes in the upholstery and rugs add playful accents, while vibrant blues and greens bring life to the earthy colour palette add another layer to the overall design. Connecting the interior with the coastal setting, floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light providing the perfect vantage point to take in the enchanting sea views.

Tropical-patterned wallpaper and lush indoor plants enhance the indoor-outdoor retreat ambiance. Reclaimed tiles and vintage lighting fixtures introduce a sense of nostalgic elegance, complemented by custom-designed furniture that merges modernist and contemporary lines with finesse. Contemporary Greek artworks by Olga Migliaressi Phoca, Stella Kapezanou, The Callas, and Mara Desipris infuse the venue with vibrant energy, while Apollo Papatheocharis’s personal collection of vintage objects heightens its retro charm

Stylish dining area featuring leather chairs, a round wooden table, and an abstract artwork, complemented by greenery and warm wood tones.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Elegant lounge area featuring modern furniture, soft light, a palm plant, and a view of the outdoor seating by the water.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A modern lounge area featuring low sofas, sleek side tables, and a stylish lamp, surrounded by tropical plants and soft light.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Modern dining room with a long wooden table, stylish chairs, decorative plants, and pendant lights, overlooking a serene water view.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A modern lounge with panoramic views of the sea, featuring stylish furniture, greenery, and natural light streaming through large windows.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Stylish restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, overlooking a serene ocean view through large glass windows.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish bar featuring wooden interiors, neatly arranged bottles, and blue stools, opening to a sunny outdoor seating area.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

  • A modern living space features two sofas, chess sets on wooden tables, a large TV, and shelves filled with books and decor.

    Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

  • A modern living space featuring a dark sofa, wooden paneling, and a colorful textile wall art piece, complemented by elegant lamps.

    Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A sunlit room featuring a wooden chess set with intricately carved pieces, bordered by soft green furniture and warm wooden shelves.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A colorful painting of two figures sitting on a tree branch, surrounded by leaves, hangs in a modern dining area with a wood table.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A group of six people enjoying dinner at a stylish, well-lit restaurant with wooden accents and elegant table settings.

Photography by Nicholas Prakas.

With every detail having been  thoughtfully chosen, Bungalow 7’s culinary offerings definitely follow suit, evident in celebrated chef Ntinos Fotinakis’ menu which brings together Mediterranean ingredients with Asian-inspired techniques, delivering an array of exciting inventive fusion dishes. Signature highlights include roasted eggplant with a creamy blend of coconut milk and peanut butter, tuna tataki with aromatic jalapeño dressing, imaginative sushi rolls like lobster tempura topped with oscietra caviar and yuzu kosho mayo, as well as wagyu tartare with truffle mayo and bubu arare.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Bungalow 7 is a destination for leisure and relaxation, featuring an outdoor pool area and two private beaches: one adults-only and one family-friendly. The venue has also just launched its weekly Club Dining Nights, a throwback to the legendary parties at the original Asteria beach club, combining live DJ sets, expertly crafted drinks, and gourmet food capturing the essence of the Greek Riviera’s golden-age glamour whilst bringing a modern, vibrant twist to Athens’ nightlife.

A beautifully arranged seafood platter with sushi, sashimi, and rosé wine glasses, set on a beachside table with shimmering ocean in the background.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Two women in stylish swimsuits relax on a pink sofa surrounded by greenery and striped umbrellas near a pool, enjoying cocktails.

Photography by Nicholas Prakas.

Elegant outdoor dining setup by the beach, featuring gourmet dishes, rosé wine, and sparkling water reflections.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

Elegant dining setup on a beach at sunset, featuring wine glasses and plates, with a distant yacht on the serene water.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

In paying homage to Asteria’s timeless allure, Bungalow 7 promises a captivating experience, seamlessly merging the property’s heyday in the 1960s with a refined vision of modern luxury in an exciting fusion of gastronomy, leisure, and design, where past and present gracefully intertwine.

Cozy living room featuring modern furniture, soft lighting, and a large window reflecting ambient decor. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish dining area with a round table, colorful chairs, elegant table settings, and a pendant light, surrounded by warm wooden accents.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A vibrant red cocktail in a tall glass with a frosted rim sits on a warm, textured golden background.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.

A stylish bar featuring a wooden counter, minimalist stools, and shelves lined with various bottles, illuminated by warm lighting.

Photography by Mirto Iatropoulou.