Established in 1937, miles away from its newest branch in Kolonaki, Kostarelos Dairy counts three generations of cheese making which started out as an added perk to the family tavern, operated by the current owners’ grandparents in the suburban town of Markopoulo. Using milk from their own herds, they handmade their own cheese and yogurt, which helped pave the way for a full-on dairy, later spearheaded by their son. His children, Kyriakos and Nikos Kostarelos, have now opened their latest deli (they collectively own another six retail locations) located in the heart of upscale Kolonaki, which comes with a breakfast, lunch & dinner service, finally allowing their customers to sample their goods on site.
The spot-on menu focuses on adventurous sandwich pairings, an irresistible Greek cheese fondue and a mouth watering tailor-made platter, featuring 20 different cheese options. Their famous feta, matured in beech barrels, was the inspiration for their wooden storefront, although the interior tells a very different story. Once you’ve walked through the door, you’ll notice tradition is balanced out by a modern, streamlined aesthetic that squarely places Kostarelos Dairy in the 21st Century. But don’t be fooled. No matter how much time has passed, premium milk is still very much the heart and soul of this family-run operation, ensuring their artisanal dairy products bring back their fondest childhood memories. Because, lucky for us, some things will never change.