Athens has a lively café scene, where you can find traditional cafés as well as coffee bars, coffee shops and hipster cafés.
On average, each Greek spends about 40 minutes a day in a café.
Those who want to drink traditional Greek coffee must specify when ordering whether they prefer the coffee without sugar - sketoz - with little sugar - metrio - or sweet - gliko.
Here is a list of the most interesting and famous Athens cafes.
1. The Brunch Factory
If breakfast at the hotel is not enough, simply go to The Brunch Factory for brunch. The extensive menu offers plenty of choices, and as soon as you walk in, you're greeted by the smell of freshly baked croissants and pan cakes. Its central location in the historic center of Athens in Psirri make this modern café easily accessible. Coffee, tea and freshly squeezed juices are available.
Address: The Brunch Factory Athinas 11, Athens 10554
2. Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri
If you like to try traditional Greek desserts, you should visit Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri. Since 1997, the family-run café has been serving the finest baked goods, sweets and desserts in the neoclassical building in Psyrri. About 50 different kinds are made every day.
By the way, the word "Serbetia" comes from "Serbet," which translates as syrup. Figuratively, it means the sweetness of lovers and kisses....
Address: Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri, Eschilou 3, Athina 105 54.
3. Melina Merkouri Café
Melina Merkouri, Minister of Culture of Athens for almost 10 years, was an actress, singer and politician. The cozy café is dedicated to her memory, many politicians, artists and businessmen from all over the world have been guests here over the years. Early in the morning, when the sun is already shining but the streets of Plaka still carry the coolness of the night, breakfast is served, during the day there are various dishes from Greek cuisine and in the evening Melina Merkuri turns into a bar and tavern serving drinks until late at night.
Address: Melina Merkouri Café, Lisiou 22, Athens 105 56.
4. Meliartos
Very close to the Monastiraki flea market is Meliartos, which scores with its modern and minimalist decor. Mediterranean and Greek cuisine is offered, with contemporary adaptations. Numerous vegan and gluten-free dishes are available, and only the freshest ingredients are used. A popular meeting place for young people.
Address: Meliartos, 65 Ermou Aiolou, Athens 105 63.
5. Little Kook
This little street was once a forgotten dark alley, but today it is a magical street thanks to the Little Kook themed café. Both inside and out, the cafe is decorated like a fairy tale, making you feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland. The main themes change regularly and so do the uniforms of the waiters, who are always dressed to match the current theme.
In addition to delicious desserts and a rich coffee selection, Little Kook is also a popular photo spot that delights young and old alike.
Address: Little Kook, Karaiskaki 17, Athens 105 54
6. Little Tree Books & Coffee
It is a successful mixture of a cozy, quiet café and a small bookstore. Coffee, homemade cakes, pies, teas and their signature hot lemonade are served among shelves filled with children's books, novels, Greek literature, poetry, philosophy and politics.
The large windows offer a view of the Acropolis Museum, and in summer you can sit outside.
Address: Little Tree Books & Coffee, Kavalloti 2, Athens 117 42.
7. Loukoumades
Loukoumades are dough balls made from yeast dough with cinnamon. Before serving, they are doused with honey or sugar syrup. As the name suggests, the little donuts, as they are also affectionately called, are offered here in every shape and flavor. If that's too sweet for you, you can order one of the savory versions, which are filled with cheese.
To go with them, the small café, located on the corner of Aiolou and Aghias Irinis streets, offers a rich selection of coffees, organic teas and homemade lemonade.
Address: Lukumades, 21 Eolou Aghias Irinis Square, Athens 105 51.
8. Kimolia Art Café
Kimolia Art Café is located in a restored 1925 building on the quiet side of Plaka. As the name suggests, the café is artistically oriented, and within that framework offers exhibitions of paintings, jewelry, and handicrafts. Jazz and blues are played live, and book readings are held regularly.
In addition to coffee and tea, the menu offers a wide selection of wines, cocktails, beer and local spirits, as well as homemade salads and sandwiches. Many dishes are organic products.
Address: Kimolia Art Café, Iperidou 5 Nikis, Athens 105 58.
9. Just Made 33
Sandwiches, burgers and soup of the day, along with homemade quiches, pastries and superfood salads are on the menu at Just Made 33, which is said to have one of the best selections of sandwiches around. All ingredients are made fresh daily. Come here for breakfast or brunch.
Located north of the Acropolis on a lively street, Just Made 33 is a good place to let the world go by. Cappucino freddo and the homemade lemonade in a glass with fresh lemon wedges, cucumber and mint leaves, rustic and sprinkled with sugar, are especially recommended.
Address: Just Made 33, 33 Evagelistrias, Athens 105 60.
10. Cap Cap
This themed cafe in Aigelaio changes its concept regularly, Harry Potter, Halloween, Christmas and more. The menu changes accordingly, but good coffee and great sweets are always available here, no matter what the theme. Needless to say, children especially love this place....
Address: Cap Cap, Panormou 26, Egaleo 122 42 Athens.
11. The Underdog
Underdog, according to the dictionary, is defined as a person who is expected to lose the battle, in case the underdog wins, the result of this victory is an upheaval.
This is exactly what Underdog has achieved, among other things it became Greek champion in 2018 and won the Hellenic Latte Art Championship in 2019 and 2020.
The coffee is roasted in the basement of the City Villa in Monastiraki and goes directly into the cup. Brunch is served as well as small snacks, and those who wish can have a beer or try one of the cocktails.
Address: The Underdog, 8 Iraklidon, Athens 118 51.
12. The Dark Side of Chocolate
Located between Exarchia and Kolonaki, this small café with a dreamy romantic atmosphere is said to have the best chocolate in all of Athens. It smells of roasted cocoa and each guest gets a unique combination of chocolates tailored to their personality.
If you get bored, you can browse in the small library attached to the cafe.
Address: The Dark Side of Chocolate, Solonos 49, Athens.
13. Nancy’s Serbetospito
Nancy's Serbetospito serves surprising desserts and sweets, from traditional to modern. Located in the lively Psyrri neighborhood, very close to the Acropolis, it's a great place to stop in between. Basbousa with two creams that looks like a small nest with almonds, walnuts and wild cherry is highly recommended, as well as Kazan Dipi with buffalo milk or the so-called "wedding sweet" with the yellow cream, a sponge cake with egg yolk from Kozani. There is also a rich selection of coffees and teas.
Address: Nancy's Serbetospito, Pl. Iroon 1, Athina 105 54.
14. Peek A Bloom
Peek a Bloom is a stylish café tucked away in an arcade in the historic center, serving top-notch coffee, great salads as well as brunch to a hip crowd. In addition to a rich selection of coffee, Peek A Bloom offers an extensive cocktail menu, primarily absinthe-based. The cocktails are named after famous poets.
Address: Peek A Boom, Lekka 14, Athens 17564.
15. Bel Ray Bar
This used to be a car repair shop, as evidenced by the high ceilings and large windows. The Bel Ray impresses with its minimalist furnishings in vintage - retro style. Friendly and bright, wooden chairs with metal legs, light floors, plants, the music a mix of jazz and electro - this is how the Bel Ray presents itself in Koukaki, very close to the Acropolis. When the weather is nice, you sit outside. In the evening, the café turns into a bar.
On the menu are small snacks and salads.
Address: Bel Ray Bar, 88 Falirou Koukaki, Athens 117 41