Athens - Cafés

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Cafés

Athens

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Overview

Cafés The guide was updated: 2024-09-22

Drinking coffee in Greece is an institution, and Athens is no exception. You will find the cafes and their terraces full of people, laughter, cigarette smoke and animation everyday and all year long. Cafes here are the place to meet up with friends, relax, have long conversations about life and politics, or to play backgammon (when in Greece, call it "Tavli").

The most Greek coffee drink is without a doubt the frappé. It was invented at the 1957 Thessaloniki International Fair by Giannis Dritsas — a representative of the Nestlé company. It's basically instant coffee whipped with cold water until frothy, served on ice. If you're not an instant coffee lover, ask for the server to add some sugar and milk to your drink. It's quite a marvelous invention for hot summer days.

Or course, third wave coffee has made is to Athens as well. You can choose to sit at a trendy or alternative cafe, at a traditional kafeneio, or even at one of Greece's own coffee chains.

Fresko Yogurt Bar

Fresko Yogurt Bar

Greece and yogurt are a combination made in heaven. Try this staple Greek delicacy with honey, nuts, fruit or make your own personal mix. This yogurt bar is located just a few steps from the Acropolis and it serves the best products: locally and fresh original Greek yogurt, the purest honey, artisanal jams and other toppings. You should also try their smoothies for your snack break to be complete.

O Kostas

O Kostas

If you were looking for the best souvlakia (skewers, but the Athenian word for it is also the word for straw) and biftekis (local meatballs made with three different meats), you might just find them in this tiny restaurant. O Kostas is a very local place, genuine and delicious since 1946.

Louis Cafe

Louis Cafe

This traditional Greek cafeteria offers the best coffee experience in Greece. The atmosphere and decoration are very classic and you will see a few typical old Greek men in here, playing Backgammon (Tavli in Greek) and proudly wearing their Komboloi, strings of beads used to relieve stress. You can also hear some local musicians performing during the many concerts organized.

City Zen

City Zen

City Zen in Monastiraki is one of the three coffee-bar-restaurants you can find around the area having a roof terrace granting a breathtaking view over the neighbourhood and the Acropolis. Open from morning until late in the night, City Zen is perfect for a coffee stop during the day, some drinks at night or food at any time.

The Dark Side of Chocolate

The Dark Side of Chocolate

Take your significant other or your inner chocolate monster to this place to drink chocolate drinks and deserts you have always dreamed of. Choose the type of chocolate, what to add to it (including surprising toppings such as basil or even alcohol), and enjoy. The Dark Side of Chocolate is great and the people working there are just as sweet as their drinks.

Six d.o.g.s

Six d.o.g.s

Six d.o.g.s is an all day and night space devoted to culture and entertainment. It works as a cafe as well as a bar, and it's home to a Gig Space, a Project Space, a Bar, a Foyer and a Garden. It has created a resolutely pop yet avant-garde spirit and hosts an average of 500 events per year.

Harvest Coffee & Wine

Harvest Coffee & Wine

Hearty breakfast or brunch with tacos, burgers, sandwiches, fajitas or poached egg? Or do you prefer pasta, tapas or a salad for lunch or dinner? This restaurant and cafe packs an extensive menu of food and beverages for any time of day.

Avdi Square

Avdi Square

Avdi Square is one of the restaurant and cafe hotspots of Keramikos and Metaxourgio. This recently revitalized square captures the vibe of Athens with street parties and avant-garde art to social activism and skate bowls. Check out the Municipal Art Gallery while you're there.

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