In Athens, coffee is not just a drink: it is a daily ritual, a companion that accompanies the locals at every hour of the day. Athenians linger over their cups, chat with friends or watch life unfold from sunlit terraces.
Cafes and cantinas line almost every street, each with its own charm.
Everyone has a favorite spot, but these eight cafes in Athens best capture the spirit of the city: combining warmth, creativity and that unmistakable Athenian energy.
Related reading: A guide to the best street food in Athens
Here’s an overview:
8 authentic cafes in Athens
Kimolia Art Cafe
Kimolia Art Cafe It is a modest cafe, located near Syntagma Square, that will surprise you. With Art Deco decor and a Parisian atmosphere, this is an ideal place to drink coffee all day long.
In its cozy interior you can enjoy coffee, tea, drinks and some wonderful snacks and delicacies, which features paintings, antiques, crafts and a piano. The cafe also hosts temporary art exhibitions and reading sessions.
Best for: Artistic vibes and relaxed conversations.
ADDRESS: Ypereidou 5, Syntagma
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Vrysaki
Vrysaki is a charming café-bar located on Vrysakiou Street in the center of Monastiraki, housed in a restored neoclassical building. With its shady patio, upstairs balcony and rooftop view of the Acropolis, it offers a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds.
Inside you will find cozy rooms that often host art exhibitions. The menu includes gourmet appetizers and high-quality coffee.
A fascinating fact about the location is that this building is the last remaining house of the once prosperous neighborhood of Vrysakiwhich was demolished in the 1930s to uncover the site of the Ancient Agora of Athens.
Best for: Quiet afternoons and cultural events.
ADDRESS: Vrysakiou 17, Monastiraki
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Ciel Athens
There are several locations, especially near Monastiraki and Ermou Street, that offer stunning views of the Acropolis and the surrounding streets. Ciel Athens is one of them, and its terrace, which has a 360-degree view, will make you feel like you are flying over Athens.
The coffee is delicious, as are the different sweets, snacks and main dishes. Even if it’s cold, there’s no need to miss the stunning view. The view of Mitropoleos Square and the Acropolis Hill is spectacular from inside the cafeteria and its large side windows.
Best for: Cafe with a view of the Acropolis.
ADDRESS: Mnisikleus 2, Monastiraki
Little Tree – Books and Coffee
little tree is located a few meters from Dionisiou Areopagitou street, near the Acropolis Museum. This charming cafe and bookstore was developed by a group of friends to serve as a gathering place for locals. It is packed with books and is always up to date on new editions.
At the same time, you can find magnificent coffees, teas, sweets, snacks and a careful selection of wines. The secret has spread throughout the city, making it difficult to find a table at peak times.
Best for: Reading and relaxed coffee breaks
ADDRESS: Kavaloti 5, Koukaki
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aerostat
aerostatLocated on the lush Proskopon Square in the bustling Pagrati area, it is a popular all-day restaurant that expertly blends neighborhood charm with relaxed refinement. The cafe has become something of a local institution thanks to its retro-inspired decor, comfortable round tables that encourage conversation, and cozy atmosphere.
During the day it offers coffee and light lunches. At night the atmosphere changes with jazz music and a well-stocked bar.
Best for: Rest from day to night and good music.
ADDRESS: Ptolemaion 4, Pagrati
oh boy
He modest establishment It has a nice interior and some tables on the sidewalk, and is usually packed. In addition to well-selected coffee and tea, what sets this cafe apart are its delicious artisan desserts. Classic and beloved food that no one could refuse.
Additionally, if you are hungry, several snacks known as “small eats” will satisfy you. This is a great place for coffee in the attractive Pagrati district, near Proskopon Square.
Best for: Sweets and people-watching in Pagrati
ADDRESS: Archelaou 32, Pagrati
Kyrios Xou
Kyrios Χoυ is a wonderful all-day cafe-bar located in a 1930s neoclassical villa in Petralona. It has become known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
From a morning espresso or freddo to a vibrant brunch on the sun-filled patio, the cafe offers great meals prepared with fresh Greek ingredients in a calm and modern atmosphere. In the evening the atmosphere changes gently, making it a popular place to have a drink and stay with friends.
Best for: Brunch or evening drinks in a historic setting.
ADDRESS: Iperionós 1, Petralona
Athens Roasting Warehouse
He roasting warehouse in Neos Cosmos It is considerably different from the city’s traditional cafes. This is the first exit in Greece for the popular Australian coffee brand. The enormous and magnificent space of the cafeteria makes it ideal at any time of the day. The coffee is roasted in the sophisticated workshop in front of you, so it is always fresh.
Quality coffees (both blended and single origin) are available here, along with delicious pastries and great brunch items. With their dedication to quality and enthusiasm for coffee culture, it’s no surprise that this establishment has quickly become a popular addition to the local scene.
Best for: Specialty coffee lovers and brunch fans.
ADDRESS: Ntelakroua 2, Neos Kosmos
Coffee is more than a drink in Greece
In Athens, coffee is more than a drink: it is a ritual, a rhythm that shapes the city’s daily life. From sunlit terraces overlooking the Acropolis to quiet corners filled with books and conversation, each café tells a story of connection and culture.
These cafes are the places where people dream, friends gather and time passes long enough to savor life sip by sip. To experience coffee in Athens is to feel the pulse of the city itself: warm, vibrant and infinitely welcoming.
