Athens isn’t just a city of ancient ruins and sun-soaked streets—it’s a coffee lover’s paradise. Coffee isn’t just a drink here; it’s a ritual, a social experience, and, for many Greeks, an essential part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping on a strong, unfiltered Greek coffee at a traditional kafeneio or enjoying an iced freddo espresso at a stylish café, Athens offers a coffee scene as rich and diverse as its history.
In fact, according to market research, Greece consistently ranks among the top coffee-consuming countries in the world, with an average consumption of around 5.5 kg of coffee per person annually. This love for coffee is deeply embedded in Greek culture, with people spending hours socializing over their favourite brew.
But where should you go for the best coffee experience? And what exactly should you order? Let’s dive into the heart of Athenian coffee culture and explore the best spots to get your caffeine fix.
Before we explore Athens’ best cafés, let’s break down the essentials of Greek coffee.
Greek coffee (ellinikós kafés) is a strong, unfiltered coffee made by boiling fine coffee grounds with water and sugar in a small pot called a briki. The result? A thick, aromatic brew is served in a small cup with a layer of foam on top, and coffee grounds are settled at the bottom.
This type of coffee is similar to Turkish coffee, dating back to the Ottoman era, but Greeks take great pride in their unique preparation and flavours.
Unlike other types of coffee, Greek coffee is customized by sweetness:
Remember: Don’t stir it! The coffee grounds settle at the bottom, so sip carefully.
Greek coffee is known for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it’s been linked to improved cardiovascular health and longevity. A study conducted on residents of the Greek island of Ikaria—known for its high percentage of centenarians—found that drinking Greek coffee daily was associated with improved endothelial function, which is critical for heart health.
While traditional Greek coffee remains a staple, modern variations have taken over Athens’ vibrant café scene.
These iced espresso drinks are the go-to choices for many Athenians, especially in summer. The Freddo Espresso is a double shot of espresso shaken with ice, while the Freddo Cappuccino adds a layer of cold, frothed milk. Both are refreshing, strong, and perfect for warm Athenian afternoons.
Invented in Greece in the 1950s, the frappé is an iconic Greek coffee made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice, shaken until frothy. You’ll find it everywhere—from beach cafés to city squares.
According to statistics, over 80% of Greeks enjoy cold coffee beverages like frappé and freddo during summer.
Now that you know what to order, let’s talk about where to get the best coffee in Athens.
📍 Location: Monastiraki Square
Nestled in the bustling Monastiraki flea market, Café Avissinia is the perfect spot for a traditional Greek coffee with a side of history. Enjoy your coffee with a view of the Acropolis and soak in the old-world charm.
📍 Location: Emmanouil Benaki 7, Exarchia
If you’re serious about coffee, Taf Coffee is a must-visit. Known for its high-quality beans and expert baristas, this café is one of the best places in Athens for a perfectly crafted espresso or pour-over coffee.
📍 Location: Karaiskaki 17, Psiri
Step into a fairy tale at Little Kook, a themed café in Psiri. The extravagant decorations and creative coffee presentations make this spot a unique coffee experience.
📍 Location: Iraklidon 8, Thissio
One of the city’s top speciality coffee shops, The Underdog offers expertly brewed coffee in a trendy setting. Their Freddo Cappuccino is one of the best in town.
📍 Location: Athinas 44, Varvakios Agora
A hidden gem in the heart of Athens, Mokka serves traditional Greek coffee and expertly crafted specialty brews. For a truly authentic experience, try their ellinikós kafés made over hot sand.
Athenians take their coffee seriously, but the culture is relaxed and social. Here are a few unwritten rules:
☕ Take Your Time: Coffee isn’t rushed in Greece. Enjoy it slowly, whether you’re alone or with company.
📵 Socializing Over Screens? Not So Much: Many locals prefer to chat rather than stare at their phones.
💶 Cash is King: Some cafés may not accept credit cards, so always have some cash on hand.
🎭 Expect a Lively Atmosphere: Greek cafés are social hubs, so expect lively conversations around you.
The coffee scene in Athens continues to evolve, blending traditional practices with modern trends. According to market analysis, the specialty coffee market in Greece is expected to grow by 6% annually, driven by younger generations who value quality coffee and unique café experiences.
Sustainability is also becoming a key focus, with many cafés now prioritizing ethically sourced beans and environmentally friendly practices. This trend reflects the growing global emphasis on sustainability in the coffee industry.
Athens offers a coffee experience like no other, blending centuries-old traditions with modern trends. Whether you’re savouring a traditional Greek coffee in a historic kafeneio or cooling down with a Freddo Cappuccino at a chic speciality café, one thing is clear—coffee in Athens is more than just a drink. It’s a way of life.
So next time you find yourself in the Greek capital, make sure to slow down, take a seat at a local café, and enjoy coffee the Athenian way.
