Why have a Greek Coffee in Athens?
Ordering a coffee in Athens is no casual affair. Greeks take their coffee very seriously, and ‘coffee breaks’ can take a few hours. For Greeks, drinking coffee is like a friendship ritual; they make sure to talk about each other’s lives and really enjoy their time together.
Freshly roasted coffee is prepared in a small aluminium or copper pot, called ‘Briki,’ heated over the fire. It is then served in a small cup, much like an espresso glass. If prepared correctly, the drink should be extremely strong and have foam on top.
Going for a traditional Greek coffee in Athens is a must! It is also a perfect way for you to get in touch with Greek culture and even socialize with the locals.
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- coffee shops in athens
Top 5 Cafes in Athens
Athens is littered with quaint little coffee shops on almost every corner. But not all of them serve a truly traditional Greek brew. However, the following places are home to the best coffee in the city.
Cafe Taf
Home to one of the finalists in the ‘World Barista Championships’ competition, you know that the coffee here is going to please. This outstanding specialty coffee shop is hidden away on one of the quieter side streets of Athens. The cafe itself is bright and airy, giving the illusion of being much bigger than it actually is.
Their expert baristas are always on hand to give recommendations and answer any questions you may have. A good thing when they have over 30 different single origins and blends. Even on a Monday afternoon, Taf is welcoming and lively, the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee without any pretension.
Tailor Made
Tailor Made is one of the first-ever specialty coffee shops in Athens. It is located in the cosmopolitan area of Monastiraki, in Agias Eirinis Square. Although now the square is a central hub of bars and alternative restaurants, this neighbourhood used to be the epicentre of tailors and fabric shops in Athens. Tailor Made’s name and in-house blended coffee truly reflect this rich history.
You can sip on a rich, traditional Greek coffee, or, as the DJ starts to play, get a little more adventurous and add a dash of alcohol to your delicious blend. Tailor Made also sells their dry coffee, brewing equipment, cups, and infusions, so you can make Greek coffee at home.
JUST MADE 33 Unique Sandwiches & Coffee
This is a coffee connoisseur’s dream! Just Made 33 earned 1st place in the 2016 World Cezve, Ibrik Championships. They serve the absolute best traditional ibrik coffee in Athens. However, if you’re in the mood for something a little less flashy, then you can enjoy their specialty espresso blends and single origins, all from Sapid Coffee Roasting Co.
Just Made 33 has a spacious terrace where you can sit out in the morning sun or enjoy a tasty afternoon snack from their extensive menu. If you fall in love with their coffee, you can buy 250g bags of the freshly roasted and ground beans to take home.
Little Tree Books & Coffee
This adorable little cafe opened in 2016, and its seats have been filled with wide-eyed book lovers ever since. Little Tree Books & Coffee serves up some delicious traditional Greek coffee with a side of best-seller. You can sit next to the huge windows and enjoy a good read while you sip your coffee – perfection!
What makes this little cafe even more special is that it has a wonderful view of the famous sightseeing Acropolis. Little Tree Books & Coffee also sells a selection of homemade cakes and sweet treats, which change daily. This is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet afternoon coffee in the centre of Athens.
Drupes and Drips
This little, Italian-style morning cafe and evening spritzeria-ciccheteria is a great option for every hour of the day. Fresh juices, coffees and plenty of wines and drinks, with an extensive variety of cold cuts and cheeses from around the world, are only some suggestions.
After a lovely evening walk in Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and the Acropolis Museum, enjoy a perfect experience in this little, friendly corner of Athens.
Athens may be all about the food, but its coffee shops deserve just as much love. After taking an Athens Airport transfer into the center, you’ll notice that coffee is a big deal here; it requires you to slow down, sip with meaning, and enjoy every moment with those you’re with.
You’ll find countless coffee shops in Athens, yet for those seeking standout brews with an energizing kick, these favorites of ours rise above the rest.
Motiv
When it comes to coffee in Athens, Motiv sets the bar high. This shop, located near Omonia Square, serves up a stellar cuppa. With everything from single-origin to house blends on the menu, their baristas are incredibly skilled and will go out of their way to walk you through the menu to help you decide on what to order.
Whether you’re swinging for your morning cup of Joe before the day ahead or meeting friends, Motiv’s trendy establishment is the place to be. Their menu also features some traditional creations, such as freddo cappuccinos. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep it simple, their latte is equally as delectable.
Address: Emmanouil Benaki 20, Athina 106 78, Greece
Cafe Taf
Tucked away on a street near Omonia metro station, Cafe Taf needs no introduction as it’s widely regarded as one of the best coffee shops in Athens, Greece. Between the fresh green interiors that give it a cozy atmosphere and endless coffee varieties from places like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, this place is such a delight.
Both hot and iced coffee are available on the menu, along with delicious pastries, such as cinnamon rolls. With some orders, you’ll even be given three separate cups to experience the body, taste, and smell of your brew.
Address: Emmanouil Benaki 7, Athina 106 78, Greece
Mokka Specialty Coffee S.A.
Ask anyone where to try traditional Greek coffee in Athens, and they’ll send you to Mokka Specialty Coffee S.A., close to Kotzia Square. Having won multiple awards and certificates, and being widely recognized for its unique preparation method, where coffee is brewed in heated sand, coming here is more than just getting your caffeine fix. It’s an experience in itself.
There’s an elegant feel to the place, with its sophisticated decor and plush furnishings, setting it apart from what you’d find in most other coffee shops. Customers ordering Greek coffee for the first time will be guided by the staff step by step to make sure they enjoy it the way it’s meant to be.
Address: Athinas 44, Athina 105 51, Greece
Samba Coffee Roasters | The Shop
When visiting Athens, Greece, coffee shops like Samba are as good as it gets. Operating since 1979, their location in Kolonaki is the type of place where you’ll come planning to have a quick espresso, and end up staying for the entire day. It’s a small, contemporary-style cafe with only a handful of seats, some of which are lovely for sitting outside and soaking up the sun with an iced brew.
Coffee nerds will love their V60, while those who prefer their cup with milk should give the cortado a shot. If you’re looking for some beans to take home with you to use, one of the baristas will happily give you some expert advice.
Address: Solonos 36, Athina 106 73, Greece
Foyer Espresso Bar
Foyer Espresso Bar is one of those Athens coffee shops that leaves a lasting impression. Following their recent move to the Pangrati neighborhood, they’re still as popular as ever, even though they’ve left the center. Here, it’s all about quality coffee at fair prices in a local setting. Just pop in after coming from Athens Airport to the city center, place your order, and pull up a seat by the window to watch the world go by.
Besides coffee, they serve yummy sandwiches and cakes, as well as teas and infusions. Their bean list is never-ending, from decaf from Colombia to blends from Rwanda, this is a spot that all coffee geeks will love.
Address: Vriaxidos 2, Athina 116 35, Greece
Pay a Visit to One of These Coffee Shops in Athens
Whenever you need a pick-me-up, these coffee shops in Athens will always be there to save the day. No matter if you want specialty brews or a traditional Greek cup, the Greek capital has it all.
Frequently asked questions
Where to get Greek coffee in Athens? 
Mokka Specialty Coffee S.A. is known for selling some of the best Greek coffee in Athens, as well as their method of preparation, where they use hot sand.
Does Athens have good coffee?
Athens has incredibly tasty coffee, best enjoyed at cafes such as Foyer Espresso Bar, Motiv, and Cafe Taf.
How to order Greek coffee in Greece?
When ordering Greek coffee in Greece, you can say Έναν ‘ελληνικό καφέ, παρακαλώ,’ which sounds like ‘Énan ‘ellinikó kafé, parakaló’ and translates to ‘a Greek coffee, please.’
What are coffee shops called in Greece?
You can either describe a coffee shop in Greece as a καφετέριες (kafeterias) or καφενεία (kafeneia).
What is the most popular coffee in Greece?
Freddo espresso is the most popular coffee in Greece, consisting of espresso, sugar, and milk served over ice.
