There is no doubt that it is virtually impossible to select the best coffee shops in Athens, given the wide selection on offer. Big and crowded cafeterias on a square plus small and cozy bars hidden in small alleys are legion in Greece as Greeks enjoy the beautiful art of coffee. In recent years, however, a rise in specialty coffee shops has been observed, and though these cafés and bars may not be considered the best of the best, they all have that je ne sais quoi, which make them stand out.
Tailor Made Micro Roastery & Cocktail Bar
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary
Located in the dynamic Agias Eirinis (Saint Irene) Square, Tailor Made makes coffee with different creative blends. Drop by for a cuppa and enjoy the vibrancy of the city and do some people-watching or read a newspaper. At night, the bar turns into one of the liveliest cocktail bars in the area. No matter what time of day you visit, you are in for a treat.
Mind The Cup
Coffee Shop, Coffee
Far from the madding crowds in residential Peristeri, Mind the Cup is a friendly establishment where you can have high-grade coffee in a beautiful space adorned with a mix of concrete and wood. This award-winning coffee shop has even been featured on Buzzfeed in their list of ‘the coffee shops to visit before you die.’
Pirée
Art Gallery
Conveniently located in the Piraeus district, Pirée is a magnificent multipurpose venue combining an art space and a café/bar area. Aiming to provide young artists with a spot where they can express and display their art, Pirée exudes creative energy. As the two spaces are interconnected, you might get the chance to see a show or the setting up of an exhibition all while sipping your coffee.
Magic Bus
Bar, Pub Grub
In low-key Pagrati, a newcomer is making a quiet buzz. Magic Bus is a vibrant and colorful all-day café/bar with a resolutely relaxed and cool vibe where you feel welcome from the moment you step inside, making it a pleasant place to drop by and hang out with a good cup of joe. At night, the venue puts on its party face and serves delicious cocktails and other spirits. It also hosts a few live music performances that are worth checking out.
Taf Coffee
Coffee Shop, Coffee
Probably one of the pioneer coffee shops for coffee fanatics in town, Taf Coffee is an institution in Athens. Since 2009, the place has been offering an endless choice of blends and specialty coffee beans from carefully selected producers from around the world, making it a top destination for an excellent morning ritual.
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Coffeeology
Coffee Shop, Coffee
Coffeeology – a place for coffee lovers with sophisticated tastes – is a specialty delivery/to-go coffee shop located in the Korydallos District. If you find yourself in the area, drop by and try the house blend from Brazil or the Geisha from Panama. You can even choose the specific brewing method for filter coffee (V60, Aeropress or Chemex). And if you like what you’re drinking, you can take the experience home by purchasing coffee beans and/or the equipment. The baristas are always willing to offer tips and advice.
Coffee on the go
In a hurry? Don’t worry – here are the best options for coffee on the go in Athens. Coffee Dive
At Coffee Dive, coffee is a passion so strong that they enjoy sharing it with you. With various blends on offer, this is a café where you can drop by for a beverage to go, and if you’re not in a hurry, you can also choose the brewing process. Quality and excellence are at the core of the experience you’ll receive at Coffee Dive, enticing you back again and again.
Carpo is a deli and coffee bar where dried fruits and nuts are sold in bulk. And the same goes for ground coffee and beans, but for a good cup you can take with you, order at the counter, and you’ll be on your way fast.
There is no doubt that Fuel Coffee Lab is a favorite coffee place in Piraeus. Usually crowded, the Lab, which was designed by Kipseli Architects, serves excellent coffee made with freshly ground beans. Perfect for a coffee on the go, the place is also great if you have time to sit and enjoy your cup while reading a book or listening to the vibrant music.
Conveniently located near Syntagma, Kaya Spirit is a simple, tiny espresso bar tucked inside a stoa. Offering a series of limited edition coffees and its own house blend, Kaya is the most authentic espresso bar you could visit. Plus, the open design aesthetic of the place makes it easy to see and enjoy the coffee preparation process.
Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle
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