Greeks are serious about coffee. They spend hours at cafes, turning a simple freddo into an all-afternoon social event. Athens has everything from century-old kafeneia to cutting-edge specialty roasters.
Here’s your guide to Athens coffee culture and the best cafes in the city.
Understanding Greek Coffee#
Before diving into the best spots, let’s decode the menu:
| Coffee | What It Is | How to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Ellinikos | Traditional Greek coffee (like Turkish) | “Sketo” (no sugar), “Metrio” (medium), “Glyko” (sweet) |
| Freddo Espresso | Iced espresso, shaken frothy | Order with sugar level preference |
| Freddo Cappuccino | Iced cappuccino with cold foam | The quintessential Greek coffee |
| Frappe | Instant coffee shaken with ice | Classic but fading in popularity |
Best Specialty Coffee#
1. Taf Coffee (Multiple Locations)#
Athens’ pioneering specialty roaster. Serious about beans, unpretentious in vibe.
Why go: Award-winning roasts, knowledgeable baristas, excellent equipment
Best for: Coffee purists, single-origin lovers
Locations: Syntagma, Kolonaki, Pagkrati
Price: €3-5
2. The Underdog (Thisio)#
Industrial-chic cafe with some of Athens’ best espresso and Acropolis views from nearby.
Why go: Top-tier espresso, cool atmosphere, great pastries
Best for: Morning coffee ritual, specialty drinks
Price: €3-4.50
3. Lukumades (Psyrri/Monastiraki)#
Famous for Greek donuts (loukoumades), but the coffee program is excellent too.
Why go: Combine amazing coffee with hot honey-drenched donuts
Best for: Sweet breakfast, Instagram moments
Price: Coffee €3, Loukoumades €5-8
4. Monsieur Aventure (Koukaki)#
Neighborhood gem with exceptional specialty coffee and homemade pastries.
Why go: Third-wave quality in a cozy, local setting
Best for: Quiet morning coffee, laptop work
Price: €3-4
5. Six D.o.g.s (Monastiraki)#
Part cafe, part bar, part cultural space with a huge garden courtyard.
Why go: Unique atmosphere, events, great for groups
Best for: Afternoon coffee into evening drinks
Price: €3-5
Best Traditional Kafeneia#
6. Kafeneio To Tristrato (Psyrri)#
Step back in time at this authentic neighborhood coffee house.
Why go: Real Greek coffee experience, elderly locals playing backgammon
Best for: Cultural immersion, Greek coffee
Price: €2-3
7. Melina Cafe (Plaka)#
Named after Melina Mercouri, this charming cafe is stuffed with memorabilia.
Why go: Nostalgic atmosphere, central location
Best for: Tourists wanting traditional experience
Price: €3-5
8. Falafel (Psyrri)#
Despite the name, known for excellent Greek coffee and local crowd.
Why go: Authentic neighborhood vibe, cheap prices
Best for: People-watching, afternoon freddo
Price: €2-3.50
Best for Working/Laptop-Friendly#
9. Tailor Made (Monastiraki)#
Upscale cafe with reliable wifi, plenty of outlets, and great coffee.
Why go: Work-friendly without being a coworking space
Best for: Remote workers, long stays
Price: €4-6
Wifi: Yes, fast
10. Little Tree Books & Coffee (Pagkrati)#
Bookshop-cafe hybrid with quiet atmosphere perfect for focused work.
Why go: Books, coffee, calm — the productivity trifecta
Best for: Writing, reading, quiet work
Price: €3-4
Wifi: Yes
11. Feedel (Exarchia)#
Student-friendly cafe with affordable prices and tolerant of laptop lingerers.
Why go: Budget-friendly, good coffee, plugs available
Best for: Students, budget travelers working remotely
Price: €2.50-4
Wifi: Yes
Best for Atmosphere#
12. Booze Cooperativa (Exarchia)#
More than a cafe — a worker-owned cooperative with revolutionary history.
Why go: Unique political/social atmosphere, cheap drinks
Best for: Experiencing alternative Athens
Price: €2-4
13. Noel (Koukaki)#
Christmas-themed cafe that’s magical year-round (yes, really).
Why go: Quirky decor, cozy vibes, good coffee
Best for: Unique Instagram spot, winter visits
Price: €3.50-5
14. Heteroclito (Syntagma)#
Wine bar that serves excellent coffee during the day.
Why go: Beautiful interior, great for afternoon transitions to wine
Best for: Day-to-night spots, aesthetics
Price: €3.50-5 coffee, €6-12 wine
15. Hitchcocθ (Pagkrati)#
Cinema-themed cafe named after the master of suspense.
Why go: Film memorabilia, neighborhood charm
Best for: Movie lovers, local experience
Price: €3-4
Coffee Prices in Athens#
| Drink | Chain Cafe | Specialty Cafe | Kafeneio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | €1.50-2 | €2.50-3.50 | €1.50 |
| Freddo Cappuccino | €3-3.50 | €3.50-4.50 | €2.50-3 |
| Greek Coffee | €2-2.50 | €2.50-3 | €1.50-2 |
| Filter/Pour-over | N/A | €3.50-5 | N/A |
Athens Coffee Culture Tips#
1. Take Your Time#
Coffee is social in Greece. There’s no pressure to leave — one drink can last hours. Embrace it.
2. Freddo is King#
In summer (most of the year), cold coffee dominates. Freddo cappuccino is the default order.
3. Don’t Rush Greek Coffee#
Traditional Greek coffee comes with a glass of water and is meant to be sipped slowly while the grounds settle. Don’t stir, don’t gulp.
4. Ask for “Sketo” If No Sugar#
Greek coffee and freddo are often served sweet by default. “Sketo” means no sugar.
5. Tipping#
Not expected at cafes. Round up or leave small change if you wish.
6. Cash Still Preferred#
Many traditional kafeneia are cash-only. Specialty cafes usually take cards.
Neighborhood Coffee Guide#
Monastiraki/Psyrri#
- Tourist-friendly with options from traditional to trendy
- Six D.o.g.s, Falafel, Lukumades
Kolonaki#
- Upscale, well-dressed crowd
- Taf Coffee, Rosebud
Exarchia#
- Alternative, student vibe, cheapest prices
- Feedel, Booze Cooperativa
Koukaki/Pagkrati#
- Local neighborhoods, fewer tourists
- Monsieur Aventure, Little Tree Books
Syntagma/Plaka#
- Central and touristy, but good options exist
- Melina Cafe, Tailor Made
Frequently Asked Questions#
What’s a freddo cappuccino?#
Greece’s signature coffee drink: espresso shaken with ice until frothy, topped with cold milk foam. It’s essentially iced cappuccino perfected.
Is coffee expensive in Athens?#
No — Athens coffee is reasonably priced. Expect €2.50-4.50 for most drinks. Much cheaper than London or Paris.
Do cafes have wifi?#
Most modern cafes have wifi. Traditional kafeneia usually don’t. Always ask before settling in to work.
What’s the difference between frappe and freddo?#
Frappe uses instant coffee shaken with water and ice. Freddo uses real espresso. Freddo is better quality; frappe is nostalgic.
Can I work from cafes in Athens?#
Yes — many cafes are laptop-friendly, especially in Kolonaki and Pagkrati. Avoid tiny traditional spots for long work sessions.
The Bottom Line#
For the best coffee: Taf Coffee — specialty quality, multiple locations
For traditional atmosphere: Kafeneio To Tristrato — authentic Greek kafeneio experience
For remote work: Tailor Made or Little Tree Books — wifi, outlets, no side-eye
For the quintessential Athens moment: Order a freddo cappuccino at any sidewalk cafe, people-watch, and don’t hurry.
Hungry too? Check out our guides to best souvlaki in Athens and rooftop restaurants.
