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$$ | Syntagma |
Visit the elegant Aeglí Zappiou, an excellent spot for a classic Greek coffee experience. Nestled among fountains and flowering trees next to the Zappio Exhibition Hall in the National Garden, it's an ideal spot to sample a fresh dessert or some haute cuisine, or watch a movie at the open-air Cine Aegli next door. Adjacent to this café is the noted Cibus restaurant, which offers a special degustation menu of modern Greek cuisine every Wednesday evening (reservations recommended).
Zappio Megaro, Athens, Attica, 11557, Greece
Known For
- Good desserts
- Great coffee
- Views of open-air Cine Aegli next door
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$ | Psirri |
An ice cream workshop (dare we say laboratory) and store, Kokkion is the brainchild of a Cordon Bleu patissiere and serves ice cream like no other in Athens. The parlor uses only super-fresh ingredients like cow's milk from a small farm in northern Greece, high quality French chocolate, and homemade caramel, seasonings, and flavorings. Most exciting of all are the unique flavors, like milk chocolate with orange and pepper and coconut sorbet with chocolate steamed biscuit and chocolate pieces, as well as classics like bitter chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla. Vegan options are available, too.
Protogenous 2, Athens, Attica, 10554, Greece
Known For
- Fresh ingredients—no ice cream mixes here
- Unique flavors
- Homemade flavorings
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$ | Acropolis |
Try (and probably get addicted to) one of Greece's most popular and traditional desserts—loukoumades. These doughtnut-like balls are deep fried, then stuffed and slathered with an impressively enormous variety of delicious fillings and toppings. You can sit at the bench outside to feast on your selected sweets, or take them to go. The dough is freshly prepared every day using quality ingredients, as are the sauces and toppings that are sprinkled over them.
Aiolou 21 & Aghias Eirinis St., Athens, Attica, 105 51, Greece
Known For
- Top quality ingredients
- Great variety of toppings and fillings
- Excellent flavor every time
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$$$ | Syntagma |
Famously known as Zonars until falling into new ownership recently, Athenee is one of Athens's most established and elegant restaurant-cafés, where a multitude of international film stars, academics, and politicians have sipped their coffee since 1939. The plush decor, elegant atmosphere and sophisticated crowd create a feeling of nostalgic old-style luxury combined with modern urban liveliness. Throughout the day Athenee caters to all culinary desires, offering plush brunches, modern Greek dishes, exciting varieties of sushi, mouthwatering pastries, and perfectly mixed cocktails.
Voukourestiou 9 & Panepistimiou, Athens, Attica, 10671, Greece
Known For
- A long and glamorous history; it's a cultural institution
- Delicious pastries
- A perfect location for business chats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sunday
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$ | Thissio |
For a fancy coffee (think espresso mixed with Sambuca), sweet crêpes, or an impromptu meal, stop at this restored neoclassical-style mansion and watch the crowds on Apostolou Pavlou. The seating in the square in front of the restaurant bordering the ancient agora has one of the best views of the Acropolis in town.
Akamantos 1, Athens, Attica, 11851, Greece
Known For
- People-watching
- Good coffee
- Acropolis view
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Syntagma |
For such a tiny spot in a narrow street just off Syntagma Square, this small but stylish vegetarian favorite has many devoted fans. The veg and vegan comfort food appeals to health-conscious diners who appreciate the friendly atmosphere and internationally focused menu. Options include mock burgers, pizza, and heartwarming curries. Its nutritious juices, teas, and smoothies helped start a juice bar trend in the capital. Big hits are the Margherita pizza, vegetable curries and stir-frys, and the forest mushroom burger.
Nikis 30, Athens, Attica, 10557, Greece
Known For
- Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
- Delicious smoothies and juices
- Macrobiotic and gluten-free options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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$ | Monastiraki |
Run by the same family since 1879, this is an almost legendary souvlaki eatery in Monastiraki Square. After admiring the painted wine barrels and the black-and-white stills of Greek film stars and politicians who have lunched here, go to the window case to view the day's magirefta (stove-top-cooked dish, usually made earlier)—possibly a delicious pastitsio. Or sit down and order a popular gyro or kebab platter.
Monastiraki Sq. 2, Athens, Attica, 10555, Greece
Known For
- Traditional kebabs and gyros
- Historic setting
- Simple food for reasonable prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Metaxourgeio |
The trendiest and most happening spot for coffee, snacks, and cocktails in Metaxourgeio, Ble Papagalos (Blue Parrot in Greek) is an all-day social destination. Always abuzz mainly with local youth but also people of varying ages, the charming hangout reflects the up-and-coming area's aspirations as an artsy, hip, green, and friendly locale. Try a fresh homemade dessert with your coffee by day or a light snack and drink by night as you watch the world go by. At night it also hosts swing parties and jazz-themed DJ sets.
Leonidou 31, Athens, Attica, 10436, Greece
Known For
- Hip, vibrant crowd
- Funky decor and ambience
- Great coffee and cocktails
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$ | Plaka |
Stop for an ice-cold frappé (Nescafé instant coffee frothed with sugar and condensed milk) and a game of backgammon at Cafe Oionos. Have a light lunch and watch the world go by on buzzy Kydathinaeon square.
Kydathinaion and Geronta 7, Athens, Attica, 10558, Greece
Known For
- Freshly made salads
- Pastas and sandwiches
- Relaxing atmosphere
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$ | Syntagma |
Café Voulis is among the top-10 espresso bars in the country, but its aficionados also swear by the fresh sandwiches and salads for an easy lunch break, and a live DJ set and cocktails at night. It is also remarkably cool in summer.
Voulis 17 and Ermou, Athens, Attica, 10563, Greece
Known For
- Youthful, fun atmosphere
- Well-mixed cocktails
- Excellent coffee
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$ | Kolonaki | Café
Enjoy a cappuccino and an Italian panini standing inside Caffe Da Capo, or if you have more time, watch the world go by at an outside table. This place is usually packed with trendsetters and stern policy makers.
Tsakalof 1, Athens, Attica, 10673, Greece
Known For
- People-watching
- Hangout for Greek movers and shakers
- Excellent cappuccino
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$ | Kolonaki |
Located on pedestrian Voukourestiou Street, where all the most luxurious fashion boutiques are, the Italian-style café serves freshly ground, high-quality espresso and cappuccino and a fresh daily platter of sandwiches and sweets. It is named after the 16th-century pope who gave his blessing to the then-exotic coffee bean.
Voukourestiou 3, Athens, Attica, 10564, Greece
Known For
- Chichi coffee drinking
- Elegant location
- Good, albeit expensive, sandwiches and desserts
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$ | Makriyianni |
On a tiny street, across from Takis Bakery, one of Athens's best, is a small spot with outside seats that serves coffee and fresh juices in the morning and turns into something quite different from noon. As the clock strikes 12, you'll hear bubbles and the chatter intensify as drinks (especially Spudorato and other Buglioni wines from Italy, Aperol spritzes, and craft beer from Tinos island) are poured into glasses. These are happily paired with premium cold cuts and cheeses from Greece and around the world. The charcuterie is served until midnight.
Zitrou 20, Athens, Attica, 11742, Greece
Known For
- High quality wines
- Cozy, buzzy ambience
- Takis bakery across the road (owned by the same people)
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$ | Koukaki |
In-the-know locals will patiently queue here to get their fill of a fantastic, freshly made sandwich stuffed with deli ingredients of their choice. This small, family-run 1980s place is both vintage and progressive, and despite its huge fan-base remains completely unpretentious. Choose among ingredients like cheeses, chutneys, cold cuts, pickled or marinated vegetables, and seafood to create the sandwich of your dreams, made with fresh artisanal bread. You can also buy fresh salads and freshly-pressed fruit and vegetable juices.
Veikou 41, Athens, Attica, 11471, Greece
Known For
- An excellent variety of deli ingredients
- Friendly, personalized service
- Freshly baked, artisanal bread
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sunday
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$$ | Gazi-Kerameikos |
Housed in a cool, airy building with modern and traditional touches, this lively example of a neo-taverna serves mama's cooking but infused with Gazi's creative energy. Regional specialties, great barrel wine served in lovely carafes, and a familial atmosphere make dining here a pleasure. Warning: when the neutral-tone interior gets busy, it gets almost psychedelically loud. Thankfully, there are outside tables on the street where you can dine in good weather.
Konstantinoupoleos 70, Athens, Attica, 11854, Greece
Known For
- Traditional home-style favorites like slow-cooked lamb and stuffed grape leaves
- Lively atmosphere great for groups of friends
- Excellent house wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Omonia Sq. |
For a true taste of bygone Athens, don't miss Krinos, an endearingly old-timey café that serves Athens's best loukoumades—irresistible, doughnutlike fritters sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with a honeyed syrup based on a Smyrna recipe. Krinos has been serving the treat since it opened its doors in the 1920s.
Aiolou 87, Athens, Attica, 10531, Greece
Known For
- The city's best loukoumades
- Excellent cream pies (bougatsa)
- Kaimaki ice cream
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Gazi-Kerameikos |
Athenians have been known historically as meat lovers, but they are beginning to discover the merits of creative, sophisticated, and delicious vegetarian cuisine. The popularity of this bistro attests to the fact with a modern and playful layout that includes a charming back garden and a seasonal menu packed with guilt-free, nutritious vegan and vegetarian choices. The food here offers a wealth of taste bud-pleasing flavors. Try the Greek salad on a rusk made from carob, topped with almond "goat" cheese, and sip the lemonade with turmeric, agave, and cayenne pepper. The restaurant eagerly explores all avenues in healthy, trendy cuisine.
Dekeleon 23, Athens, Attica, 11854, Greece
Known For
- Raw vegan homemade cheeses
- Fresh, crispy salads and vegan burgers
- Gluten-free and raw options
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$ | Kolonaki |
Fresh pasta cooked to order and made to go make Mailo's, recently opened and super-popular, a great option for anyone craving a quick, hot meal without the fuss. This place is especially ideal for families or shoppers wanting to stop for a quick bite that's nutritious, packed with flavor, and prepared. There are a few seats outside if you'd rather sit.
Patriarchou Ioakim 39, Athens, Attica, 10675, Greece
Known For
- Fresh pasta
- Great variety of recipes
- Freshly made food
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$$ | Monastiraki |
In the city's main shopping district, the compact but modern Melilotos offers a large variety of refreshing, quick-bite options based on traditional Greek dishes with influences from other cuisines. The menu offers a large array of dishes at reasonable prices. Grilled meats, wholesome salads, Greek pastas, macrobiotic and vegetarian options, as well as quality coffee and dessert are all on the menu.
Kalamiotou 19, Athens, Attica, 10560, Greece
Known For
- A modern take on traditional Greek
- Healthy options
- Reasonable prices
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$$ | Plaka |
Melina is dedicated to its namesake, the dynamic Never on Sunday actress turned Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri. Set on a scenic, village-style Plaka street framed by pink bougainvillea, the tables are always packed. On a hot afternoon try the delectable club sandwich on crisp sourdough bread, creamy egg salad, or seafood salad; at night try the peppered fillet or "Melina chicken." The desserts here are great, too, including a rich chocolate sokolatina (pudding cake) and a syrupy orange portokalopita cake (made from shredded phyllo), with a strong Greek coffee.
Lysiou 22, Athens, Attica, 10556, Greece
Known For
- Buzzy atmosphere
- Good food you can linger over
- Traditional desserts