In recent years, more and more cafes have appeared in Athens, linking the capital with the culture of so-called specialty coffee, which pays special attention to the origin of the precious beans and special brewing techniques.

35

We recommend ten of these new-generation cafés that have sparked the trend and are worth getting to know, while tasting some excellent cups of coffee.

Taf

This quaint corner coffee shop is one of the first places that introduced Athenians to the culture of quality coffee. Yiannis Taloumis, co-owner and CEO of the company, sniffed out the potentiality of this small green bean years ago while visiting coffee farms around the world in order to select the very best ones. And when the little coffee shop in Benaki Street opened its doors, even the most sceptical began to change their minds.

In this tiny space you will find all the coffee blends they have in their collection, either to enjoy on the spot or to take home with you. The baristi, some of whom have won national and international awards, can guide and advise you very well. While the weather is still warm, I suggest you try their iced brew or a nice cup of filter coffee from Peru.

7-9, Benaki Str., Athens, +30 210 3800014,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tafcoffee/

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The Underdog / Photo: Facebook
The Underdog / Photo: Facebook

The Underdog

At the beginning of Herakleidon pedestrian street in Thiseio, there is a beautiful neoclassical building with an imposing red door that houses one of the best coffee shops in Athens, “The Underdog”. Featuring a bright industrial courtyard at the back, this spacious –spread over three levels- and cosy café serves great in-house roasted coffee. Behind the wooden bar you will meet award-winning baristi who have received top national and international accolades and will prepare for you one of their famous specialty coffees. In addition to the classics, you will also find iced flat white, espresso tonic and excellent cold brew that you can pair with a slice of freshly baked banana bread or chocolate babka.

8, Irakleidon Str., Thiseio, +30 213 0365393

Facebook: https://facebook.com/Project.The.Underdog/

Kudu

Owned by the Greek company Kudu Roasters, this modern space in the heart of Neo Psychiko features large windows and tables on both sides of the sidewalk, where you enjoy all of the company’s products; excellent specialty coffee accompanied by the most tempting desserts and brunch dishes served daily. Always willing to fill you in on the different coffee varieties available, the guys behind the bar are always more than happy to help you find the one that suits your tastes. Discover their blend called Habit which is one of the most interesting blends on the market.

22, 25th Martiou Str., Neo Psychiko, +30 217 7223040

Facebook: https://el-gr.facebook.com/kuducoffeeroasters/

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Kudu / Photo: Facebook
The Roosters / Photo: Facebook

The Roosters

One of the most recent arrivals in the city, with two different addresses; their first shop is located near the central square of Peristeri, while the second and newest –which opened a while ago- is located in the neighbourhood of Vrilissia. More than a coffee shop, “The Roosters” is also a micro-roastery and currently offers four different single origin coffees: one from Ethiopia which is rather high in acidity, a more balanced one from Panama, a special one from Indonesia and a sweeter and more chocolaty one from Colombia –a must-try. You will also find sweet and savoury treats (their cinnamon rolls are delicious!), packaged Rhoeco herbs, Kakau chocolates and pralines, microbrewery beers, natural wines, Verve juices and bottled cocktails by The Clumsies.

7, 25th Martiou & Kosti Varnali, Peristeri, +30 210 5724626

Thetidos 1 & Omirou 2, Vrilissia, +30 210 8103416,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroosters.co/

Mind the cup

Strolling along the bustling Veaki pedestrian street in Peristeri, you will notice numerous tables spread out under a large plane tree. Usually they are all full. This is one of the first cafés in the city to believe in and promote the culture of quality coffee. Today, “Mind the cup” has become the ultimate hangout for the lovers of the precious green bean. They roast their own coffee in their own roaster, while their single origin blends are always balanced and gentle on your palate. Right next door, they prepare mouth-watering sweet and savoury treats, many of which are baked in a wood-fired oven.

27, Aimiliou Veaki Str., Peristeri, +30 210 5776010

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindthecup.co/

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Kaya/Photo: Facebook
Kaya/Photo:Facebook

Kaya

Turning into the hidden pedestrian street at the end of Kolokotroni Street, you will find “Kaya”, a tiny café with a diagonal bar. Here you will find perhaps the most affordable high quality espresso in Athens, as it costs less than 1€. From early morning until six in the afternoon, Lambros and Antonis serve countless cups of coffee –espresso and cappuccino only. Sourcing coffee from various Greek roasters, Kaya never runs out of interesting new blends to try. There are no tables to sit at, but a long bar to enjoy your coffee on the fly. Don’t be disappointed if you find a queue, as this is very common, especially in the mornings.

7, Voulis Str., Syntagma, +30 213 0284305

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057299687775

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Lot 51/Photo: Facebook
Lot 51/ Photo: Facebook

Lot51

The brainchild of three friends who wanted to create a youthful, modern and beautiful space to share coffee, brunch and drinks with their friends; thus was born “Lot 51”, an all-day café-bar that as soon as it opened became an instant hangout. Coffee is supplied by the Greek company Area 51 and varies depending on availability. If you are a fan of cold coffee, I’d recommend trying the cold brew that comes in a soda can. Be sure to try their hearty brunch, which includes delicious egg dishes and mouth-watering desserts – don’t miss the salted caramel cookies.

24B, Papadiamantopoulou Str., Ilisia, +30 693 7337066

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lot51Athens

Kolektiva

Based in Northern Greece, “Roasters Kolektiva” opened its headquarters in Athens –in a three-storey building in Agia Paraskevi- two years ago. On the ground floor they have created a modern coffee shop, adorned with stone and wood, where all coffee blends sourced and roasted at their northern headquarters are served. The variety is wide and you are sure to find something to suit your tastes. Upstairs a workshop has been set up where seminars, tastings and other coffee-related activities are held.

111, Kleisthenous Str., Agia Paraskevi, +30 210 6004400

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoastersKolektiva/

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Handpickers / Photo: Facebook
Handpickers / Photo: Facebook

Handpickers

Located in the alternative neighbourhood of Tavros, “Handpickers” features a high bar with a few stools and a few tables spread out on the wide sidewalk, where you will enjoy great coffee and delicious freshly baked treats. Inside the coffee shop there is also a retail section where you can buy your favourite coffee (beans, grounded or capsules) and other cool coffee gadgets and accessories. Their blends are rather balanced –of low to medium acidity- while they also have great selection of filter coffee blends.

45, Anaxagora Str., Tavros, +30 210 4817530

Facebook: https://facebook.com/handpickerscoffee/

MrBean

On the corner of Benaki and Phidiou streets, you will find this bright, high-ceilinged café that has been serving quality coffee for about four years. Try their main blend, comprising of beans from Brazil, Nicaragua and Guatemala, hot or cold. You’ll also find sinful desserts from nearby “I Cake You”, including delicious fluffy cookies, rich brownies, exuberant cheesecakes and luscious apple pies.

20, Em. Benaki Str., Athens, +30 210 3810899

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr-Bean-Coffee-Brewers-951244571617256/