15 Best Cafes in Athens: Coffee Culture Guide (2026)
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 💡 Pro tip: The freddo cappuccino is Greece’s gift to coffee culture. Cold espresso topped with thick, creamy cold foam — perfect for hot Athens days. Order one and you’ll understand why Greeks sit at cafes for hours. Best Specialty Coffee # 1. Taf Coffee (Multiple Locations) # Athens’ pioneering specialty roaster. Serious about beans, unpretentious in vibe.