9x Best coffee spots in Athens

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Athens is full of contrasts. The blend of old and new is something I keep coming back to in all my tips about this vibrant city. Whether I’m writing about the best sights, my favorite restaurants, or hotel recommendations, that mix is everywhere. But one thing I haven’t covered yet is where to find the best coffee in Athens.

During my most recent city trip, I spent a lot of time discovering great coffee places. So, it’s about time I shared my top nine favorite coffee hotspots in the city.

While you can still get a classic frappé or freddo espresso just about anywhere, there’s a growing love in Athens for slow coffee, single-origin beans, and carefully brewed filter coffee. Especially in neighborhoods like Exarchia and Kolonaki, new specialty coffee spots are popping up. Places with great coffee, beautiful interiors, and a relaxed vibe. So just like in my other guides, I’m focusing on modern Athens over the traditional.

1. Minu

Minu is one of those places that instantly puts a smile on your face. This coffee bar meets concept store meets urban jungle feels like a little oasis in the city. You’re surrounded by plants, stylish design, and beautiful objects you can actually buy. They serve food all day, but this time I stopped by just for a coffee break. My cappuccino was excellent, and with the sun out, I grabbed a table in the peaceful courtyard at the back. Inside, there are lots of cozy corners to choose from, so take a look around before you sit down. Perfect for a quick coffee stop, but I’d love to come back for a long, lazy brunch.

Address: Sarri 50, Athens 105 53

2. Motiv

Just a 12-minute walk from my hotel, Monsieur Didot, and right outside posh Kolonaki, you suddenly find yourself in a completely different world: Exarchia. Grittier, edgier, and all the more interesting. On the corner of a graffiti-covered street sits Motiv. It’s right next to Taf Coffee, another big name in the Athenian coffee scene, but I much preferred the vibe at Motiv.

There’s limited seating inside, so like most people, I opted for a spot on the terrace. Hands down, this was the best coffee I had in Athens. They also have a larger location outside the city center, but this smaller one has so much charm. The perfect place to wake up with a great cup of coffee and soak in the contrast of the city.

Address: Emmanouil Benaki 20, Athens 106 78

3. Ere Athens

Even if you’re not in the mood for coffee, Ere Athens is a must-visit. This stylish concept store blends beautiful lifestyle products with a cozy little coffee bar tucked into the corner. The space is bright and modern, with a clear Scandinavian touch. Sip your drink on the window seat while admiring a curated collection of books, accessories, and home decor. They serve not just great coffee but also stunning little cakes. It’s the kind of place where you relax, get inspired, and combine your love for beautiful things with a cup of coffee.

Address: Erechthiou 30, Athens 117 42

4. Foyer Espresso Bar

After visiting the Olympic Stadium, I headed to Foyer Espresso Bar. This cafe is high on the must-visit lists for coffee lovers in Athens. This tiny espresso bar is in Pangrati, a neighborhood that might not be on every tourist’s radar but is a favorite among locals and coffee aficionados. It was packed when I got there, but I managed to find a seat inside. With its limited seating, it’s also perfect for a coffee to-go. One thing I love: they update their coffee menu with the seasons. Just another reason why I’d happily go back.

Address: Vriaxidos 2, Athens 116 35

5. This is Loco

After a morning at the Acropolis, I felt like I’d earned a solid breakfast, which is how I ended up at This is Loco. This creative coffee spot has an industrial interior with bold murals and eye-catching design details. I came for the food (which I go into more detail about in my post with the best restaurants in Athens), but the coffee didn’t disappoint either. Great for both a hearty meal and a quality caffeine fix. The vibe is laid-back and full of character, definitely worth checking out.

Address: Falirou 47, Athens 117 42

6. Sakkoulas Cafe

Just around the corner from my hotel Monsieur Didot, Sakkoulas Café inside a legal bookshop is probably not the first place you’d expect to find a great cappuccino. But when I passed by, I was intrigued. The towering bookcases behind the bar and the stylish, minimal interior drew me right in. Inside is a quiet little café at the front of the shop. Yes, the legal vibe is still strong (their Wi-Fi password is “supremecourt”), so it’s not necessarily the place to linger for hours. But that unexpected twist is what makes it special. A lovely surprise on a busy corner and a fun find if you want to explore a different side of Athens.

Address: Akadimias 43, Athens 106 72

7. Nuff Said

Another gem near my hotel and just on the edge of Exarchia is Nuff Said. At the back of this trendy spot is a charming garden where you can unwind with a coffee or go all out with brunch. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of young locals, creatives, and coffee lovers enjoying excellent drinks and tasty food. Alongside classic brews, they also serve iced coffees and homemade brunch dishes. I visited after a full day of sightseeing, and the terrace was packed, so I took my iced latte to go. It was delicious, and I will definitely return and stay a little longer next time.

Address: Didotou 31, Athens 106 80

8. Mokka

I didn’t have time to visit Mokka myself, but I had to include it for its history and unique offering. It’s one of the oldest coffee spots in Athens and famous for serving traditional Greek coffee brewed in hot sand, a technique dating back to the Ottoman era. Locals and tourists love this place, and it’s a great stop if you’re curious about Greece’s original coffee culture. You’ll find both traditional Greek brews and more modern options. Even if you usually lean toward the newer, trendier coffee shops, this one is a must for a taste of coffee history.

Address: Athinas 44, Athens 105 51

9. Dope Roasting

Dope Roasting was easily one of my favorite coffee spots in Athens. The location I visited (on Vissis 25) seems to be closed now, but they have other branches in the city, so definitely worth checking where they’ve moved. What made it so special? Great coffee, stunning interior design, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. High ceilings, industrial decor, and a big central bar where you place your order. I sat outside under a parasol, sipping my cappuccino as the city buzzed by. It’s also a popular spot for people working on their laptops, making it a great place to get stuff done while enjoying top-notch coffee in an inspiring setting.

Time for a coffee break in Athens

Whether you’re a full-on coffee snob or just looking for a cozy spot to get your caffeine fix, Athens has so much to offer. These coffee hotspots are based on my personal experiences during my most recent trip, but there are of course plenty more great places across the city. Know a coffee spot that absolutely deserves a mention here? Let me know! I’d love to come back for round two.

Looking for more Athens travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Athens city guide.

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