Looking for the best brunch in Athens? This guide has got you covered.
Going out for brunch is a relatively new concept in Greece. However, eclectic places to grab a coffee and a late morning bite to eat have emerged in a big way in recent years, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki.
This is perhaps a logical progression. Coffee culture is huge in Greece, and sitting beneath a cabana, espresso in hand, and watching the world go by is essentially the country’s national sport. So why not add some good food into the mix?
The best brunch in Athens depends a lot on your personal taste. There is something for every taste here.
That is, whether you want to indulge in continental breakfast classics such as eggs florentine or eggs benedict, you want to trial innovative Mediterannean flavours, or you want something sweet.
Best Brunch in Athens Greece
A handful of recommendations of places to consider for the best brunch in Athens are detailed below. It is worth venturing a little way out of the historic centre if you can.
Areas like Koukaki, Kolonaki, the Mets, and Pagrati are still very central. However, they are more catered to locals and seldom see the same crowds (or prices) as those you will see close to attractions like the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, etc.
Kinono
Where: Falirou 48, Athens, Greece
Kinono is a light, bright, and airy space in the heart of Athens’ quirky Koukaki district. You will find all of your international brunch favourites cooked to perfection here.
Avocado toast, eggs benedict, and banana pancakes grace Kinono’s menu. They are best enjoyed accompanied by an ice-cold Freddo espresso.
This neighbourhood, Koukaki was once the industrial hub of Athens, named after Greek businessman George Koukakis. After trade in the area closed up, many of the industrial buildings, including the one that today houses Kinono, were transformed into coffee shops, retail spaces, art galleries, and restaurants.
The chic, contemporary interior of Kinono retains certain features and design quirks from its former industrial purpose. Think high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The decor is Scandinavian style and eco-friendly. Owner Olga Maneta has made all of Kinono’s furnishings herself. Everything from the bar to the tables and chairs have been handmade with recycled materials.
Gorgeous house plants cover every spare inch of space and hang from ceilings and windowsills. Kinono is spacious and there are always plenty of tables available, even if there is a large group of you.
The Underdog
Where: Iraklidon 8, Athens, 118 51
The Underdog is an Athens institution. This specialty coffee shop in historic Thissio has gained something of a cult following over the last few years.
Indeed, the baristas here are widely recognised as being among the very best in all of Greece. The Underdog’s proprietors and staff have won countless awards and gained recognition in international media.
The Underdog awaits on Iraklidon, a narrow street that veers off from Apostlou Pavlou boulevard in central Athens. It sits behind an unsuspecting door that doesn’t give anything away in terms of what is inside.
Enter though, and you are met with a spacious, airy coffee and brunch shop. There is both indoor and outdoor seating – pass through the bar area and you will arrive at a gorgeous courtyard shaded by plane trees.
Brunch menus at the underdog place a Mediterranean twist on renowned breakfast/brunch classics. For instance, slow-cooked eggs are prepared “Mediterranean style” with fresh tomato passata, herbs, and olives.
Rabbit Punch
Where: Efranoros 40, Pagrati, Athens
The stylish interiors and exquisite coffee blends of the Rabbit Punch have been delighting Athenians for the last few years. This gorgeous place is the brainchild of the owners of the Underdog.
Since its opening, the Rabbit Punch quickly established itself as one of the best places to hang out in Pagrati. This charming place is a day-to-night bar.
In other words, you can stop by for coffee and brunch during the day, and cocktails prepared by expert mixologists during the evening. (Or you can have cocktails with brunch during the day if you like, we’re not judging!)
The Rabbit Punch’s brunch menu is available from 10.00 am until 21.00 pm daily because who doesn’t want to eat breakfast food at any time of the day? The owners describe their brunch offering as “seasonal and sexy”.
The dishes offered change frequently depending on what ingredients are fresh and in season. There are an array of options available – egg dishes, salads, avocado toast, Croque monsieur.
However, an insider’s recommendation? Try the pancakes.
For just 7 euros, you can get a sinfully large stack of pancakes loaded with toppings of your choice. For something a little special and extra indulgent, try the banoffee or cheesecake pancakes and thank us later.
There is both inside and outside seating here. For the best Greek experience, grab a seat on the sidewalk so that you can people-watch in Proiftou Ilia square.
Spiti Mas
Where: Navarchu Apostoli 10, Athens, 105 54
Ask an Athenian where to get the best brunch in Athens and a lot of them will answer with the same thing. “Spiti Mas”.
Spiti Mas actually translates to mean “our home”. This is a fitting title considering the welcoming environment and the hearty homecooked food here is reminiscent to being invited into an old friend’s house.
A mishmash of shabby chic tables and chairs await you upon entrance. Think, mismatched wooden chairs, comfy sofas, and quirky wall art.
Portions are large and prices are reasonable. Warm beverages are served in lovely china teacups.
Spiti Mas is situated in the heart of Psiri Athens. Stop here en route to the Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora) and Evripidou street.
Note: As of January 2022, Spiti Mas has had to temporarily close their doors due to the global pandemic. We look forward to welcoming them back soon!
Oh Boy
Where: Archelaou 32, Athens
Oh Boy is a coffee and dessert spot close to Evangelismos metro station that stole the hearts of Athenians from the moment it opened. Whatever time of day or night you happen to come by here, the tables are always full.
You might have to wait a little while to be seated but rest assured, the food is worth it. Oh Boy, are perhaps better known for their cakes, desserts, and pastries than for their savoury options.
However, you can find quiches, sandwiches, and a few other light bites on the menu here. All cakes and pastries are baked fresh in-house the same morning.
Oh Boy’s cheesecakes in particular are to die for. This place is relatively close to the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium (Kallimarmaro).
So, it is a nice place to stop for a quick bite to eat after you unleash your inner Mo Farah and do a quick victory lap around the stadium. From Kallimarmaro, continue walking along Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou.
Take a right turn onto Vasileos Georgiou B. You will see Oh Boy in front of you on the corner of Archelaou and Vasileos Georgiou B. From here, you are also located conveniently close to the Lyceum of Aristotle and the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
Beauty Killed the Beast
Where: Paramithias 14, Kerameikos, Athens
If you want to treat yourself to something a little extra special in your search for the best brunch in Athens, Beauty Killed the Beast is one place to have on your radar. This is an upscale day-to-night spot in the Gazi/Kerameikos region of Athens.
This neighbourhood, Gazi/Kerameikos, is known for its somewhat raucous nightlife. A lot of Athens’ best clubs and bars can be found here.
However, by day, the atmosphere is more laid back and casual. A lot of hip, young Athenians that study at the local university will venture here for a rendezvous with their friends over a cup of coffee.
Gazi is filled with art galleries, international eateries, and excellent coffee shops. It is well deserved of some exploration in itself. You can also stop by the former gas plant which has since been converted into an art and cultural centre.
Not only is the food here to die for, but the decor and stunning aesthetics are a draw in themselves. The walls and furnishings at Beauty Killed the Beast are a delicate shade of baby pink. Meanwhile, various art pieces have been painted and sprayed on the walls by local Athenian artists.
Del Posto
Where: Leof. Posidonos 4, Vouliagmeni, 166 71
No trip to Athens is complete without a trip to the Athenian Riviera. This area consists of several elegant beach towns that are known to attract a well-heeled crowd.
Indeed, this region is often referred to as “the Hellenic Hamptons” and the likes of Sophia Loren and Frank Sinatra were known to enjoy vacationing here. The towns of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni are all well worth visiting.
Travelling here is a pleasant experience regardless of the time of year that you find yourself in Athens. During the summer, you can swim in the healing thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni and sink your toes into the sand at exclusive private beach clubs.
Meanwhile, in the Autumn and Winter months, the coastal walks are enjoyable even when the temperatures dip. Among the options for coffee and brunch spots along the Athenian coastline, there are those places that stand out from the crowd.
Del Posto is an Athens institution. This gorgeous place was previously known as “En Plo” and has been a fixture on the Vouliagmeni social scene for years.
Del Posto sits right on the seafront where you have unparalleled views over the Aegean and you can watch the sea waves lap against the shore. Despite how exclusive this region is, there is no air of pretension here.
You can expect the same level of “Filoxenia” Greek hospitality at Del Posto (and other Athens Riviera hangouts) as you would anywhere else. The brunch menu at Del Posto is varied and the prices are excellent.
You can find everything here from fruit bowls and healthy granola treats, to pancakes, bagels, and sandwiches. Come for the food, stay for the view.
Zampano
Where: Sarri 18, Athens, Greece
Even before Zampano introduced a brunch offering, it was widely regarded as being one of the best restaurants in Athens. The eatery occupies the ground floor of a gorgeous converted neoclassical mansion in Psiri, Central Athens.
The interiors are stunning and it is evident that a lot of care and consideration has gone into the design of the place. Indeed, respected Designers Maurizio and Giuseppe Alito were commissioned to create a vintage, romantic ambiance reminiscent of France during the early 20th century.
The menu focuses on traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes that have been prepared with a modern twist. Brunch is available daily between 8.30 am and 17.00 pm.
Reservations are not essential, though Zampano can get very busy at weekends. Consider ordering yourself the “kayana” – scrambled eggs cooked in fresh tomato sauce with feta, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and sourdough bread.
Novak
Where: Angelou, Pirri 5, Athina 115 27, Greece
“Novak” is one of the best brunch places in Athens if you are looking to catch up with friends in a sleek, upscale setting. The restaurant’s name is a Serbian word meaning that something special has arrived.
When you step through the doors and enter for the first time, you certainly understand why such a name was chosen. Everything from the decor to the attentive service here exudes luxury and sophistication.
Classic brunch dishes like avocado toast, eggs benedict, and croque monsieur grace the menu. There are also a lot of light, healthy options here too.
For instance, acai bowls and fruit medleys. Bread is made fresh in-house each day and is always delightfully warm and soft.
Malebi Glyfada
Where: Dim. Gounari 172, Glifada 166 74,
Glyfada is the place to see and be seen in the Athens Riviera and while you’re here, what better place to stop by than Malebi (Μαλεμπί)? Malebi is best known for its sweets that are almost too pretty to eat!
Treat yourself to a quintessentially Greek fresh pastry accompanied by coffee. Perhaps a tiropita (cheese pie) prepared with a blend of mizithra and feta cheese from Epirus, or mouthwatering buttery croissants.
If you consider yourself a sweet tooth, you can buy some light desserts and cakes here that are just the right size so that you don’t feel guilty eating them in the morning! A lot of them are “only in Greece” type treats that utilise local ingredients.
For instance, the kadaifi pudding with mastiha. You can also pick up gift boxes of baklava and other treats and chocolates to enjoy at home later.
Blends Mix & Match
Where: Pl. Nimfon, Glifada 166 74
Head to Blends Glyfada with your travel companion(s) to share a spectacular brunch tower. Yes, a tower of brunch.
This is one of only a few places in Athens where you can enjoy English afternon tea-style brunch served on tiered tazzas. Every weekend, from 11 am until 15.00pm, you can purchase a brunch tower for just 28 euros for 2 people.
It feels as though the chefs at Blends Glyfada have crammed every breakfast/lunch item imaginable onto the brunch tower. But if you can’t manage it all, you can always ask to take the rest of your food home.
Mini burgers, fresh homemade croissants, fluffy pancakes American-style pancakes, Greek pastries, sweet tarts and cakes adorn the layers of the might brunch tower. You will also find a few healthier options here too.
Expect to be presented with adorable miniature salad bowls with quinoa and locally-sourced vegetables. All of this can then be enjoyed with an extra strong, delicious cup of coffee.
Blends Glyfada offer all the coffee options you would expect to see anywhere else in the world (cappuccinos, lattes, etc), along with Greek classics like freddo espressos. You can also order cold brew here, or specify the type of coffee bean that you would like to enjoy. For instance, beans from Guatemala, or beans straight from Ethiopia.
