When you live in the land down under (Australia) and are privileged to some of the best brunch ever, you find it really hard to find the same standard of morning fuel in other parts of the world. Travelling around Europe is always a bit tricky if you’re after a decent avocado smash, an eggs Benny (eggs Benedict), or Shakshuka (my fave). This is totally a Western country’s first-world problem.
The new-age venues are starting to catch on and some even have breakfast dishes that rival that of Australia (I know… hard to believe). In the last decade, Athens brunch culture has exploded and I was pleasantly surprised to find a range of hip and happening spots that had the best brunch in Athens during our trips over the last 2 years.
What I adore about the best cafes in Athens is that they’re a hybrid model of bakery and cafe. They more often than not bake their cakes and sweets, sandwiches, and small bites in-house (bonus points to you guys), not to mention that you’re blessed with some kick-ass specialty coffee as well. There is an instant allure to visiting these cafes because you know the offering won’t mimic that of its neighbour.
There’s nothing I love more than sampling the nuances of flavour profiles and ingredient pairings within institutional dishes like your avo on toast and scrambled eggs. At these best brunch spots in Athens, you’ll continuously fall in love with your favourite dishes while getting an injection of Greek flavours and iconic dishes, think Eggs Benedict with a tzatziki hollandaise, or the cult favourite French Toast, but make it baklava French Toast.
If you’re heading to Athens for your European holiday this year, next year, or in the immediate future then THESE Athens brunch spots need to be on your list. Don’t sleep on it!
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The History Of Breakfast In Athens
Athens is a playground for modern-day food enthusiasts. The food scene is ever-evolving in Greece, the laid-back brunch culture is an obvious sibling to the already relaxed and embedded slow coffee scene (the 1 coffee and sitting for 2 hours talking type of thing). Traditionally we know Europe not for its elaborate breakfast options, but more so for its pastry, coffee, and cigarette starts to the morning. Envision the bustling crowd of people waiting in line for their morning coffee, then dashing with a pastry in hand to the subway… reminiscent of a cinematic moment.
Breakfast in Athens seems to be changing the landscape to keep up with the new generation of foodies and the media world (and rightfully so). Greece is known for their delectable cuisine bursting with bold and rich, aromatic flavours, and it is no surprise that the brunch in Athens is of the same calibre.
Sampling The Best Brunch In Athens
Nestled within the rich historical landscape of Athens are the chic, minimalist cafes of the modern city. You can more often than not identify their presence by the charming outdoor seating and eccentric branding. As you proceed towards these cafes you get a waft of freshly brewed coffee, its aroma steeping through the street, leaving an everlasting impression on the area.
There is never a dull moment during a morning in Athens. As you choose your fuel for the morning, be sure to take a moment to soak in the city’s vibrant and chaotic atmosphere, as you witness those exchanging simple gestures, a brief wave or smile, or a cheerful ‘Kalimera’ (Good Morning in Greek) from across the street. The best cafes in Athens capture the spirit of Athens, encapsulating the laid-back lifestyle and an unhurried ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead.
Be prepared for dishes inspired by international (and national) cuisines. These innovative combinations truly represent the culinary landscape sweeping through modern Athens.
Without further ado, I present to you a Sydneysiders’ guide to the best brunch in Athens:
The Best Brunch In Athens
01. The Makers
The Makers is your city brunch spot in Athens when you want to sit hidden in plain sight, away from the chaos. The Makers is a contemporary cafe and concept store that is light and airy, with a sleek and minimal interior. It is your one-stop shop to eat, shop, meet, and discover the makers. The company exudes a passion for original and functional design, creating professional workwear (aprons etc.) that stands out for its refined look and promising quality.
The Makers know how to do brunch in Athens. Their menu is focused on high-quality ingredients (think Bio eggs), delicate and delectable pairings (Fried egg waffles anyone?), and a range of fresh smoothies and juices that go down a treat. There is an all-day menu as well as Lunch-Dinner selections that are drool-worthy. It really is your early morning to evening go-to when you’ve exhausted your bank limit and need a place to recharge.
The space is broken up into 2 levels, with a beautiful outdoor seating area with white garden-style outdoor furniture, central benchtop seating to the interior and some loosely scattered tables and chairs around. The mezzanine is dedicated to their clothing craft, so while you wait for your meals you can browse around for elevated pieces and merchandise.
02. Anana
Anana is an oasis amidst the chaos of the bustling city of Athens. Located a stone’s throw away from The Makers (total win-win), Anana demonstrates exceptional specialty coffee served up any way you prefer. Does a Freddo Espresso tickle your fancy, or perhaps you’d prefer to savour your morning sips over a Long… Long black? Not only are they quenching your caffeine thirst, but they also offer an exceptional breakfast in Athens that is largely vegetarian (with some excellent vegan additions).
Their cookies are super duper delicious and I’d make sure to keep an eye out on their freshly baked goods of the day. We happened to grab a delectable chocolate babka when we passed (multiple times in our stay mind you) and it was *licks lips* divine. Join in for their Weekender Brunch menu to sample their Kayiana Eggs (eggs mixed with tomato, feta, and herbs) or a velvety breakfast bowl.
The atmosphere in Anana is retro chic, electric, and super light. Their black exterior with retro outdoor seating, to perch curbside before you jet off for the day, is enough to lure you into the space. If you find yourself wandering in the courtyard, it is the most breathtaking spot to really sit back and lean into the voyeuristic lifestyle that is Europe. Don’t forget to look up when you’re in Anana, and ensure you add this to your list as one of the best cafes in Athens because you’ll be returning here more than once. Mark our words.
03. Just Made 33
I’d just like to thank our dear friends for this brunch find of 2023. Just Made 33 is your food and coffee one-stop shop in the heart of Athens. They serve up some of the best brunch in Athens that would entice the more adventurous appetites. This may just be because of their unique sandwiches and artisan coffee pouring kind of all day long.
Just Made 33 doesn’t serve your standard type of brunch, so expect something a little less composed, and true to a great breakfast in Athens. They serve some stacked pancakes if you prefer something on the sweeter side of the morning, or you can dig into their selection of homemade cakes and treats (Orange pie is a heartbreaker… in the best way possible). It’s the type of spot you’ll want to park yourself on the corner, sit back, and watch the day go by.
“Breakfast Is A Meal… But Brunch Is A Culture”
Matt Basile
04. Minu
Part brunch in Athens, part furniture and concept store. Dining at Minu Athens feels like you’re testing our your new show home. Each day can invite a different experience, you might feel like sipping your morning coffee on the balcony watching the clouds go by, or perhaps you’d prefer a quick bite on the ‘breakfast table’. You probably think I’ve gone insane, but when you dine in for brunch in Athens at Minu, you’ll put the puzzle together in no time.
Psirri Athens continues to surprise me as a neighbourhood, I can’t grasp the overarching vibe, is it the new hip spot, is it still a little bit sketchy? I don’t know… but what I do know is their gastronomic landscape is no joke (when you know where to dine). Minu is the perfect spot for breakfast in Athens when you want to hide out in an expansive, bright oasis enveloped by excellent design and furniture, coffee table books to get lost in, and an array of creative pastries to sink your teeth in.
05. The Underdog
Out of the many coffee joints we sampled in Athens, The Underdog far outweighs them all. Renowned for its exceptional specialty coffee, The Underdog also serves some of the best brunch in Athens. If you want to double down on a rounded, full-body espresso and devour a generous breakfast, this is where you should journey immediately.
The Underdog is nestled in the historic Thissio Athens, and from the outlook, it’s quite mysterious, though once you step inside the space is so expansive that it’ll take your eyes some time to adjust and scan the room. It’s the perfect large warehouse-sized space with various areas to dine, drink and mingle. There’s an upper seating zone where shelves are stacked with merchandise, take-home coffee beans and all the tools you need to brew up the goods at home.
From 9 am to 6 pm, you can dig into their brunch menu and I should warn you that their servings are generous (you should expect nothing less from Greece as a whole). Cleanse your palette, bring your largest appetite, let the expert staff guide your coffee experience, and rival in the vibrant energy of The Underdog.
06. Hippy Hippo
Kooky Koukaki. It feels like everyone has adopted a laid-back attitude in this area, though are also seen moving about with a mission, going about their usual business. I love those spontaneous on-the-day Athens brunch finds, where you had no prior knowledge of the place before your finger kind of slipped scrolling through Google Maps. Hippy Hippo is a playful and bright corner cafe serving up some layered and carefully crafted brunch in Athens (and delectable homemade bakes).
Their innovative brunch creations took me by surprise and it left an everlasting thought throughout the day. I opted for the Vegan Avocado Toast (caramelised mushy goodness with onion jam… what a combination) but cheated with an addition of poached eggs, while my boyfriend’s flavour of choice was scrambled eggs on toast with chunky feta and herbs. Finger-licking goodness. What I love the most is the spectacle of the bar. You can witness the girls pouring out frothy Freddo Espresso and it’s a gentle reminder that you order a little more of a pick-me-up (when needed).
07. Ohh Boy
The best brunch spots in Athens are often categorized by their minimalist facades and decor, intentional branding, and a carefully curated menu that highlights the atmosphere and mood of the venue. Ohh Boy is in the lively neighbourhood of Pangrati (where some of the best food venues are situated) and boasts a modern brunch setting full of fresh and simple ingredient pairings. What’s even more delish is their display of freshly baked cakes, cookies, pastries… you name it and it’s there.
You get a little bit of naughty and nice at Ohh Boy, and this is reason enough to fall in love with the laid-back brunch spot in Athens. Sit relaxed amongst the trees outside, or perch yourself along the window bench for the best seat in the house to watch the world go by as you sip and eat until your heart’s content. Ohh Boy… what a life.
08. Wild Souls
Greece isn’t always about indulging in syrupy cakes and Souvlaki Pitas, it’s also a place where the health-conscious can thrive. Wild Souls’ ethos is about sustainable, raw natural ingredients and food that exist in harmony with nature. Their nut butters are crafted from carefully selected nuts of the highest grade and they pack a punch. Velvety Smooth is my go-to (I’m not a crunch gal) however I do love finding some chunks of glory hidden within.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or looking to become one with the planet, you can let your soul run wild at this Athens brunch spot. I should warn you that the interior is bright and energetic, a monochromatic salmon pink with a touch of wild green. It creates the perfect backdrop that allows the products to speak for themselves. Take the ultimate commitment to health and wellbeing and have brunch in Athens at Wild Souls.
09. The Black Salamai Microbakery
I often do save the best for last. This may be sort of cheating, but no brunch in Athens is complete without a filthy bakery feed. Disclaimer: I do not literally mean filthy, I mean deliciously scrumptiously, naughty, and fulfilling. The Black Salamai Microbakery is the diamond in a haystack that is… Exarchia Athens. It slings out the perfect sangas (Sandwiches) baked and made in-house, with high-quality flour and ingredients. (The bread is next level).
What I love about Black Salami is their not-so-traditional take on the Spanakopita, Kreatopita (Meat Pie) etc. They incorporate these traditional fillings sandwiches in between Focaccia bread that is so crispy and airy it almost feels as though you never even ate the damn pita. Their all-day menu shouldn’t be looked over, and if you’re after a not-so-indulgent breakfast in Athens, they do a mean Avocado Toast with perfectly runny poached eggs nested within an avocado rose, atop toasted sourdough and a GENEROUS drizzle of EVOO.
The proof is in the pudding, need I say more? This warrants your own inspection at one of my favourite and best brunch spots in Athens.
The Sydneysider Sign-Off
I have no doubt left that the brunch in Athens is surely, but slowly, rivalling that offered in Australia. I’m still left in awe that the Greece I knew 6 years ago has evolved in so many unique and exciting ways. Growth and change are inevitable but what I do know for sure that has remained, is the morning routine as Athenians away, the laid-back and unhurried cafe culture, and the focus on using high-quality, local ingredients and produce.
Breakfast in Athens can present in more ways than one. It could be cruising down the road with a coffee and Koulouri in hand (sesame bread ring), it can be slow dining at The Makers and then pop in next door for a steamy brew, and it can also be opening a fresh jar of Pistachio Butter from Wild Souls and spooning it straight out before you’ve even had a chance to leave the store.
These best brunch spots in Athens are changing the cafe landscape by offering exciting and diverse options. They provide a brunch culture that beautifully combines the old and new ways of eating breakfast in Athens, and we’re all here (waiting impatiently) for more innovative culinary creations to come.
With a Sydneysider’s tick of approval, it’s time to jump into the best brunch in Athens. Where’s your first stop?