Over the last decade, the capital has become a true paradise for those looking for the best coffee in Athens. With a huge variety of products and styles, from small cafes to modern all day spots, you will definitely find options for all tastes. In the picturesque Psirri neighborhood you will find cafes that perfectly combine aesthetics, quality, taste and atmosphere, turning coffee into a real experience.
But are there any reasons that have made coffee so popular in Greece? Surely the Mediterranean climate is ideal for enjoying your coffee in a beautiful courtyard and an occasion to spend beautiful and relaxing moments with friends. In a city with such a fast pace, coffee helps you take a breath and start your day dynamically.
Of course, among so many shops that were created to meet the increased needs in coffee demand, there are some that stand out. The elements that make them different are the consistent quality, the varieties of coffee, the specialized baristas, their atmosphere and in general their whole philosophy. In this article, we will discover two of the best cafes in the center of Athens, which you will definitely want to go to again and again for their delicious blends, their unique character, but also their amazing green courtyards.
Picky brunch & specialty coffee
In the heart of Psirri, where old buildings meet modern urban aesthetics, there is one of the best cafes in the center of Athens with a space that stands out. Picky is not just another all day spot. It is an experience that starts from the first sip of your coffee, keeps you until you leave and makes you want to stay a little longer. Its specialty coffee is the first thing that catches your attention. With blends signed by Taf and baristas with knowledge and experience, here every cup has a reason for existence. Whether you are an espresso or cappuccino lover, or just want to try something truly balanced, at Picky coffee is always in the foreground. The space is carefully designed and invites you to relax without thinking too much about it. Its courtyard, full of natural elements, plants, stone and wood, creates an urban oasis.
The brunch menu follows the same philosophy. Quality ingredients, Mediterranean based recipes, flavors you recognize from the first bite. Eggs, kayanas, smashed avocado that has the right texture and bagels that remind you of the city but smell tradition. If you prefer sweets, the pancakes and yogurt bowls with superfoods give you that balance you need between comfort and nutrition. Picky is both for work and for a break. You can sit with your laptop, concentrate without pressure, finish something of your own or just relax. You never feel unwanted, and that is something that few places manage.
Instead of an energy drink, try a fresh juice or a smoothie from Picky’s juice bar. Here everything is made at the moment, without powders, without fake flavors. It is pure energy, exactly as it should be. Picky Athens has one of the best coffee in Athens and is a place that stands out. It is a place that maintains a balance between the rhythm of the city and the need for tranquility, and above all, it is a stop for every coffee lover.
Usurum brunch & cocktails
Just a few steps from Picky, almost without realizing it, you are in Usurum, a place that catches the eye without much effort. The courtyard with its overflowing greenery, the natural materials, the feeling that you are not exactly in the center of Athens, but somewhere quieter, more personal, compose a unique setting. The opening roof lets the light in during spring and summer, while in winter, the atmosphere becomes warmer, almost romantic. It is the type of place that allows you to take a breath, sit down and leave your mobile phone a little further away.
Its coffee is one of its strong points, with attention to the raw material and the baristas’ gaze focusing on every step of the preparation. Usurum does not just serve an espresso. It gives you a reason to remember why you love coffee. Whether you drink it neat, with foam, or combine it with brunch, the coffee here has character. The brunch menu moves on creative paths, but always based on Greek taste and good raw materials. Croque Madame and eggs benedict with character, savory and sweet pancakes that were not made for photography, but to eat and order again. If you want a healthier option, you will find bowls with superfoods, smoothies and gluten free suggestions.
As soon as the sun goes down a little, the scene changes subtly. The music turns up as needed and the signature cocktails come to the fore. Usurum Mimosa with citrus and herbs, Bloody Mary with character, Tangerita with Mezcal and mandarin. If you are looking for a place to celebrate a special moment, from a birthday to a project you successfully closed, or you simply want to have a meeting with style and relaxed energy, Usurum has the solution. It is authentic, stylish and just as relaxed as you need to stay a little longer.
