We discover 4 noteworthy espresso outlets within the historic metropolis.

BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Pictures by Michaela Tomchek

Athens, Greece, is likely one of the oldest cities on the planet, identified across the globe for its wealthy historical past, awe-inspiring mythology, and exquisite climate. Town, which is Greece’s capital, hugs the Aegean Sea, and alongside its streets you’ll discover an abundance of meals spots, markets, and hidden espresso outlets. The favored freddo cappuccino (an iced espresso drink made with espresso and chilly, frothy milk) is served throughout, with every store geared up with drink mixers to make the proper foam for this traditional Greek beverage.

At this time, the specialty-coffee scene in Athens is quickly rising, with some actual innovation being seen from one café to the following. Younger Athenians are rising as much as take over the espresso sector and have opened up some superior outlets, serving scrumptious espresso and snacks with fashion. These are 4 of our favourite espresso spots inside Athens—must you ever end up within the historic metropolis, be sure you test them out.

Third Place

On a climb down from the Acropolis, you’ll absolutely be craving some espresso and a deal with. Look no additional than Third Place, located proper on the coronary heart of Athens’ historic ruins. Espresso from the Athenian roaster Ofellia is served right here, and there’s a must-try canned chilly brew out there, too.

When Michail Tsoumanis and Katerina Papapostolou first opened Third Place, they sought to supply guests a really distinctive espresso expertise: Not solely is the espresso beautiful, however the homeowners additionally promote an unimaginable assortment of curated sculptures and ceramics. Being within the house looks like being at an artwork museum—an ideal reflection of the spirit of Athens.

Motiv

Impressed by the Latin phrase motivus that means “transferring ahead,” Motiv is nestled close to Omonia Sq., additionally near the Exarcheia space: certainly one of Athens’ hippest neighborhoods. As you wander down Emmanouil Benaki Road, you’ll see loads of different cool espresso spots—in actual fact, locals have dubbed this street the “Espresso Road.”

Motiv’s cozy espresso bar presents an array of espresso drinks, together with, after all, freddo cappuccinos. They roast all of their very own espresso and have baggage of espresso on the market from all kinds of areas. And other than the good drinks, there are additionally tasty native pastries to snack on (attempt the cookies and vegan cinnamon rolls!).

That is the proper place to take a seat exterior and other people watch, or climb up the steep steps within the store to calm down on the second degree: a hidden retreat that feels prefer it’s on the high of the world.

Kick

Enterprise away from the touristy areas of Athens in the direction of the Kypseli Alley, and also you’ll not solely run right into a bustling native municipal market (with the perfect tomatoes, I’d add)—you’ll additionally discover Kick. This spot isn’t simply nice for grabbing a cup of espresso, but it surely’s additionally the proper place to take a look at some native artwork and clothes. 

Kick’s sister firm, Flake, a bakery simply throughout the road, provides the tasty pastries that pair fantastically with their espresso. Strive the chocolate babka with hazelnut praline—they usually additionally serve some severely divine cookies from The Cookie Dude.

With rotating roasters resembling Berlin, Germany’s Bonanza and fellow Athens-based HandPickers, Kick presents totally different espresso choices from espresso and filter espresso to the much-adored freddo cappuccino. It’s a very enjoyable and welcoming place to take a seat, sip, and bask in a few of Athens’ finest flavors.

Anäna Espresso

Final however not least on our tour of Athens’ specialty-coffee scene is Anäna Espresso, based by Panos Xilas again in 2019. Right here, espresso is roasted in-house and rotated quarterly, and all the meals menu is vegan/vegetarian, providing uncooked muffins, pastries, and some pretty bowls and toasts. The chilly brew is especially good: Remember to purchase a bottle to take dwelling (or on a ship to the Greek islands!)

Founder Panos confirms the recognition of the freddo cappuccino all through town, explaining that his store is surrounded by considerably of a “freddo buzz.”

“I feel that our signature drink is the freddo (cappuccino), regardless of its Italian title! And sure, (the Greeks) invented it as a result of we needed to cease ingesting frappe at some level of our espresso evolution,” he says.

When discussing the espresso scene in Athens, Panos shares that there’s nonetheless ample room for it to develop. “The espresso scene in Athens has come a good distance during the last decade however nonetheless feels a bit ‘left behind’ in comparison with different identified European cities,” he says. “There are some specialty roasters in Athens however nonetheless few in comparison with town’s dimension.”

And although there’s at all times room for town’s espresso scene to develop, there’s already an unimaginable variety of cafés price visiting—but another excuse why Athens is a must-see vacation spot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michaela Tomchek finds espresso an essential a part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the various cafés all through the world serving lovely drinks. At the moment, she writes about espresso, hoping to unfold her pleasure throughout the globe. 

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