Carpo

On their website, Carpo states they are all about “nuts, chocolate and coffee”. If this isn’t the trifecta of your dreams then I don’t know what could be. Started in 1991, as an importing and processing business dealing in products of the highest quality, Carpo opened its first retail shop in 2011 after which 4 more followed in the centre of Athens and three in top locations around London (including Picaddily Street, Knightsbridge, Selfridges). The shop in Kolonaki is located in one of the most upscale neighbourhoods of Athens. It is small but charming and you can easily stand by and watch locals sip on their espressos on the window sill and wave goodbye. You are guaranteed an exceptional cup of coffee which we recommend you pair with one of their chocolate pralines or florentines. For those looking for something healthier, check out their granola and energy bars. 

6 d.o.g.s – the garden 

As you turn into Avramiotou street, only a few steps away from Monastiraki Square, neon signs spell out 6 d.o.g.s and you might be excused for wondering where the cafe is actually located.

And then, as you slowly step down the funky looking steps, in what often looks like little more than a construction site, your eyes adjust to the light coming in from the garden and you are inside.

A hidden little cove carved out of rock and with sand lining the floor is revealed, complete with wooden chairs and tables, extending upwards and outwards, with comfy colourful cushions and plenty of trees offering their shade.

That is just one of the many rooms 6 d.o.g.s has and while a coffee spot it is, and a very good one at that, it also takes on the duties of club, venue or gallery in some of its many cleverly concealed spaces.

The name is said to have been inspired by 6 “degrees of separation” while the added “g” in the middle was due to the many strays dogs that frequented the area (and probably still do). This is a spot that attracts young, old, hippie, alternative, modern, and classy all together and one that every Greek in the vicinity should be able to point you towards.

If you only have 1 or 2 days to spare in Athens, this is the spot we would recommend you experience for a cup of coffee. 

☞ Related: 2 Days in Athens – The Way a Local Would Do It 

TAF – The Art Foundation

Another coffee spot in Athens where first impressions should not be trusted is TAF, or The Art Foundation!

As you walk down Normanou street and enter through the old wooden door and into this indoor patio, the question everyone is asking is, how old is this building? Built around 1870, the original structure once functioned as a prison but now hosts the artworks of contemporary artists.

A lively crowd is always to be found under the trees, and if you are lucky to be one of them take advantage of both their coffee and their signature cocktails.