For those of us who live in the burbs, an excursion downtown to the kentro (translation: city center) can be a much-needed break in our daily lives. And who doesn’t love a good afternoon coffee? Below are our picks for three café-restaurants that are worth venturing downtown for in Athens.
If you’ve got a hankering to live like Emily in Paris, look no further than Ellyz (Agiou Filippou 11; 2114183816). This popular café is a dream of pink flowers, décor, and sweets. Have a pink Freddo latte topped with a pink donut and treat yourself to a slice of pink velvet cake. They also have a superb brunch—indulge in pink Lila Bloom pancakes, eggs benedict with pink hollandaise sauce, or pasta with pink (beetroot) pesto.
For a bit of glamour in your outing, check out Geco (Lekka 14; 2103216001), the café-restaurant of the Gatsby Athens Hotel. Under a ceiling full of hanging plants and flowers, indulge in eggplant with miso, cashews, and ponzu sauce, a classic cheeseburger, or one of their array of delightful bar snacks, from king crab and shrimp croquettes to Iberico pork souvlaki. Top it off with a glass from their vast drinks list.
Finally, one hidden gem in the city center is Tazza Athens (Petraki 5 & Pendelis 9; 2114185517), a café-restaurant with a French aesthetic and a huge menu to boot. Try a pizza (they have vegan and gluten-free options), pasta, or a massive burger with bacon jam and cream cheese. You can also find a variety of Greek dishes, from meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, and zucchini to a classic pork or chicken gyros.
Have a lovely rest of November, with many adventures and good times ahead!
The Athenian Site 