How Athens Learned to Love Brunch – 30 Places to Book Now

During daytime hours, this relatively new and highly popular Koukaki micro-bakery/restaurant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch in one space and sells pastries to go in another. At night, the dining area turns into ‘More Feelings’, a gastro-taverna serving modern Greek food inspired by tradition.The brunch here honors sourdough breads and tasty brunch plates with global influences, built around what is produced in-house each morning. This place is unwilling to be defined by any particular cooking style and instead shines forth with its special character, fresh – mostly local – ingredients and a delicious vision by quality chefs (especially pastry chef extraordinnaire Alexandros Koniaris, one of Greece’s top in his category). The menu includes fried caramelized chicken with kimchi and waffle, egg dishes served on fresh bread, savory bakes, filled croissants, fresh seasonal desserts and sandwiches. Coffee is specialty-focused. Book ahead or join the queue, especially on the weekend, as seating is limited and the reputation consistently great.

Anastasiou Zinni 34, Koukaki

02

Linou, Soumbasis & Sia

Sunday breakfast is served here from 10:00 to 13:00, after which regular lunch service begins. White tablecloths replace the usual setup and the open kitchen counter fills with brioche loaves, country bread, tarts, metal egg cups and whole honeycomb. The menu, created by chef Lukas Mieler, focuses on mostly handmade preparations: soft-boiled free-range eggs, house-cured bacon, a French-style omelet served with lettuce heart, sheep’s yogurt from Strouga on Evripidou with honeycomb, and brioche with butter and fig–bitter almond jam. Drinks include grapefruit, pomegranate or orange juice, pét-nat and a rotating cocktail such as an Americano. Austrian references appear in a schnitzel served in potato bread, ciabatta with ham, and a clear beef broth for dipping. A beef consommé with thin crepe strips is also offered, especially during colder months.

Melanthiou 2, Psyrri

03

Akra

Breakfast is served daily except Monday and is built around Greek ingredients from small producers. Pies, sourdough breads, honey, house jams, organic eggs and regional cheeses form the base. Current dishes include charcoal-baked greens pie with soft egg and Naxos arseniko cheese, mushroom omelet with fresh Greek truffle, and house-marinated, wood-smoked apaki with sweet potato, eggs and sourdough bread. On weekends, kokoropita with hand-rolled phyllo, peppers and Kimolos sour cheese is prepared. Organic milk from Livadero Farm is served warm with honey. A brioche-based plate with soft eggs and pepper references older home cooking formats. Mountain tea and sage from Kea accompany the meal. Viennoiserie changes seasonally and currently includes croissant with quince and almonds.

Aminta 12, Pangrati

04

Usurum Brunch & Cocktails

Brunch runs as an all-day format with walk-in seating and a full drinks list alongside coffee and fresh juices. The current menu includes Eggs Benedict on sourdough with hollandaise and a choice of sautéed spinach, bacon, or smoked salmon; shakshouka eggs with tomato and bell pepper sauce, feta, cumin, basil and sourdough; and a steak open sandwich with tri-tip Black Angus, smoked cheese, caramelized onions, rocket and mayo. There are also sweeter plates such as blueberry pancakes with mascarpone cream, red berries and maple syrup, plus larger plates that sit well as a late lunch, including a buttermilk chicken waffle with fried chicken and egg, pickles, salad and maple syrup. Opening hours are listed as 07:30–18:00 on weekdays. 

Lepeniotou 19, Thisseio

05

Nudie Foodie

A dedicated gluten-free café focused on breakfast and brunch dishes plus gluten-free baking, with vegetarian and vegan options running through the daytime menu. The delivery menu gives a clear picture of what is actually on the pass right now: vegan banana oat pancakes made with oats, banana and almond milk; keto pancakes using almond flour and coconut milk; scrambled eggs served on gluten-free bread; and a “Melbourne Hit” built around 2 poached eggs with smashed avocado, feta and mint on gluten-free wholegrain bread. Smoothies, milkshakes, cakes and cookies sit alongside the savory plates, and contact details are published directly by the business. 

Aischylou 42, Psyrri

06

The Brunchers

This is a dedicated brunch address with a menu curated by chef Iosif Sykianakis and built around egg plates and brunch breads. The core lineup includes Eggs Benedict with bacon, pastrami, or smoked salmon, then moves into house combinations such as a Thessaloniki-style bun filled with Mykonos pork and aged gruyere, served with 2 poached eggs. Expect sweet plates (pancakes feature heavily in the daily program), plus coffee and daytime drinks, with outdoor seating part of the setup when weather allows. Hours are posted as 08:00–16:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00–18:00 on weekends. 

Agias Theklas 5, Monastiraki

07

This is Loco

All-day brunch runs daily with full table service for food and drinks, plus reservations handled by phone or email. The menu is built around Mexican-leaning plates and breakfast items that hold up as a later meal: a breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, avocado cream, pico de gallo and sour cream; quesadillas with chicken, peppers, corn and cheddar; and pancakes that can be ordered as maple-syrup pancakes with smoked butter and add-ons (bacon, extra syrup, fresh fruit), or as “Snickers” pancakes with peanut butter mousse, chocolate praline and caramel. Payment cards are accepted on site, and the same opening hours apply across food, beverages and alcohol service. 

Falirou 47, Koukaki

08

The Makers

A spot that exudes a sleek, minimalist vibe, with a keen eye for design, this unique place caters to the most demanding gourmands with its top-notch brunch offerings. It also addresses the needs of hospitality professionals, selling stylish aprons and a diverse selection of placemats, decorative pillows, organic cotton T-shirts, and shopping bags. The brunch options include a standout acai bowl garnished with blueberries, coconut, passion fruit, peanut butter, and oats. For egg enthusiasts, there are scrambled eggs on sourdough and waffles topped with a sunny-side-up egg, cheddar, and ham. The desserts are equally tempting, like choco porridge with caramelized pecans and a rich Valrhona Guayana chocolate fondant alongside a delectably sweet pumpkin treat.

Praxitelous 37, Syntagma

09

Thea Terrace Bar & Restaurant

Brunch reaches new heights at this place, perched atop Central Hotel with sweeping views of the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the historic cityscape. The setting is as refined as the Mediterranean-inspired menu, where expertly prepared egg dishes and gourmet brunch staples take center stage. Whether for a weekend feast or a special occasion, the panoramic backdrop makes every visit memorable.

Apollonos 21, Plaka

10

Winter Garden

Every weekend, the Winter Garden in the Grande Bretagne Hotel transforms into a dreamy venue for an opulent brunch. This event is marked by a grandiose setting within the classic luxury of the hotel, ideal for a royal treat. The brunch begins with an assortment of freshly baked goods including handmade French butter croissants, chocolate croissants, aromatic sweet bread with mastic, and warm baguettes served with homemade jam, vanilla cream, and fresh butter. The meal extends to include a variety of fresh juices and beverages, alongside sophisticated starters like crab and jamon serrano, sumptuous eggs with caviar, and lobster eggs benedict with asparagus.

Vasileos Georgiou 1A, Syntagma

A stone’s throw from the Monastiraki metro station this urban cafe with a contemporary European air serves one of the finest coffees you can taste in the city. Perhaps its greatest charm is its splendid inner courtyard, set within an arcade. The coffee variety here is vast, and to accompany your brew there are plenty of freshly made snacks. Think sublime cheesecake, fluffy cinnamon rolls, and those lemon and strawberry rolls that have half of Athens buzzing. Moreover, there’s a selection of health bars, chocolates, freshly squeezed juices, and eggs in various renditions: poached, in omelettes, kagianas (a tomatoey Greek scrambled eggs) and on avocado toast.

Praxitelous 33, Monastiraki

12

Zampano

A nod to Fellini’s cinematic world, Zampanó in Psyrri channels retro elegance with warm lighting, vintage details, and jazz spinning on vinyl. The brunch menu blends classic European elements with Greek flavors: strapatsada, fluffy scrambled eggs folded with feta and fresh tomatoes, is served on rustic sourdough, while a croque madame combines buttery brioche, melted graviera, and crisp bacon. Classic cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys complete the leisurely, old-world brunch experience.

Sarri 18, Psyrri

13

Lalos

Indulge in expertly made coffee made from beans sourced from Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and El Salvador. Alongside your coffee, try a sando (Japanese-stryle) sandwich made with fluffy white bread and delicious combinations of ingredients, like the egg sando with homemade coleslaw. When you’re especially hungry, try the pastrami sandwich on sourdough bread, layered with mustard, cucumber pickle, Gruyere cheese, and iceberg lettuce. The burgers are succulent too, and if you can’t tear yourself away, or are arriving later, try their well-mixed cocktails.

Evridamantos 19, Neos Kosmos

14

Galerie Cafe

Brunch turns into an everyday indulgence at this art-filled space within the Athens Capital Hotel MGallery Collection. Natural light floods the gallery-style dining room, complementing modern artwork and a menu that merges classic brunch comforts with inventive dishes. The mango-acai bowl brims with granola, chia seeds, and Brazilian nuts, while the poke bowl layers salmon, avocado, and spicy mayo. Glass display cases house tempting pastries, while specialty coffee elevates the experience.

Panepistimiou 4 & Kriezotou, Syntagma

Ohh Boy’s a perfect brunch spot for a lazy morning, with a laid-back atmosphere, minimalistic indoor seating and inviting white outdoor tables with wooden accents. The brunch menu features oat milk porridge with homemade granola, cinnamon, and maple syrup, flourless protein pancakes with organic eggs, almond butter, walnut, and maple syrup, as well as chia pudding. Notably, the scrambled eggs served in a quesadilla with jalapenos, cheese, and spinach accompanied by a fresh salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes are a unique dish. For salad lovers, one great option is the quinoa with roasted carrots, cauliflower, pickled onions, raisins and fresh herbs in a honey mustard sauce. The menu is rounded out with delicious sweets, cookies, vegan treats, and a selection of beverages, juices, and smoothies.

Archelaou 32, Pangrati

16

Wild Souls

Wild Souls delights with its hip New York style cafe charm. It specializes in sugar-free and highly nutritious homemade nut butters – there’s no palm oil or preservatives in them either. Its brunch menu is a hit because it is both healthy and delicious. Try the richly textured smoothies and the cashew butter bowl, with a blend of nut butter, fruits, and spices, and the pistachio iced matcha. The menu also includes gratifying vegan sandwiches and superb halva sweetened with honey, available in variations like cashew and hazelnut, perfect alongside coffee or tea.

Voulis 36, Syntagma & Irodotou 14, Kolonaki

Every Sunday, Athens’ brunch scene shines even brighter because of the option of going to the progressively designed interiors of New Hotel, where chef Babis Kountouris elevates Greek flavors with a creative, Greek-flavor-packed and elegant touch. Taking traditional dishes with top quality ingredients sourced from around the country, he creates dishes like Bouyiourdi – with stewed peppers, cheese and tomato, and tiganopso – homomade pitta bread that’s fried to perfect crispiness and served with creamy goat’s cheese, as well as international classics like egg Benedict. Don’t miss out on the Matcha and whiote chocolate dessert, which is delicate, not overly sweet and full of moreish taste. The experience unfolds in the Art Lounge, a vibrant rooftop space overflowing with greenery and the Campana brothers’ signature upcycled aesthetic. Ideal for lingering brunches, solo escapes, or casual business meetings.

Filellinon 16, Syntagma

18

Philos

Philos is elegantly housed in a beautifully preserved neoclassical building dating back to 1937. The space exudes vintage charm with high aesthetic decor and a warm ambiance, complete with a cozy speakeasy bar worth visiting. The brunch menu at Philos focuses on egg dishes, including delicious eggs benedict with poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce on fresh brioche, as well as scrambled eggs with salmon, zucchini, and scallions. Unique offerings like scrambled eggs with Mani pork in tomato sauce, and scrambled eggs with Epirus feta and tomatoes, add local flair. The menu also features tasty and healthy salads. Sweets like pancakes and yogurt with honey and nuts, along with select beverages and natural juices, complete the meal.

Solonos 32, Kolonaki

19

Minu

Merely a stone’s throw from the Thisseio train station, Minu elegantly blurs the lines between an all-day cafe-bar, a curated concept store, and a florist. Stepping into Minu is akin to taking a brief countryside sojourn without leaving the city’s rhythm. The sensation only deepens when you take a seat in the back garden, a serene escape from Athens’ urban hustle. Indoor spaces are also luxuriantly draped in lush greenery. Weekends at Minu buzz with activity, largely attributed to their commendable brunch offerings. Do indulge in the ‘egg bowl’, a delightful blend of poached eggs, avocado, and a hint of chilli flakes. Complement it with their tempting sweets, which pair impeccably with Minu’s outstanding coffee.

Sarri 50, Psyrri

After a morning stroll through the Acropolis and Philopappos Hill, Morning Bar in Koukaki is the go-to for top-notch coffee and quick bites. The space, formerly occupied by the Greek streetwear brand ME THEN, now resides in the basement, allowing the cafe’s minimal design and large windows to fill the neighborhood with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. Morning Bar bakes its own sourdough bread, used in its exquisite sandwiches. Must-tries include the English scones with cheddar and fresh onion, and the oven-baked egg brioche. Daily freshly made cinnamon rolls, cardamom buns, marble cake, French biscuits, and other treats are highlights, not to mention the irresistible burnt cheesecake, of which one slice is never enough.

Odyssea Androutsou 36, Koukaki

21

Teras

Embark on your journey starting from the vicinity of the Acropolis. When hunger beckons, cross over to Syngrou Avenue where you’ll discover this brunch hotspot. Housed in a neoclassical building from the 1930s, it has a singular ambience that gives you a great appetite for its delicious choices. Whether you fancy a gratifying meal, the charm of bespoke furniture, or cultural events, Teras has it all. The courtyard, adorned with fig trees, is the scene for a delightful brunch. Indulge in classics like poached eggs on sourdough or vegan scrambles.

Theodoritou Vresthenis 45, Neos Kosmos

22

The Clumsies

The Clumsies reinvents brunch with the same ingenuity that earned it global recognition for its cocktails. Chef Athinagoras Kostakos presents unconventional yet expertly balanced dishes like soft-boiled eggs with graviera cream and prosciutto, or an avo bowl layered with fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. The pastry selection, curated by Spyros Artelaris, includes the indulgent ban-coffee—a half-baked cookie with banana ice cream and toasted pecans, perfect alongside a signature drink.

Praxitelous 30

This chic and easygoing brunch spot joint beckons with its heavenly sourdough bread and, notably, its flaky, crisp, airy croissants and pastries. It’s renowned for its flawlessly executed eggs Benedict, served with smoked salmon or prosciutto crudo. Regulars also swear by the Wagyu beef burger and the indulgent club sandwich with slow-cooked turkey fillet, fluffy and succulent scrambled eggs, San Daniele prosciutto, tomato, lettuce, avocado, and cheddar cheese.

Patriarchou Ioakeim 45, Kolonaki

Set within a restored neoclassical building (with accommodations) from the 1930s, this cafe bistro has a hint of Parisian allure, but also captures the essence of old-world Athens. Its interiors are elegant, with tastefully chosen furnishings with vintage undertones. Here, you can savor aromatic coffees and indulge in delectable brunch dishes presented in generously hearty portions. Try the uncommon trahanas dish, but also the burgers, bruschetta options, and open sandwiches. And naturally, no brunch is complete without pancakes. A must-try is the Greek-style pancakes drizzled with honey, sprinkled with feta and a dash of cinnamon – they are simply exquisite.

Zan Moreas 6 & Veikou, Koukaki

This all-day hangout with sleek lines and minimalistic design quietly awaits behind vast glass facades, inviting visitors into a contemporary and luminous haven. At Spook, the day begins early. On weekdays from 8 am and weekends from 9, both regulars and newcomers pause here for a takeout coffee and croissant or a cereal bar to kick-start their day. As the hours advance, linger awhile and delve into a delightful array of dishes that includes refreshing super bowls brimming with yoghurt and fruits, sandwiches layered with delectable cheeses and eggs, and a variety of tasty, health-conscious snacks. Spook is the place where you’d pop in after a reviving stroll with your dog, and where Sundays meld into leisurely brunches and hearty conversations.

Dimofontos 10, Ano Petralona

26

Sin Athina

In a restored neoclassical building in Thissio, this cafe-restaurant delivers a brunch experience steeped in Athenian charm. The setting blends classic architecture with contemporary style, making it a picturesque spot with Acropolis views where you can enjoy dishes spanning from sweet pancakes with seasonal fruits and honey to savory eggs with smoked salmon on rustic bread. Its prime location, a stone’s throw from the Acropolis, only adds to its appeal.

Iraklidon 2, Thissio

27

The Underdog

A haven for coffee purists, The Underdog roasts its beans in-house and pairs them with an indulgent yet unfussy brunch menu. Industrial-chic-inspired interiors, with exposed brick, wood accents, and lush greenery, set the tone for laid-back mornings. Expect scrambled eggs with avocado and crispy bacon on sourdough, or cinnamon roll pancakes drenched in maple syrup. Coffee lovers will find their match in expertly pulled flat whites and rich cold brews.

Iraklidon 8, Thissio

28

Picky

At Picky, the brunch experience centres on specialty-coffee precision and fresh, thoughtful plates in a leafy courtyard in the heart of Psyrri. The team sources quality beans (from Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil) and pairs them with dishes such as smoked-salmon eggs Benedict or a tiramisu pancake layered with mascarpone and coffee syrup. Bowls of granola, creamy yogurt or innovative smoothie blends carry the health-conscious tone, while the outdoor yard offers a relaxed but stylish setting for mid-morning indulgence. 

Christokopidou 14 & Navarchou Apostoli, Psyrri

29

Bel Ray

Tucked into the creative pulse of Koukaki (in a former garage-turn-coffee-bar), Bel Ray delivers brunch with an urban edge: bright, high-ceiling space, strong visual character and a menu that covers both traditional brunch favourites and more design-driven plates. Expect scrambled eggs with salmon, croque madame options and a bustling weekend energy that shifts into bar mode by late afternoon. 

Falirou 88 & G. Olymbiou, Koukaki

At Kobra, brunch is as bold as the bar’s eccentric decor, where irreverent details, including a confession booth (!), set the stage for a playful yet sophisticated dining experience. Chef Adam Kontovas reimagines classics like the Kobra Dam, a croque madame with smoked cheese béchamel and prosciutto, and dorayaki pancakes filled with delicate tea-infused cream. Unique drinks like the mandorlatte, an almond-based latte, enhance the unconventional brunch spread.

Navarinou 11, Exarcheia