Best Athens brunch spots

Though brunch isn’t such an institution in Athens as it is in London, Melbourne, or New York, the Greek capital does now have numerous eateries tapping into the trend. Wide-ranging menus include traditional Greek platters, the likes of Eggs Benedict, and Americana-style diners.

To help you be selective, Booking.com reviewed five of the city’s most in-demand brunch spots.

Avli, The Yard

Address: Agiou Dimitriou 12, Athens 105 54, Greece

Takis, the owner, has run this tavern himself since 1985, in a small backyard in central Athens. It is generally only known by locals, and it’s as authentically Greek as they come. With blue shutters, white walls, and blue and white checkered tablecloths. Guests sit on rickety wooden chairs listening to traditional music while tucking into high-quality, homemade food with a gourmet feel.

Enjoy dangerously moreish bread, goat marinated in honey and thyme, and grilled halloumi – best washed down with raki (an unsweetened, anise-flavoured alcoholic drink).

Mama Roux

Address: Aiolou 48, Athens 105 60 , Greece

This popular eatery is never empty, thanks to its live jazz, cocktails, and a great location just off the pretty Agia Irene Square. The menu includes everything from fresh falafel and Greek souvlaki to steamed buns stuffed with Chinese pork belly, kimchi mayo, pickled cucumber, beetroot, chives, and peanuts. The coffee is done very well, too.

Bel Ray

Address: Falirou 88, Athens 117 41, Greece

A light, youthful, open-plan bar with enamel lampshades, neutral hues, and modern furniture that spills out onto the pavement so you can eat and drink al fresco. Bel Rey is known for its brunch classics such as pancakes, Croque Madame, and Rachel sandwich (made with Cretan smoked pork and tangy cabbage).

Aegli Cafe

Address: Kipos Zappiou, Athens 105 57, Greece

Aegli is a smart establishment in the Zappeio Gardens in central Athens. Set back from the city streets and with a delightful terrace with wicker chairs, parasols, and potted plants, it provides calm in the middle of a hectic city. The menu is Mediterranean and inspired by Greek family meals, while the in-house pastry chef whips up creative confections to go alongside the cafe’s freshly-made ice cream.

Anthos Geuseon

Address: Agiou Dimitriou 17, Kifisia 145 62, Greece

At Anthos Geuseon, the chef offers his own subtle take on traditional Greek cuisine.

The restaurant has relatively recently moved to a new location and though its wrought iron furniture, modern wood panelling, and decorative ivy make it feel very contemporary, a meal here is still a bona fide Greek culinary experience. The menu includes chargrilled buffalo patties and baked pitta with garlic and Mizithra (a soft, crumbly Greek cheese resembling ricotta).