So many of you have asked me for more information on food and drink, so I thought a good subject for a blog post and podcast episode would be about the Athens brunch scene. Brunch, that delicious hybrid eaten later than breakfast but before lunch, combining in one these two meals.
I have been busting my brain, trying to remember when was the first time I ate brunch, and when we started to see brunch appearing as a concept in Athens. I honestly cannot remember the year, but for the purposes of this blog, I have concluded that brunch became popular in Athens after the early 2000's, and most probably appearing more around 2010.
Read on for the My Greek Island guide to some of the best brunch spots in Athens, the history of brunch and also when the brunch trend first appeared in Athens.
In addition to this post, a dedicated podcast episode where we interview one of my favourite brunch spots in Athens is also available. I discovered this place as soon as it opened, and have been back multiple times since, as it offers a unique menu and great list of coffee alternatives, which is quite rare for Greece.
To find out more, click on the icon and listen to the episode on Spotify.
The History of Brunch
But before we talk all things Athens brunch relates, let's quickly go on a historical review of the concept of brunch, as I found it an interesting topic to research. So apparently, brunch traces its origins back to 19th-century England, as a meal enjoyed by weekend hunters which gradually gained popularity. By the early 20th century, brunch spread to the United States, becoming particularly popular in areas like New York and Chicago and later Hollywood, where wealthier Americans embraced brunch as part of their leisurely weekend routine.
The Athenian Brunch Scene
In Greece, brunch as a concept started to appear in the early 2000s, first emerging in trendy cafes and restaurants in Athens as a weekend luxury. With a culture centered around food, family, and friendship, Athenians quickly embraced brunch as a way to savor relaxed, late-morning gatherings. The rise of tourism also contributed to its popularity, as travellers sought familiar brunch offerings paired with the unique flavours of Greek cuisine. The brunch trend reached its peak around 2010, when there was a global brunch boom resulting in the Athens brunch scene we enjoy today; a diverse mix of modern and traditional, combining classic Greek ingredients with international trends to create something uniquely Athenian.
Top My Greek Island Brunch Spots in Athens
Whether you’re craving an authentic Mediterranean breakfast or a more experimental brunch plate, Athens has it all. Here’s a list of my favourite must-visit brunch spots in the city centre of Athens where you can experience the blend of local and global flavours that make brunch in Athens unforgettable.
Click on the map to view each bar in Athens and share with your friends.
Queen Bee Athens (Kolonaki): A chic Parisian-inspired bakery and bistro, popular with locals and visitors, serving refined brunch classics like croque madame, buttery pastries, and fresh bread.
Me Kolonaki (Kolonaki): Nestled in the heart of Athens' upscale neighbourhood, this café specialises in Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Expect colorful plates with fresh, seasonal ingredients. My personal favourite is the crepe with eggs and asparagus.
Ohh Boy (Pangrati): A cozy and artistic café offering a playful brunch menu that blends international comfort foods with Greek flavours.
Ombrela Café Brunch Bar (Pangrati): Cozy spot known for its friendly atmosphere, eclectic menu, vibrant brunch options and long list of beverages of coffee alternatives. My personal favourites include the beetroot latte, chocolate with chilly and salt and the aubergine naan..
Philos Athens (Kolonaki): Located in a restored neoclassical building, Philos offfers a unique atmosphere of interior design and delicious brunch plates. Personal favourite here is the strapatsada.
Holy Llama (Syntagma): A plant-based haven creative bakery, which is a haven for vegans and vegetarians, crafts creative brunch dishes inspired by global cuisines.
The Makers Athens (Syntagma): Known for its industrial-chic vibe, The Makers is a concept store which also serves specialty coffee alongside a fresh and innovative brunch menu. My personal favourite here is the potato burrata pizza and the waffle toast.
Zampano (Psirri): Offering an elegant brunch experience with Greek-inspired dishes, the cozy yet sophisticated interior makes it perfect for a leisurely meal. Despite it being a common brunch dish, the avocado toast here is one of the highlights.
48 Hours in Athens
Are you planning a trip to Athens? Check out our guide for 48 hours in Athens. The document includes all places mentioned on the Podcast episode 48 Hours in Athens (Episode 64) including the top neighbourhoods to stay, prepared in the form of an e-map. The e-map overlays onto your own google map and includes top recommendations, with additional tips for these recommendations.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, please leave a comment below and spread the love in the MGI community. And if you have a request for a specific post, feel free to get in touch!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this website may include affiliate links, which means if you book or purchase something through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the site running, and I only recommend products and services I trust.
Comments