Athens conscious café scene is booming as plant-based meets local Greek coffee culture.
Café culture runs deep in Athens. Since the 19th century, traditional kafeneia have been more than just places to drink coffee – they were gathering points to debate politics, share stories and pass the time. That daily ritual of grabbing a coffee, often lingering over it for hours, remains sacred. Today, a new generation of cafés is reinterpreting that ritual with creativity, flavour and a plant-forward ethos – all while preserving the magnetic energy of the city.
From sunlit courtyards to tucked-away corners, these cafe spots introduce thoughtful menus, artful presentation and a fresh take on conscious eating. Here are four cafés that are quietly reshaping Athens’ café culture with plant-forward menus and a lot of heart – where tradition and innovation meet over a perfect cup.
Joshua Tree Café
Where California calm meets Athenian soul, tucked into the refined, tree-lined streets of Mets district, Joshua Tree Café offers a sun-drenched pause from the city’s rhythm. Its softly bohemian interiors nod to California’s desert aesthetic, with woven textures, earthy tones and a laid-back elegance that feels both intentional and effortless. The all-day vegetarian menu brings a global sensibility to plant-forward dining – from turmeric lattes and falafel wraps to tahini-drizzled pancakes and smoothie bowls, each plate arrives vibrant and generous. The turmeric latte and carrot cake are standouts, served in portions that invite sharing.
More than a café, Joshua Tree is a neighbourhood retreat. It carries the casual warmth of a traditional Greek kafeneio, where locals linger over coffee and conversation flows easily onto the wide pavement outside. It is the kind of place where solo mornings with a book stretch into long lunches and where warm, welcoming staff keep the pace deliciously unhurried. Vinyl-spun tunes add a gentle rhythm to the day, creating a space that feels lived-in and local.
Akra
Located in the charming heart of Pangrati, Akra offers refined, plant-forward dining, deeply rooted in Greece’s culinary traditions, from local, seasonal ingredients to classic flavours reimagined with modern precision. This is refined, plant-forward dining by one of Greece’s most exciting chefs, Giannis Loukakis of Mourga and pastry maestro Spiros Pediaditakis of two-Michelin-starred Spondi, Akra blends technical precision with a relaxed neighbourhood energy. At the front of the space, a bakery extends the experience beyond lunch and dinner, with ovens placed around the room filling the air with the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries, creating a sensorial backdrop to the meal.
Highlights include exceptional homemade sourdough served with premium Greek olive oil, inventive desserts like organic-milk gelato with cinnamon-poached cherries and sourdough-bread gelato with toasted hazelnuts. Each plate celebrates seasonal Greek produce with playful touches – from foraged herbs and fermented vegetables to surprising textures – making Akra one of Athens’ rare upscale plant-based experiences: quietly radical, effortlessly polished and warmly local. Meanwhile, the open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, turning each dish into a quiet performance of seasonality and craft.
This is Loco
Latin spirit meets Athenian flair here on the vibrant streets of Koukaki. This Is Loco brings a playful Latin energy to Athens, combining the casual spirit of a taqueria with a plant-forward focus. Bold interiors, colourful murals and a lively soundtrack set the scene, making it as much a social hub as a dining spot. Koukaki itself has become a destination for coffee lovers, with cosy cafés and artisanal roasters lining its streets, giving the neighbourhood a relaxed, local charm.
The menu champions creative tacos, tostadas and brunch plates, highlighting local vegetables with clever twists – think vegan ceviche or jackfruit carnitas. Guacamole, inventive cocktails and rotating seasonal specials complete the picture, making it a hotspot for flavour, fun and casual bites in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.
Minu
Design-forward, botanical and as calming as it is conscious; situated right in the heart of artsy, lively Psirri district, Minu Athens is a multi-concept space blending café, concept store and green sanctuary. High ceilings, hanging plants and architectural furnishings set a dreamy, minimalist tone, creating a quiet retreat amid the neighbourhood’s vibrant energy. The store corner stocks eco-conscious brands and independent Greek designers, adding a curated, local touch to the experience.
The all-day menu features creative brunches, salads, sandwiches and standout coffee, with many dishes highlighting fresh, veggie-forward ingredients. The ultra-trendy design makes it perfect for slow afternoons, remote working or simply soaking up the design-led atmosphere. Minu attracts a discerning crowd looking for calm and style in the midst of Psirri’s bustling streets.
Writer Nefelie Kalavrezou is the founder of Eco Travel Inspo
