This looks like the sort of place Lord Byron might have enjoyed: a small cafe with louche locals lounging over their coffee in a ramshackle building near the entrance to the Ancient Agora. The walls have old black and white photographs, some tobacco smoke-stained oil paintings, and lots of gleaming copper. I like the mezedes (appetizers), including Cheese Abyssinia (feta scrambled with spices and garlic), mussels-and-rice pilaf, and the spicy keftedes (meatballs). It's nearly impossible to get out of here having only a coffee. Prices are reasonable (cash only), but it's not hard to try a bit of this and then a bit of that and run up more of a tab than intended. If you don't get lost the first time you find this hideaway, congratulations! If you do get lost, enjoy the maze of streets and alleys you will explore en route.
Athens
Travel Guide
Athens› Restaurant
Avissinia (Abyssinia) Cafe
Plateia Abyssinia. From the Monastiraki metro exit right into Ifiastou St, which runs into Plateia Abyssinia.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Monastiraki
Hours
Tues–Sun 10:30am–2pm (often open evenings as well). Usually closed for a week at Christmas and Easter; sometimes closed part of Jan and Feb and mid–July to mid–Aug
Transportation
Metro: Monastiraki
Phone
210/321-7047
Prices
Appetizers and main courses €8–€25. Cash only
Cuisine Type
Greek

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.