Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

Restaurant · Pláka ·

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

Restaurant · Pláka ·

Historic kafenio with vintage decor, Acropolis views, and Greek dishes

Information

Μητροπόλεως 59 & (Στοά) Πανδρόσου 36, Plateía Mitropóleos 59, Athina 105 55, Greece Get directions

@atlasobscura

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Kafeneio Oraia Ellas - Gastro Obscura

"Located on a strip of rather touristy-feeling restaurants, Kafeneio Oraia Ellas (“Cafe Beautiful Greece”) is one of Athens’s oldest kafenion, traditional coffee shops. Dating back to 1839, it was a former gathering place for Athens intelligentsia, as well as visiting literati. Hans Christian Andersen drank here not long after it opened. During WWII, the space took a darker turn as the site of a Gestapo HQ. The cafe’s history is apparent today in the old ads and posters that coat the walls, and its glass cases stuffed with quirky, ancient bric-a-brac. Today, the place feels like more of a restaurant than cafe, but it continues to serve unfiltered Greek coffee. You’ll be asked how much sugar you prefer, and your order will arrive at your table in the form of a briki, the tiny, handled copper pot used to prepare the drink, and an espresso cup paired with a cube of Turkish delight. Simply pour the liquid layer of the briki into your cup, being careful not to also pour the grounds. Because the coffee is prepared the traditional way, slowly roasted over heated sand, it takes a while to arrive—Starbucks this is not. Know Before You Go Oraia Ellas boasts outstanding views of the Acropolis." - Austin Bush, canterbs

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kafeneio-oraia-ellas-athens

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

@selfishmichael

335 Postcards · 15 Cities

Athens

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

Captain T.

Google

Kafeneio Oraia Ellas is a very well known coffee shop, and it dates from 1920. It is located in the Plaka district not too far from the Acropolis. This proximity is one of the key reasons we decided to stop here for coffee and refreshments before returning to sightseeing. We selected a table on the balcony upstairs with a lovely view. The service was good and the Greek coffee was also good. I should set expectations, though. The Plaka is a very touristy place, and this Kafeneio mainly serves tourists. I’m not judging, but just sharing. It certainly rates four stars.

Ζωή Α.

Google

This used to be a very special place for me. I came here many times with my sweetheart and with people who truly mattered to me. I believe it was special for many others too — because of the marvelous view of the Acropolis from the first floor, and because of the coffee and the delicious Greek sweets. Sadly, that feeling is gone. Today, the karydopita (walnut pie) was served on a cracked plate and the portion was disappointingly small (see photo). The Greek coffee was weaker than I remembered, and instead of tap water they served bottled water, as in restaurants. For a traditional Greek café, a kafeneion, this is really unusual and clearly about charging more. It’s unfortunate that the touristic boom Athens is experiencing has changed even this place — and not for the better. I won’t be coming back. I’ll leave it to the tourists.

Eric W.

Google

We visited this place in December and around 2 o’clock in the afternoon. It was not busy at all. We are able to get seated right away. There’s lots of seating in this location versus many of the others that we’ve been to. It was easy to accommodate our group of 10. They have seating on the main floor and on the second floor. It’s nice that we have plenty of room. We tried a variety of foods everything from calamari, octopus, anchovies, zucchini balls, meatballs, and many other items. All of the food was extremely good. If you’re looking for a place to eat for lunch, this would definitely be a first pick.

Maria S.

Google

Amazing location & food. 2 people ordered fava, horta, keftedakia (the meat balls), fried zucchini, it was all top quality- - recommended- i am greek so i know the difference, so congrats for the TOP quality!! We will come again for sure. We sat on the balcony🥰❤️❤️

Rawan B.

Google

Oraia Ellas is a beautiful tribute to old Athens, a place that would remind you of your grandparents house. In the heart of Monastiraki, it offers a nostalgic escape with vintage decor, sepia-toned photographs, and a soulful atmosphere. We ordered the cabbage salad, seafood platter, and fried zucchini. The seafood was tender and well-seasoned, the zucchini crisp, and the salad added a refreshing crunch that balanced the meal perfectly.

Sam A.

Google

This fantastic Greek restaurant is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience. The service is great, and the views are absolutely breathtaking, making for an unforgettable meal. The excellent food is the real star of the show here, with generous portions and artful plating that exceeds all expectations. The photos in the menu do not do it justice! While the calamari could be skipped, everything else was delicious, and we especially loved the zucchini balls, which were a unique and delicious starter. The real highlight of our experience, however, was the wintery lunch we enjoyed while waiting for the sunset on the Acropolis view. It was a truly magical experience that we will never forget. The ambiance was perfect, and the staff were attentive and helpful, making sure that our meal was perfect in every way. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves great food, stunning views, and an unforgettable dining experience.

Natalia

Google

Food is great, we had moussaka and grilled octopus. A lot of locals were sitted around us, enjoying their lunches. Both of our dishes were delicious, well prepared and not too expensive. Recommend!

Albert S.

Google

I visited this decades-old kafeneio as part of a food tour, and it’s a true step back in time. The walls are packed with antiques and memorabilia, creating a unique and nostalgic atmosphere. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Monastiraki Station, it’s a great spot to soak in old-school Greek charm. The food was solid, but for me, the real draw here is the ambiance rather than the dishes themselves.

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

Kafeneio Oraia Ellas - Gastro Obscura

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kafeneio-oraia-ellas-athens

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

@selfishmichael

335 Postcards · 15 Cities

Athens

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

Captain T.

Google

Ζωή Α.

Google

Eric W.

Google

Maria S.

Google

Rawan B.

Google

Sam A.

Google

Natalia

Google

Food is great, we had moussaka and grilled octopus. A lot of locals were sitted around us, enjoying their lunches. Both of our dishes were delicious, well prepared and not too expensive. Recommend!

Albert S.

Google

Καφενείον "Η Ωραία Ελλάς" / Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

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Kafeneio Oraia Ellas - Gastro Obscura

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Kafeneio Oraia Ellas - Gastro Obscura