Lelos is right on the border between Petralona and Koukaki in Athens. It’s on the street where I used to live, Gennaiou Kolokotroni. I would go there early in the morning (around 10:00) when I wanted to get some work done together with my first coffee of the day but didn’t feel like staying at home. In post-quarantine days, it was the first café I visited when it was OK to do so.

I really like their decoration: it’s a potpourri of vintage furniture and random bric-a-brac that together create an atmosphere that feels like it should have no right to feel so cozy, yet it does, especially the couch area at the back. I also like their morning playlists — more than once I’ve stood up to check out their laptop to see which Kasetophono playlist they had on.

Speaking of music, on Friday & Sunday evenings they may have a live band playing old Greek music, so be sure to drop by if you’re either curious or like this sort of vibe (2€ cover charge). They also have events like afrobeat pizza, DJ sets & movie screenings.

Finally, as you can see they have a super-chill outdoor area. It’s as cozy as it looks in the picture — even more so around sunset. There’s nothing quite like getting a cold Vergina Weiss as it’s getting dark!

Whenever I go there for my morning coffee, they always bring me a few pieces of cake to enjoy it with for free. It’s a small touch that goes a long way!