The fact that Mavros Gatos (The Black Cat) is located in a narrow pedestrian street in Exarcheia makes it invisible for most of the tourists that walk in this area, so it has become one of the most hidden gems Athens has. This is one of the main reasons I always go there with my friends that live around this area.

As it’s open from the morning until very late at night, the atmosphere changes during the day: you can order a cake and a coffee in the morning, have lunch at noon or order some beers and cocktails in the evening.

Allow me to mention in this paragraph the food they serve: home-made and small dishes (a kind of tapas) that allow you to taste some of the best known Greek specialities.

The place itself is very cozy and the service is, really, amazing. When the weather is good you can sit outdoors and have a great day as there are no cars around.

I must say being in Mavros Gatos for the first time is a marvellous surprise. It’s love at first sight.