In the heart of one of Athens’ most picturesque neighborhoods, in one of those little staircase streets leading up to the Acropolis, we’ve unearthed a real nugget: Yiasemi (γιασεμί). This cafe on the steps of Mnisikleous Street is one of our favorites in Athens. An unexpected find in Plaka, the tourist district teeming with restaurants and cafés. A somewhat secret address, which we’d almost like to keep to ourselves… but which we’re happy to share.
Yiasemi, a picturesque cafe with a warm atmosphere
Yiasemi is a cafe full of nooks and crannies. It offers a host of surprises for visitors.
Settling in:
- first outside, sitting on the cushions set up on the steps of this touristy alley, watching the comings and goings of passers-by
- but also in the flower-filled courtyard inside, where the scent of homemade pastries tickles our nostrils.
- or in the calm of the interior room, decorated with vintage furniture and somewhat reminiscent of a ” yiayia ” (Greek for grandmother) dining room.
- but above all on the rooftop terrace, reached via a spiral staircase. What a surprise! We arrive in a kind of bohemian garden. A place full of flowers(Yiasemi means ” jasmine ” in Greek), with recycled antiques-style furniture, red and green tables, an old swing…
The decor cleverly blends traditional and modern elements, for a particularly successful result. The owner has created an intimate and convivial atmosphere.
From Greek coffee to cocktails and homemade dishes: the perfect break in Plaka
Yiasemi is much more than just a traditional local café. The site is frequented by tourists and Athenians alike. Young Greeks like to meet there in the evenings. It’s an authentic place, which is appreciated in Plaka.
Yiasemi is the perfect place for a charming, bucolic break, whatever the time of day. We come in the morning to enjoy an authentic Greek coffee.
And there’s a delicious 10-euro buffet breakfast with home-cooked products (served from 8.30am to 10am). Mmmm…
At lunchtime, we come to dine on tasty home-cooked dishes (hearty and affordable). At any time of the day for a gourmet snack : pies and cakes, gliko koutaliou (candied fruit in honey). And in the evenings, enjoy a drink late into the night and take in the Athenian nightlife with a cocktail or homemade liqueur.
In short, if you’re exploring the Plaka district and looking for a unique experience that will plunge you into “authentic Athens”, head for Yiasemi.
Also ideal after a stroll around Anafiotika or on the way down from the Acropolis.
Laure M.
- Address: Mnisikleous 23, Plaka, Athènes – Google Maps
- Access Metro Monastiraki (M1, M3) Acropoli (M2) et Syntagma (M2, M3)
- Open from 8:00 to 2:00
- Website – Facebook
