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All Greece Athens Cafe Avissinia
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

Cafe Avissinia

Catch raucous live performances of traditional tunes at this old-school taverna.

Athens, Greece

Added By
Tony Perrottet
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Musicians Pepi Theochari and Achilleas Pangulis entertain the crowds at Cafe Avissinia.   ©Markus Kirchgessner/laif/Redux
Musicians Pepi Theochari and Achilleas Pangulis entertain the crowds at Cafe Avissinia.   ©Markus Kirchgessner/laif/Redux
Beef-stuffed grape leaves are one of the traditional specialties here.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
The quirky interior is full of unexpected details.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
At night, head to the rooftop for a terrific view of the illuminated Acropolis.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
Curious antiques from the founders flea market hunts fill the interior.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
Kleftiko, or slow-cooked lamb with potatoes, is a traditional dish from Greece’s mountainous region.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
The Acropolis views are lovely in the late afternoon.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
Since 1986, the Cafe Avissinia has served Cypriot and Macedonian dishes.   @cafeavissinia used with permission
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Athens has no shortage of tavernas with antique-filled interiors and rooftop terraces offering Acropolis views. But what makes Cafe Avissinia special is the gusto of its live traditional folk music shows held on weekends from September to June.

The venue's location in the central market district Monastiraki ("little monastery") adds to the atmosphere: Patrons follow winding pedestrian-only back alleys past tiny shops and food vendors to a courtyard where the city's most intriguing antique market sprouts on Sunday afternoons. Ketty Koufonikola, who founded the restaurant in 1986, was quite the treasure-hunter and the interior is cluttered with her old statues, vintage furniture, and ornate mirrors.

Around 5 p.m. at Avissinia, Athenians of all ages can be found boozily singing mournful rebetika songs to an accordion player (microphones are a no-no) and occasionally standing up between the tables to dance zeibekiko, a slow step with the head bowed and arms extended. The music is sometimes compared to “the Greek blues,” involving charmolypi, the intertwined mix of joy and sadness).

As an added bonus, the cafe's regional cuisine is delicious: Try yaprakia, a Macedonian dish of sour cabbage stuffed with pork, or soutzoukakia, meatballs in tomato sauce with basmati rice—best enjoyed with a $5 tin jug of tangy moschofilero white wine to help you get into the dancing mood.

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Antiques Food Restaurants Music

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Performance schedules vary, so be sure to check in advance if you're hoping to watch a live set.

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Added By

tonyperrottet

Published

July 1, 2024

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Cafe Avissinia
Kinetou 7, Plateia Avissinias
Monastiraki
Athens, 105 55
Greece
37.976587, 23.72408
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Nearby Places

Church of the Holy Apostle Philip at Vlassarous

Athens, Greece

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Athens

Athens

Greece

Places 80
Stories 4

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Church of the Holy Apostle Philip at Vlassarous

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miles away

The Athenian Agora

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Archaeological Site Inside Monastiraki Metro Station

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Athens

Athens

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Places 80
Stories 4

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