Fika coffee & croissant — Restaurant in Athens

BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. RACIST

We visited this café today after seeing its impressive 4.8-star rating on Google Maps. I had read many positive reviews, especially about the pastries and coffee, so we were excited to try it. When we arrived in the morning, the place was quite busy, which we totally understand and were willing to wait for.

However, the service we experienced was extremely disappointing — in fact, it was the worst service we’ve encountered during our entire trip in Greece.

The staff, particularly the barista and the cashier, were rude and disrespectful. They seemed impatient and unwelcoming from the moment we approached the counter. When I asked for recommendations, they responded with disinterest and a dismissive tone. What was most upsetting was the clear difference in how they treated non-Asian customers — with friendliness, eye contact, and personal service — compared to how we were treated.

I ordered a focaccia, but it never arrived. While I understand mistakes can happen, the way it was handled showed a lack of professionalism and basic courtesy. When I asked about it, I was told I didn’t order it — even though I had already paid. They ended up giving the focaccia to someone who ordered after me. No apology was offered, just denial and a bad attitude.

Having worked in F&B myself, I’d like to suggest improving the order management system. Simply shouting out “latte” or “focaccia” is not effective when multiple people order the same thing. Use order numbers or names, like Starbucks does, so there’s less confusion and more accountability.

Unfortunately, the staff’s behavior felt biased — whether it was racial or just poor customer service, I can’t say for sure. But the experience made us feel unwelcome and disrespected.

The food itself wasn’t bad, but the treatment we received left a lasting negative impression. If you’re Asian or value respectful service, I would think twice before coming here.

Worst service in Greece, with the most disrespectful staff we’ve encountered...

This is a little slice of heaven! Everything is cooked on the premises. Their pastries are delicious and they also bake cakes as well. These can be bought by the slice. Their lemon poppy seed cake was irresistible. Gourmet savoury roles are also available. They don’t have a huge range of items but what they have is quite diverse and caters for most tastes. The quality is to rave about. Yes you can get a Flat White coffee just as you would in Australia. Affectionately referred to by the girls at Fika as a “Fla-ti”. The girls behind the counter are very good at what they do and they add to the great contemporary vibe. This little place located on a corner in a side street off Syngrou Ave. was a Godsend for...

This modern coffee shop and bakery was quite nice. They had 3 milk options, sproud pea, minor figures oat and cow. I had sproud and it was nice. I also tried there filter coffee, but it wasn't to my taste, a bit to earthy for me. The server didn't know what tasting notes meant, so not a proper 3rd wave coffee place, but good coffee. Food was very nice. I had all 3 vegan options. Foccacia with beetroot hummus - good. Date cookie - very good. Spinach baked thing - okay. Staff very friendly and looked like they were enjoying themselves a lot. Overall quite a good spot. Lovely...