Melina Mercouri Café — Restaurant in Athens

I'd heard about this cafe and its dedication to the actress and politician Melina Mercouri. Consequently we ambled along the little streets of Plaka early-ish one morning whilst still quiet and before it became hot and busy, to enjoy a good Greek coffee and a surprisingly good breakfast. We didn't want to sit outside on the street, but instead wanted to immerse ourselves, surrounded by the memorabilia inside. It's a lovely old place, full of character; the walls covered in photographs of Mercouri at various stages of her rather full life. There are many old film posters which make you want to delve further into the history of her film career. All of this was an added bonus to good food and good service, from people who, I think, were delighted that you would take an interest in Mercouri, an enigmatic figure and one of Greece's icons. Some significant Greek elections were taking place during our stay and one of the prominent politicians running for election chose the Mercouri Cafe in which to be interviewed and filmed by one of the TV Networks whilst we happened to be there. Mercouri was, of course, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage in Greece 1981- 89 and again 1993 - until her death in 1994. A remarkable lady - and a rather good cafe in which to have breakfast, reflect and then perhaps walk on up to the Acropolis which is near-by. But don't leave it too late, or you'll be stuck in the huge...

If you go to just one cafe in Plaka, make it Melina Mercouri. Great service, great location, and some of the best food I've ever had in Plaka (and I lived in the area for years).

I don't give out a lot of 5 star reviews, but this cafe deserves it.

I had the best omelette I have ever had in my life, here. I came back 2x more, just to have it again.

I've lived in Plaka off and on for years, but for some reason never stopped in. My mistake.

The chef during the day is a sweet, little Greek woman. Everything is amazingly fresh. You could make a meal of their tomatoes and cucumber slices, they are so fresh.

So many restaurants in Plaka are very tourist-oriented...in the sense that, they are not aiming for repeat-business. So the food is passable, but nothing you will remember.

This cafe is different. Beautiful old fashioned decor inside, a gorgeous patio with tables on the outside, on a set of terraces and steps leading up to the Acropolis in the background.

Highly...

It was late afternoon in a July summer after trudging more than 10,000 steps at the Acropolis. We were winding down our day and wanted a beer to celebrate our day.

We chanced upon Melina Mercouri Cafe, picturesquely located at the starting point of a flight of stairs lined with cafes and restaurants. Melina was a pleasant find as we came here after being turned down at Psaras, Athen's oldest tavern, for only wanting to have drinks and not have food.

Staff at Melina was friendly, welcoming us as we were greeted while walking down the stairs. We ordered our beers, which came with a free side of chips, and we watched people stroll down the alley basked with warm rays of a setting sun.

I would recommend stopping by at Melina's if you are passing by. Soak in the atmosphere, listen to the chirps of birds perched on a tree offering shade from the summer heat, and let your mind...