How To Order Coffee In Greece: The Expat's Summer Coffee Guide

Coffee in Greece isn't just a morning pick-me-up; it's a lifestyle. It's the Freddo clutched on the way to work, the excuse for a three-hour catch-up with friends, the iced cappuccino balanced on a gym treadmill (yes, we saw that), and basically the ritual that punctuates every part of the day. Once you've mastered the art of ordering like a local, you'll realise that in Greece, coffee is about far more than caffeine ; it's about slowing down, catching up and soaking up everyday life. 

Feeling slightly intimidated by the endless options? Don't worry. Here's your step-by-step guide to ordering coffee like an expert this summer.

Let's begin with the classic.

Greek coffee is thick, rich and unfiltered, brewed slowly in a small briki over a low flame before being served in a tiny cup with a delicate layer of foam on top. The coffee grounds settle at the bottom, so don't drink the very last sip unless you fancy a mouthful of sediment.

Strong, slightly bitter and wonderfully aromatic, this isn't your grab-and-go coffee. It's a drink made for lingering over, ideally while putting the world to rights with friends.

The icon of Greek summers.

Made with instant coffee shaken until deliciously frothy, the frappe has been keeping Greeks cool since the 1950s. It's light, refreshing and wonderfully nostalgic, perfect for long beach days or lazy afternoons in the shade.

Simple, refreshing, addictive: A double shot of espresso is shaken vigorously with ice until perfectly chilled and topped with a velvety crema. By default, it's served black, although you can ask for sugar when ordering.

While Freddos are the undisputed stars of summer, don't expect Greeks to switch to hot coffee in winter. Plenty of locals happily sip an iced Freddo even when it's 10°C outside. 

Many quickly find themselves becoming loyal Freddo Cappuccino devotees.

It starts with a Freddo Espresso before being crowned with a thick cloud of cold, silky milk foam, usually made with low-fat milk for that signature airy texture. Served over ice in a tall glass, it's creamy without feeling heavy and utterly made for Mediterranean summers.

Prefer something warm? The classic cappuccino is just as popular in Greece as it is elsewhere in Europe, making it a safe choice if you're after familiar comfort.

Step Two: Customise Your Coffee

Once you've chosen your coffee, comes the important question: how do you take it?

Greeks are precise when it comes to coffee preferences.

Here's your cheat sheet:

• Σκέτος (Skétos) – black, with no sugar.
• Μέτριος (Métrios) – medium sweet; the classic balanced choice.
• Γλυκός (Glykós) – sweet.
• Βαρύς (Varýs) – stronger coffee with less sugar.
• Ελαφρύς (Elafrýs) – lighter coffee with more sugar.
• Βαρύγλυκος (Variglykos) – strong and sweet.
• Ναι και Όχι (Ne ke Ohi) – somewhere in between, for the wonderfully indecisive.

If you prefer your coffee dairy-free, you're in luck. Most cafés now offer alternatives such as oat, almond or soy milk alongside regular milk.

And yes: decaf is available too, especially in specialty coffee shops, although you may not find it in every neighbourhood café.

Finally, don't be surprised when your coffee arrives with a complimentary glass (or bottle) of water. It's standard practice in most Greek cafés and considered part of the service. 

Ordering in Greek is always appreciated, even if you only know a few words. Here are some useful phrases to get you started:

Καλημέρα! Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ.
Kaliméra! Énan kafé, parakaló.
Good morning! A coffee, please.

Τι καφέ έχετε;
Ti kafé éhete?
What coffees do you have?

Θα ήθελα έναν φραπέ, μέτριο.
Tha íthela énan frapé, métrio.
I'd like a medium-sweet frappe, please.

Με ζάχαρη ή χωρίς;
Me záchari i horís?
With sugar or without?

Για εδώ ή για έξω;
Ya edó i ya éxo?
To have here or to take away?

You'll quickly notice that takeaway coffee is almost a fashion accessory in Greece. Whether people are heading to work, running errands or strolling along the seafront, there's a good chance they're carrying an iced coffee in hand. 

Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Efharistó polí!
Thank you very much!

Don't worry about perfect pronunciation. A smile and a polite "parakaló" will go a long way, and café staff are very used to helping newcomers. 

Turn your coffee break into a truly indulgent moment by enjoying it alongside a traditional Greek pastry or sweet.

Whether it's a flaky bougatsa dusted with icing sugar, a syrup-soaked galaktoboureko, a slice of orange cake or a buttery biscuit served alongside your espresso, pairing your coffee with a little treat is all part of the experience.

After all, if you're going to embrace Greek coffee culture, you may as well do it properly!


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