For anyone on a mission to find the best hot chocolate this Christmas, Athens is full of charming cafés serving unique creations from classic to decadent. Here’s the ultimate guide to the top spots to sip on something chocolatey, warm, and oh-so-festive. Let’s take a sweet stroll through the Greek capital!

1. The Dark Side of Chocolate

For the true chocoholics

As the name suggests, this one is for chocolate purists. In Kolonaki, The Dark Side of Chocolate crafts deep, dark, and intense hot chocolate. They use only top-quality chocolate varieties from Venezuela to Africa and from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, creating a smooth and satisfying drink. Everything in this tiny café is handmade with passion. It’s the perfect stop for a hot brew with real richness.

Location: Solonos 49, Kolonaki

Why you’ll love it: unapologetically rich chocolate made for true aficionados.

Read also: 7 Perfect Spots in Athens for the Freshest Juices and Most Delicious Smoothies

2. Sokolata

Chocolate bliss at its best

Sokolata (literally “chocolate” in Greek) is the place for all things cocoa. Located in downtown Athens, this cozy café specializes in warm, thick hot chocolate that’s creamy, comforting, and often topped with flair. Sokolata’s variety of chocolate drinks is impressive, and they’re all made with a focus on quality ingredients. This is where locals go when they want a straightforward yet unforgettable cup of hot chocolate.

Location: Voulis 7, Athens

Why you’ll love it: a hot chocolate heaven with a warm, homey vibe.

Read also: Top 10+1 Gelato Places in Athens to Escape the Heat Wave

3. Petite Fleur

A taste of Paris in Athens

With its vintage French decorations and jazzy background music, Petite Fleur feels like a slice of Paris right in the heart of Athens. Known for its authentic, melted chocolate, this café offers a rich, traditional hot chocolate experience. It’s thick, smooth, and made from real chocolate, not powder, so it has a luxurious, velvety feel with each sip. Petite Fleur’s cute setting and soulful ambiance make it ideal for cozying up with your cocoa.

Location: Omirou 44, Kolonaki & Aminta 1, Pangrati

Why you’ll love it: French vibes, real chocolate, and jazz music. It’s a complete experience!

Read also: A Day in Pangrati Neighborhood of Athens: How to Spend it Like a Local

4. L’ Arrêt Du Temps

Vintage charm with a side of cocoa

L’ Arrêt Du Temps is a charming café with a vintage vibe that’s all about nostalgia. The cozy interior, mismatched chairs, and warm lighting feel like a step back in time. Their hot chocolate is thick, rich, and comforting, perfect for a winter afternoon in Athens. It’s a relaxed place to gather with friends or have a quiet moment with a steamy, chocolate-filled cup.

Location: Leoforos Vasileos Alexandrou 5-7, Athens

Why you’ll love it: vintage charm meets rich hot chocolate in a beautiful setting.

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5. Noel

Where it’s Christmas all year long

At Noel, Christmas never really ends. This bustling café in the center of Athens is permanently decorated with holiday cheer, making it a must-visit during the Christmas season. Known for its festive vibes, Noel serves hot chocolate that’s as playful as its setting. Choose from classic hot chocolate or try it with fun twists, like a hint of peppermint or a candy cane garnish. It’s one of those places that feels magical, especially with a cup of chocolate in your hand.

Location: Kolokotroni 59B, Athens

Why you’ll love it: a true Christmas vibe all year, plus playful takes on hot chocolate.

6. Philos Athens

Simple elegance and pure comfort

Located in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, Philos is as chic as it’s cozy. Known for its minimalist style and sophisticated menu, Philos makes hot chocolate that’s all about pure quality. It’s the kind of drink you savor slowly in a calm, elegant setting, perfect for anyone looking to take a breather from the holiday rush.

Location: Solonos 32, Kolonaki

Why you’ll love it: elegant atmosphere with hot chocolate that’s simple, smooth, and sophisticated.

Read also: Best Modern Fine Dining Experiences you Must Have in Athens

7. Little Kook

The ultimate holiday wonderland

If the Christmas holidays find you in Athens, Little Kook in Psyri is impossible to miss. This café goes all out with holiday decorations, transforming into a fairytale winter wonderland with festive lights, nutcrackers, and Christmas trees galore. Their hot chocolate offerings are just as extravagant, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and other holiday-themed treats. It’s an experience as much as a drink, perfect for the season.

Location: Karaiskaki 17, Psyri

Why you’ll love it: extravagant decorations, Instagram-worthy hot chocolate, and endless holiday cheer.

Read also: Best Traditional Greek Desserts and Where to Try Them in Athens (part 2)

8. Fairytale

Chocolate and magic in Psyri

For a hot chocolate experience that’s pure fantasy, head to Fairytale in Psyri. This café brings a storybook setting to life with whimsical decoration, cozy seating, and hot chocolate that’s almost too beautiful to drink. They serve a rich, indulgent cocoa topped with everything from whipped cream to marshmallows. Fairytale makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of magic.

Location: Leokoriou 16, Psyri

Why you’ll love it: a storybook setting with dreamy, over-the-top chocolate creations.

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9. The Clumsies

For a hot chocolate with a twist

One of Athens’ top bars, The Clumsies is famous worldwide for its inventive cocktails, but it also serves fantastic hot chocolate, perfect for the holiday season. Their rich hot chocolate can be served with a twist: add a shot of your favorite spirit for a cozy, grown-up version. With its laid-back yet stylish atmosphere, The Clumsies is ideal for a holiday hangout with friends.

Location: Praxitelous 30, Athens

Why you’ll love it: a unique twist on hot chocolate with the option to add a splash of something extra.

Read also: The Top 10 Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Athens

10. Zuccherino

Chocolate for all ages

Zuccherino is a beloved spot, a traditional sweet shop with a modern twist. Known for its creamy, smooth hot chocolates, this place has a variety of options, including dark, milk, and even white chocolate versions. It’s also famous for its Sokolatosoupa, literally meaning chocolate soup! Enjoy it with your favorite ice cream flavor topping. Zuccherino is a great place to visit if you’re out with friends or family during holiday strolls around the city.

Location: Mitropoleos 80, Monastiraki

Why you’ll love it: the cozy atmosphere and variety of chocolate choices make it perfect for everyone.

Read also: Best Cafes in Koukaki Neighborhood, Athens

11. I Cake You

Quirky and creative

Located in Exarcheia, I Cake You offers a charming, colorful setting and a delightful range of treats. A warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or cinnamon-flavored cocoa is perfect for setting the festive mood. The caramel and sea salt variety, on the other hand, offers a balanced taste, where the saltiness of the sea salt offsets the sweetness of the caramel.

Location: Themistokleous 42, Exarcheia

Why you’ll love it: playful presentations, amazing cakes and an Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

12. Portatif

Where quality meets comfort

Portatif is the ideal place for the freshest sweets! With three locations around the city center, it’s known for its high-quality goodies and intimate setting. Their hot chocolate is made with carefully selected ingredients, focusing on depth of flavor and richness. You must try Gianduja hot chocolate or the one with Valrhona and strawberry, a dark chocolate with rum or tiramisu flavor, and a milk chocolate version with peanut butter. The standout on the menu is a handcrafted dark chocolate infused with cinnamon and orange, perfect for the holiday season. You can also find white chocolate options, as well as a sugar-free version.

Location: Sina 21, Kolonaki; Mavromichali 81, Exarcheia & Ippokratous 206, Athens

Why you’ll love it: a cozy, stylish environment perfect for solo relaxation or a quiet meet-up.

Read also: Where to Find the Most Traditional Pies in Athens and the City’s Best Bakeries

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Whether you're after something classic, extravagant, or a little quirky, Athens has a hot chocolate waiting for you. This Christmas, make a cozy date with a friend (or treat yourself!) and explore the city’s best cocoa spots because nothing says “holiday magic” like a cup of chocolate goodness. So, wrap up warm, pick your spot, and let the festive sipping begin!

What will your favorite chocolate drink combo be this holiday season? Let us know in the Comments section below!

Words: Nellie Stathakidou