Best coffee bars in Syros

A complete guide to finding the best coffee in Syros (including some hidden gems)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that a good cup of coffee (or tea) can make or break your day. And if you’re anything like me, finding the best coffee spots in a new place is a top priority.

So, after spending months on Syros exploring the best things to do on the island, I did what any responsible travel blogger would do: I drank my way through the island’s coffee scene (all in the name of research, of course).

In this Syros coffee guide, we give you a list of the places that serve the best coffee in Ermoupoli (and one in Ano Syros). The rest of the island has some nice coffee places too, but Ermoupoli truly is the place to be for the best coffee bars in Syros.

Most of these places focus on great coffee but also offer other delicious drinks or food, a nice ambiance, and a unique experience. Let’s dive in!

Read more: Best restaurants in Syros

Armadillo Coffee Brewery

Tucked away in a charming laneway in Ermoupoli, Armadillo (open all year round) is the kind of place you stumble upon and then refuse to leave. The atmosphere is relaxed, everything is served in beautiful handmade ceramics, and there are even power outlets on the terrace for those who want to sip and work (or pretend to work).

The barista works with such precision and focus that watching him prepare your coffee on the beautiful yellow coffee machine is like witnessing a tiny caffeinated masterpiece being created. Their flat white is arguably the best in the Cyclades. The food is delicious (try the shakshuka), but not the cheapest spot in town.

TIP: Are you a fan of an affogato, an Italian dessert comprising a scoop of gelato topped with espresso? Grab a cup at Armadillo, go to the ice cream shop Django Gelato on the other side of the alley, ask for a scoop of gelato in your cup, and go back to have the espresso at Armadillo! We have tried it and can confirm it is delicious!

Epta Syros Island

Epta, which is open all year, isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s a daily ritual, a community, and possibly the best excuse to never make your own coffee again. Tucked away in a picturesque alley, this place hums with the kind of energy that only a combination of expertly brewed coffee and genuinely lovely people can create.

It’s been our favorite place to grab a coffee or tea (served in beautiful ceramic cups) in the morning, get some work done in the hip and cozy decorated inside, combined with a delicious breakfast or brunch. The avocado toast, Greek scrambled eggs with feta, and pancakes are a must.

The owners, Sissy and Giorgos, have somehow mastered the art of making you feel like an old friend from the moment you walk in. Their Freddo espresso is the best on the island, and if you’re one of those “serious” coffee drinkers, don’t worry, Epta will meet your high standards.

Saint Syros

Saint Syros is tiny but mighty and a true hidden gem in Ermoupoli and Syros when it comes to coffee. Nestled near the breathtaking Saint Nicholas Church and open all year, this micro café is a haven for coffee purists. With expertly brewed espresso, silky lattes, and a cold brew that could convert even the most devoted hot coffee drinkers, it’s a place that takes its craft seriously.

The barista, Christina, passionate and knowledgeable, makes every cup with care, and the atmosphere blends European café culture with the laid-back charm of Syros. Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino in the sun or grabbing a Freddo espresso to go, you’ll quickly understand why this place has a loyal following.

Bonus points for its pet-friendly vibe and selection of homemade ice cream and sandwiches, because good coffee always pairs well with a little something extra.

TIP: Our favorite thing to do is going for a morning swim to Asteria Beach and then stop by here for a great coffee, tea, or small snack.

Read more: Best beaches in Syros

Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza

If you haven’t had coffee and breakfast at Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza (open all year), are you even doing Syros right? The family running this little gem (Petros and his two daughters Paulina and Gina) greet you like a long-lost cousin, remembering your order after just one visit.

Their cappuccino, sprinkled with just the right amount of cinnamon, is a morning hug in a cup. And they serve the kind of food that makes you rethink every pastry you’ve ever eaten. Their bougatsa is probably the best we’ve ever had, but also try their spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), pizza, and energy bars.

Whether you’re grabbing a bite to go or lingering over breakfast at one of their colorful sidewalk tables, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve tasted Thessalonikia’s magic, you’ll be plotting your return before you’ve even finished your last bite.

Box of Bush

Box of Bush isn’t just a café, it’s a lifestyle (open all year). Nestled in a charming alleyway near the square of Ermoupoli, this place is all about good vibes, healthy bites, and seriously great coffee. It is the kind of coffee shop that makes you want to take artsy Instagram photos of your latte.

Whether you’re sipping on a perfectly brewed cappuccino or iced latte in summer, indulging in the impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan breakfast options, or trying to decide if avocado coffee is genius or madness (we think it’s amazing, for the record), this spot has something for you.

Run by Kosmas and his mom, the energy here is contagious. You’ll probably find yourself lingering longer than planned, settling in with a book, doing some work, or having a long chat with friends. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a friendly greeting from their resident Labrador. Box of Bush is the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again.

TIP: If you want to have a coffee on the go, your takeaway cup will get a cute message to make your day!

Timeout Specialty Coffee Syros

If you think you’ve had good coffee before, prepare to have your standards completely rewritten. Timeout Speciality Coffee (open all year) isn’t just a coffee, it’s a revelation and one of Syros’ best-kept secrets. Tucked away from the main tourist spots, a bit on the outside of Ermoupoli, this hidden gem serves coffee so good it might just ruin all others for you.

Antonis, the owner, who welcomes you like an old friend, is a passionate barista who prepares amazing Freddo lattes and espressos. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon once and then rearrange your entire daily schedule to visit again (and again).

Jar

If you like your coffee served with a side of charm, Jar is your spot (only open in high season). This little café, tucked away in a charming alley near Miaouli Square has a cozy atmosphere that made me feel at home the moment I walked walk in.

Their cappuccinos are silky smooth, and their food is dangerously addictive. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for just one quick coffee and end up having brunch, dessert, and a cocktail in the afternoon, all in one visit.

Everything is served in beautiful handmade pottery that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a Pinterest board. And the atmosphere? Think warm lighting, eclectic decor, and just the right touch of artsy nostalgia (bonus points if you’re a La La Land fan and spot the neon sign).

Jar is a must-visit spot where great coffee meets even better vibes. Just be warned, it’s small, it’s popular, and there’s a good chance you’ll be waiting for a table. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Plastico

Plastico is not your average café, it’s part coffee shop, part art gallery, and 100% worth a visit. Located in a picturesque small street in Ermoupoli, this spot serves up some of the best specialty coffee on the island, alongside homemade cakes.

The owners, Spyros and Kiara, are not only passionate about coffee but also about art, curating exhibitions that add an extra layer of charm to the space. I loved sipping my cappuccino while admiring the local artwork and soaking in the cozy, creative vibes,

Plastico is a place that makes you want to stay a little longer. Oh, and if you’re a tiramisu fan, consider this your official warning: their version is dangerously good.

Braziliana Snack Bar Ano Syros

Don’t let the name fool you, Braziliana Snack Bar is not just a snack bar. This place is a full-on experience, with a veranda that boasts one of the best views in Ano Syros.

We love to come here after our long walk up from Ermoupoli to Ano Syros, to enjoy a delicious brunch with one of their perfectly brewed coffees (oat milk lovers, rejoice).

The atmosphere is laid-back, vibrant, and just the right level of cool. Also try the refreshing homemade lemonade with a kick of ginger or the original oven-baked pizzas (if the mozzarella, fig jam, and blue cheese combo is still on the menu, get it).

Just get there early, because seats fill up fast, and once people sit down, they’re not leaving anytime soon.

Read more: Best things to do in Ano Syros, the oldest town in Syros.

Final thoughts on the best coffee bar in Syros

Syros may be known for its neoclassical beauty, amazing hikes, stunning beaches, and relaxed island life, but let’s not overlook its coffee scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a specialty flat white, a strong Freddo espresso, or a perfectly brewed filter coffee, this island has something for every caffeine lover.

On my quest to find the best coffee in Syros, I found some hidden gems and known coffee spots that you will appreciate for sure during your visit to Syros. So, skip the instant coffee at your hotel and set off on your own caffeinated adventure.

And if you discover another hidden gem, let me know, because let’s be honest, I’m always looking for my next great cup of coffee!