The roasters writing the coffee scene in Heraklion: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in Heraklion. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Think Tank is the specialty coffee benchmark in Heraklion, a neoclassical espresso and wine bar on Idaiou Androu with its own resident barista.
OrderThe house espresso, pulled by the resident barista
BeansEthiopia, Colombia, Brazil
BrewsEspresso, Filter
TipA sommelier works the wine side of the same room, so a coffee visit can easily turn into a Cretan tasting.
ML Espresso Bar pours third-wave coffee on Eleftherias Square in Heraklion, rotating single origins through espresso and hand-brewed filter.
OrderA filter of whichever Ethiopian is on that week
BeansEthiopia, Kenya, Colombia
BrewsEspresso, Filter, Takeaway
TipThe counter is small and built for takeaway rather than sitting down with a laptop.
Granary is where Heraklion drinks Taf Roastery coffee, an espresso bar and eatery in the old town pairing it with Mediterranean plates and wine.
OrderA filter coffee made with the Taf Roastery beans
BeansSourced through Taf Roastery
BrewsEspresso, Filter
TipGranary buys its beans from Taf Roastery rather than roasting in-house, and serves them alongside breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Hacienda follows a third-wave brief across several Heraklion branches, opening at half past six for espresso, filter and a full brunch menu.
OrderA long black, with an avocado toast alongside
BeansBrazil, Ethiopia, Colombia
BrewsEspresso, Filter
TipSeveral Hacienda branches operate across the city, so check which one you are heading for before you set out.
Frankly My Dear is the Karterou specialty coffee bar in Heraklion, working freddo espresso and filter alongside a full brunch and cocktail list.
OrderA freddo espresso, with a fresh juice alongside
BeansRotating single origins
BrewsEspresso, Freddo espresso
TipThe Karterou room is a five-minute walk uphill from the Agora and much quieter than the square cafes.
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