Settled in the main square of the island up in Chora, Agora café is the only spot on the island where you’ll enjoy coffee in a traditional setting and much more during the night.
Although relatively new to the scene, this all-day café in its second year of operation has attracted the more refined crowd that sometimes visits the island. Anina Diener, a native of Munich, ditched her big career in events management and creative direction and moved to Ios upon receiving her father’s heritage on the island. She wanted to create something unique out of it – Agora Café was one of the two first projects she worked alongside Garden of Ios (a sunset bar a bit further down the main road of Chora to the port).
Nestled in a small protected square in Chora, away from the bustling alleys and loud adolescents, Agora is the perfect antidote to all the cacophony of this Cycladic island and enough to quench your thirst for something traditional and more refined. Operated in two stints during the day, the staff will make you feel like home and will also serve you the best specialty coffee of the island (a blend of their own) and a unique Greek-oriented breakfast, as well as delicious cheese platters at night and an unforgettable ambience. They also proudly offer vegan, gluten-free treats with their raw bars being top of the game. We also hear their quince (they change daily) is delicious.
The place operates all year round with the indoors also featuring a stove, a board of backgammon, playing cards and more. At night, young musicians take over and create an impromptu stage singing traditional Greek folk songs, rebetika, with raki flowing freely around the tables. Take a seat and enjoy one of the most rewarding experiences on the island.
