Exploring NYC with Eva – Discovering Nolita’s Chic Greek Café – Café Leon Dore

Hi, hello, γεια σας – καλημέρα/ καλησπέρα! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week and managed to stay cool despite this summer heat.

I can’t believe we’re already halfway through July…it feels like just yesterday summer kicked off, but the good news is, it’s almost time for me — and many of my colleagues — to start counting down the days until our summer vacations in Greece.

With that in mind, if you’re still in New York like me, or perhaps are skipping Euro summer altogether, and are looking for ways to cool off and enjoy summer in the city, then I have a charming Greek-owned boutique café for you to visit.

It’s called Café Leon Dore, which was founded by the creative director of the menswear line, Aimé Leon Dore, Teddy Santis.

The semi-undercover seating area outside Café Leon Dore and Aimé Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Santis was born and raised in Queens, and although he had no formal background in fashion, he launched Aimé Leon Dore in 2014. Then in 2019, as the business grew bigger, the store moved to its current location, on Mulberry Street, which included the café – Café Leon Dore.

Now, before you ask, yes, I did try getting in touch with Santis for an interview before visiting the café, but unfortunately, wasn’t successful this time. But I did get the opportunity to visit it myself, enjoy a nice, cold freddo espresso with honey, and I have to say, I was quite impressed.

I enjoyed a freddo espresso with honey at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Let me preface this by saying that this café was not big, but it’s exactly what you need – a place to walk into, order coffee, and go. I was also delighted by all the little tributes to Greece on the shelves like the Ion chocolates, Sokofretes, Nou Nou milk, Caprice wafers, τσάι του βουνού (traditional Greek mountain tea), honey, and υποβρύχειο (vanilla).

I also loved that they gave out a little Ion chocolate with the coffee. It was such a nice and unexpected treat, and it reminded me of being at a café in Greece and getting that little complimentary biscuit on the plate alongside my coffee.

A variety of Greek products for sale at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

The café is chic, warm, inviting, and the aesthetic is impeccable. It definitely gives off the vibe that all the cool, influencer-type people come here. There’s also a beautiful space right outside the café doors that’s full of lush greenery and outdoor seating (both under cover, and open-air), which is perfect for the summer.

And if you feel like doing a little shopping while visiting, or even just having a browse, Santis’ Aimé Leon Dore store is right next door too!

One of the photos on display at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Café Leon Dore can be found in the vibrant and trendy neighborhood of Nolita, at 214 Mulberry Street, which is surrounded by chic boutiques, cute brunch spots, designer boutiques, and warehouses that I constantly come across on social media that frequently advertise spontaneous clothing pop-ups and sales.

My freddo espresso and a menu at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Now, according to Vogue, the store’s name is actually a blend of three different things, (which I found fascinating) – the French word for ‘love’, Santis’ father’s name, Leon, and Santis’ full name in Greek, Theodore.

The coffee machine and marble countertop at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Everything about this café appeared to be crafted with intention. From its dimmed lighting to its use of emerald green and gold embellishments all over the store, to the marble countertops – it screamed cool and classy, while still offering a relaxed atmosphere. I also loved how they were selling merchandise including t-shirts, tote bags and beanies, as well as having an old school photo displayed on the wall, linking to the café’s history, which also served as a nod to Santis’ Greek roots.

The open outdoor seating at Café Leon Dore. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

This café was a display of culture and conveyed an authentic sense of comfort. Another interesting fact about Aimé Leon Dore is that the brand itself is not only recognized for its popular clothing line and delicious Greek coffee, but also for its collaborations with major reputable brands including New Balance, Porsche and La Marzocco.

A bowl of complimentary Ion chocolates sit by the register at the Greek cafe. (Photo: Evelyn Karatzas)

Who knew you could find a freddo in such a trendy neighborhood? And, in addition to freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino, they also serve hot traditional Greek coffee, Greek mountain tea (served hot or cold), a variety of croissants, Amita juices and Epsa soda’s, Greek sparkling water and more.