The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art displays the private collection that Antonis Benakis amassed while living in Egypt. The museum is housed in a neo-classical complex situated next to important archaeological sites such as the Doric temple of Hephaestus in the historical centre of Athens. Spread across two houses, the museum gives visitors a fascinating insight into Greece’s place in the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. More than 8,000 artworks dating as far back as the 7th century are showcased over four floors; the objects include ornate ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass and metalwork.

From the roof terrace where the cafe is located, there is a spectacular view of the archaeological landscape of Athens culminating in the Parthenon. There is also the work of the English artist Navine G. Khan-Dossos entitled Imagine a Palm Tree, a mural mural created in the spring of 2016 representing the palm trees that once adorned the streets of Athens along with traditional and modern symbols.