4 distinctive eating places to savour the flavours of Athens

Historic historical past, cultural heritage and the trendy Olympics are only a few components that make Athens the good metropolis that it’s. One more, usually underrated attribute, is its Mediterranean delicacies. Reflecting its wealthy heritage Athens boasts a vibrant culinary scene that spans conventional Greek flavours to revolutionary gastronomy, The cradle of Western civilisation, because it usually affectionately identified, gives a various array of eating experiences, mixing historical traditions with fashionable influences.

Whether or not you search a romantic rooftop dinner with panoramic views, a style of Michelin-starred excellence, or an off-the-cuff bistro expertise with native appeal, Athens has one thing for everybody. Learn on to study 4 very completely different eating places that seize the essence of upscale eating in Athens.

Cookoovaya, positioned in Athens’ historic Pangrati neighborhood, prides itself on culinary excellence and is understood for its ‘clever delicacies’. Properly-travelled Chef-Proprietor Periklis Koskinas emphasises simplicity and native, seasonal produce in his cooking. The apheresis-focussed menu emphasises conventional strategies to deliver out and spotlight pure flavours and showcase Greece’s best elements from each land and sea. The restaurant’s dedication to utilising each a part of the elements from “nose-to-tail” and “root-to-stalk” demonstrates its dedication to sustainability and culinary integrity.

Cookoovaya gives a vigorous, relaxed environment with pleasant, attentive service and an open-plan kitchen the place diners can watch the culinary magic occur. The dishes, akin to dorade royale carpaccio, grilled wild fennel pie, and the hearty bianco-style catch of the day, exhibit the restaurant’s respect for custom and celebrates the essence of Greek delicacies. Now in its tenth 12 months, the restaurant continues to uphold its dedication to knowledge and ease in cooking.

Perched on the prime of Lycabettus Hill in Athens’ Kolonaki neighborhood, Orizontes Lycabettus gives diners breathtaking views of the town, the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea. This restaurant, located on the highest level in Athens, is accessible through a funicular, offering a handy choice in scorching climate. The Mediterranean-inspired menu options high-quality produce from throughout Greece, with standout dishes like grilled shrimps served with a blended seasonal salad, stir-fried mushrooms with goat’s cheese cream sauce, and a lobster linguine cooked in a do-it-yourself bisque with contemporary tomato and basil.

Chef Michael Zacharis, a Piraeus native, brings his in depth expertise from upscale motels and eating places to the restaurant. The outside terrace, with its crisp white linen and relaxed environment, makes it a great spot for a romantic dinner or special day, set in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of Athens.

The Michelin-starred Soil restaurant positioned close to the Panathanaic Stadium within the Pangrati neighborhood of Athens is among the many prime twenty within the “World Tastemakers Awards” by Meals & Wine journal. Located in a superbly restored neoclassical home, the menu is rooted in sustainable gastronomy, that includes elements from their Alepochori backyard, an hour from Athens.

Chef and Co-Proprietor Tasos Mantis gives a 14-course tasting menu with delicacies together with oysters with Ossetra caviar, a trio of Greek berries with white asparagus ice cream, and sous vide cod fillet with a beurre blanc sauce. The atmosphere is serene and refined, with al fresco eating in a beautifully-lit courtyard on the rear of the property. Soil is greater than only a restaurant—it’s a memorable gastronomic journey.

Positioned on Aiolou Road, ATENO Cook dinner & Deli embodies the essence of ‘bistronomy’, mixing the relaxed ambiance of a bistro with the gastronomy of Greek delicacies. With Nikos Karathanos on the helm, Greece’s youngest ever Michelin-starred chef, you’ll take pleasure in revolutionary dishes akin to Beluga lentils with tomato paste pesto and chickpeas with Bacalhau fish served in a crust of lemon leaves, rosemary and a lemon cream. Be certain additionally to not miss his distinctive twist on the Greek salad.

The venue additionally has a delicatessen which showcases premium produce sourced from throughout Greece, accessible for buy. Whether or not you’re grabbing a espresso, purchasing for connoisseur merchandise or eating in, ATENO Cook dinner & Deli is a superb venue to go to within the coronary heart of Athens’ historic and bustling industrial district.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.