4 distinctive eating places to savour the flavours of Athens

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

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

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

Cookoovaya gives a energetic, 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, display 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 by way of a funicular, offering a handy choice in sizzling climate. The Mediterranean-inspired menu options high-quality produce from throughout Greece, with standout dishes like grilled shrimps served with a combined 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 intensive expertise from upscale resorts and eating places to the restaurant. The out of doors terrace, with its crisp white linen and relaxed environment, makes it an excellent spot for a romantic dinner or special day, set towards the beautiful backdrop of Athens.

The Michelin-starred Soil restaurant situated close to the Panathanaic Stadium within the Pangrati neighborhood of Athens is among the many prime twenty within the “International Tastemakers Awards” by Meals & Wine journal. Located in a fantastically restored neoclassical home, the menu is rooted in sustainable gastronomy, that includes components 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.

Situated on Aiolou Road, ATENO Prepare 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 progressive 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, out there for buy. Whether or not you’re grabbing a espresso, looking for gourmand merchandise or eating in, ATENO Prepare dinner & Deli is a superb venue to go to within the coronary heart of Athens’ historic and bustling industrial district.

Disclosure: Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest 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.