4 distinctive eating places to savour the flavours of Athens

Historic historical past, cultural heritage and the trendy Olympics are just some components that make Athens the nice metropolis that it’s. Yet 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 modern gastronomy, The cradle of Western civilisation, because it usually affectionately recognized, affords a various array of eating experiences, mixing historic traditions with trendy 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 attraction, 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 understood for its ‘wise cuisine’. 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 most interesting substances from each land and sea. The restaurant’s dedication to utilising each a part of the substances from “nose-to-tail” and “root-to-stalk” demonstrates its dedication to sustainability and culinary integrity.

Cookoovaya affords a vigorous, relaxed ambiance with pleasant, attentive service and an open-plan kitchen the place diners can watch the culinary magic occur. The dishes, equivalent to dorade royale carpaccio, grilled wild fennel pie, and the hearty bianco-style catch of the day, show 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 high of Lycabettus Hill in Athens’ Kolonaki neighborhood, Orizontes Lycabettus affords diners breathtaking views of 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 home made bisque with recent tomato and basil.

Chef Michael Zacharis, a Piraeus native, brings his in depth expertise from upscale accommodations and eating places to the restaurant. The out of doors terrace, with its crisp white linen and relaxed ambiance, makes it a super spot for a romantic dinner or big 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 high twenty within the “Global Tastemakers Awards” by Meals & Wine journal. Located in a fantastically restored neoclassical home, the menu is rooted in sustainable gastronomy, that includes substances from their Alepochori backyard, an hour from Athens.

Chef and Co-Proprietor Tasos Mantis affords 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 Avenue, 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 modern dishes equivalent 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, searching for gourmand merchandise or eating in, ATENO Cook dinner & Deli is a superb venue to go to within the coronary heart of Athens’ historic and bustling business 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 ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.