Much like the healthy bar scene, the Athenian restaurant scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years. A number of restaurants now have one or even two Michelin stars, but the most inspiring development is that chefs are competing with their international counterparts by focusing on an elevated form of Greek cuisine. The focus is on Greek ingredients, small producers from around the country, and further afield and traditional recipes with a twist. Well-designed spaces, great service and most of all, exciting chefs and owners with a story to tell. We love traditional Greek taverns and that is a love affair that will never fade, but this is Greece 2.0 and we’re glad it’s here.

Here’s a short video featuring some of our favourites:

 


Aleria

Considered by many as the most romantic restaurant of the city centre, Aleria benefits from a unique combo of a forward thinking owner and a low-key but very talented chef. Deconstructing traditional recipes is the name of the game here, and boy, do they do it well (www.aleria.gr/en)!


Cookoovaya


The talk of the town since it first opened in late 2014, as it brought together five of the most impressive chefs of their generation. They’ve managed the perfect balance between a high-end restaurant setting and service to match with unpretentious food made with great locally sourced ingredients (www.cookoovaya.gr/en).


Travolta

Travolta is the only restaurant in this list which is out of the city centre. Located in the working class area of Peristeri, this may look like a traditional fish taverna but don’t let the surroundings fool you. A paradise for fish and seafood lovers which will win you over with its unique charm (www.facebook.com/travoltaathens).

48 Urban Garden

One of the funkiest places in the city, tucked behind Ileana Tounta gallery with an impressive Airstream trailer turned into a kitchen as its focal point. Known for its brunch, funky cocktails and lovely urban garden, this is not what you’d expect from one of the world’s oldest cities (www.facebook.com/48UrbanGarden48).

Athens Was

Benefiting from a stunning view of the Acropolis and across the rest of the city to Lykavitos hill, this is a hotel restaurant that is a destination in itself. Greek ingredients meet French and Japanese fusion techniques. A multinational take on food to suit its international clientele (www.athenswas.gr/en/modern-restaurant-Rooftop).

Vezene

Ari Vezene’s restaurant might look like a luxurious steakhouse but it offers so much more. An incredible array of high-end meat cuts, seafood and some pretty impressive flatbreads all made in the wood-fired oven. Dishes like their wagyu and foie gras burgers and the infamous Deal Closer dessert will make you beg for more (www.facebook.com/Vezene.Athens).


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