A Gastronomic Journey: Exploring Fine Dining in Athens
Athens is not only famous for its fascinating past and ancient ruins but also for its amazing culinary scene! From rooftop restaurants serving impeccable cuisine to farm-to-table eateries that create innovative dishes using delicious local produce, fine dining in Athens is full of mouthwatering surprises.
In this article, we are going to discover the best fine dining restaurants in Athens, introducing you to the exceptional Athenian culinary arena. Let’s start!
1. Varoulko
Varoulko is arguably one of the best fine dining restaurants in Athens! Located by the sea in the Southern suburbs of Athens, this Michelin-starred restaurant stands out for its delicious fish and seafood dishes. The restaurant’s chef, Lefteris Lazarou, one of the most renowned chefs in Greece, uses the freshest local ingredients and freshly caught fish and seafood to create creative dishes that redefine the notion of fine dining. Gourmet and hearty in equal measure, the delicacies you will taste here will tantalize your taste buds with the unique flavors of the Mediterranean and take you on a magical gastronomic journey that will exalt your senses!
Address: Koumoundourou Coast 54, Piraeus 104 35
2. New Taste
Ideally located on New Hotel’s ground floor, New Taste offers an amazing fine dining experience in Athens! From its unique decoration to its delectable and well-executed dishes, everything has been taken care of down to the last detail to offer a memorable experience even to the most demanding guests. Using high-quality local ingredients, the restaurant’s chef creates traditional dishes with a modern twist, as well as international delicacies, which you can pair with refreshing cocktails or an extensive selection of Greek wines. New Taste is particularly known for its hearty brunch, which is served every weekend – don’t miss it!
Address: Koumoundourou Coast 54, Piraeus 104 35
3. Hytra
Set on the 6th floor of the Onassis Stegi on Syngrou Avenue, Hytra restaurant is the perfect place to savor exceptional culinary delights with panoramic views across the Acropolis and the city! Seamlessly combining modern design with a welcoming atmosphere, Hytra offers an ultra-creative menu, which is a nod to traditional Greek cuisine with a gourmet twist. Here, the restaurant’s chef elevates the best produce, using impeccable cooking techniques. The result is an innovative gastronomic experience that combines contemporary with classic. As for each dish’s presentation, it is nothing less than a piece of art!
Address: Syngrou Avenue 107-109, Athens 117 45
4. Delta
A visit to Delta restaurant is arguably one of the most exciting fine dining experiences in Athens! Located in Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center in Faliro, this exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant stands out not only for its delectable gourmet dishes but also for its sustainability practices. Embracing a farm-to-table philosophy, Delta focuses on local produce and unique flavors, serving Greek dishes with international influences that delight the senses. The restaurant’s name, which derives from the fourth character of the Greek alphabet, the symmetrical Δ, represents the three basic pillars of its philosophy: gastronomy, sustainability, and culture. Based on them, Delta restaurant aims to bring fine dining in Athens to the next level!
Address: Syngrou Avenue 364, Athens 176 74
5. Soil
Housed in an elegant two-story neoclassical building in the heart of the hip Pangrati neighborhood, this restaurant is an excellent option for those staying in a hotel in Kolonaki or another central area in Athens. Combining traditional Greek cuisine with modern techniques, Soil restaurant will introduce you to the fascinating world of fine dining in Athens through an array of delicious farm-to-table dishes. Here, sustainability is non-negotiable! From the environmentally-friendly practices to the fresh produce that comes straight from the chef’s garden in Alepochori village, every detail has been carefully thought-out to align with the restaurant’s core values.
Address: Ferekidou 5, Athens 116 35
6. CTC Urban Gastronomy
CTC Urban Gastronomy, which has taken its name from the Greek word ‘sitisi’, which means alimentation, is a creative restaurant that offers much more than a fine dining experience. It has been created to fuel the senses through a perfectly curated menu that is based on the rich flavors of Greek traditional cuisine. Paying homage to the tried-and-tested local recipes, the restaurant’s chef creates innovative dishes using the freshest local ingredients and focuses on food provenance. Surprise is a main element of the dining experience here! CTC’s tasting menu has been carefully curated to offer unexpected combinations of ingredients and flavors that will excite your taste buds!
Address: Plateon 15, Athens 104 35
7. Spondi
Spondi restaurant in Pangrati arguably offers one of the most unique fine dining experiences in Athens! Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building with a mesmerizing light-blue facade and a lush garden, Spondi serves an array of mouthwatering dishes made with the finest locally-sourced ingredients. The ultra-chic and elegant atmosphere, combined with the impeccable service and the excellent menu that creatively combines French with Mediterranean flavors, promise a memorable gastronomical experience you can’t find just anywhere. No wonder Spondi restaurant is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Athens!
Address: Pirronos 5, Athens 116 36
Whether you are a food lover or you simply enjoy exploring new flavors and tasting different dishes, Athens’ fine dining scene won’t disappoint! So, are you ready to embark on a multisensory gastronomic journey in Athens?