Over the last few years, a growing number of innovative, high-quality restaurants with sophisticated and creative menus in the Greek capital are receiving global distinctions, including Michelin stars. Diners seeking highly palatable foodie adventures in the city have a far wider and more deliciously exciting choice today, as chefs and restaurateurs are exploring and experimenting in the field in ways that were never attempted before.
The Michelin Guide of 2022 for Athens includes three restaurants that have been added to the list for the first time, five restaurants that are keeping their stars and one that failed to get a second star again. The Michelin Guide also features restaurants that stand out for their commitment to sustainability practices, earning a green star, although the list of restaurants that deserve our attention – but don’t have a star – has also grown considerably.
Here, we present the most recently awarded and noteworthy restaurants you should discover in Athens. Since some of these excellent restaurants are dotted around the capital going in your Avis car rental is a good option
Delta
The impressively decorated restaurant is located inside the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Faliro, on the fifth floor of the building. According to the guide, chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos, who received training at some of the best restaurants in Northern Europe, apply Scandinavian techniques and concepts to Greek ingredients. Their cuisine, which reveals a profound commitment to sustainability, is showcased via a creative tasting menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options.
The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars and one green star for sustainability.
Info: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, 364 Andreas Syngrou Avenue, Faliro.
Soil
Soil, in the Pangrati area, is a first-time entrant in the Guide, with one star and one green star for its sustainable approach. The restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy, with produce sourced from Executive Chef Tassos Mantis‘ private gardens in the periphery of Athens. Like an extension of Soil’s kitchen, the gardens are where the chef and his team grow rare Greek herbs, edible flowers and fresh vegetables in a sustainable way, using the produce as the inspiration for a menu that changes every season. The restaurant takes its visitors on a holistic culinary journey that starts with its name, a clear indication of how it sustainably bases itself on the earth’s natural gifts.
Info: 5 Ferekidou 5, Pangrati, Athens.
The Zillers
The restaurant of the neoclassical hotel of the same name in central Athens offers two contemporary tasting menus. Guests can enjoy a light, casual lunch, or a full-blown gastronomic experience, created by Chef Pavlos Kyriakis. The chef’s creativity combined with fresh, seasonal ingredients results in dishes reflecting the essence of Mediterranean culinary traditions and capturing the senses.
Info: The Zillers, Athens Boutique Hotel, 54 Mitropoleos Street, Monasrtiraki, Athens.
Which restaurants keep their stars?
Hytra
At Hytra, the flavours are inspired by traditional Greek recipes and executed in an innovative way with a creative, contemporary style. The restaurant never fails to impress with the high aesthetics of foods served as part of a sophisticated tasting menu or A La Carte.
Info: Onassis Foundation Building, 107-109 Andreas Syngrou Avenue, Athens
CTC
The restaurant is sought after especially during summer due to its impressive terrace. Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, focuses on Mediterranean cooking principles and tastes reinvented using modern techniques and meticulous presentation. The surprise-based menu is served via an 11-course menu that is gradually revealed.
Info: 15 Platiaon Street, Athens
Varoulko Seaside
Renowned Greek Chef Lefteris Lazarou, known especially for his expertise and knowledge of Greek fish, has created unique recipes that explore the senses by combining traditional and modern tastes.
Info: 54 Akti Koumoundourou, Piraeus
Bottrini’s
Chef Ettore Bottrini has created two extensive tasting menus showcasing his own culinary and personal journeys, with constant references to Greece and Italy, his two countries of origin, and always honouring fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. For an elevated culinary experience, guests can dine at the chef’s exclusive table, with seating for just four guests.
Info: 24 Vassiliou George V’ 24, Halandri
Spondi
Long-standing Michelin-starred restaurant Spondi was left with only one Michelin Star this year, but still keeps its place on the list. Its cuisine has French influences with ingredients from France and Greece and is presented in two menus, one a la carte and one tasting, signed by Executive Chef Arnaud Bignon and Chef de Cuisine Angelos Landos.
Info: Pyrronos 5, Pagrati
Pelagos
The restaurant is housed at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, on the Athenian Riviera. Set on a spacious terrace overlooking the sea, the elegant restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with Italian touches and classic French influences. The successful culinary combination is presented via two tasting menus with the signature of Chef Luca Piscazzi.
Info: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, 40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni
Bib Gourmand Award
In the “Bib Gourmand” category, Michelin awards restaurants that do not have a star, but that it recognizes for their high quality and value for money. They are awarded the Bibendum symbol, which depicts the well-known “Michelin man”. In 2022, the three Athens restaurants on this list are Nolan, Cerdo Negro 1985 and Oikeio.
Recommendations
The restaurants in Athens that are recommended by the Michelin Guide 2022 are: GB Roof Garden, Le Pavillon, Athénée, Aneton, Oikeio, Aleria, Cookoovaya, Alficon, Vezenē, Sense, Annie Fine Cooking, Hervé, Veri Table, Merceri and Linou Subasis & Co.
Read also:
10 award winning Greek restaurants making waves with rave reviews
Flavours of Samos: From Traditional Tavernas to Modern Gourmet Restaurants
