Top Luxury Restaurants in Athens
When looking for the perfect location to celebrate a special occasion or plan a romantic date, consider these sophisticated and high-end restaurants in Athens for an unforgettable experience.
SushiMou
To secure a spot at this charming and authentic Japanese restaurant, reservations must be made well in advance due to its limited seating. The intimate space, with only 12 seats surrounding a sushi counter, is adorned with a simple and traditional blonde wooden decor, hidden behind a traditional Noren curtain.
The main focus is on exceptional sushi and sashimi, all expertly prepared by the talented young Chef, Antonis Drakoularakos, who received his training in Japan. Drakoularakos takes pride in using fresh local seafood rather than expensive imported ingredients and meticulously crafts each dish right in front of his guests with a warm smile. He also takes the time to explain the ingredients and techniques used in each dish and how to properly enjoy them.
For the ultimate dining experience, consider choosing the omakase menu and placing your trust in the Chef's hands. The restaurant has designated time slots for seating, with the earliest one at 6:30 pm. Despite high demand, Drakoularakos chooses to keep the restaurant closed on weekends, emphasizing that his health and wellness are key to maintaining the quality of his food.
Nolan
In early 2016, Nolan made a stylish debut with its chic and simplistic interior design with a striking white marble counter, small dark wooden tables, and outdoor seating perfect for observing passersby. This bustling area near Syntagma Square quickly became known as Athens' trendiest location for international cuisine, largely due to the talent of chef Sotiris Kontizas. Combining his Greek and Japanese roots, Kontizas skillfully blended the two cuisines to create a unique and harmonious menu. Despite his newfound celebrity status from appearing on Masterchef, Kontizas remains humble and unassuming, resulting in a delightful and fulfilling dining experience.
While the menu changes according to the season, there are a few standout dishes that always remain, such as the soba noodles tossed in smoked salmon and tahini dressing, the cod burger with crispy panko coating and tangy tartar sauce, and the luscious shortfin tuna cooked in a rich butter miso sauce and served with fennel. The menu is concise, featuring around 18 dishes and four sides, and is not divided into traditional courses. The intention is to share and try multiple dishes for a more diverse dining experience.
If possible, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, but if not, weekdays during lunchtime are usually less crowded.
Merceri
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Thissio, you will find a quaint bistro adorned with beautiful mulberry and sycamore trees, as well as young fig trees and colorful bougainvilleas. Merceri, which opened in 2021, strives to harmoniously fuse exquisite cuisine with the lively atmosphere of the city. Their simple yet bold approach, coupled with a dedication to serving delectable dishes, sets them apart from other upscale dining options. Each plate is meticulously crafted, embodying the restaurant's philosophy.
What truly distinguishes Merceri from other Athenian establishments is the leadership of two skilled female chefs, Melina Chomata and Maria Ntioudi, who have garnered the attention of the prestigious Michelin Guide in just their first year of operation. This is not surprising, given their extensive experience in Santorini's top hotels before opening their restaurant on Iraklidon Street.
Feedel Urban Gastronomy
Despite being located in the bustling city of Athens, the tranquil atmosphere of Feedέλ makes it feel like a hidden gem. Tucked away just off Ermou Street, the restaurant's outdoor tables overlooking a lush square offer the perfect escape from the busy streets. Adorning one of the walls is a stunning mural of Frida Kahlo, adding to the establishment's artistic flair. Feedέλ offers a charming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date or a quiet dinner.
Drawing inspiration from classic Greek meze, the menu has been designed to satisfy modern tastes. Begin your experience with one of their famous cocktails, which you can continue to enjoy alongside your meal as cocktail pairings are highly recommended. Embracing the Greek tradition of sharing small plates, Chef Leonidas Koutsopoulos has curated a simple yet imaginative menu, featuring carefully selected ingredients from all over Greece. Taste the rich and creamy fava with truffle oil, thyme, and zamboni, a type of cured meat reminiscent of prosciutto from Naxos Island. Or revel in the delicious tarama, a delightful blend of fish roe, sesame oil, and smoked eel, served alongside crispy sweet potato chips. For a sweet treat, try the cannoli filled with creamy white nivato cheese, pistachios, and honey and thyme jelly.
On weekends, the restaurant is also open for lunch.
Farma Bralou
Looking for a top-notch farm-to-table dining experience? Look no further than this exceptional option for dedicated meat lovers. Chef Yiannis Liokas specializes in "mountain cuisine" and personally oversees the restaurant's organic farm in Central Greece every two weeks. This guarantees that only the highest quality produce, such as Charolais, Limousine, and Red Angus breeds, as well as water buffalo, sheep, goats, and game, make it onto your plate. In addition, all dairy products, eggs, honey, olives, olive oil, legumes, and most fruits and vegetables are sourced from the farm, ensuring they are free of harmful pesticides, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, and hormones.
Bralou's renowned meat pie, made with ground mutton and caramelized onions, encased in delicately handcrafted filo pastry, elevates traditional Greek comfort food to new heights. Additionally, the hand-chopped beef tartare with tangy pickled mulberries and zesty mustard seeds is a standout dish. For bolder palates, the frygadeli (beef liver wrapped in suet) with smoked yogurt and fragrant herbs is a must-try. The butcher's counter also offers a variety of premium meat cuts, including dry-aged steaks. Finish off your meal on a sweet note with the kadaifi, a delectable vermicelli pastry filled with chopped nuts and served with a creamy sheep milk yogurt mousse and caramelized walnuts.
With additional locations in Kifissia and Psychiko, Bralou offers delicious lunch and dinner options, as well as a deli right across the street.
e&o
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of delicate Asian flavors and breathtaking views at e&o, situated on the rooftop of the Athens Marriott. This renowned pan-Asian restaurant boasts stunning vistas of the Piraeus Sea through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing both shelter and a luxurious atmosphere. Despite its glamorous clientele, e&o exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere enhanced by the knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the diverse menu. With dishes hailing from Japan, China, Thailand, Bali, and Malaysia, e&o uses only fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a truly outstanding culinary experience.
For an ideal dining experience, treat yourself to one of the restaurant's signature cocktails at one of its two rooftop bars. To sample the flavors that await, we recommend starting with the Cloud 9 sundowner - a delightful combination of Aperol, gin, and grapefruit - paired with the succulent prawn dumplings and crispy kataifi pastry-covered scallops. To add some heat, the green chicken curry would be a perfect choice, made with a homemade paste of 15 spices and fiery chili peppers. After indulging in these bold flavors, cool things down with a refreshing mango and papaya mochi ice cream. To end the evening, enjoy a nightcap while gazing at the sparkling Kastella hilltop and the serene movements of sailboats on the water.
Experience an Haute Cuisine Journey in Athens
Aleria
This unique restaurant, housed in a stunning neoclassical building with a charming courtyard, offers a refreshing twist on traditional Greek cuisine by renowned chef Gikas Xenakis. With carefully curated tasting menus, the restaurant caters to a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions, including options for vegetarians and pescatarians. Indulge in the five or seven-course tasting menu, or select from the à la carte options, such as the deconstructed hortopita (foraged, green-stuffed pie) or the scallops with cauliflower, kumquat, and beetroot.
For a main course, the bourdeto, inspired by a traditional Corfu recipe, features couscous and a spicy blend of scorpion fish, mussels, and calamari. Don't miss the succulent pork cheeks with potatoes, apple, and chicory. Treat yourself to mouthwatering sweets like the Valhrona chocolate with a mix of salted caramel, tonka and banana, or the unique saragli pastry stuffed with pistachio, apple and cinnamon.
Scorpina
Situated in the elegant Neo Psychiko neighborhood, this upscale local gem offers a contemporary take on traditional Athenian seafood fare. Led by talented head chef Yiannis Liakou, the menu is thoughtfully crafted around the freshest catch of the day, ensuring a constantly evolving culinary experience. Diners have the opportunity to handpick their fish and choose from a variety of expertly prepared options, including carpaccio, sashimi, tartare, and heartier dishes such as kakavia (fish soup) or giouvetsi (baked with orzo and tomato sauce). Along with mouth-watering seafood risotto and pasta choices, the popular peeled tomato salad with capers, fleur de sel, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil is a must-try.
For an extra special experience, indulge in specialties such as red mullet carpaccio with citrus fruits or prawn ceviche. For a true taste of authentic Greek cuisine, don't miss the grilled sardines with diced tomatoes, red onions, and parsley, or the flavorful fricassee stew made with fish, lettuce, herbs, and a creamy egg and lemon sauce. And be sure to complement your meal with their tasty, char-grilled sourdough.
During the summer months, the spacious courtyard provides the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening.
Simul Gastronomic Situ
For a romantic night out, consider this charming venue located on a peaceful street near the Athens Concert Hall. With a blend of contemporary Greek, Asian, and French flavors, Chef Nikos Thomas offers a fresh and unique dining experience. The name "Simul" comes from the Latin word for "together," and "(in) situ" highlights their commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients like seafood from a fisherman on Evia island. The menu features standout dishes like char-grilled calamari with chorizo chutney, creamed parsley root, peas, coriander, and a tangy lime-coconut sauce.
Another delicious option is the ray cheeks served with crispy gnocchi, cauliflower, and savory black garlic. My personal favorite is the succulent Challans duck paired with mashed roast carrots and delicate chamomile foam. For a true indulgence, try the 7-course tasting menu, which includes a combination of à la carte dishes. The desserts, crafted by talented pastry chef Emmanuela Delatola, are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Be sure to try the refreshing mango and passionfruit sorbet, artfully wrapped in mango carpaccio and served on top of an olive oil crumble with a touch of coriander pesto.
Papadakis
Nestled in the scenic foothills of Mount Lycabettus lies the elegant and timeless Papadakis, renowned as a top fine-dining establishment. Adorned with vibrant artwork and abundant fresh flowers, the restaurant offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. On warm days, diners can enjoy their meal al fresco on the quaint pavement tables, which offer a peaceful respite in the bustling Kolonaki neighborhood. Some lucky tables even boast sneak peeks of the iconic Parthenon.
Celebrity Chef Argyro Barbarigou, hailing from the island of Paros, takes pride in sourcing many of her ingredients from her homeland. Despite her fame as a TV Chef, Barbarigou stays true to her roots, specializing in authentic Greek island-style cuisine. The menu showcases simplicity and freshness, with a focus on seafood dishes, although there are also delectable options for meat lovers and salad enthusiasts. For a taste of the sea, try the slow-cooked chickpeas with taramosalata or the prawn and langoustine giouvetsi. And for dessert, be sure to indulge in the star of the show: the bougatsa, a traditional Greek custard pie. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with the orange pie served with a dollop of frozen yoghurt.
Papadakis is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Greek cuisine in a sophisticated and inviting setting.
Embark on an unforgettable journey
Embark on an unforgettable journey by starting your vacation on a private yacht charter in Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. This bustling city boasts a rich history and impressive architecture, offering a plethora of activities and experiences for travelers to enjoy. From indulging in the city's renowned culinary scene to exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon and wandering through vibrant neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki, Athens caters to all interests.
After immersing yourself in the city's charm, a cruise to the nearby islands is a must-do to discover the true beauty of Greece. With crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, and idyllic beaches, the Greek islands offer an unparalleled experience. Here, you can relax, unwind, and take in the breathtaking views at your own pace. This combination of a bustling city adventure and a peaceful island getaway makes Athens the ideal starting point for a truly memorable yacht charter vacation.