Introducing Athens’ finest dining for locals and visitors alike for spring/summer 2024: a select review of the top 12 restaurants that set the gold standard for culinary excellence in the city.

This isn’t just any list.

It’s a carefully curated selection that highlights the very best of what Athens has to offer in terms of dining experiences.

While it might sideline some of the more casual, everyday spots we all love (all the time, every day) for their affordability and umami flavors, it shines a spotlight on those establishments where dining becomes an event in itself.

Each restaurant offers a unique slice of the city’s culinary landscape (Greek, Greek-inspired or even not so Greek), which makes this list much more than your fathers’ directory; it’s a reflection of Athens itself, through its food.

It’s been a real pleasure to put together, giving us a chance to celebrate not only the individual brilliance of each restaurant but also the diverse and vibrant food scene that makes Athens so special.

1. Akra

 

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This is the brainchild of chef Yannis Loukakis, a forerunner in Greek bistro cuisine, who teamed up with esteemed pastry chef Spyros Pediaditakis for even sweeter results. Celebrated for his influential bistros Mourga and Syntrofi in Thessaloniki, the chef combines culinary prowess with Chef Pediaditakis, who brings a pedigree from Michelin-starred Spondi restaurant and his beloved patisserie, Ourse.

Concept
Akra infuses daily menu rotations with creativity and experimental flair. The culinary philosophy leans heavily on spontaneity and innovation, utilizing Greek ingredients to their fullest potential. The essence of the restaurant’s already highly popular uniqueness lies in its dedication to celebrating raw materials. Through simple yet intriguing combinations, it elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The restaurant’s approach to cuisine is underscored by its nearly daily changing menu, driven by seasonal and local finds. The Akra bakery lures people in from daylight hours.

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Menu
The cuisine here takes one on a singular journey through Greek flavors. Dishes like marinated vine shoots, whole roast courgettes stuffed with fish cheeks, and a fish soup with grouper are a delight. Desserts ascend to remarkable heights, featuring simmered strawberries over milk ice cream and caramelized brioche with hazelnut praline. Fine local wines and fresh breads complement the dining experience.

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