1. Funky Gourmet, Athens
Once again the restaurant topped the Greek list and came 13th in Europe and 21st in international rankings. Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussou’s restaurant is housed in a neoclassical building at Keramikos and proves that despite the economic crisis, Greek gastronomy can stand its ground with the finest from around the world. 13 Paramythias and Salaminos sts, Keramikos. tel: 2105242727, www.funkygourmet.com
Located on a hill overlooking Politeia square in the northern suburbs, it presents the finest of Greek cuisine. The freshest ingredients and first-rate dishes that conjure images of family gatherings. Cnr of Dexamenis and 4 Olympionikon sts, Politeia. tel.: 210 6200005, www.eleasgi.gr
3. Tamam, Rhodes
Creative cuisine with traditional Greek and Mediterranean influences jam-packed in a small restaurant at Chora, Rhodes. The menu changes every 6 months and includes dishes such as stifado (stewed onion and tomato). 1 Georgiou Leondos Street, tel.: 22410 73522, www.tamamrhodes.gr
4. Lotus Eaters, Elounda, Crete
Mediterranean and Greek cuisine with an international touch on a balcony overlooking Elounda Bay. The steamed bass fish and Morroco lamb are two specialty dishes. Make sure you reserve a table in advance. Εlounta, tel.: 28410 41538, www.lotus-eaters.com
5. Sea Side by Notos, Santorini
A stylish restaurant on the fine sandy beach of Perivolos with modern seafood. Pale-colored decor on white sets the tone, built-in couches, knitted recliner chairs and ethnic music to set the tone. The creative cuisine by Tasos Bacharidis takes diners on a culinary trek through East and West. St. George, Perivolos, tel.: 22860 82801, www.seaside-restaurant.gr
6. Mani Mani, Athens
Greek regional cuisine from Mani in the Peloponnese in a two-storey neoclassical building near the Acropolis. For 10 years now, chef Alexander Fourouli has prepared exceptional dishes with interesting results. Don’t pass the salad (finely chopped with feta wrapped in kataifi pastry). 10 Falirou Street, Makriyianni, tel 210 9218180, www.manimani.com.gr
7. Prima Ploma, Rethymno
An idyllic position makes this a great place for lunch by the sea. Creative cuisine with a Cretan touch. Biological veggies, the finest meat from local producers and cheese from the traditional cheesemakers of Perama Rethymno and Sfakia, Chania. 4 Akrotiri Street, tel.: 28310 56990, www.primaplora.gr
8. To Psaraki, Santorini
A balcony with a view of Vlyhada serves some of the finest dishes on the island, such as prawn spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil, mussels and fresh onions. Vlyhada, tel.: 2286 082783, www.topsaraki.gr
9. Kerasma, Rhodes
From 2010, this little family restaurant has been serving traditional Greek cuisine to the city of Rhodes. Salad with aragula, figs and goats, shrimps with ouzo, salmon with honey sauce and rabbit stew, etc. 4-6 Georgiou Londou Street, Rhodes, tel.: 22413 02410, kerasmarestaurant.com
10. Melenos Lindos Restaurant, Rhodes
Mediterranean-styled tents and mosaic flooring with a view of the Aegean and great taste to boot at the Melenos Lindos Hotel. Lindos, tel. 22440 32222, www.melenoslindos.com
