Upscale restaurants in Athens

(in no particular order)

Hytra 

The bar at Hytra is ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

Located on the 6^th floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre of Athens, Hytra received its first Michelin star in 2010 and offers an exemplary fine dining experience. Led by executive chef Tasos Mantis, (Funky Gourmet, Hov Van Cleve) you have the choice of dining a la carte or eating from a generous degustation menu that is paired with wines or cocktails. At less than 60 Euros a person (excluding wine), we think it is tremendous gourmet value.

Open for dinner only. The ‘Hytra Apla’ bistro menu is also available for casual dining. Bookings essential.

Address: 107 – 109 Syggrou Avenue, Athens T. +30 217 707 1118

W. Hytra.gr

For the taxi driver:

Στέγά Γραμματων και Τεχνών

Λεωφόρος Συγγρού 107 Αθήνα

Orizontes 

The terrace at Orizontes overlooks the Acropolis. Photograph: courtesy of Orizontes | Best restaurants in Athens

Situated at the top of Lycabettus Hill, Orizontes offers a panoramic view of Athens, extending from the Acropolis to the port of Piraeus. The menu includes an expansive Mediterranean offering using top quality produce and flavours from all over Greece. The feta cheese from Epirus served in dough and drizzled with thyme infused honey, is a nice way to start your meal. The seafood is always of the highest standard.

You will need to take the funicular or cliff railway to get all the way to the top and return down again. You should request a table on their outside terrace (weather permitting) when making your reservation.

Open for lunch or dinner. Bookings essential.

Address: Access via Funicular: Corner of Ploutarhiou & Aristippou Streets, Kolonaki. T: +30 210 72 27065

W. Orizontes.gr

For the taxi driver:

Tελεφερίκ Λυκαβηττού
Πλουτάρχου και Αριστίππου

Greek gastronomy in Plaka 

(away from the touristy souvlaki bars and tavernas) here are two of the best

2 Mazi 

The salads at 2 Mazi are as good as they look. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

Set in a neo-classical building, the dining room inside and small courtyard outside are warm and welcoming with quirky art installations. The two talented chefs, Giannis Baxevanis and Ilias Gogos, have created a generous a la carte menu with oversized portions. A nine or twelve course degustation menu is also available starting at 45 Euros (excluding wine). The salads are delicious and the orzo with veal fillet medallions is a stand out. More than 40 varieties of wine are listed from small to large producers around Greece.

Open for lunch and dinner, bookings recommended during the summer months.

Address: 48 Nikis St, Plaka. Τ. +30 210 322 2839

W. 2Mazi.gr

For the taxi driver:

2 Μαζί

Νίκης 48, Πλάκα

Eat @ Miltons 

The slow cooked lamb is presented before being carved at the table. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

Eat at Miltons is a first class culinary experience. Set slightly back from the busy pedestrianised area of Plaka, you can dine al fresco in summer or on cooler days, indoors in their beautiful dining room. The service is attentive, knowledgeable and very capable of pairing the extensive international wine list to complement your food choices.

Signature dishes include the ‘Astakos Makaronatha’ (lobster pasta) for two or the slow cooked lamb (for two) that is carved tableside. The traditional moussaka is made fresh while you wait. Must leave room for the exemplary dessert selection.

Open for lunch and dinner. Bookings are recommended during the summer months.

Address: 91 Andrianou Street, Plaka. T. +30 210 324 9129

W. Eatatmiltons.gr

For the taxi driver:

Eστιατόριο Μίλτονς

Αδριανού 91, Πλάκα

Kolonaki/Hilton district

Papadakis

The prawn pasta at Papadakis. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

A firm favourite among well-heeled Athenians and the international jet set, Papadakis was established by celebrity chef and national icon Argiro Barbarigou. Set at the base of Mount Lycabettus and beneath the orange trees of Kolonaki, you will dine al fresco in summer or indoors in the homely dining room on cooler days. Baked eggplant, spinach pie drizzled with honey and their signature salad with xinomizithra (sour, white cheese) are some examples of the starters. The seafood pastas are the showstoppers and the reason you come here, with Barbarigou’s signature sauces that are so light and delicate. The ‘psarosoupa’ or fish soup in winter is a must.

Open and for lunch and dinner, bookings recommended. Closed for the majority of August every year.

Address: 47 Voukourestiou & 15 Fokilidou Streets, Kolonaki. T. +30 210 360 8621

For the taxi driver:

Eστιατόριο Παπαδάκης

Βουκουρεστίου 47 & Φωκυλίδου 15, Κολωνάκι

Stinking Bishop

Lunch can be paired beautifully with wine from Stinking Bishop. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

Having opened its doors in 2013, Stinking Bishop has remained a firm favourite with locals. Named after the famous cheese from England, Stinking Bishop is perfect for lunch, dinner or for some casual cheese tasting and wine. A smart minimalist interior is complimented by attentive and knowledgeable staff who will guide you through their selection of more than 50 Greek wines.

Open for lunch or dinner, bookings recommended

Address: Corner of Spefsippou and 36 Loukianou Streets, Kolonaki. T. +30 213 026 3656

For the taxi driver:

Eστιατόριο ‘Stinking Bishop’

Spefsippou ke Λουκιανού 36, Κολωνάκι

Cookoovaya 

The dining room at Cookoovaya. Photograph: Why Athens | Best restaurants in Athens

Cookoovaya opened its doors in late 2014 and is the brainchild of five esteemed Athenian chefs. With its open plan kitchen and upscale modern dining room, this is one of the restaurants in Athens setting new trends in food and service. Authentic dishes oozing with Greek flavours and lots of originality such as the minced beef pie served with organic egg and yogurt or giouvetsi (orzo) with beef spare ribs. The menu is divided into cooking methods such as ‘in a saucepan and casserole’ or ‘on a skewer’ and in true Greek style, most dishes are designed to share.

Open for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

Address: 2a Mexi Hatziyianni. T. +30 210 723 5005

W. Cookoovaya.gr

For the taxi driver:

Eστιατόριο: Kουκουβάγια
Μέξη Χατζηγιάννη 2α

Seaside – Vouliagmeni

Ithaki 

The terrace at Ithaki overlooks the Saronic Gulf. Photograph: Courtesy of Ithaki | Best restaurants in Athens

Ithaki’s seaside location overlooking the Saronic Gulf is truly magical. With an impressive list of visiting celebrities including Bill Clinton and Sean Connery, Ithaki is one of the most established restaurants in Athens. The Mediterranean menu is infused with French and Japanese influences with black cod marinated in miso or the Chateaubriand for two. A well-stocked wine cellar and a knowledgeable sommelier is also on hand. A pleasant retreat out of the city centre and ideal for a long lunch or dinner.

Open for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended

Address: 28 Apollonos st, Vouliagmeni. T. + 30 210 8963747

W. Ithaki.gr

For the taxi driver:

Eστιατόριο Ιθάκη

Απόλλωνος 28, Βουλιαγμένη