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Culinary aficionados make a bee-line for Spondi, Greece’s only 2 Michelin star restaurant, located between the upscale neighbourhoods of Mets and Pangrati. Opened in 1996 by Apostolos Trastelis, this discreet, charming and intimate restaurant serves high-end French cuisine using seasonal ingredients and local produce.
Further south, Hytra is a true Athenian establishment, having opened in 2004 in the central suburb of Psirri and receiving its first Michelin star in 2010. Since 2012 it has been housed in the modern Onassis Centre, accessed by an express lift up to the 6th floor and boasting marvellous views across the city – in the warmer months, you can dine al fresco on the 7th floor.
“AFTER A DECADE OF CRISIS, ATHENS HAS REMADE ITSELF INTO EUROPE’S NEWEST (OLDEST) NEXUS FOR INNOVATIVE FOOD AND CULTURE” CONDE NAST TRAVELLER, APRIL 2019″
Named after founder and owner Chef Ettore Botrini, Botrini’s Restaurant opened in 2011 and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2014. Ettore Botrini is a popular figure on the Greek culinary scene, often appearing on TV, and his keenly run, ultra-modern restaurant serves creative, flavour-packed dishes showcasing his Greek-Italian heritage.
Alternatively, Varoulko Seaside is a seafood- lovers paradise, with its premium location right on the waterfront of the Mikrolimano Marina and its maritime-themed dining room. With owner-chef Lefteris Lazarou at the helm, the restaurant opened in 1987, settling in various locations before receiving its Michelin star in 2002. A menu of Greek and Mediterranean dishes showcase fresh fish and seafood, organic produce and high-quality olive oil, whilst the extensive wine list has been formulated with great care.
A new addition to Athens’ Michelin-awarded dining scene is the GB Roof Garden at the Grand Bretagne Hotel, which has held a Michelin Plate award since 2019. Set on the 8th floor of the city’s most prestigious hotel, this elegant rooftop restaurant offers spectacular views across the city towards the Acropolis. A menu of sunny, Mediterranean-inspired dishes uses fresh ingredients and are accompanied by an extensive wine list, whilst service is smooth and efficient.
Another addition to the Michelin list is 7 Food Sins, a unique Greek Gastro Pub in the heart of historic Plaka who have won their first Bib Gourmand.
