Kiku Japanese restaurant in Kolonaki, since 1993, is the first authentic Japanese restaurant in Athens, and over the years has brought the spirit of Japanese gastronomic culture closer to the public. Simplicity, high aesthetics of presentation and natural flavors are the main characteristics of Japanese cuisine, which are followed at this elegant and refined restaurant. At Kiku, guests discover a new gastronomic journey and every dish is exceptional. The extensive menu, which is constantly renewed, is always based on classical flavors while introducing modern tastes. The elegant and minimalistic atmosphere, with its sophisticated decor is in perfect balance with Japanese tradition. At the Kiku bar the unique tastes of Japan meet those of fresh fruit, creating a variety of cocktails. Executive chef Polichronis Damalas and his team, together with two outstanding sushi chefs , Shoji Morita and Masahide Isomoto create exceptional dishes, true to the true spirit of Japanese cuisine. For the summer season of 2014, Kiku moved to the island of Mykonos, at prestigious hotel Cavo Tagoo, with great success. Kiku is also present in the neighborhood of Neo Psychico with a fun atmosphere and lively music.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Kiku is the place to enjoy Japanese specialties in a refined and elegant environment
Nelly's expert tip: Superb Japanese cuisine since 1993 in Kolonaki
If you like fresh fish, definitely book a table at Rafale restaurant, located in enchanting Laimos, Vouliagmeni. The General Manager Dimitris Pantazis, with his forty year experience, selects the fish personally and makes sure of the excellent quality. You might even see the fishermen bringing them in. The outstanding chefs at this must fish restaurant prepare delicious dishes, enhancing the taste of the fish and seafood with imaginative combinations and the friendly service will make you feel completely at home. At Rafale fish is a way of life, and the ideal fish is the ideal way of life. Tasting these specialties is a memorable experience. The prices are reasonable and the environment idyllic, at this fish restaurant not only for fish lovers but for all those who appreciate high quality cuisine.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Delicious fresh fish and seafood of excellent quality prepared by expert chefs
Nelly's expert tip: Excellent fresh fish and seafood in an idyllic environment at Vouliagmeni
Lycabettus hill is the highest peak of Athens, overlooking the city and with a panoramic view. Considered one of the most romantic places, it offers a spectacular view which extends from the Acropolis to Piraeus. Orizontes restaurant, situated on this natural balcony, is one of the best restaurants in Athens, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant environment with discreet luxury. The menu draws inspiration from numerous Greek recipes using high quality, fresh ingredients, and is accompanied by a carefully selected wine list with Greek and international labels. Visitors to Orizontes appreciate the overall style and impeccable service, the welcoming atmosphere and the creative flavors. Orizontes can be reached either on foot, a ten minute walk from the Lycabettus theater, or by cable car from Aristippou street.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: One of the best views in Athens,and a menu inspired by Greek cuisine
Nelly's expert tip: Elegant surroundings, exquisite cuisine and one of the most romantic views in town
Abreuvoir is definitely a top choice for eating out in Athens. Since 1965 when the restaurant first opened, its fame has spread amongst Athenian and visiting connoisseurs of French cuisine. Situated in a cool, shady garden during the summer and in a comfortable inside space during winter, this restaurant is a favorite for anybody who wants to enjoy French delicacies and high quality. Abreuvoir is a tradition in Athens, with a menu which is often renewed and a faithful clientele. Some of the favorites remain filet au poivre, Steak Tartare, Canard orange and definitely Crepes Suzette or creme brullee with espresso for dessert. Recent additions to the menu include tuna fish with topinambur, leeks and parsley, marinated salmon with fennel, lime, orange and ginger, served with quinoa, mustard seeds and avocado, pheasant with pears and red cabbage, wild boar with mushrooms and bacon. Definitely taste the salmon marinated in honey, served with grilled, marinated vegetables. The wine list will satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Abreuvoir celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2015, with a specially priced menu all year.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Romantic atmosphere in the garden and genuine Frenche dining
Nelly's expert tip: Authentic French dining in an elegant atmosphere
It was in 1987 when Varoulko restaurant was born in Piraeus. Along with it came a new style of seafood cooking created by Lefteris Lazarou. Lazarou was the first chef in Greece to cook a seafood menu at a fine dining restaurant and to introduce the public to less known and previously neglected types of fish. Lazarou received a great number of awards through the years, including a Michelin star in 2002 --the first one ever awarded to a chef serving Greek cuisine. Lazarou holds his star since then. After spending a decade ashore, Lefteris Lazarou sailed back to his old neighborhood. The brand new Varoulko Seaside in Mikrolimano, Piraeus, is here to stay and is now open both during the day and during the evening offering two different menus: a simple, meze-style one for lunch and an elegant and creative one for dinner. Enjoy the sunset view in the late afternoon for a romantic touch
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The ambience and the excellent food make Varoulko a favorite
Nelly's expert tip: Gastronomic seafood and fish experience
Milos Restaurant created by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis at the Athens Hilton is one of the world?s best Greek restaurants, respecting traditional values and techniques and using exclusively seasonal and local products. Suppliers are chosen personally after extensive research and travel to discover the best ingredients from Greek gastronomy. Top chef Konstantinos Spiliadis opts for simplicity in the kitchen, and amongst the specialties served at Milos is fresh fish and seafood. Excellent honey and salt from the island of Cythera add genuine flavor to dishes. The menu includes delectable plates like fried shrimps from Aigina, grilled cuttlefish with capers from Santorini, traditional vegetable pies and much more. Meals are served in an elegant ambience, inside or in the refreshing garden. Visitors with gluten intolerance do not need to sacrifice the enjoyment of tasty dishes, as the menu is based mainly on fish and vegetables, with high nutritional value. The restaurant pays great attention to individual preferences and needs and can plan a menu to satisfy personal choices. An exceptional, favorite dish is risotto with squid ink, which is gluten free and remarkably tasty.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Exquisite dishes created with high quality products and respect for traditional values
Nelly's expert tip: One of the best Greek restaurants in the world with traditional values and high quality cuisine
Famous Tudor Hall restaurant on the 7th floor of prestigious King George hotel, overlooking Syntagma square and with a wonderful view of the city, offers a superb experience of authentic Greek seasonal dishes with a modern twist. The innovative 'go raw' menu includes recipes with the freshest ingredients and surprising taste. The Tudor Hall restaurant at King George hotel in Athens has been renovated and is ready to welcome you in the heart of the city, overlooking the magical historic heritage, and offering authentic Greek seasonal dishes with a modern twist. This combination is achieved through passionate Executive Chef Sotiris Evangelou, whose name is synonymous with quality. Sotiris Evangelous' aim, as he says, is to create a cuisine that evokes nostalgia and emotion. A key element of differentiation is the use of fresh seasonal vegetables and raw materials. This is also the reason why the restaurant menu will be continuously updated, so as to be consistent with the seasonal produce. The extensive Greek wine list is also very interesting and has been curated by hotel sommelier, Evangelos Psofidis. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: A superb experience of authentic Greek seasonal dishes with a modern twist.
Nelly's expert tip: Excellent cuisine in an elegant ambience with a superb view
Hytra restaurant, popular for its creative cuisine and awarded with a Michelin star and Toque d¢or, recently moved to the sixth floor of the Onassis Cultural Center. In accordance with the demands of the times, this excellent dining location offers high quality dishes at reasonable prices. Guests can choose between a full course meal or tapas with wine or a drink. The creative dishes of the menu curated by Tasos Mantis, the selected wine list with labels directly from Greek producers, the warm atmosphere and the breathtaking view of Athens make Hytra one of the most exceptional places in town. During the summer months the restaurant will be open on the terrace of the Centre, with a panoramic view of the surroundings. Hytra is open seven days a week 20.00-24.00 Sunday to Thursday and 20.00-01.00 Friday and Saturday
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Creative cuisine in a wonderful location and a magnificent view
Nelly's expert tip: Creative cuisine with a great panoramic view of Athens
Funky Gourmet is a small restaurant with a warm and inviting environment, that can accommodate up to thirty people in the main dining area and up to fourteen in its separate private dining section. The two chefs express their personal concept of avant garde, innovative cuisine based on choice quality seasonal ingredients with emphasis on refined flavors and advance culinary techniques. The chefs create gastronomic menus derived from classical Greek recipes but with completely innovative structures, using top quality local produce, which combined with state of the art culinary knowledge and techniques, offer guests a unique experience, serving only degustation menus. From the first year of its establishment, Funky Gourmet is ranked as one of the best restaurants in Greece and has been awarded the Toque D?Or for five consecutive years. In 2015 they were awarded 2 Toques D' Or as the best restaurant in Greece. They have also been awarded as Best Arrival of the Year in 2010 and in 2011 the two chefs were awarded the Chef of the Year Gourmet Award. In 2012 and 2014 they were awarded the Michelin Star.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Avant garde, innovative cuisine by two talented young chefs
Nelly's expert tip: Unique culinary experience in an attractive environment
Spondi is one of the most awarded restaurants in Athens with international acclaim. Created by Apostolos Trastelis in 1996, this exquisite locale is a reference for Athenians and all over the country. The menu adapts to fresh seasonal produce and is inspired by star chef Aggelos Landos. Cuisine combines modern with classic tendencies, according to the excellence of high gastronomy. Star dishes include foie gras baton, crab in herb jelly, roast lamb filet in a crust of coriander and candied lemon. The cellar is one of the most famous in town, with more than 1.300 wine labels, from all over the world, selected by expert sommeliers. Spondi is a member of Grandes Tables Du Monde, has been awarded 2 Michelin stars and has been voted Best restaurant in Greece.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: An awarded restaurant with timeless class and an inspired menu
Nelly's expert tip: Elegant, exclusive cuisine