RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Greek salad has made a firm impression the world over, and it might not be long before other aspects of Greek cuisine start gaining popularity across the Mediterranean. The exotic and varied nature of Greek foodstuffs are a tantalizing attraction for travelling taste buds. In Athens there is a culture of street vending, which means one can do all one's eating 'en route' so to speak. Among the culinary curiosities on offer are Koulouri (sesame seed bread ring), Galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry dusted with icing sugar) and Tyropitta (cheese pies). Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food where meat and vegetables are grilled on a skewer and often served in a pita sandwich.

A sit-down eating experience takes place mostly in Athens' Plaka region at the foot of the Acropolis. There are four tiers of restaurants. In an estiatorio, the familiar (but more expensive) restaurant experience is offered. Tavernas are less formal, cheaper and oriented toward more traditional cooking. The psistaria are the Greek equivalent of a steakhouse, often buffet with spit-fired meat on display, while psarotaverna specialising in seafood dishes.

A meal is typically accompanied by a selection of hors d'oeuvres, known as mezedes. These include melitzanosalata (mashed eggplant with oil, lemon and garlic), taramosalata (caviar spread), dolmadakia (meat or rice rolled in grapevine leaves) and several more options.

The drinking scene is dominated by a strong, anise-flavoured liqueur called Ouzo. Ouzo originated in Greece and is traditionally served with the mezedes, distilled in water. Greece also has a 6,000 years history of wine production and boasts over a dozen varieties of red and white wine.

48 The Restaurant

$$$$$

Traditional Greek cooking goes for a ride through the imagination of Chef Christoforos Peskias who is on the short-list of new famous European chefs. While his inspired and constantly changing menu is blasphemy to a few, the trendy set and food critics alike find the modern blends of local ingredients and unique restaurant atmosphere an inspiring treat.

Address: 48 ARMATOLON KLEFTON; Telephone: 210 641 1082

Alatsi

$$$$$

Trying hard to stay true to its Cretan tradition, the restaurant uses only ingredients from its patron island and has captured the loyalty of Athenian diners and critics with several awards. Alatsi's hearty meals are a reminder that simple ingredients done right never goes out of fashion.

Address: Vrasida 13, Athens, 11528; E-mail: info@alatsi.gr; Telephone: 210/721-0501

Daphne's

$$$$$

In Athens, Daphne's is one of the most well known Greek restaurants, the type that visiting celebrities and dignitaries are taken to for traditional and classic meals. The menu is consistently quality and even offers a few new tricks on old Greek favourites. The tables are idyllically set around a converted mansion home and a pleasant courtyard.

Address: Lysikratous 4; Telephone: +30 210 322 7971

Chez Lucien

French

Although one may not believe me now, too much feta and olive oil can grow tiresome for anyone. Thankfully this French bistro tucked neatly into a cosy, and bit too intimate, corner of Athens can re-energise palates with a small list of French staples. In busy hours customers are expected to share benches with other diners which can be a fun way to meet locals.

Address: 32 Troon Street, Ano Petralona; Telephone: 210 346 4236

Spondi

$$$$$ | International

Voted the best restaurant in Greece by the 'Athinorama' Golden Chef's Hat Award for six consecutive years, Spondi may drain your wallet but it will fill your stomach and still leave you wanting more. Operating from a charming 19th Century townhouse with an open courtyard, the venue has a sense of grandeur tempered by friendly service.

Telephone: 210 752 0658

Taverna Tou Psirri

$$$$$ | Mediterranean

A popular eating secret is Taverna Tou Psiri on Aiskilou Street, just up the street from Platia Iroon; hard to find but well worth the search. Delicious paidakia (lamb chops), keftedes (meat balls), broccoli and cauliflower salad are accompanied by the warming sounds of rembetika, 1920's music of the brothels of Piraeus.

Address: 12 Aiskilou Street; Telephone: 210 324 4118

Giouvetsakia

$$$$$ | Mediterranean

Those looking to enjoy something delectably Mediterranean (but less pricey) will find Giouvetsakia, situated in the Plaka area, a welcome place for respite. A small family-run business, the restaurant specializes in its own Giouvetsi pasta and offers a complimentary fruit dish after any meal.

Address: 144 Adrianou and Thespidos Streets

O Glikis

$$$$$ | International

This ouzerie (the Athenian equivalent of a winery) will make for a good social outing at night for the young and 'young at heart'. By day, O Glikis is quiet and quaint, the perfect spot to enjoy some coffee and read the paper.

Address: Corner of Geronda and Eperidou Streets

Vlassis

$$$$$ | Mediterranean

An extremely popular choice with the local crowd, with reasonable pricing and delicious foods. Order a platter of starters for a diverse sampling of Mediterranean cuisine, or treat yourself to mouth-watering souvlaki.

Address: 8 Paster Street, Ampelokipi; Telephone: 210 646 3060

Varoulko

$$$$$ | Seafood

This pricey psarotaverna charges decidedly modern prices for its innovative take on traditional dishes. Offering seafood with a uniquely Greek twist, Chef Lefteris Lazaro creatively combines various Greek wines and olive oil in his exquisite creations. Situated in the city centre, with a striking view of the Acropolis, this is affluent dining at its best.

Address: 80 Piraios Street; Telephone: 210 522 8400