Hytra’s short ribs remain one such unforgettable dish.
At this taverna, they specialize in home-style oven and casserole baked dishes – so expect an extensive menu with classics presented with an added twist!
1. Kastro Oia
Oia should be on every traveller’s itinerary – be it to stroll through at sunset, capture that perfect Instagram shot, or enjoy an exquisite meal in one of its restaurants by the caldera’s edge. With its charming narrow streets adding an urbane aesthetic and relaxed elegance, Oia offers something special.
Oia sunsets have long been celebrated worldwide for good reason — their beauty cannot be rivaled! Red hues filling the sky illuminate whitewashed buildings dotted throughout its caldera to form a scene which epitomizes picturesqueness.
Oia’s restaurants boast panoramic views and cozy atmospheres to make you feel right at home. Find everything from seafood to traditional Greek dishes in these eateries of Oia.
Oia boasts many small bars with an easygoing atmosphere for visitors looking for a relaxing escape from crowds, while others provide more discreet spots such as Ammoudi Bay that provide the ideal spot to unwind with drinks and nibbles away from all of the noise.
2. GB Roof Garden
Once inside the GB Roof Garden atop one of Athens’s oldest hotels, it feels as if entering another world altogether. Classical sophistication meets contemporary elegance for an unforgettable backdrop that makes its presence known.
No matter if it is for lunch, dinner, or just to enjoy a drink – the atmosphere at Hotel Valmontia is elegant and warm. Enjoy new Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by an exclusive wine list selected by Head Sommelier Evaggelos Psofidis of this hotel.
GB Roof Garden should be on every discerning traveller’s itinerary, regardless of their dining or barbing preferences. With incredible views of Athens that glisten under its stunning sunset, its terrace has earned itself legendary status among Athenians – Hitler and Rommel even spent time here before their invasion by Soviet Russia; celebrity figures from Elizabeth Taylor to Bruce Springsteen have even visited it!
4. Soil
At Greece’s top restaurants, diners can experience more than simply an exquisite setting and delectable cuisine; sometimes the entire dining experience becomes an immersion into local culture.
Panigyri in Santorini offers an all-encompassing culinary experience, reimagining traditional taverna fare into modern gastronomic stories filled with seasonal ingredients from both islands and mainland, all artfully balanced with Greek wines and extra virgin olive oil from its impressive selection.
Orizontes sits atop Lycabettus hill overlooking Athens and boasts breathtaking views of both the Acropolis and Aegean Sea from its idyllic perch on Lycabettus hill, making for an unparalleled gastronomic experience at sunset. Come prepared to dine outdoors – expect dishes such as grilled octopus with smoked eggplant or breaded lamb from Aegina served with lamb joux sauce and poached pears!
Diporto in downtown Athens offers another good dining option – chef Stamatis Misomikes strives to create dishes at this basement-level restaurant that are as authentic as something found at your Greek yiayia’s table. Choose between Sea, Flora or Fauna tasting menus each with seven dishes paired with wine pairings or upgrade for Biotope and enjoy nine courses of pure bliss!
5. Delta
Greece’s capital city may often be seen as an urban jungle or stopover on the way to Greece’s islands; but, Greece is currently enjoying a cultural renaissance. A burgeoning culinary scene led by young Athenians has transformed Athens into a dining destination; offering fresh produce in innovative combinations with stylish presentations in some of Athens’s top restaurants.
At Delta, an elegant restaurant housed in a former industrial space, the open kitchen is designed to engage guests. Equipped with prep-benches running around the perimeter of the dining room, guests can watch chefs work. Chef George Haziyannakis utilizes his knowledge of local produce to craft inventive yet comforting dishes such as octopus with smoked eggplant and fava balls praised by food magazines.
Lesante Cape Resort and Villas’ restaurant Panigyri provides the perfect Greek feast. Executive chef Fanis Maikantis masterfully weaves culinary tales using seasonal ingredients and traditional Greek idioms into an exquisite selection of Greek wines for an a la carte or tasting menu selection. On Zakynthos, this philosophy can also be found at its sister restaurant “Bostani,” serving seasonal favorites like onion pie and stew alongside fresh produce from its farm-to-table garden.
