The Holiday Chomp is back, and it’s that time of year again! The time for roses, chocolates, and spending time with your true love—preferably over a heart-filling meal at a memorable restaurant. If you’re looking for a place in Athens to buy adorable, delicious chocolates for your true love (*cough*or yourself*cough*), check out The Holiday Chomp: Valentine’s Day I (Where to Find the Best Chocolates in Athens). This year, The Holiday Chomp has picked out four restaurants in the city to spend that one special day, whether you’re young and in love, married with three kids, or just looking for a sweet place to dine with your homies.
L’Abreuvoir
For a Parisian kind of elegance, look no further than L’Abreuvoir (Xenokratous 51; 2107229106), Kolonaki’s finest in French dining. Among white-linen tablecloths and silver candlesticks, the menu focuses on French classics, including steak tartare, mushrooms a la crème, and a particularly fine coq au vin. Top it off with their signature dessert, crepes Suzette, and glass of wine from their twenty-eight-page drinks list.
Il Postino
Nestled in one of Kolonaki’s cobblestone alleyways lies Il Postino (Griveon 3; 2103641414), a cozy Italian restaurant filled with dining-room tables and photos from vintage Italian movies. This tiny gem specializes in rustic Italian cuisine, their specialty being finely-made pastas (try their spaghetti alla carbonara or linguine scampi). Pick and choose from the wooden aperitivo tray and end the night with a coffee-drenched tiramisu worthy of any café in Rome.
Common Secret
Those on the hunt for a more casual, hip dinner can zero in on Common Secret (Leoforo Kifisias 324; 2106233810) in Kifissia. With couches, shelves, and artifacts channeling a quirky English living room, this establishment makes fun food with the freshest ingredients. Highlights include handmade pastas, adorable mini-burgers, and refreshing salads. Stop by early to sample their brunch menu; one favorite is the “Greek Benedict”, featuring poached eggs, sausage, and fresh koulouri.
Oneiria
For the dreamiest, most Greek Valentine’s Day dinner you will ever have, head to Oneiria (Kolokotroni 8; 2114035993) in Halandri. Breathtakingly styled like an island home with white-washed walls and vintage paraphenalia (gramophone and embroided cloths, anyone?), this eatery dishes up classic, made-with-love taverna fare. Enjoy fresh bread, fried potatoes with egg and feta, a variety of mouthwatering meats, and the handmade “Pie of the Day”. There’s even a little store inside stocked with spices, dried goods, and preserves, for when you want to take a bit of the islands home with you.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! The Holiday Chomp will be back for the spring holidays!
The Athenian Site 