The winter holidays are upon us, and with them, The Holiday Chomp returns for Christmas 2018!
Christmas in Athens has a unique, Mediterranean charm. One Athenian Christmas tradition is to go out for a Christmas Eve dinner, known as a reveyion. Restaurants put out special multi-course menus and shower their patrons with exquisite foods and drinks. The dishes change every year but reflect a unified theme and festive spirit. Below are four restaurants for an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner in Athens.
At the foot of the Lycabettus Hill in Kolonaki, the St. George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel (Kleomenous 2; 2107416000) holds an annual Red Christmas Eve Dinner seeped in old-world glamour. Past dishes included salmon tartar, bouillabaisse with shrimp meatballs, and raspberry sorbet, but the star of the show is the turkey leg stuffed with chestnuts and green apple. Nibble on Greek Christmas cookies and enjoy the live jazz.
For a Christmas Eve the whole family can enjoy, visit the Hilton Athens (Leof. Vasilissis
Sofias 46; 2107281000). If you have little ones in tow, head to the Byzantino buffet, which has a special children’s corner filled with toys and coloring supplies. Otherwise, ascend to the rooftop Galaxy Bar & Restaurant, where you can indulge in the likes of roasted scallops and Iberico ham fillet with artichoke cream.
For a Christmas dinner that’s healthy and gratifying, head to Nice N Easy in Kifissia (Papadiamanti 7; 2108082014) and Kolonaki (Omirou 60; 2103617201). Previous Christmas hits from this organic bistro include scallop ceviche with turnip and onions, smoked salmon with beetroot, turkey roll with rice and chestnut stuffing and pork fillet wrapped in prosciutto and served with quince and green apple puree. Keep your eyes peeled for their special children’s menu.
Finally, for a more casual Christmas Eve, visit Polly Maggoo (Aggelou Sikelianou 8; 2105241120) in Neo Psychiko. This chic hangout offers a Christmas dishes full of French flair, such as last year’s homemade crouton with truffles, longfin fillet with chard cream, wild boar with meurette (red wine, bacon, and onion) sauce, and caramel croustillant (crispy pastry) with pistachios and raspberry syrup.
Happy Holidays from The Athenian Site—may the festive season bring you health, happiness, and lots of excellent dining!
The Athenian Site 