The city of Athens is in a state of perpetual transformation, and its culinary landscape continuously reinvents itself. This summer, a fresh crop of restaurants is set to define the city’s gastronomic narrative, offering new experiences that build this year’s memories. According to a recent feature in Athens Voice, a diverse array of new establishments is capturing the spirit of the season.
In the heart of the city, several venues offer elevated dining experiences. Manari (Pl. Ag. Theodoron) brings a sophisticated approach to the classic grill house with its romantic, candle-lit ambiance and refined takes on grilled meats. For premier seafood, Atelier Papaioannou (Stoa City Link) provides an elegant, French-inspired experience with dishes like scorpionfish in sea urchin water. Crowning the Kolonaki neighborhood, La Suite Lounge at the St. George Lycabettus hotel now features the cuisine of chef Stefanos Papanikolaou, matching its stunning panoramic views with exquisite dishes like orzo with beef cheeks and traditional kakavia fish soup.
The evolution of Greek cuisine is also on full display. In Akadimia Platonos, Athos (Siatistis 9), from the team behind the acclaimed Pharaoh, presents dishes that evoke memory and focus on pure, high-quality ingredients. Meanwhile, the celebrated Nolan (Voulis 31-38) has been refreshed under a new chef, Michalis Nourloglou, promising a different but equally compelling culinary identity. In Kypseli, Topa (Fokionos Negri 43), the new “kafenio” from the team behind the Oinoscent wine bar, serves creative mezedes inspired by both Crete and the Basque Country.
Beyond the city center, new spots are animating the suburbs and reviving historic locations. In Glyfada, Routina (Dousmani 8) offers a new destination for brunch, serving French omelettes, pinsas, and the famously decadent desserts of pastry chef Dimitris Makryniotis. In Exarcheia, the magical courtyard of the historic taverna Λεύκα (Levka) (Mavromichali 121) has been brought back to life, serving beautifully cooked, traditional Greek food. For a sweet interlude, the new Kolonaki branch of Le Greche (P. Ioakim 19) offers a serene setting to enjoy its renowned artisanal gelato, with unique flavors such as anthotyro with bergamot and Aperol.
These establishments are just a few examples of the creative energy fueling Athens’ food scene this summer, each offering a distinct journey into modern Greek gastronomy.
The Athenian Site 