Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine with these top five fine dining restaurants in Athens.
Athens, the enchanting Greek capital renowned for its iconic ancient ruins and vibrant culture is a must-visit for your Euro summer vacation. It’s steeped in history, has fabulous ruins to explore, and amazing restaurants and bars, many with incredible views.
Food is the heart and soul of urban life in Athens. From the iconic souvlaki to a delectable meze platter abundant with an array of delectable small dishes to share, Athens delights in offering a diverse tapestry of culinary gems to explore and enjoy.
Eat your way through Athens and experience authentic Greek cuisine like a seasoned local at the capital’s top five fine dining restaurants.
- GB Roof Garden
For traditional Mediterranean cuisine with unforgettable views:
Suited to: Refined diners on a romantic night out.
Located on the 8th floor of the elegant Hotel Grande Bretagne, GB Roof Garden stands as an iconized Mediterranean hotspot among Athen’s finest dining destinations. Boasting uninterrupted views across Syntagma Square and towards the majestic Acropolis, this Michelin-starred restaurant caters to Athen’s most renowned culinary aficionados.
Executive chef Asterios Koustoudis presents a traditional Greek-Mediterranean menu of haute cuisine dishes showcasing the fresh seafood catch of the day, premium meat, and locally sourced seasonal ingredients to deliver fan favourites like the traditional ‘skioufichta’, tuna tartare, and the lamb chop.
Diners can also indulge in the bar’s expansive global wine list, which champions an array of local Greek wines to perfectly complement their dining experience.
Save room for dessert, as it is not merely recommended but absolutely essential to complete your meal. Highlights include the Marrakech tarte and lemon cake, just to name a few.
As for the atmosphere, GB Roof Garden has a luxurious, modern feel with both indoor and outdoor setting, allowing diners to indulge in the breathtaking views of Athens whilst sipping away on a cocktail or savouring a delicious meal.
My advice: book now.
2. Spondi
For French-inspired world class dishes:
Suited to: Well-travelled foodies.
The first restaurant in Athens to receive two Michelin stars, Spondi is years on one of Europe’s most renowned restaurants. Located in the heart of Athens, on a lively square adjacent to the Panathenaic stadium is Spondi, a courtyard style fine dining experience perfect for foodies and sophisticated diners alike.
With a seasonal French-influenced menu, head chefs Angelos Lantos and Arnaud Bignaud showcase both French and Greek ingredients on two menus: on being an à la carte offering an array of dishes; the other a “Discovery” tasting menu.
A must-try culinary delight is the tartare of langoustine served with Petrosian caviar, and the white asparagus tart for those daring palates.
Guests are invited to explore the vast selection of international wines, showcased in the extensive wine cellar. Impeccably curated, the cellar presents a diverse array of vintages that seamlessly complement each dish.
Spondi promises a fine dining experience that celebrates the finest flavours of France and Greece for well-versed travellers and foodies alike.
3. Hytra Restaurant & Bar
For a fine dining experience under the stars:
Suited to: Small groups.
Dine under the stars overlooking The Acropolis at Hytra Restaurant & Bar. Nestled in the culturally rich district of Psirri and housed on the sixth floor of the elegant Onassis Cultural Centre, this restaurant offers traditional Greek favourites with a modern twist.
Led by renowned chef Taso Mantis, Hytra maintains a commitment to showcasing the essence of Greek cuisine by utilising fresh locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The house favourites from Hytra range from the sea bass ceviche to the lamb confit and the grilled octopus.
These Greek classics can be complemented by a selection of Greek wines and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for a night spent under the stars.
Hytra boasts one of the most spectacular views and offers exquisite fine dining, making it the envy of Athens. Guests are invited to revel in the beauty of the cityscape, cocktail in hand, whilst indulging in traditional Greek favourites.
And with its sleek and modern finishes, Hytra is sure to provide a memorable setting for a Greek fine dining experience.
4. Estiatorio Milos
For fresh catches and fine Greek wine:
Suited to: Seafood lovers.
Founded by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos is an ideal spot for guests in search of the freshest seafood, the finest hospitality, and perhaps even a chance encounter with a celebrity.
In 2004, Chef Spiliadis introduced Milos to Greece, opening his world-renowned restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton Athens to coincide with the Summer Olympic games.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an artistic sculpture of a fisherman’s net soaring overhead that perfectly symbolises the speciality seafood offerings of the restaurant.
Fan favourites include the Milos special, a crispy zucchini and eggplant tower, the grilled octopus, the fried calamari stuffed with mizithra cheese and of course the Greek salad. The house recommended pairing for the seafood dishes is the Greek chardonnay, however the wine list is vast and impressive.
Whilst dishes may come with a hefty price tag, the quality, service, and overall ambiance at Estiatorio Milos is well worth the splurge.
5. Eleas Gi
For excellent food accompanied by excellent Greek wine:
Suited to: Friends and families for a special occasion.
Translating to Land of the Olive, Eleas Gi is one of the most unique and prestigious restaurants in the affluent northern suburb of Kifissia, Athens.
Upon arrival at Eleas Gi, guests are invited to walk through the underground stone cellar with corridors adorned exclusively with Greek wine. Once entering the restaurant, the ambiance can be described as traditionally Greek. Think stone walls, pristine white décor and tablecloths, grand archways, olive trees, and a majestic patio adorned with a fountain that offers a scenic view of the Athens cityscape.
Guests experience traditional Greek dishes cooked exclusively with extra virgin olive oil. From baked olive bread to veal with eggplant puree and then the loukoumi ice cream, Eleas Gi combines homemade flavours with a contemporary and innovative approach.
House bartenders offer guests carefully selected wines exclusively from Greek winemakers from the in-house wine cellar to accompany their journey through the modern Greek cuisine.
For an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to make a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
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