The cradle of modern civilization and a most attractive destination, Greece is an ancient land of extraordinary heritage and traditions, including its delicate and evocative Mediterranean cuisine.
Let us introduce you to two exclusive restaurants that boast Michelin stars in Athens, the Greek capital. On your next visit to the Hellenic country, you will be able to enjoy exquisite culinary delicacies in these idyllic settings.
Spondi
5 Pyronos. Varnava Square, Pagrati
Spondi is located in the center of Athens, in the elegant district of Pagrati and near the stadium that hosted the first Olympic Games of the modern era. Founded by Apostolos Trastelis in 1996, this restaurant brings together elegance, refinement, and authenticity in a beautiful setting that consists of two lush courtyards and two dining rooms. One of the dining spaces is cozy and intimate while the other—a little more informal—is charmingly decorated with bricks taken from an old wine cellar. Spondi is a benchmark, not only in Athens but also all over Greece. It was awarded two stars in the Michelin guide, and for seven consecutive years it has been named as the best restaurant in Greece. Review our selection of international luxury restaurants. Spondi´s kitchen— expertly directed by the French chef Arnaud Bignon— places great emphasis in French cuisine infused with Greek and Mediterranean freshness. Its seasonal and imaginative menu is well executed and beautifully presented. It plays with creativity and tradition, which and can be fully appreciated in dishes such as fluffy and crispy puff pastries, swordfish mousse, and the always memorable foie gras confit accompanied with quince. If you are a wine connoisseur, you should take a look at their impressive list, which includes more than 1,200 different labels. At Spondi, you will enjoy excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Funky Gourmet
13 Paramythias St., Salaminos, Keramikos
The Funky Gourmet restaurant opened in November of 2009. In just three years, it earned its first Michelin star, and in 2014 the second. The owners are Argyro Hiliadaki, his sister Georgianna, and Nikos Roussos. Argyro is in charge of managing the restaurant while Nikos and Georgianna make up an exciting kitchen team devoted to presenting diners with the finest Greek cuisine. Its superb gastronomic offer is exemplified in different tasting menus inspired by local produce. Funky Gourmet sits in a charming neoclassical building in Keramikos, in the heart of Athens. The main dining area can accommodate 30 diners, and there is a lovely space on the ground floor with a capacity for 14 more guests. Funky Gourmet has also received praise for the presentation and conceptual beauty of its dishes, which feature different shapes, colors and textures, each of them exquisitely plated. You will also find—in this suggestive Athens restaurant—a captivating wine list of great appellations of origin from around the world and a sophisticated atmosphere. ■
