Tavernas will always be the most popular dining spots in the Greek Isles, but on the more cosmopolitan islands like Mykonos and Santorini several high-quality fusion restaurants have opened, offering more contemporary décor and a fusion of both Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
MYKONOS
Nammos
One of the most sought after tables in Mykonos right now is at Nammos, a stylish beachside restaurant on Psarou Beach. Nammos attracts the celebrities and glitterati of the Mykonos scene. The more formal dining lounge offers high-end elegance, but there are also tables on the sand and a lively terraced bar. The menu features an ultra-modern mix of Greek, Italian and Arabic dishes. A generous presentation of homemade bread with hummus is a starter. This is followed by offerings such as golden-fried calamari or a crisp house salad. Iced champagne goes well with prawn sandwiches and sushi. Entrees include pasta and ravioli with non-traditional ingredients such as truffles and caviar, or Greek twists like capers and sun-dried tomato sauces.
Bill & Coo’s Gourmet Restaurant
The gourmet sensation of Mykonos is the restaurant at the five-star Bill & Coo Hotel & Suites, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Located a few minutes away from the town of Mykonos, in the secluded location of Agios Ioannis, the restaurant is situated by the hotel’s infinity pool, with mesmerizing views of the Aegean Sea and beyond. Recognized for their high gastronomic standards, executive chef Michalis Kikis and his kitchen team have created a Mediterranean-inspired menu based on fresh biological ingredients from Mykonos Island.
SANTORINI
Selene
Yiorgos Hatziyannakis, chef at Pyrgos village’s acclaimed Selene Restaurant and Bistro, has been instrumental in the revival and promotion of traditional Santorini cooking. Selene. The menu features items such as Cycladic “Spinialo” made with a panoply of local seafood served up in a in a yellow pepper sauce and a Squid-Fava Risotto with wild fennel broth, salami from Lefkada and black mayonnaise. At the adjoining shop, purchase premium Greek products and sign up for cooking and tasting courses.
Koukoumavlos
This fine-dining restaurant in Fira offers stunning views of the Santorini volcano. Chef and owner Nikos Pouliasis is famous for his highly original dishes. Menu items include updated favorites like New Age Greek Cheese Pie with wine-marinated feta cheese, fig mousse, caramelized kumquats, wine vinegar syrup, ginger and sweet chilies, or Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, with broad bean mousseline with dates and black chocolate in retsina wine sauce.
Petra
Petra is located in the five-star Canaves Oia Hotel. The highlight of this restaurant is the spectacular sea vistas, making it a breathtaking location for dinner and drinks. Enveloped by eternal blue sky and infinite blue sea, Petra’s Panorama Balcony provides couples the ultimate romantic dining experience. Signature dishes include Santorini Fava, topped with caper blossom, onion, tomato confit and olive oil and Grilled Grouper on a bed of saffron risotto with lemon foam. ■
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