Oikeîo, bistro-style Greek cuisine
In the heart of Kolonaki, Oikeîo is proud of providing authentic, tasty traditional Greek fare in a funky bistro setting depicted by a bohemian vibe. Expect to sample iconic national dishes, prepared with exceptional subtlety and using only first-class, local and seasonal produce.Their patriotic lineup is reworked and flanked by a scattering of more unexpected dishes, chalked up on the mouth-watering menu that changes daily or almost. The lentil salad is delicately perfumed with aromatic herbs from the Greek countryside, the moussaka melts in the mouth, the casseroles simmer gently for hours and the grilled meat is prepared over red hot embers. A shaded terrace backing onto the smart, tranquil neighbourhood adds the final flourish to this enticing portrait.
Cerdo Negro 1985, a Spanish explosion in Athens
Not far from the fashionable Gazi district, whose former warehouses have morphed into festive venues, this bistro is tucked away in a sweet little house. Guests can choose from the Andalusian-inspired courtyard patio or the welcoming Bodega-styled dining room which sports a long counter and high chairs. The kitchen is located in a rather strange smoking cabin in the heart of the premises.Run by two Greek brothers who fell in love with Spain and its food, Cerdo Negro 1985 (which loosely translates as “Black Pork”) bills itself as a Spanish enclave in Athens. The bistronomic cuisine laced in Hispanic accents sets out to provide a flavoursome gourmet experience in a casual vibe. Everything, or almost, is cooked over a wood-burning fire : the homemade bread, garlic-flavoured oysters, seared squid and a puree of broad beans, iberico pork in a chimichurri sauce… Choose between the à la carte menu or a 6- or 8-course menu, all of which washed down with a tip-top selection of Greek, Spanish, Chilean and Argentinean wines.
Nolan, a bridge between Greece and Japan
Bang in the middle of the lively Syntagma district that is chock-a-block with fine fusion establishments, the terrace of the Nolan is something of a landmark. This trendy eatery, done up in a minimalist, designer vibe, is in the hands of Sotiris Kontizas, a Greek-Japanese celebrity chef who rose to fame as a presenter on the Greek Masterchef TV show. His original and instinctive cooking is the epitome of light craftsmanship, greatly appreciated when the thermometer starts inching upwards…Diners are invited to share a splendid range of dishes, subtly scattered with Asian influences, such as Mediterranean tuna with a kick of ponzu, miso-flavoured courgettes, grilled aubergines or steak with “burnt” leeks. The excellent white wine of Santorin is the ideal choice to pair with the menu’s fish and seafood dishes. We recommend venturing into Sweet Nolan, just next-door, to sample its knockout lineup of cakes and pastries at teatime !
