Deana Kartsagouli
The winter events calendar of the “Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall” has been released in full detail and we are once again ready to enjoy the beautiful concerts and shows that this cultural institution and athenian landmark has in store for us, from the exotic “La Bayadère” performed by the Odessa National Opera Ballet to Teodor Currentzis’ “Utopia”, the “Johann Strauss Ensemble” and more. And while we let our music and ballet connoisseurs delve into the specifics of the art forms and performances we can talk about food. What we eat and drink before the bell rings and/or after the final curtain call.
The good thing is that the Megaron is just a stone’s throw away from some very interesting and top notch restaurants cafes and bars that have withstood the test of time, most of which would be the perfect conclusion to a culture filled outing. Let’s recall some of our favorites and look at a few new entries as well.
Of course there is always the obvious and easy choice which is “Fuga” the Megaron’s own restaurant. During the summer and on warm nights it operates inside the beautiful huge garden which is a true oasis in the middle of the concrete filled city and when it’s chilly outside, the two-story modern restaurant with the beautiful panoramic view is the perfect alternative. Having hosted many different cuisines in the past and famous chefs, Greek and non-Grrek, now it offers a fusion menu with traditional Japanese, Chinese and Latin-american traditional dishes, complete with a robata. The wine list has been chosen to accompany the exotic flavors and we think that you will enjoy the pairing. Also, the prices are pretty reasonable, especially since the dishes are designed to be shared.
Now, for those who want to venture outside its premises, the good thing is….
Mavilli Square
Bars for timeless & bohemian vibe
Just a pin on the Athenian map, but a large chapter in the history of the city’s nightlife, Mavili Square is one of those iconic neighborhoods which most of us associate with our youth. Named after the Greek-Hispanic poet Lorenzo Mavili (1860-1912) whose bust can be found there, Mavili is mostly known for its tiny, but busy bars, so packed with people that they spill out on the sidewalk.
The most famous are “Briki” -if you live in Athens and haven’t been there at least once, you’ve never been young-, and “Lora’s” founded in 1967, which is not only the oldest bar in the Square but the second oldest in all of Athens. You can go to either one -or both-, for a quick drink so you can experience their timeless allure for yourselves and then make a beeline for “Flower”, the teeny tiny pizza stop nearby that is a must. There, you can let the dough work its magic absorbing all of the previously consumed alcohol. Congratulations, you’re in your 20s again!
Around the area – From comfort tavernas to funky dishes
Birbilo – Back to Grandma’s Sunday table
A lot younger than our two previous suggestions but close in philosophy, this comfort taverna offers both traditional greek dishes as well as grilled meats, fish and “mezedes” to share. The menu is seasonal so in the winter you will find options liked stuffed cabbage leaves with egg-lemon sauce and when the temperature rises, dishes like “imam”, which is eggplants cooked with tomato sauce. Even though it had a rocky start because of it first opening during COVID-19, it very quickly adjusted and now it is one of the best, reasonably priced tavernas compared to anything else in Kolonaki.
There’s a menu that changes every day, with a wide array of more traditional recipes like mousaka, stuffed vegetables, soutzoukakia etc., and a fixed one with appetizers, salads and main courses like Cretan carbonara, black pig with pasta and cream of Parmesan cheese, a type of risotto with wild mushrooms, graveria cheese and truffle oil, liver tagliatta, “milokopi” fish fillet with herbs and horta. And, for those who have a sweet tooth, the desserts are great too (try the profiteroles made with the authentic recipe, the apple pie and pretty much everything. As for the wine, there’s a good list by Greek producers. A big plus is that the space is very pretty, with a colorful front window and exposed brick walls.
Ploutarchou 26, Kolonaki, Tel.: +30 2107247777
Simul – Modern cuisine of the world
There’s not a single person that has visited this clean-cut, restaurant with a philosophy heavily based on seasonality, headed by the very talented and knowledgeable chef Nikos Thomas and has not been utterly impressed. Great technique and optimum ingredients create its very interesting and inventive menu, which offers options like crayfish with black lentils, cranberries and an hollandaise with beef bone marrow.
The Kalarrytiko beef tataki comes with beetroot and coffee while the squid with almonds, gorgonzola cheese and caviar. The wine list focuses on local and global options alike, but the cocktails are based on Greek premium spirits.
Ipsilantou 63, Kolonaki, Tel.: +30 210 722 47 37
Zurbaran Athens – Traditional and modern flavours
Georgianna Chiliadaki and Nikos Roussos are two legendary chefs in Greece, since “Funky Gourmet”, the restaurant they used to own in Metaxourgeio had managed to be awarded with 2 Michelin stars, making it only the second restaurant in Greece that had achieved that (the first one was “Spondi” and now “Delta” has the same honor.
Also, Chiliadaki is the only Greek female chef to have been awarded a star). The fine cooking duo have created the Zurbaran’s menu with influences from all around the world.
Patriarchou Ioakeim 38, Kolonaki, Tel.: +30 21 0723 8334
Mastra – A classic fish taverna
If, on the other hand, you’re in the mood for something much quieter and sensible, then head towards Papadiamantopoulou street for a real value for money meal. A classic fish taverna, with a small garden in the back, this is one of those hidden gems that you don’t really want to share with too many people. Small and larger fish depending on the catch of the day can be found on the menu, along with fried calamari, sardines, fresh salads and horta, loads of warm bread with olive oil and oregano and, when the temperature drops, make it a point to try the fish soup. You will not regret it.
Papadiamantopoulou 34, Ilisia, Tel.: +30 210 748 2642
Skalakia – Timeless tradition
This is where the locals eat, as well as the professionals from the surrounding hospitals and offices. “Skalakia” means small steps which is where this unassuming taverna that’s been around for more than half a century is located: at the top of some stairs on the street. If you’ve never tried “kokoretsi”, grilled liver or “ameletita” this is the ideal place to start.
They are a staple and people come from all over Attica just for them. If you are not into this type of hard core carnivore delights then a delicious “bifteki” (beef patty) is the choice for you, or any kind of meat that is very well prepared. More traditional recipes like “lachanodolmades” are also a must.
The best choice to accompany your meal is tsipouro from the Ionian and specifically the island of Lefkada. You will love the experience and so will your wallet.
Aiginitou 32, Ilisia, Tel.: +30 210 722 9290
