This was published 4 years ago
Athens, Greece: Best places to eat - chef George Economidis' picks
George Economidis runs three award-winning restaurants in Greece.Credit: Stathis Bouzoukas
THE EXPERT
GEORGE ECONOMIDIS
Greek restaurant 1821, which opened in 2016 in Sydney's Martin Place, is taking a new, more seafood-focused direction under executive chef George Economidis and in collaboration with head chef Luiza Gomes. Economidis, who owns the BlueFish Restaurant Group, operates three award-winning restaurants that are considered among Greece's finest. See 1821.com.au
At Hermion restaurant, try the kritharoto: orzo pasta with fresh seafood such as mussels, prawns, squid and cuttlefish ink.
BREAKFAST
In Lysikratous Square you'll find Diogenes restaurant, known for its traditional Greek cuisine. Diogenes recently added a Greek breakfast menu, including a variety of Mediterranean dishes such as rustic bread with olive oil and feta, Greek yoghurt with honey, as well as pies. Go for the traditional Greek breakfast with fried eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, feta cheese and rustic bread. Simple, yet amazing. See diogenes.gr
SNACK
With one of the best views of Athens, including the unique scenery of the Parthenon, Dionysos Zonar's is a must-visit when in the Greek capital. The kitchen serves authentic Greek flavours with a modern flare and is great for lunch, dinner or a snack. But most importantly, you must indulge in their signature chocolate pie. It comprises a crunchy shortcrust pastry case cradling chocolate mousse with chocolate topping, raspberry sauce and bitter chocolate ice-cream. People from all around the world travel to Athens to taste it – you should too. See dionysoszonars.gr
LUNCH
In the the charming alleyways of Plaka there are plenty of options for lunch but seek out the Old Tavern of Psarras, a cosy inn with good traditional Greek cuisine, just like yia yia would make it. Order their signature chicken with hilopites, a Greek egg pasta. The chicken is roasted in a tomato sauce. It's a traditional dish that's at its best here. See psaras-taverna.gr
DINNER
If you're lucky enough to visit Athens in summer you should visit Hermion restaurant in the popular Plaka where locals make alfresco dining an art form. All ingredients used here are organic and selected from small Greek producers – the flavours are unique. On summer nights there is always live music, creating the perfect atmosphere for dinner with friends. Try the kritharoto: orzo pasta with fresh seafood such as mussels, prawns, squid and cuttlefish ink. Wash it down with a dry white Greek wine. See hermion.gr
DRINKS
At the end of the day, I like to visit Odyssey, the stylish rooftop bar at the boutique property, Hotel A for Athens in Monsastiraki, for unobstructed views of the Acropolis. My favourite drink is its cocktail named Sirens. The cocktail list is inspired by the journey of Homeric Odysseus to Ithaca and this particular drink is made with Greek vermouth, mezcal and a hint of tsipouro, which is a strong, local pomace brandy. Yamas! See aforathens.com
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