Athens has evolved beyond its ancient ruins to become a modern culinary hot spot. Blending traditional Greek flavors and innovative gastronomy, the city is a thriving hub for top-tier dining experiences that attract visitors from around the world.
For those looking for sophisticated options, there are a host of Michelin restaurants in Athens setting new standards for culinary excellence. We’ve gathered a list of the top spots, with an insider look at their best dishes.
Insider’s Tip: We know Michelin restaurants are pricey, so if you’re also curious about a list of great non-Michelin restaurants in Athens, we’ve got you covered there too.
Our favorite Michelin restaurants in Athens
Botrini’s: A melding of Greek and Italian flavors
Located in the northern suburbs of Athens in Chalandri, Botrini’s embraces a farm-to-table concept, ensuring that only the finest and freshest ingredients are used. Chef Ettore Botrini draws on his half-Greek, half-Italian origins and presents dishes that artfully blend Mediterranean flavors. He is especially known for his adaptation of Italian carbonara that pulls in a Greek flair.
What’s more, many of the dishes and their ingredients trace their roots to Botrini’s native Corfu, particularly the strawberry, pistachio, geranium, and verbena dessert pastry. Botrini’s stylish and contemporary setting provides the perfect backdrop for exploring an innovative take on the blending of Greek and Italian gastronomy.
Delta: Sustainable cuisine atop the Greek National Library
Located inside the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, Delta is seated atop two giant centers of Greek culture: the country’s National Library and Opera house. To reach Delta you take a glass-walled elevator up with a view that takes in the Mediterranean Sea spread outside. Then, once inside, you are greeted with an idiosyncratic yet elevated dining space with exquisite details. The decor boasts beautiful oddities like trees strung from the ceiling atop mirrored planters.
Delta also has a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos prioritize the local sourcing of ingredients, utilizing produce from their own kitchen garden, nearby farms, and responsibly-fished seafood. The highlight of the restaurant is their striking 12-course tasting menu, an extraordinary culinary journey.
Hytra: Elevated cuisine beside the Acropolis
Perched on the top floors of the Onassis Cultural Centre, Hytra offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis. Chef Nikos Karathanos showcases his culinary finesse by reinterpreting Greek classics with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s elegant and sophisticated ambiance makes it an ideal destination for romantic dinners or special occasions. For example, the vegetarian tasting menu is a particular treat– they have a tart made with BBQ corn, herb moss, and green apple. They’re also well-known for their cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.
If you visit Hytra during the summer, don’t miss their rooftop terrace overlooking Athens. Photo credit: Hytra
Soil: Herby dishes from the family farm
Soil serves up seasonal Greek flavors with a Nordic twist. Based in Pangrati, this restaurant is in a neoclassical Greek home, right behind the Panathenaic or Kalimarmaro stadium. The focus here is on rich flavors from local herbs, flowers, and vegetables, many of which come from the garden cultivated by head chef Tasos Mantis’s father. This gives a real family-based farm-to-table authenticity to the menu. This focus on sustainable small-scale farming has earned Soil a Michelin Green Star in addition to their standard ranking. To end the night, they give each guest a fragrant bouquet of the herbs they used to season their meal.
Spondi: Adventurous dishes in a homey atmosphere
Nestled in the hills of Pangrati, Spondi stands out as an Athenian culinary gem that boast a Michelin star. Chef Angelos Lantos orchestrates a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafting dishes that exemplify creativity and finesse. The menu is largely French-inspired, focusing on architectural dishes that change with the seasons. For the more adventurous, there’s a “discovery” tasting menu. Spondi is in a classic stone building with vaulted ceilings, which spills into a large backyard-turned-dining-area, creating a homey yet sophisticated atmosphere. Spondi’s culinary excellence, combined with its warm and welcoming ambiance, ensures a remarkable and unforgettable dining experience.
Varoulko: Sophisticated Aegean seafood
Situated along the Athenian Riviera, Varoulko Seaside offers a sublime dining experience that combines breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf with Michelin-starred seafood cuisine. Chef Lefteris Lazarou, a true master of flavors, presents an array of dishes that showcase the freshest catches from the Aegean Sea. He serves classics such as sea bass, squid, tuna, clams, and shrimp in ways you have never seen before. The shrimp, wrapped delicately in phyllo dough and served atop polenta and tomato, are undeniably jaw-dropping. The restaurant’s minimalist and chic ambiance complements its intricate dishes, making it a must-visit for seafood aficionados.
The Zillers: New flavors in a historical site
Named after German architect Ernst Zillers, this Michelin-star restaurant is based on the terrace of the visionary’s former neoclassical Athens home. Now a boutique hotel, and fine dining establishment with rooftop views of the Acropolis, Athenians know The Zillers for their creative tasting menu. The restaurant is open all day, but for the full experience we recommend going for dinner. They serve up elevated Mediterranean classics, and boast a broad wine menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or an adventurous traveler seeking a memorable experience, there are a whole host of Michelin restaurants in Athens are ready to captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression. From the freshest seafood delicacies to avant-garde interpretations of classic Greek dishes, these restaurants elevate dining to an art form. Embark on a culinary journey through Athens and indulge in these gastronomic treasures—your taste buds will thank you for it!