Best Modern Fine Dining Experiences you Must Have in Athens
Discover the world of elevated fine dining in the Greek capital through our guide to the best modern fine dining restaurants in Athens. Photo source: Unsplash
Athens is home to a big fine dining scene that captivates the palates of discerning diners worldwide. Move over moussaka and souvlaki – a new wave of culinary creativity is expanding through the Athenian streets, transforming traditional Greek flavors into new-age gastronomic experiences.
But to be pleased you will have to do it like a local! So here is your insider's guide into the best modern fine dining destinations in Athens, where innovation meets tradition in a symphony of tastes and flavors.
1. Soil
A two-Michelin-starred sanctuary of taste, Soil is where Chef Tasos Mantis orchestrates a symphony of flavors using only the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from Greece. Soil is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Greek, modern cuisine, where every dish tells a story of the land.
Expect an ever-evolving tasting menu that reflects the seasonality of Greek produce. From delicate seafood creations to meat dishes and innovative vegetarian choices, every plate at Soil is a work of art, crafted with the essence of Greece.
As for the wine pairing menu, it is expertly curated to complement each dish and elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ferekidou 5, Athina, Tel. (+30) 210 751 3505
Read also: Where sea view meets culinary delights: A guide to fine dining on the Athens Riviera
2. Phita
Step into a world of culinary artistry at Phita, a one-Michelin-starred haven where Chef Dimitris Katrivesis blends traditional Greek flavors with modern techniques, creating unique combinations of taste that will wake your senses.
Phita's tasting menus are the result of the chef's creativity and passion for showing the diversity of Greek cuisine. Indulge in unexpected flavor pairings, playful presentations, and a commitment to using only the freshest, local ingredients.
Don't miss the restaurant's signature "Seabass with Smoked Eggplant and Saffron" – a dish that perfectly reflects Phita's philosophy of elevating simple ingredients to extraordinary heights.
Ntourm 1, Athina, Tel. (+30) 211 414 8624
Read also: 5 Places in Athens for Delicious Pinsa and Cocktails
3. Linou, Soumpasis & Sia
To taste the Aegean Sea in the heart of Athens, make your way to Linou, Soumpasis & Sia, a seafood lover's paradise. This gem is renowned for its commitment to simple, tasting dishes using the freshest catches of the day, transforming them into culinary masterpieces celebrating the tastes of the Greek seas.
If you are into perfectly grilled fish, flavorful seafood pasta dishes, and an impressive selection of fresh vegetables and homemade bread this is your place. The restaurant’s elegant but modern and industrial scenery creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable feast of tastes. Plus, you can buy natural candles!
Melanthiou 2 & Kalamida 9, Athina, Tel. (+30) 210 322 0300
Read also: 6+1 Restaurants in Athens you Must Visit if you Are a Meat Lover
4. Dylan
Prepare for a dining experience that's anything but ordinary at Dylan, a culinary playground in Kypseli. Dylan's tasting menus are a testament to creativity and passion for food. Indulge in unexpected flavor combinations, whimsical presentations, and an element of surprise with every bite. This tiny restaurant can host a maximum of 10 guests inside, but you can also enjoy your meal outside in the famous street of Agias Zonis now that the weather is still warm and sunny. Lastly, the industrial-chic setting adds to its edgy and avant-garde vibe. Dylan is the perfect place to enjoy dishes with fresh fish, local meats, and homemade bread in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens.
Agias Zonis 38, Athens, Tel. (+30) 210 866 8899
Explore the Athenian food scene
Join our Athens Evening Walking Food Tour and learn more about the traditional and modern Greek cuisine next to a local foodie!
5. Vezene
Embark on a modern Greek odyssey at Vezene, a stylish and sophisticated restaurant where Chef Ari Vezene reimagines traditional Greek flavors with a contemporary twist. The restaurant's sleek and minimalist decoration provides the perfect backdrop for its innovative cuisine.
Vezene's tasting menus are a journey through the diverse flavors of Greece, showcasing the chef's ability to transform humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Expect bold flavors, artistic presentations, and the freshest, locally sourced produce. If you want to enhance your dining experience, choose a wine from the wine pairing menu which is expertly curated to complement each dish.
Vrasida 11, Athens, Tel. (+30) 210 723 2002
Read also: Visit the Top 8 Traditional Greek Restaurants in Athens
6. Akra
Experience the cozy ambiance of Akra, a stylish restaurant nestled in the heart of Pangrati, Athens. This intimate space offers a fusion of modern and traditional Greek cuisine, crafted with care. Akra takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, presenting a menu that highlights the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, with a contemporary twist.
Akra’s dining experience is relaxed and elegant, perfect for those seeking high-quality food in a laid-back setting. The restaurant's unique vibe is enhanced by its minimalistic, modern décor and the warm hospitality of its staff. Located away from the tourist areas, Akra offers a culinary escape both for locals and visitors who appreciate authentic, yet innovative, Greek food.
12 Aminta Street, Athens, Tel. (+30) 210 725 1116
Read also: Tastes of Damascus: The Best Falafel Restaurant in Athens Comes with a Great Cause
Good food, good mood
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Good food, good mood 〰️
7. Pharaoh
Located in the heart of Omonoia, Pharaoh is a chic, trendy restaurant that combines contemporary aesthetics with rich Mediterranean flavors. The stylish interiors create an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for food lovers and those looking for a memorable dining experience in central Athens.
The menu at Pharaoh focuses on seasonal Greek ingredients with a modern twist, offering creative dishes that showcase the best local produce. Whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or a refined dinner, the culinary team ensures a flavorful journey with each bite.
Don't miss the seafood dishes and the restaurant's signature "Kleftiko" – a slow-cooked lamb dish that's tender, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Pharaoh is also a paradise for wine lovers. In the evenings, you can find locals enjoying a glass of wine paired with the best cheeses.
Solomou 54, Athens, Tel.: (+30) 210 380 8412
Read also: Where to Find the Most Traditional Pies in Athens and the City’s Best Bakeries
8. Wine is Fine
In the lively neighborhood of Psiri, Wine is Fine is a charming wine bar that pairs a curated selection of Greek and international wines with delicious Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, with warm lighting and rustic decor, makes it the perfect place for a relaxed evening with friends or a romantic date.
The wine list at Wine is Fine includes some of the finest labels, with an experienced staff to guide you through the best pairings for your palate. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, there's something here for you.
Don't miss the cheese and charcuterie boards, which are perfectly combined with the wine selection, offering a taste of Greece's artisanal food culture.
Vissis 6, Athens, Tel. (+30) 210 323 0304
Discover the Athens Food Market
Join our Athens Tasting Workshop and Food Market Tour and taste some of the freshest local products while getting to know where the Athenians shop for the best local ingredients.
9. Prosopa
Prosopa is a stylish restaurant in Rouf, Athens, offering a sophisticated dining experience in one of the city's trendiest districts. Known for its creative take on Mediterranean cuisine with international influences, Prosopa combines fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft elegant dishes full of flavor.
Set in a modern and inviting space, the restaurant’s decoration is perfect for casual dinners and special occasions. Prosopa is a popular choice for locals and visitors, with excellent service which matches the culinary creations.
If you find yourself there, enjoy the Beef Fillet with truffle oil and velvety mashed potatoes; a dish that perfectly captures Prosopa’s flair for combining luxury ingredients with hearty, delicious fare.
Megalou Vasiliou 52 & Konstantinoupoleos 4, Athens, Tel. (+30) 210 34 13 433
Read also: The Athens Local Food Travel Guide
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9 must-visit fine dining restaurants in Athens by Truevoyagers
Have you had a fine dining experience in Athens? Which was your go-to choice? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Words: Nellie Stathakidou
