What the 2024 Michelin Awards Reveal: Athens’ Culinary Renaissance continues on an upward trajectory
Athens is solidifying its reputation as Europe’s coolest culinary destination. It may not boast as many Michelin star restaurants as its European peers, but Athens has metamorphosed into a gastronomic haven where talented chefs, visionary restaurateurs, and avant-garde sommeliers are the new rock stars, orchestrating changes and elevating the restaurant scene to new heights. From zero-waste kitchens to Mediterranean-inspired tasting menus, Athens now rivals the gastronomic heavyweights of Europe. With a whopping 12 Michelin star restaurants and a growing roster of Bib Gourmands, gourmets all over the world will be watching Athens, says Sudha Nair-Iliades.
The Seeds of Athens’ Culinary Revival
The exact moment Athens’ culinary revolution began is elusive. Was it the city’s post-crisis creative surge? The influx of global nomads? Or its renaissance as a contemporary cultural hotspot? Whatever the catalyst, the result is a food scene that transcends being a tourism prop. Today, Athenian restaurants are destinations unto themselves, drawing gourmands to savor their innovative interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine. Zero-waste philosophies, farm-to-table principles, and an ingrained respect for local ingredients now define the Athenian food ethos. Coupled with a thriving bar scene and celebrated street food culture, Athens offers a dawn-to-dusk feast for the senses, earning its place on every food lover’s bucket list.
Michelin Stars Illuminate Athens
The Michelin Guide—a symbol of culinary excellence—recently reaffirmed Athens’ standing on the world stage. Almost all of the city’s starred restaurants retained their accolades (the heart-breaking absence of Varoulko, long a bastion of Greek gastronomy that has diligently kept its Michelin star for 23 years, will be sorely felt), and heart-warmingly, a whole slew of younger, bolder restaurants now don their first Michelin badge of honour – a testament to the consistency and innovation of their culinary offerings.
Our 2025 Michelin Predictions
Once you’ve won a Michelin, you have it in you to clinch another. Chef Georgianna Hiliadaki who was the first Greek female chef to earn two Michelin Stars for Funky Gourmet, is all set to claim her rightful place among Athens culinary greats with Iodio. We sniff this one early on! The same goes for Chef Nikos Karathanos of Ateno. Plus we’re predicting a few Bib Gourmands for 2026.
Two-Star Michelin Gem
Delta
364 Syggrou Avenue, Athens, 17674, Greece
Perched on the fifth floor of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, Delta is a temple of sustainability and innovation. Chefs George Papazacharias and Thanos Feskos craft an extraordinary 12-course tasting menu, “Omnivore,” where every dish celebrates locality and sustainability. “Out of respect for our ecosystem, we work with small producers and transform modesty into grandeur,” they proclaim. From dreamlike decor—bronze bars and suspended trees—to an exquisite selection of Greek and international wines, Delta’s experience is both a feast and a philosophy.
One-Star Marvels
Pelagos
40 Apollonos Street, Athens, 166 71, Greece
Chef Luca Piscazzi reimagines Mediterranean luxury at Pelagos, located in the Four Seasons Astir. Signature dishes like the dry-aged sea bass encased in aromatic mastic reflect his innovative flair, while desserts like a reimagined portokalopita (orange pie) offer sweet, nostalgic nods to Greece.
Patio
11 Litous, Vouliagmeni, Athens, 16671, Greece
Nestled in The Margi Hotel, Patio embodies the “farm-to-fork” ethos. Chef Panagiotis Giakalis’ menu draws from The Margi’s own organic estate, presenting vibrant Mediterranean flavours in a romantic, verdant setting. Candlelit dinners under olive trees elevate the experience to pure enchantment.
Botrini’s
24b Vasileos Georgiou B Street, Athens, 152 33, Greece
Ettore Botrini’s flagship restaurant in Halandri offers a culinary journey through his Greco-Italian roots. Playful yet sophisticated, his dishes—like carbonara with calamari tagliatelle—blend innovation with nostalgia, crafting unforgettable gastronomic stories.
Tudor Hall
3A Vasileos Georgiou A, Athens, 10564, Greece
Situated atop the King George Hotel, Tudor Hall combines breathtaking Acropolis views with chef Asterios Koustoudis’ refined take on Greek cuisine. Highlights include perfectly executed cod dishes and a meticulously curated wine list, ideal for romantic, candlelit dinners.
Soil
5 Ferekidou Street, Athens, 116 35, Greece
Chef Tasos Mantis brings farm-to-table dining to poetic heights at Soil, where vegetables and herbs from his garden take center stage. Nestled in a restored 1925 townhouse in Pangrati, Soil’s 14-course seasonal menu showcases Nordic influences and impeccable sustainability, earning it a coveted Green Michelin Star.
The Zillers
54 Mitropoleos, Athens, 10563, Greece
Overlooking the Acropolis, The Zillers’ chef crafts dishes that honour Greek traditions with contemporary finesse. Standouts include the rack of lamb smoked with sage and the innovative “Green Globe” artichoke creation.
CTC Urban Gastronomy
15 Plateon Street, Athens, 10435, Greece
Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis guides diners through an 11-course “Voyage,” blending Greek tradition with bold, modern techniques. Highlights like beef cheeks in Corfu-inspired “bianco” sauce reveal the chef’s commitment to sustainability and creativity.
Hytra
1 Petrou Kokkali Street, Athens, 11521, Greece
At its sprawling new location perched above the lush greens of the Athens Concert Hall, Hytra delivers memorable tasting menus that harmonize Greek ingredients with imaginative presentation. Young chef Yiorgos Felemengas is a worthy recipient- and we predict a second star in the not-so distant future.
Makris Athens
10 Astiggos – 119 Ermou Street, Athens, 10555, Greece
The biggest surprise this award season! Housed in Athens’ first historic inn, Makris Athens combines culinary heritage with inventive flair. Chef Petros Dimas crafts three distinct tasting menus—Genesis, Utopia, and Physis Vegan—showcasing ingredients from their own farm.
Hervé
170 Trion Ierarchon Street, Athens, 118 52, Greece
Chef & owner Herve Pronzato
At Hervé, fusion cuisine meets theatrical dining. Guests sit at a Japanese-inspired counter, where Chef Hervé Pronzato painstakingly explains each dish. The singular tasting menu blends French, Asian, and Italian influences, creating a unique sensory adventure.
Spondi
5 Pyrronos Street, Athens, 11636, Greece
The first Athenian restaurant to earn Michelin stars, Spondi remains a bastion of French-Mediterranean excellence. Chefs Angelos Lantos and Executive Chef of the Trastellis Group Arnaud Bignon, craft inventive yet humble dishes like foie gras with Jerusalem artichoke and duck with earthy vegetables, all served in an elegant neoclassical setting. Other than being the only Greek restaurant to consistently cling on to its Michelin star for 22 years and counting (it was also the first two-star Michelin restaurant in Greece), Spondi has spawned some of the country’s finest chefs who have in turn gone on to earn their Michelin laurels – including Ghikas Xenakis of Aleria, Pavlos Kyriakis of The Ziller’s, Panayiotis Gkiakalis (who helms the Patio at the Margi and Tasos Stefatos (at Canaves) – and pastry chefs George Platinos, Dimitris Chronopoulos, Alexandros Koufas and Spiros Pediaditakis (of Akra).
Bib Gourmands: Culinary Gems to Savour
Nolan
31-33 Voulis Street, Athens, 10557, Greece
Nestled steps away from bustling Syntagma Square, Nolan is where Greek soul meets Japanese finesse, with a hint of French sophistication. Helmed by Chef Sotiris Kontizas, who draws on his Greek-Japanese heritage, this contemporary bistro is a feast for the senses. Expect vibrant, shareable plates that seamlessly blend bold flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Come summer, Nolan migrates to Mykonos, bringing its signature flair to the island’s gastronomic scene. Sweet tooth? Pop into Sweet Nolan next door for a dessert delight.
Akra
12 Aminta, Athens, 11635, Greece
We are particulary chuffed about this big win! In charming Pangrati, Akra redefines intimate dining with its wood-fired ovens and a chef who cooks tableside. Led by culinary talents Giannis Loukakis and Spiros Pediaditakis, the ever-evolving menu celebrates fresh, seasonal produce with a dash of creative flair. Aromas of freshly baked goods from their in-house bakery fill the air, setting the perfect stage for unforgettable dishes served with rustic charm throughout the day. It’s not just a meal—it’s a multisensory experience. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Fine Mess Smokehouse
5 Delfon Street, Athens, 10680
For lovers of smoky, succulent flavors, Fine Mess Smokehouse is a must-visit. Bringing the art of American barbecue to Athens, this casual eatery is all about its “Low & Slow” approach, ensuring every bite is infused with rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Head chef Elena Kaperda, also the creative mind behind the acclaimed “Lick the Spoon” patisserie workshop, crafts a menu brimming with shareable delights. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or just in the mood for something irresistibly hearty, this spot promises a unique experience in the city.
Pharaoh
54 Solomou, Athens, 10682
Step back in time at Pharaoh, where every dish is a tribute to Greece’s culinary heritage, cooked traditionally over wood and charcoal. Chef Manolis Papoutsakis reimagines old-world recipes with modern flair, delivering standout dishes like tarama, dolmadakia, papoutsakia, and galaktoboureko. With its striking mix of industrial decor and a spacious balcony perfect for al fresco dining, the vibe here is anything but ordinary. Add in a vinyl-spinning DJ to set the evening mood, and you’ll find yourself lingering long after your last bite. Reservations are a must.
Cerdo Negro 1985
5 Vitonos Street, Athens, 11854
Nestled near the Kerameikos archaeological site, Cerdo Negro 1985 is a lively taverna where Greek roots meet Spanish passion. Run by two charismatic brothers, this cozy spot specializes in Mediterranean dishes bursting with bold, smoky flavors, most cooked over a wood fire. Don’t miss the six-course “Taste of Cerdo Negro” menu, the warm homemade bread, and the unforgettable “Welcome to Cerdo Negro” starter. With its upbeat atmosphere and unbeatable hospitality, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed, flavor-packed night out.
Jerár
55 Agias Varvaras Street, Athens, 172 35
A little off the beaten path but well worth the journey, Jerár has quickly won over Athens foodies. Chef Charis Nikolouzos blends Greek tradition with French and Italian influences, creating globally inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s open kitchen adds to its warm, unpretentious vibe, while dishes like the Cacio e Pepe with “Mikrolimano Shrimp” make the trip unforgettable. Designed for sharing and savoring, the menu invites you to explore bold flavors in a cozy, neighborhood setting.
