Mailo’s The Pas T a Projec T

Made with love and pasta

If you are a pasta person and a true flâneur drifting across the vibrant streets and leafy squares of the city, then Mailo’s is the ideal place for you, a rare blend of fresh pasta and street food culture that gets your taste buds dancing along the way. Mailo’s Fresh Pasta Machine cooks daily three different kinds of pasta (rigatoni, campanelle and casarecce) using only organic semolina and water. Choose your favorite and move on with adding one of the ten different handmade, signature sauces (made with fresh ingredients from scratch). You should definitely try the divine Truffle Mushrooms with wild mushrooms, parmesan sauce and white truffle oil, the “Beef Ragu” with slow cooked veal melting in fresh tomato sauce with herbs, also the “Parmesan Chicken” with chicken, fresh mushrooms and tarragon in a creamy parmesan sauce. Don’t forget the tasty pasta salads – perfect meal for a hot day! Although you can find all these delicious pasta in any of the 29 Mailo’s stores in Greece and Cyprus, we highly recommend the Mailo’s store at Koukaki neighborhood (3 Falirou Str.). It’s conveniently situated just a breath away from the Akropolis metro station; hence you can enjoy your pasta while admiring the fascinating landmarks of Athena’s historic center. www.mailos.gr

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The starry universe of culinary Athens

Michelin Stars for consistent excellence, flavors’ finesse and mastery of techniques are awards to selected restaurants and the city of Athens boasts an extensive list of such establishments that offer the Michelin-starred fine dining experience:

Spondi * Signature dishes-tribute to the intricacy of the French cuisine are prepared with top quality seasonal ingredients. The beautiful patio enclosed by the lush Mediterranean greenery and the two dining rooms, one of which resembles a vaulted cellar, create a mesmerizing backdrop for a dining experience most excellent. 5 Pirronos Str., Pagkrati, +302107520658

Delta ** A unique narrative of taste unfolds through the 12 courses menu of bold gastronomic twists, created by the gifted George Papazacharias and the talented Thanos Feskos. Located in the spectacular venues of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), the restaurant’s haute cuisine is enlivened by 2 Michelin stars and one Green Star, acquired shortly after its first year of operation. 364 Andreas Syggros Av., SNFCC

Soil * Chef’s Tasos Mantis private garden at Alepochori village is the key element of the restaurant’s earthy philosophy. Herbs and vegetables and an array of exceptional Greek produce compose exquisite tastes of creative and sustainable Greek cuisine, reaffirming the “farm to table” concept. 5 Pherekydou Str., Pagkrati, +30210 7513505

The Zillers * With an overwhelming view to the Acropolis the Zillers Roof Garden on the top floor of the Zillers Boutique Hotel stirs feelings of wonder and awe. Chef Pavlos Kyriakis, passionate and inventive, creates divine dishes with the comforting warm flair of the Mediterranean. 54 Mitropoleos Str., Athens, +302103222277

Greek Traditional

Botrini’s * Minimal aesthetics in a beautiful old house with a cozy yet elegant garden and an excellent menu by renowned chef Ectoras Botrini.

24B Vasileos Georgiou B' Str., Halandri, +302106857323-4

Hytra * One of the most celebrated restaurants of the city and privileged with an astonishing view of Athens from the 6th floor of the Onassis Cultural Center, especially when night falls. Highly talented chef Yiorgos Felemengas creates a culinary experience of signature dishes, prepared to a consistently high standard with the distinct flavors of Greek cuisine most imaginative. 107-109 Syggrou Av., Athens, +302177071118

CTC * Talented chef Alexandros Tsiotinis sings the praises of Greece’s gastronomic history in a way most intriguing and originally unique. 15 Plateon Str., Athens, 2107228812

PELAGOS * A panorama of Luca Piscazzi’s creative mindset on fishoriented fine dining flawlessly executed with world celebrated French techniques. Four Seasons Astir Hotel, 40 Apollonos Str., Vouliagmeni, 2108901192

Varoulko Seaside * It is impossible to recommend any single dish at chef Lefteris Lazarou’s restaurant. Every ingredient is rich in quality, and every plate has been designed to showcase the incredible freshness and flavor of its seafood components. Upon the rooftop deck of Varoulko Seaside, the sizzling of fish and the clattering of silverware across white tablecloths add a uniquely sensory dimension to this pristine image. 54-56 Koumoundourou Coast, Piraeus, +302105228400

The Big Gourmand Award (in recognition of skillful cooking in reasonable prices) was awarded to Cerdo Negro 1985 (5 Vitonos Str., Gazi, +302103470628), Nolan (31-33 Vouli’s Str., Syntagma +302103243545) and Oikeio (15 Ploutarchou Str., Kolonaki, +302107259216) while in this year’s culinary orbit of distinctions enters Herve’s, with the bold, innovative, colorful, stimulating and progressive cuisine of Herve Pronzato, George Efthimopoulos and Grigoris Kikis, as well as the talk-of-the-town “new-age” taverna of Linou Soumpasis & Co in the heart of Psirri district (2 Melanthiou & Kalamida Str., +302103220300) . Merceri , also got its star, with chefs Melina Chomata and Maria Dioudi uplifting the simplest of dishes to rare gastronomic savoir-faire (21 Heraklidon Str., Thissio, +302103417511) . Last but not least, VERi TABLΕ of French chef and owner Alain Parodi that pays homage to the finesse of French cuisine and the alluring ambience of a French bistrot (8 Aggelou Sikelianou Str., Neo Psychiko, +302111829109)

Extra virgin olive oil, seasonal vegetables, greens and herbs, crispy pies and juicy roasts, fresh fish and seafood are some of the ingredients that have established the Greek cuisine as one of the best in the world. You will find it in tavernas and restaurants throughout the city. The best compliment a Greek traditional chef can hear: “This reminds me of the way my mother used to make this plate when I was little...

Acropolis Restaurant

At the foothills of the Acropolis and overlooking the Parthenon is the Acropolis Restaurant, which has been serving tourists and locals alike traditional Greek cuisine since 1980. Both the location and the menu are incredible, with options ranging from seafood to delicious pasta dishes.

ACROPOLIS: 2 Epaminonda Str., Athens, +302103215737

Avgo tou Kokora

Pinned on the Athenian map of gastronomy for almost two decades it has rightfully claimed the hearts of authentic taste aficionados, many of whom represent the city’s artistically inspired crowd. Let your senses revel in what Greek traditional cuisine really tastes like. From 1:00 at noon till 1:00 after midnight. MEtAxOuRgEIO: 25 Myllerou Str., Metaxourgeio, +302177050103

Chrysa Chrysa

Run by the beloved chef Chrysa, this restaurant can be found in one of the quietest and most picturesque streets of Petralona. It boasts unforgettable fish and meat dishes, wonderful appetisers and desserts – as well as a wine cellar with revered Greek labels. 40 Aeoleon Str., Petralona, +302130356879

Dexameni

One of the most historical “kafeneia” of Athens, open from 10:00 till very late, for coffee, meze, Cretan raki and delicious home-made halva with ice-cream. EvAngELISMOS: Dexamenis Square, Kolonaki, +302107214368

Delicious appetizers and meat dishes for foodies in Koukaki

In the hustle and bustle of the ever lively square of Koukaki, a treasure trove of meze platters and excellent meat cuts awaits. Though infused with the rich flavor palette of Greek traditional cuisine, Kountouriotiko is not your typical, run-of-the-mill Greek tavern, rather an unconventional gourmet nook to return to, again and again. For starters, try the «tomatokeftedes» (fried tomato balls with herbs) and eggplant patties with bacon and cheese, accompanied with fresh and vividly colored salad of mixed vegetables and grilled manouri cheese or the famous greek salad with feta cheese. A fascinating listing of roasters and unconventionally traditional souvlaki versions (with pita, tortilla, or Cypriot pita), dominate the menu making it really hard to pick just one –make sure though you order the greek gyros– the best in town. The beef burgers stuffed with feta cheese are mouthwatering, but if you’re really hungry, a wrapped “giga”, or a Cypriot “pantofla” (also XL size), will surely satisfy your appetite. Everything is perfect at Kountouriotiko, the laidback atmosphere, the reinvented meze dishes prepared with top quality seasonal ingredients, the generous portions. Surely, if you feel like sharing or you waver on what to order, check the small or large meat variety platters, the freshly cut fries and the homemade dressings. During summer, the tables outside abuzz with peckish visitors and regulars alike who enjoy fine food while watching people walking by. Take away service also available. Open daily 12:00-02:00

Souvlaki, Gyro, Kebab, Oh My!

By IsaBelle Clayton

The Greek meat-lover’s trifecta! But are these meals truly different from one another? Foreign travelers may be surprised to hear that there are many factors, such as cooking process and type of meat, that set them apart. It is possible for you to like Kebab, but not Souvlaki; Souvlaki, but not Gyro. For this reason, we present to you a run down on these three meat dishes, both to satisfy your carnivorous cravings, and to open up a whole new world for you within Athenian cuisine.

Souvlaki A popular and inexpensive street food in Athens, Souvlaki denotes grilled chunks of meat on a skewer. Traditionally, is made with pork, however, it is becoming more and more common to find chicken or lamb Souvlaki. Souvlaki can also connote a type of sandwich, with skewered meat, tomatoes, onions, french fries, and sauce wrapped tightly within pita.

Kebab Although traditionally a Turkish dish, ordering a Kebab in Athens will not get you the doner kebab you might be expecting. In Athens, Kebabs are made by forming spicy minced meat, usually lamb, but also chicken, pork, or beef, around a skewer, and grilling it. Kebabs are usually served with pita and a type of yogurt-based dipping sauce.

Gyro The meat used for Gyros, usually pork, is cut into thin pieces and layered around a large, vertical skewer. It is cooked incrementally as the skewer turns around a source of heat. When you order a Gyro, an assortment of crispy and juicy meat is cut from the outer edges of the large skewered mass, and placed within pita along with salad, tomatoes, tzatziki, and sometimes, french fries.

Economou

Traditional tavern in a former working class neihbourhoud which is now a hip area crowded by young artists. Excellent house wine and high quality Greek cuisine. Closed Sun.

41 Petralona Troon & Kidantidon Str., +302103467555

Filippou

This historic restaurant will serve you “mama’s” food in very good prices. Closed Sat evening and Sun (also 8-23/8). EvangEliSmoS:

19 Xenokratous Str., Kolonaki, +302107216390

O Kalos Lykos

The «big bad wolf» came to life in 2015 in a wonderful street corner of Psyrri, only this time as the «good fellow» with a vibrant, happy and relaxing disposition. Enjoy awesome appetizers before reaching for the most inspiring dishes of fresh pork pan-fry, juicy steaks, crispy cheese croquettes or irresistibly spicy meatballs complemented with ice cold beers, raki or tsipouro. monaSTiRaKi: 2 orygou, 10 navarhou apostoli Str., Psyrri, +306974320286, Fb: okalosolykos1

Klimataria

One of the oldest tavernas in Athens, a culinary landmark in the city center and in close distance to the central market place, Klimataria is hosted in a very old little house with an inner yard adorned with vast greenery and flowers and a lovely decoration. You’ll enjoy delicious greek traditional flavours, while the long menu includes all the classic and home-cooked style recipes: a great variety of fresh salads, soups, pies, legumes, lamb fricassee and its “signature” dish, pot-roasted lamb with potatoes. Pretty much a local's restaurant with a wonderful, homey ambiance, some evenings accompanied by the live tunes of Greek bouzouki. Good price list, friendly service. 2 Theatrou Square, +302103216629

Katsourbos

Katsourbos is an Athenian favourite for authentic Cretan cuisine. Discover a variety of dishes like lamb and snails in a very central location.

2 amynta, Scouts Square, Pagrati, +302107222167

Kountouriotiko

Kountouriotiko is one of the few grillhouses that is unanimously rated by locals and visitors alike. With highquality meat and raw materials, their souvlaki is tough to beat – and there are many varieties available as well (including vegan options!). Located in the colourful square of Koukaki, the restaurant also offers delivery and take-away. 3 Kountouriotou Square & 11 Europa Square, Koukaki, +302109229944

Kyveli

Keeping its retro “profile” that blends perfectly with the all so retro neighborhood, Kyvelli is popular among the locals. Happy interior adorned with old photographs and advertising posters of past decades. The menu, a refreshing culinary experience, includes salads, appetizers and delicious “meze”. Monday closed. 15 Eptanisou Str., Kypseli, +302108219406

Nostimies tis Mairys

A welcoming space right in the bustling square of Kypseli, Nostimies tis Mairys is a dependable place to relax and enjoy quality Greek food with good prices. 2-4 Hydras Str., agios georgios Square, +30210821313136

To Giavri

Located in the picturesque neighbourhood of Petralona next to “Electrikos” train station, To Giavri is one of the most beloved taverns in Athens, with classic dishes made from excellent local ingredients. Open from the morning till late, it has a great selection of coffee brews as well as fine wines, ouzo and tsipouro.

170 Thessalonikis Str., Petralona, +302155004343

To Kaplani

Owner Manolis Romanakis and chef Dimitris Skafidas design dishes that reveal centuries of Cretan culinary heritage, using top quality raw materials directly from the island! Try horta tsigariasta (wild greens cooked in olive oil) with fresh tomatoes, onions