Athens’ New Michelin Star Awarded Restaurants for 2021

The MICHELIN Guide Athens 2021 has just been revealed, and two new restaurants in the Greek capital were awarded with one Michelin Star, while others received high distinction in various categories. 

“Hospitality is an intrinsic part of Greek culture and our recommended restaurants in Athens show that it is as warm and sincere as ever. Local ingredients and, even more so, local wines have come to the fore in recent years, and it is great for visitors to feel part of the local community. Athens has restaurants for all occasions and they truly reflect all that is best about this amazing city,” announced Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.

First new entry to the 2021 MICHELIN Guide with a One Star edition is Pelagos Restaurant, run by Head Chef Luca Piscazzi, who formerly led the team at Two Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic in London. “This stylish, understated restaurant is set within the Astir Palace Hotel, on the Vouliagmeni Peninsula, and boasts stunning sea views. Seafood-based cooking blends refined French techniques with prime Mediterranean ingredients and is characterised by creativity, sophistication and bold yet harmonious flavours,” says the MICHELIN Guide team.  


The other newly awarded One Star restaurant CTC was in fact added to the MICHELIN Guide five years ago and has recently moved to a new location. “Experienced chef-owner Alexandros Tsiotinis leads guests on an 11 course ‘Voyage’ which takes in Greece’s culinary history and blends bold flavours with subtle innovation and originality. His enthusiastic serving team also help to create a charming and truly memorable all-round experience,” they added. 

Retaining their Stars for yet another year are Spondi (Two Michelin Stars) and Botrini’sHytra and Varoulko Seaside; all One Michelin Star.

Two restaurants – Nolan and Oikeîo – retain their Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2021. Joining them is Cerdo Negro 1985, a new addition to the guide; this is a small taverna, run by brothers Konstantinos and Yiorgos who have combined their Greek heritage with a passion for Spanish cuisine.

Five Restaurants Added to the Main Section

– Aleria “sits within a carefully restored mid-19 Century former residence and the jewel in its crown is its lovely walled garden. Classic Greek ingredients are showcased in interesting, colourful combinations.” 
– At Le Pavillon, “the chef-owner welcomes every diner personally. Seafood-focused cooking respects classic techniques but flavours are more delicate than the typical bold Mediterranean style.” 
Okio “has a cool atmosphere and a laid-back vibe. Touches of originality are added to traditional Mediterranean recipes to create vibrant dishes with some bold Asian flavours.” 
– Splendid art deco Athénée “has been lovingly restored by a family team and is once again a place to be seen. It opens all day and serves something for everyone, from Greek classics to sushi and afternoon tea.” 
Annie Fine Cooking “is a homely, colourfully decorated neighbourhood restaurant which spills out into the tree-lined street. Cooking celebrates the country’s produce, with natural flavours and a distinct balance of sweet and sour shining through.”

The MICHELIN Guides are a series of guide books that have been published by the French tyre company Michelin since 1904. The Guide awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments.

Glyfada’s Stylish New Bistro Bar

Brunch by day, elegant bar by night, Nuera Athens stays up late mixing artisan cocktails in the glamorous seaside neighbourhood of Glyfada.

This sophisticated new place has a cool atmosphere and friendly staff to match. The idea behind the modern bistro was to create a relaxed yet polished atmosphere using vintage chic décor.

Architect and interior designer Zisis Papamichos has filled the open space with colourful patterned tiles that are mixed between wooden floorboards. The room also boasts a range of mirrors, alluring chandeliers, plush lounges, and soft velvet chairs; as well as green splashback tiles (featured on an arch behind the bar) and lush plants that create warmth. 

Brunch or lunch here pairs perfectly with a morning or afternoon shopping spree along Metaxa Street, which is lined with boutique after boutique.

Morning options include Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon; Avocado Toast with grilled bread, avocado, cherry tomatoes, home pickles, and flax seeds; or a healthy Breakfast Bowl of yogurt, oat, bio honey, walnuts, almonds, bio tahini, chia, fresh fruits, and bitter chocolate.

Choose from a selection of salads such as Mesclun Salad of grilled goat cheese, Parma’s ham, apple, pear, walnuts and raspberry vinegarette; or the Buffalo Burrata. Mains include Creamy Black Tagliatelle with salmon, pepperoncino, parmesan and rocket pesto; Beef Fillet Medallions with potato foam, mushrooms, asparagus and marsala wine, as well as Seabass with celery cream vegetables and sauce with citrus-zest olive oil.

The talented team in the kitchen have also created a delightful dessert menu with the standouts being the Lemon Crème Brulée of biscuits, meringues, red fruits, and lemon ice cream; and who can resist a good Pavlova made with fresh meringues, mascarpone cheese, strawberries, pistachios and raspberry ice cream?!

Given the cocktails are designed by The Clumsies award-winning mixologist Nikos Bakoulis, it comes as no surprise that Nuera’s drinks list is a main feature. Skilled bartenders mix cocktails that complement the Mediterranean flavours on the menu. We recommend you try the Olive Negroni made of Tanqueray Ten London dry gin, black olive, vermouth and cocoa bitter; or the Chios Sour with Skinos Mastiha, Elderflower, Basil and Salted Honey.

The bistro’s prime location means it fills up fast with locals from the southern suburbs, other Athenians who come here to shop, as well as international visitors- creating a pleasantly varied ambience.

Address: Kiprou 57, Glyfada

Opening Hours: 9 am to 2 am (Monday to Sunday)

Photos by George Fakaros and Nuera