Athens’ Top 20 Michelin-Awarded Restaurants

Athens is home to hundreds of great restaurants and if you are planning a trip to the Greek capital and looking for a few culinary gems that are leading the way in haute cuisine, we’ve put together a list of the Top 20 gourmet restaurants in Athens that have received Michelin distinction in various categories. 

Athens culinary scene is thriving and there are now two restaurants in Athens with 2 Michelin stars, three restaurants with 1 Michelin star, another three gained a Bib Gourmand and 12 have received a Plate Michelin. No matter how long you’re in Athens, where you’re staying, or what you may be craving for your next meal- they are all well worth a visit- and we highly recommend you bookmark this list!

Spondi | 2 Michelin Star 

Being named Greece’s leading French restaurant, since it first opened in 1996 it has stood out for its innovative and creative approach to cooking and magnificent food presentation. Featuring two lovely courtyards and two stunning dining rooms, the award-winning chefs create dishes using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients; and there’s also an impressive Greek, French and Italian wine list to choose from. Signature dishes: Langoustine with Eucalyptus, Tapioca and Radish, Challans duck with Carrot, Pine and Praline and for dessert- Coffee with Lemon Thyme and Hazelnut.

A: 5 Pyrronos, Pangrati

Botrini’s | 1 Michelin Star 

Botrini’s is a modern, creative, Greek-Mediterranean restaurant that’s elegant, stylish, and features a large garden with large white rotundas. Since it opened in 2014, the restaurant has received a Michelin Star seven times for its ambitious menu, professionalism, and ultra-creative high-end flavours. Signature dishes: Swordfish Carpaccio ‘Fishermen Style’, Milk-fed Lamb with Aubergine and Fig Pie; and for dessert try the Peach with Champagne and White Chocolate.

A: Vas. Georgiou B, 24 b, Halandri

Hytra | 1 Michelin Star 

Modern Mediterranean Hytra, is located in the Onassis Cultural Centre. In 2020, the restaurant received another second Michelin star and take note that it is normally located on the sixth floor but during the warmer month it moves to the scenic seventh-floor rooftop- offering diners majestic views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus. Signature dishes: Tomato, Watermelon, Strawberry and Sweet Alyssum, Cod with Ramson Capers, Kombu and Juniper and for dessert- Lemon with Basil, Vanilla Biscuit and Olive Oil Ice Cream.

A: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 107-109, Athina

Varoulko Seaside | 1 Michelin Star 

This leading seafood restaurant located in Piraeus is a fine dining experience, where guests can taste quality seafood cuisine prepared by the famous chef Lefteris Lazarou while enjoying the picturesque views of the Mikrolimano Marina. Signature dishes: Red Mullet Tartare with Florina Pepper, Raisins and Bottarga Powder, Grouper with Beets, Broccolini, Black Garlic and Béarnaise Sauce; and for dessert- Cherry Ganache with Pistachio Mousse, Hibiscus and Kaimaki Sorbet.

A: Akti Koumoundourou 54, Piraeus

Cookoovaya | Plate Michelin 

This Micheli recommended restaurant features an open plan kitchen and a beautiful modern dining room. Cookoovaya’s five local chefs- Periklis Koskinas, Manos Zournatzis, Vaggelis Liakos, Spyros Liakos, Nikos Karathanos use the freshest seasonal and local ingredients to create stand out dishes without losing authentic Greek tastes and flavours.

A: Chatzigianni Mexi 2a, Athina

GB Roof Garden | Plate Michelin 

Located at one of the city’s most prestigious, elegant and imposing hotels, the Grande Bretagne. GB’s pronounced Mediterranean influences are presented in haute cuisine compilations. Flavours are fresh, rich and true to their quality ingredients. Don’t expect experimental or highly gourmet gastronomy, although creativity and finesse are definitely not lacking.

A: Vasileos Georgiou 1 A, Syntagma (8TH Floor)

Electra Rooftop | Plate Michelin 

On the 10th floor of the popular Electra Metropolis Hotel, you’ll find one of the very best rooftop terraces in Athens, which is usually buzzing with both local and foreign guests tasting Mediterranean flavours.

A: Mitropoleos 15, Athina

Insights Greece - Athens' Top 20 Michelin-Awarded Restaurants

2 Mazi | Plate Michelin 

This creative Greek cuisine restaurant is located on the outskirts of Plaka. Featuring a  charming alfresco area, the contemporary Greek cuisine dishes are made from seasonal and local produce. There is also a good selection of local wines by the glass.

A: 48 Nikis Street, Athens

Insights Greece - Athens' Top 20 Michelin-Awarded Restaurants

Sushimou | Plate Michelin 

Chef-owner Antonis Drakoularakos, trained in Tokyo to master Japanese cuisine and this amazing eatery offers the finest of what’s available at the fish market that day. It’s a tiny 12-seater eatery and although there is a menu, Antonis prefers his diners allow him to choose, according to their preferences.

A: 6 Skoufou, Athens

Alficon | Plate Michelin

Located within a charming neoclassical building on Ironda Street, two young and talented chefs Elvi-Dimitris Zymba and Nikos Vorias create a short seasonal menu featuring contemporary Greek dishes that are served on a pretty pavement terrace. Note, there’s also a good organic Greek wines list to choose from.

A: 8 Ironda, Athens

Birdman | Plate Michelin

This cool Japanese eatery serves great noodles, meat plates, beef nigiri and other enticing snacks that are paired well with their lush cocktails.

A: 35 Voulis, Athens

Ergon House | Plate Michelin

Located at the world’s first-ever “foodie hotel”, Ergon House is not only a wonderful agora filled with local artisan produce but also a great place to taste simple, Mediterranean dishes using local, seasonal produce. The enticing menu includes small bites, sharing boards and generous main dishes.

A: 23 Mitropoleos, Athens

Sense Restaurant | Plate Michelin

Located on the splendid rooftop of Athens Was Hotel, Sense offers majestic views from two beautiful dining areas (indoor and outdoor). With an open kitchen, you can watch Chef Charalambopoulos prepare his creative and seasonal Greek dishes.

A: 5 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens

CTC | Plate Michelin

Taste eye-catching dishes from award-winning chef, Alexandros Tsiotinis, and his talented team who like to push the boundaries. Choose between three surprise tasting menus with a modern blend of Greek and Gallic flavours.

A: 14 Oumplianis, Athens

Vezene | Plate Michelin

This popular steakhouse is a contemporary eatery that serves wood-fired Greek regional plates and seafood, plus a Sunday roast menu. One of the most popular items on the menu is the mouthwatering mini Wagyu Burger (try to stop at one!) 

A: Vrasida 11, Athens

Oikeio | Bib Gourmand 

Located in Athens’ chic Kolonaki neighbourhood, you can choose to eat indoors (on two levels) or outside. Serving amazing homestyle dishes made using locally sourced produce, this modern Greek taverna is like a cosy Parisian bistro in the heart of Athens.

A: Ploutarchou 15, Athina

Insights Greece - Athens' Top 20 Michelin-Awarded Restaurants

Aneton | Plate Michelin

In 2005 Dimitris Fotopoulos first opened Aneton’s doors in a quiet northern suburb of Athens and after huge success, 15 years later, moved to the Historic Centre of Athens becoming a local and international visitors favourite. Expect a seasonal menu that is Mediterranean- inspired in summer, and in winter features traditional stews and casseroles.

A: 3 Navarchou Nikodimou, Athens

Nolan | Bib Gourmand 

Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas is the brainchild behind an unfussy yet sophisticated list of dishes that Michelin has awarded with the Bib Gourmand. The ambience at Nolan is modern, upbeat and vibrant, the flavours are memorable and sometimes very exciting, and the service is fast and professional.

A: Nikis 31-33, Syntagma

7 Food Sins | Bib Gourmand 

A gourmet Greek Gastro Pub in the heart of Plaka, the most historic Athenian district! Gourmet dishes created by awarded chef Dimos Samourakis. 7 Food Sins offers a distinguished atmosphere and exquisite Greek dishes.

A: Plateia Filomousou Etaireias 1, Athina 

Funky Gourmet | 2 Michelin Star 

Having been labelled the best restaurant in Greece on many occasions, Funky Gourmet is a contemporary Greek restaurant that is loved for its innovative dishes delivered as 3 multi-course tasting menus, which change regularly, depending on available seasonal ingredients. Currently relocating (rumoured to be at Athens Hilton Hotel) local and international visitors are eager for the re-opening (watch this space).

A: TBC

Culinary Journeys at Botrini’s Restaurant

As soon as you arrive at Botrini’s you feel you’ve reached somewhere special and your expectations are fanned.

The very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff make you feel at home, although there is always a sense of being somewhere very elegant where you can’t completely let your guard down. With seven Michelin stars and a multitude of awards under his belt, restaurateur/ TV celebrity, and poet Ettore Botrini has created three tasting menus that each tells a story. Each story connects flavours, textures, philosophical concepts, cooking traditions, nostalgic memories, creative ideas, and even a fortune teller’s advice with often playful, beautifully presented dishes. It is a sort of theater of the palate and a wonderful place to visit with someone whom you can enjoy the journey with. After at least four ‘welcoming’ amuse bouche dishes come several entrees, the main course, a sorbet, and finally a light, refreshing dessert. Advice: Eat a light lunch on the day you visit!

Insights Greece - Culinary Journeys at Botrini’s Restaurant

Type of cuisine: Modern, Creative, Greek-Mediterranean

Type of eatery: Elegant, stylish, modern, with a large garden and large white rotundas.

The low down… Since it opened in 2014, the restaurant has received a Michelin Star seven times for its ambitious menu, professionalism, and ultra-creative high-end flavours.

Décor/ Ambience: Modern and designer, with strong elements of glass (like the façade of the kitchen, which one can see through upon entering the building) and wood. The garden area is spacious but hush-hush posh.

Entrees: We loved ‘Herring, A Journey Through Time’ the service of which starts with a smoked golden herring brought to the table as décor and ends with a glass of white mousse-like cream you dip through with an extra-long spoon to discover the herring and other ingredients from the bottom up. The Cheese Pie puff with cheese, sesame, and thyme honey was also a delight.

Insights Greece - Culinary Journeys at Botrini’s Restaurant

Mains: If you want to relish an explosion of citrus (Corfiot neratzosalata or bitter orange salad) artfully combined with Swordfish Carpaccio prepared in fishermen style from the Elba island. Also delicious was the Pasta Benedetto Cavalieri cooked like a risotto, in lemon water with sea urchin. Unfortunately, as a sea urchin fan, I couldn’t taste much of it, but the pasta was gratifyingly cooked to perfection as one would hope from a half-Italian chef, and with a zingy lemon punch.

Something to drink: Every dish in each elaborate menu is paired by the restaurant with a Greek or Italian wine chosen by the restaurant’s Sommelier.

Price range: There are three tasting menus created by Botrini, My Origins (70 € a head), Travelling (120 € a head) and Ploes (90 € a head).

FYI: Botrini also has an award-winning restaurant in his native Corfu.

Location: Vas. Georgiou B, 24 b, Halandri.

Opening hours/days: Tuesday- Saturday 20:00 – 24:00.