Ahead of its time, when Nice N Easy opened in Kolonaki in 2008 it introduced a way of eating to the Greek public that was relatively unknown at the time: food that’s designed to be delicious as well as highly nutritious.
Vegetarians and vegans can find numerous options to suit their dietary needs, while meat-eaters can choose from dishes made with well-farmed meats. Since then, owners Eirini, Dimitris and Chris (the latter being the executive chef) have developed a loyal clientele by continuing to serve top quality farm-to-table, organic food made with ingredients sourced from small producers. Today, Nice N Easy can be found in Kolonaki as well as Kifissia and Mykonos.
Type of cuisine? Farm-to-table Mediterranean – North American – Fusion. Healthy comfort food with a sophisticated, contemporary style.
Type of eatery? An all-day restaurant with a well-curated menu that offers plenty of options for every taste. Stylish, modern, spacious and fun, both because of its décor and its friendly, professional service. You can dress up or dress down, there’s no pressure to look the part.
The low down… The Kolonaki restaurant has become one of my favourite hangouts, not only for its endless options of delicious and healthy dishes but also because of its buzzy, uplifting ambiance – which truly is nice n easy! – and chic but unpretentious crowd. Open-air in summer and enclosed by transparent curtains in the colder months, its outdoorsiness is pleasant, and not only for Covid-related reasons. It has become my ideal place to meet friends on a Friday night for a wonderful bottle of wine (the wine list includes many Greek and international labels of the highest quality) or cocktail and a large selection of tasty bites. It’s also great for a Sunday brunch, whether you’re craving creamy, oozy eggs benedict (here served both in the classic rendition and a Greek version) or super healthy Spa Omelet or avocado toast and juice-veggie smoothies.
Décor/ Ambience? Having spent many years working in the food industry and often catering for Hollywood in the US, co-owner Dimitris brought with him his love of the golden years of the world’s most stellar film industry. The restaurant’s menu and décor are thus themed on legendary film stars and their incandescent glamour. Eat under the gaze of Frank Sinatra and Marylin Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Entrees? If you’re here for wine and bites in the middle, go for the Laurence Olivier lollipop-style chicken wings, the Anne Baxter fried calamari on a tarama spread, the Marvin Gaye grilled meatballs with sweet potato hummus or the Diana Ross fresh tuna tartare with fresh and dried strawberries. Other good entrees are the Otis Redding buffalo burrata with pistachio pesto and the Power Bowl with quinoa, sweet potato, pomegranate, beluga lentils and avocado.
Mains? The mains include a vegan menu, pasta dishes, burgers and meat or fish-based dishes. Meat eaters should try the Clark Gable slow-cooked pata negra steak, Marlon Brando cheeseburger with caramelised onions, coleslaw and pickled cucumbers while vegans can choose the Cary Grant burger. For a twist of healthy Asian flavour don’t miss out on the Brigitte Bardot konjac root noodles, and for a hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish try the Sophia Loren with skioufihta traditional pasta, gruyere, wild mushrooms and truffle paste.
Something to drink? With a quality wine and cocktail menu, there are numerous choices to enjoy, and you can ask the restaurant’s sommelier for pairing advice too. If you want a cocktail that’s in your thirsty imagination rather than the menu, feel free to ask the barman to create it for you.
Desserts: When it comes to sweets, Nice N Easy likes to indulge its visitors with classic American and European specialties like Banoffee pie, Profiterole and Galaktoboureko. However, if you’d rather stick to your healthy eating plan, they produce a fantastic – lactose and sugar free – ice cream made by a specialist gelato artisan in Greece with olive oil and served in hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate and mango flavours.
Price range? Around 35 € per head for a three-course meal excluding drinks
Location? Omirou 60 & Skoufa, Kolonaki
Opening hours/days? Daily, 9:00 – 24:00