While the most well-known dishes of Greece may be found at simple and traditional tavernas, the country’s fare – one of the most famous cuisines in the world – is a lot more than that today. Greek food today is souvlaki, but also yakiniku; it’s grilled seafood, but also raw seafood; it’s moussaka, but sometimes it’s deconstructed. The big cities and most popular tourist destinations boast a plethora of options for fine dining and kitchens run by award-winning chefs, many of whom have returned from studies and training abroad. Some even boast Michelin stars.
Last week, this year’s Michelin stars awarded to Greek restaurants were announced, and there’s been a few changes. Here’s what star crawlers – that’s foodies with ambitious dining bucket lists – need to know:
The new Delta Restaurant, located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, will likely be the most hard-ticket restaurant this year. It was awarded with two stars, as well as a green star, which is given to restaurants who excel at sustainability. Having opened less than a year and a half ago, it serves a creative 12-course menu by chefs Thanos Feskos and Giorgos Papazacharias described as intense and bold.
View this post on Instagram
Another newcomer, Soil, with chef Tasos Mandis sourcing most of the restaurant’s ingredients from his organic gardens in Alepochori, was also awarded a green star along with its first Michelin star, while Botrini’s, Hytra, Varoulko Seaside, CTC, and Pelagos at the Four Seasons Astir Palace were all, as last year, awarded one Michelin star. Spondi, which was previously Athens’ only restaurant awarded with two stars, also keeps one of them this year.
Besides the stars, the Bib Gourmand label (given by the guide to highlight good value for money) was once again awarded to Nolan, Oikeio and Cerdo Negro 1985. The guide is also still recommending the classics Athénée, GB Roof Garden, Okio, Aleria, Aneton, Alficon, Cookoovaya, Vezene, Sense, Annie Fine Cooking and Le Pavillon, as were Herve, Linou Soubassis & Sia., Veri Table, and Merceri.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, tourism officials are working to enhance the country’s image as a gastronomy destination. The announcement about this year’s stars came just days after the news from the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) of their deal with the Michelin Guide for bringing more of their reviewers to Athens. The cooperation will involve featuring more of the city’s restaurants in the gastronomy guide’s website and social media.
