Okay, so friends. Last week we went to Athens, where I visited earlier this year and was amazed to find the ancient and the modern side-by-side, everywhere I looked.
Now I want to hear about your own recommendations for Athens and the entire country of Greece. Ever been to the island of Kea, where my friend Aglaia Kremezi has an incredible cooking school? Or Naxos, an island in the Cyclades that has such beautiful agricultural products that it’s nearly self-sufficient? The entire country is a feast…and I want to know where you love to go!
Before we get there, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite recommendations from the community. These are places I’ve never been to, but now I feel like I need to visit!
Restaurant Olo, Helsinki, Finland: “Their tasting menu was inventive and delicious, and the experience at the chef’s counter was really special. A favorite dish was the cod with spring potatoes, fennel and dill. Their bread was also outstanding, as was the cocktail program.” Ramonna Robinson'
Babettes Bakery, Longmont, Colorado: ”I found myself in Colorado being from New Jersey, moving away again and missing a bakery that made some of the best bread I’ve ever had in my life; that place is Babette’s in Longmont, Colorado. Specifically their Gros de Sel sourdough. It’s covered in olive oil, herbs and sea salt, and when you cut into it the crust holds a light green ring of olive oil akin to a smoke ring on good BBQ.” Lauren Maul
Chalana, Paracas, Peru: ”The most surprising restaurant we visited in Peru was Chalana in Paracas. Its a small place at the end of a pier with only a few items on the menu, but the causas and tiraditos we're out of this world. When paired with a pisco sour or chilcano, it made for a perfect vacation lunch. I love small restaurants like Chalana that perfect a unique dish.” Aaron Martin
There’s more, of course, on our shared map, which now has over 125 recommendations on it. Let’s keep it going! Oh, and don’t forget…if you want access to my recommendations plus our community’s recs for where else to visit in the world (and our interactive map!), you can sign up for a paid subscription here.
I just returned from Athens, Naxos and Santorini last month. Naxos was beyond amazing. Avaton 1739 was a fabulous rooftop restaurant with amazing Sunset views. And we really enjoyed Saint Anna winery on Naxos. They made a beautiful, small charcuterie plate, and I think they were the best tomatoes I have ever had. To Elliniko was also a wonderful restaurant with delicious grilled sea bream. And I got hooked on Retsina white wine!!
I was in Greece in July and I agree with Marin, Avaton 1739 is like a hidden treasure on Naxos. The food was delicious and the rooftop views were wonderful.
In Athens, my wife and I splurged at Delta (Michelin 2 star, green star). The view of the water with the elegance of the hanging trees inside made for a great backdrop for the truly artistic dishes presented to us. It was only made better by costing half of what a 2 star meal in DC costs.
For fish, you can’t go wrong with Psarochori. We went twice and had a whole fish salt crusted the first time and then grilled on our second visit. Both were delicious.
If you like lamb, try Pappayanis. We went 3 times and while their menu is huge, they only seemed to have a handful of items available. Luckily, they had lamb chops each time. Historically, I’m not a fan of lamb but I couldn’t get enough of theirs! My wife, who loves lamb, also agreed they were some of the best she’s had and it was very affordable.
I went to Athen in 2019 and loved it. All but one meal we had was wonderful but sadly I don't recall the name of any of the restaurants. However, I have a question if anyone knows the answer: So I am not a fan of Greek yogurt -- that is until I went to Greece. What are companies doing, or not doing, that makes Greek yogurt here in the US inedible and does anyone know where I can get real Greek yogurt in the US?
I just returned from Athens, Naxos and Santorini last month. Naxos was beyond amazing. Avaton 1739 was a fabulous rooftop restaurant with amazing Sunset views. And we really enjoyed Saint Anna winery on Naxos. They made a beautiful, small charcuterie plate, and I think they were the best tomatoes I have ever had. To Elliniko was also a wonderful restaurant with delicious grilled sea bream. And I got hooked on Retsina white wine!!
Loved To Ellinko in Naxos too in April 2023.
I was in Greece in July and I agree with Marin, Avaton 1739 is like a hidden treasure on Naxos. The food was delicious and the rooftop views were wonderful.
In Athens, my wife and I splurged at Delta (Michelin 2 star, green star). The view of the water with the elegance of the hanging trees inside made for a great backdrop for the truly artistic dishes presented to us. It was only made better by costing half of what a 2 star meal in DC costs.
For fish, you can’t go wrong with Psarochori. We went twice and had a whole fish salt crusted the first time and then grilled on our second visit. Both were delicious.
If you like lamb, try Pappayanis. We went 3 times and while their menu is huge, they only seemed to have a handful of items available. Luckily, they had lamb chops each time. Historically, I’m not a fan of lamb but I couldn’t get enough of theirs! My wife, who loves lamb, also agreed they were some of the best she’s had and it was very affordable.
I was in Athens in 2022 and had THREE fabulous meals at Thespis, which is near the Acropolis.
Pelopponese and the Saronic islands:
https://open.substack.com/pub/marcoandsabrina/p/ermioni-peloponnese-greece-2018?r=10ijux&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I like Christiane seafood restaurant in Ampelas, Paros looking out over the sea to Naxos.
In Heraklion, Crete try Peskesi. Try the yummy savory herb filled pies and it was other fresh tasting items.
In Chania, Crete try the restaurant at the Botanical Gardens. Nice view of the hilly farm/gardens.
I went to Athen in 2019 and loved it. All but one meal we had was wonderful but sadly I don't recall the name of any of the restaurants. However, I have a question if anyone knows the answer: So I am not a fan of Greek yogurt -- that is until I went to Greece. What are companies doing, or not doing, that makes Greek yogurt here in the US inedible and does anyone know where I can get real Greek yogurt in the US?