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Unravel Hidden Wonders Dotted Around Athens...Every Corner tells A Story!!

 

Getting lost in any city is an adventure, almost the perfect way to discover the

true rhythms and songs she sings. Take a minute to fine tune your senses

and you too will soon be part of the chorus.

 

Athens is a city that definitely sings her own song and isn’t afraid to show it

even from the top of Lycabettus Hill….She will cast a spell over you and one

that you will never forget.

 

Unravel hidden wonders, decode past civilizations and allow your senses to

be nurtured by a city that will captivate your imagination.

 

Maybe not obvious at first glance but Athens once held the accolade of “Little

Paris” of Southern Europe. Neo-classic houses dotted beneath the Acropolis,

opulent hotels welcoming affluent guests through its doors, a river gently

flowing with majestic bridges offering an oasis of peace as midnight lovers

strolled beneath the glow of the moon.

 

Horse and carriages were the dominant sound of the streets as they gallantly

strode with passengers eager to unravel the heartbeat of the city. Quaint little

squares acting as focal points each with their own character and charming

vibe.

 

A colourful lullaby of life thriving and beaming under the proud and watchful

eye of the city’s true emblem…..The Marble Wonder of The World.

 

Step in to today’s Athens and these hidden havens might not take centre

stage yet look closely and you will be enthralled by her present exuberance

one just needs to find the key to unlock her decadent past.

 

 ‘Little Paris’ can still be re-lived today, but this time with a modern twist, stroll

through the picturesque neighbourhoods of Plaka and Thessio and re-live her

‘golden era’ visit Apostolou Pavlou Street and enjoy that horse and carriage

ride…..get lost in the city’s veins and stumble across hidden treasures and

taste that Athenian flare!

 

Be spellbound by her Parthenon ‘replicas’ standing tall along the streets and

delve into her many side streets unraveling her secret beauty.

Though many beats of Athens will lure you into a beautiful dream, such as her

sublime cuisine, pristine turquoise waters and electric nightlife the grandest

one of all will leave you breathless….and not wanting to wake up….the

exquisite palatial side of Athens but hush the Greek Gods are sleeping.

 

Take a stroll in Athens....make Kifissia part of your 'To Do List' when in Athens by strolling it's charming streets! This was Easter Day 2014 thus the streets were very quiet as many of the Athenians were away at their holiday homes.

 

Romance is no Greek Myth – Let’s get amorous in Athens and relish those tasty flavours

Valentine’s Day still holds a spell over the Athenians and many fine dining establishments and hotels are booking up quickly as the arrow of St. Valentine spreads it poison over young, old and new lovers alike. So grab your lover and head to one of the many restaurants that will be offering its guests a romantic meal for two…..cupid not invited.

Below are a handful of the most desirable and romantic restaurants dotted around Athens whose cuisine will certainly leave you wanting more than just your lover’s attention. So savor those magical moments with your loved one and share your passion for great food and great love.

Specials coming up!!

 

Albion  

Romantic and sophisticated little haven in the district of Psychiko serves up some tasty cuisine in a non-pretentious lively environment. Gourmet meat dishes to delicious pizza will leave your taste buds tantalized and content.  The art décor is also somewhat of a spectacle. [Outdoor seating in summer]

                       

Albion - Photo credit: Albion Restaurant

 

New Dash

Kifissia has never been short of delicious restaurants and trendy bars but New Dash puts the r into romantic. Smart, cozy and elegant with tasty European flavours….one taste suits all! [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Yellow

Another winner in the district of Kifissia is this authentic and well managed little gem offering a natural fire place and comfortable seating. But it’s the food that continues to make this place a full house nearly every night with the locals. [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Il Salumaio d’Atene

Live, breathe and dream Italian food? Then this is your Valentines dinner spot. With gastronomic delights ranging from exquisite poultry and meat dishes to a simple yet tasty pizza. This intimate little gem in Kifissia is great way to say I love you! [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Vezene

Located close to the heart of Athens in the Hilton District why not warm your lovers heart with some delicious Wagyu beef and red wine. With an exceptional view of the Hilton Hotel your eyes will be vying for both your meal and that view! TIP: The truffle fries are a little slice of heaven! [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Vezene – Photo Credit: Vezene Restaurant

 

Tudor Hall Restaurant in the King George Hotel

Spoil your loved one with this rare and unique dining experience in one of Athens’ most iconic hotels. Boasting ‘The View’ over the city relish in the glamorous decor and be spellbound not only by the stunning Acropolis but by the cuisine too!

Tudor Hall Restaurant – Photo Credit: King George Hotel

 

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant in The Hotel Grande Bretagne

Ladies & Gentleman take your seats in this sought after renowned Athenian restaurant. Serving up both A La Carte & Set Menus, a very special fine dining experience is on the menu at the GB Hotel. Sample the menu and be enthralled by the breathtaking view of the Parthenon sitting proudly on her rock. Expect to pay top dollar but expect exquisite service too. [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Art Lounge in the New Hotel

Delectable dining in a cozy, romantic and relaxed setting. The ambience is very special and the cuisine a must when in Athens. Located on the 7^th floor of the hotel immerse yourself with a panoramic view of Athens and one of the tastiest menus [in my opinion] in Athens. The New Taste restaurant [ground floor] serves up a perfect brunch every Sunday! [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Funky Gourmet

Foodies have found their oasis in Athens. Holding the accolade of 2 Michelin Stars this little gem serves up exquisitely executed dishes with orgasmic flavours that burst with every mouthful. Invigorating and fresh produce make this restaurant one you should visit even if it’s not Valentine’s Day. Bon Appetite!

 

Malconis

Let’s get passionate like the Italians….Boasting prime location in the heart of Goddess Athena’s garden this restaurant is very popular with the locals of Kolonaki. Great cuisine, superb wine coupled with attentive service and a swanky atmosphere create the perfect elements to indulge in a sexy night out. TIP: There is a secret garden at the back of the restaurant. As its February it might be closed but enquire, one never knows. [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Malconis – Photo Credit: 10best.com

 

Mutfak

A taste of Istanbul in the city of Athens. Eastern delicacies take centre stage in this comfortable and highly popular restaurant. Organic flavours and scrumptious cuisine make this one of Athens best kept secrets. A real Turkish Delight!

 

Pecati

If ever there was a hidden gem in a city it’s Pecati. Family run restaurant located in Glyfada is the epitome of death by food as this Italianlittle bistro introduces you to a heavenly menu and a utopia for your palate. Don’t miss this place! Great service and food that will leave you with a sweet dream. [Outdoor seating in summer]

 

Please note: Some restaurants mentioned are located in the north and south of Athens. Don’t let this discourage you as Kifissia [north] and Glyfada [south] are only a 25 minute drive from downtown Athens. They can also be reached by train which will take approx. 30 minutes from Monastiraki Square station. Enjoy and Kali Orexi!

None of the above photos are the property of or belong to me. All have been sourced from the official restaurant website or from google.com.

One can still hear the singing Nymphs on the islet of Oinousses....Listen closely and you too will become hypnotised by their lullabies

Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu just to name a few are the 'usual suspects' when one thinks holidaying in the Greek Isles. But my favourite little rock in the Aegean Sea is a special place that remains undiscovered and definitely holds the accolade of 'little gem' of the Greek islands.

 Fassoli Beach….A secluded beach facing out on the Aegean Sea….

Better known as Oinousses, this island boasts some of the purest, cleanest and sacred waters surrounding its hidden coves and picturesque bays.   

Located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea Oinuousses is an idyllic little droplet of rocks with her own rhythm and not one to be missed.

Pristine turquoise waters gently massage its sandy beaches, locals basking as the sun rays beam down from above sun kissing their bodies enhancing that radiant glow and each beach and cove has its own name.

Picture perfect! A sailing boat blends beautifully into the bay

A place without the abundance of tourists vying for a spot on one the beaches or huge ferries entering her little harbor to offload the hordes of people wanting to immerse into her highly valued lagoons. One might say a hidden haven in the Nymphs undiscovered water oasis.

 The inherently Greek stylized houses painted in hues of blues, pinks and whites speckled over the island nestled between deep green cypress trees is a picture worth waiting for.

The Monastery is the Emblem of the island.....sitting proudly on the highest peak of the mountains acting as the focal point for all religious and non-religious people to visit her place of sanctuary and venture into her hidden secret garden. The nuns will welcome you as if you were part of the islands personal possessions. 

 The houses welcome visitors by day and guide them by night.

Oinoussian beaches in recent times, however, have become something of a sensation an island hopping 'fad' if you will, as people from the neighbouring island of Chios make the journey by boat to swim in her majestic waters. Often accompanied by bottle nose dolphins gliding in and out of the water acting as sea guards sent by Poseidon as you venture from one rock to the other.  

Ferries passing her at night have a view of what would appear to be a fairies playground as the little island shines brightly like a white jewel under the night stars and she can even be spotted from Chios’ main port of Chora.

Once on dry ground the island will take you back to a time warp, a time of authentic Greece and the true essence of Greek island life.  With such an array of beautiful beaches to be discovered it’s little wonder the island only has two restaurants and one bar.

Hire a small fishing boat for the day and sail around the tiny islet in search of secret bays and secluded sand spots with little or no interruption….. Organic living at its finest!

 

Discover her many hidden coves dotted around the island

If feeling adventurous grab your snorkel and dive deep into the crystal blue sea and seek out sea urchins……Lunch is served!  

Yet for all her magic and awe inspiring qualities she still remains The Aegean Sea's best kept secret and this is a secret the locals must surely keep close to their hearts but if one listens closely you can still hear the singing Nymphs sweet songs as you pass her intriguing shores.

But shhhhhhh!

The Nymphs are a Greek legend after all….

 

 

 

 

Table Salt brings you gastronomy thrills with an Athenian flare. Whether it's traditional Greek, sushi or sweet and spicy, Table Salt puts you in the know of the 'hidden gem' eateries in town. Our ethos is to 'live like a local if only for two days' and indulge in the authentic flavours of Athens city living. Let's eat....OPa!

A Taste of Athens – Discover her Hidden Flavours

‘Get in, get out‘  has long been a tourists ethos on Athens. Climb the Acropolis, take pictures, climb down revive on souvlaki, take a bus tour and then jump on that ferry. Mykonos here we come!

 Tzitzikas Kai O Mermingas in the neighbourhood of Kifissia

Fair enough, Mykonos is an amazing destination that boasts sun, sea, beaches, clubs, bars, fine dining, restaurants; the full caboodle. But what if I said, hold on - Athens does too! Would you believe me? Would you be intrigued? “Maybe. But Paradise Beach is calling my name” was the reply I got from a tourist I recently met in central Athens.

So eager was she to get to Mykonos and out of the hustle and bustle of Athens it was clear that Mary would not be one of the many visitors to discover what I call the ‘hidden gems amongst the marble wonder of the world’. Let’s assume Mary had the extra day and took my advice; she would have discovered a city with more than just ancient history.

For many visitors Athens is defined by its old city quarters, flea markets, spice markets, ancient wonders and fabulous museums. Sounds like a pretty great menu… Almost spoilt for choice, but once the Plaka has been checked off the list then what? Well, I have discovered something about Athens too…..the ‘undiscovered’ side of her and by that I mean the local way of life that is not openly shared with tourists and visitors alike. While this city promotes her cultural delights and unique heritage I ponder on why they don’t do the same for her culinary delights, electric nightlife and superb coast line.

Not to say it’s a totally closed notion that people aren’t aware of the beaches and restaurants but it’s not a city known for its ‘modern flavours’. So let’s open that book and take people through it chapter by chapter. Chapter 1. ‘Off the Beaten Path’.

Athens is not widely known for its suave appeal; its high street shopping, fine dining restaurants or its eclectic night life. Even the beaches remain a dormant ideology. As a once regular visitor to Athens I had no idea how delectable the restaurant scene was or that Athens boasts the accolade of ‘Blue Flag’ beach cleanliness in all of Europe. Not to mention a hidden natural lake with a concoction of mineral healing properties in the water only 25 minutes from the city centre. How could all this exist and only Greeks know about it?? Has Goddess Athena cast a spell over the Athenians to keep this a secret?

Young, old, fussy, trendy, low-key; (even those not enthralled by history) most people would be captivated by the array of options in this city, if only they knew about them. And yet, the over powering theme is: see the Acropolis, eat in Monastiraki and again…. ‘Mykonos here we come!’.  I mean why party on the islands when you can party in Goddess Athena’s garden!     

Discover the 'Little Mykonos' of Athens - Low Bar in the neighbourhood of Nea Erythrea

Monastiraki in my opinion can be compared with Marmite: you either love the taste or it’s something you won’t be putting in your souvenir bag.

Plaka and Thessio just next door are the true essence of original Athens: cobbled streets nestled cozily in-between pretty quaint little neo-classic homes with the 100 year old palm tree acting as a focal point. Organic or what….I just love it. But why stay central. I adore central Athens and think of it as a little slice of heaven but then again why follow the hordes when you can follow the locals.

So without further ado, I present a short list of culinary ‘hidden gems’ to help you unravel the ‘local’ route. After all, shouldn’t we all be in the know as to why the Athenians keep it their best kept secrets?

 

Athens restaurant scene, but maybe not as you know it! Here are a few places that will certainly leave your tastebuds pleasantly surprised! You might not be familiar with these areas in Athens but they are definitely worth a visit, especially if you want something a little more “Athenian”.

 

Kifissia

A pretty, leafy suburb located in North Athens offers more than just a stroll down it’s charming streets. Don’t forget to take the horse and carriage ride…..

• Tzitzikas Kai O Mermingas – Modern Greek cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you obsessed with the ‘honey & cheese’ food combination.
• Il Salumaio d'Atene  – One of my favorites in Athens! Beautiful outdoor seating area with sublime dishes ranging from eggs benedict to homemade pizza!
• Πbox [pronounced P-BOX] – Pan Asian concoction of modern delights. Πbox is also located in the Periscope Hotel in Kolonaki.
• The Dalliance House – Neo-Classic style house with an elegant English pub feel serving delicious meat, seafood and salads.
• New Dash – For those who want to eat something yummy but are also prepared for the prices to eat their wallet.

 

Nea Erythraia

Cool, hip and trendy neighbourhood mostly known for its ‘Little Mykonos’ night vibe. Just behind the high street is a playground full of bars offering an array of nightly haunts. Low Bar is always a great starting point. Check it out!

• Ergon – Modern and sublime dishes masterfully created bringing you the very best of Greek cuisine with a twist. They also sell homemade produce such as jams, condiments, bon bons and much more. They have a sister restaurant in London, UK.
• Manaviko – Traditional Greek cuisine offering fresh ingredients. Think traditional Greek food but with more flare.
• Bar-Que – American style restaurant with an array of meat and fish dishes. The menu sometimes samples Pan Asian tidbits.
• Χρώματα Βυθού (Chromata Vythou) – Fish and seafood delights…..summer is the best time to visit; surrounded by the warm, tones of the pink bougainvillea’s dotted around the garden.

 

Psychiko

Hidden little gem of an area dominated by foreign embassies and some true culinary master pieces. A neigbourhood that needs exploring.

• The Albion – Think fairy’s playground lit up with warm lights snuggled with trees. The food is delectable and the outdoor bar a must for the ‘trendy’.
• Fish Co. Platters  – Fresh fish with organic ingredients
• Κρίθαμος [Krythamos] – Wonderful taverna serving delicious Greek produce that will leave you wanting more!!
• Xoxladaki [Chochladaki] - Delicious Seafood restaurant with scrumptious apperizers and a fantastic ouzo selection.....time to drink....Greek style! 

 

Hilton District

Conveniently located close to the Hilton Hotel and within close proximity of central Athens.

• Vezene – Local’s favorite - serving wagyu beef and a marvelous view of the Hilton Hotel.  Tip: The truffle fries are to die for!

 

Kolonaki

In the heart of the city is the chic neighbourhood of Kolonaki, not only does Kolonaki boast prime location but also an array of great restaurants and bars. Not a foodie? Perfect! You will be in a shopper’s paradise with boutique shops and high street brands galore! It’s easy to get lost here and why not? You’ll be doing it in style!

• Inbi – The best sushi in town! The ambience is warm and inviting and you will be sure to find the trendy Athenians here. The cocktails are also worth a try!
• Malconi’s – Italian food at its finest serving up fresh produce such as meats, fish and pizzas. Make sure you request a table in their secret garden at the back of the restaurant.
• Scala Vinoteca  – Tapas style bar in an attractive modern setting.
• Capanna – Pizza restaurant with colorful toppings and exciting flavours.

 

Glyfada

Los Angeles’ European replica, Glyfada is a buzzing neighbourhood with endless dining, shopping and entertainment options. From independent boutique shops to a concoction of dining madness. Something for everyone in Glyfada!  [Popular with British Expats]

• Mutfak – A taste of Istanbul in Athens! Delicious Turkish cuisine in a cozy modern atmosphere. Well worth the visit to Glyfada.
• Peccati di Gola – Italian dream! This is a must when in Athens!
• Molly’s Irish Pub – fun local pub that serves up some great grub!
• Food Mafia – American style restaurant proving to be very popular with the locals.

 

Vouliagmeni

Often compared to the South of France this beautiful neighbourhood not only boasts sublime restaurants and luxury hotels but the best beaches in town.

• Ithaki – fancy eating seafood overlooking the Saronic Gulf? Wedged between a mountain and Astir Beach diners get a real treat with both the beautiful view and yummy morsels on your plate both vying for your attention.
• Astir Beach – it might cost 15 EUR to enter but with service at a press of a button and sun lounges one can sink into it’s worth your time and money. Other beaches I suggest: Kavouri Beach, Yabanaki Beach, Varkiza Beach & South Coast. [All located  South Athens]. 
• Lake Vouliagmeni – Remember the natural lake I mentioned? Well prepare to be spellbound as you immerse yourself into the clean and pristine turquoise water of this hidden gem. Garra Rufa [Doctor Fish] will greet your feet as you enter the cool lake offering you a free pedicure and a sense of enlivenment. A must when in Athens! 

 Astir Beach in the neighbourhood of Vouliagmeni