Where Athens Locals Love to Eat, According to a Michelin-Starred Greek Chef
Plus must-visit Athens restaurants for first-time travelers
The Relisher is the place where the world’s top chefs reveal their favorite spots in their home cities. This week, we met with acclaimed Greek Chef Alex Tsiotinis of Michelin-starred CTC restaurant in Athens.
Chef Alex, inspired by his passion for French and Greek cuisines, honed his skills in France's most prestigious kitchens, including those of culinary giants Alain Passard and Hélène Darroze. Today, Chef Alex is one of the leading culinary figures in Athens, having pioneered a fusion of Greek gastronomy with French techniques.
Below, he shares his cherished places in Athens as well as must-try Greek food delicacies that go beyond the conventional. (Note: A Google Map with all locations listed is provided at the end of the interview.)
Athens is a major up-and-coming food scene. Greek chefs, having worked in global culinary capitals like Copenhagen and Paris, are returning with advanced techniques and experience. They combine this knowledge with Greece's incredible produce, creating a unique cuisine you can't find elsewhere. In my opinion, Athens also offers the best value for money among European cities.
Favorite Restaurants in Athens
The best taverna that I always recommend to international chefs visiting Athens is called Seychelles. It’s a collaboration of three local Greek chefs whose focus is creating a beautiful expression of what Greek food should taste like.
Beyond the incredibly delicious traditional Greek cuisine, what makes them stand out is that they truly source the best products from Greece. For example, you can sample a variety of cured fish, such as smoked swordfish and tuna from Kalymnos Island, along with exceptional traditional cheeses and Greek beers from across the country.