Athens, known for its ancient history, cultural heritage, and modern Olympics, also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. This city offers a wide range of dining experiences, from traditional Greek flavors to modern gastronomy, blending ancient traditions with contemporary influences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic rooftop dinner, a Michelin-starred meal, or a cozy bistro, Athens has something for every palate. Here are four unique restaurants that highlight the essence of upscale dining in Athens.

For a Traditional Greek Feast: Cookovaya
Located in Athens’ historic Pangrati neighborhood, Cookoovaya is celebrated for its ‘wise cuisine’. Chef-Owner Periklis Koskinas focuses on simplicity and seasonal, local produce. The menu highlights traditional techniques to enhance natural flavors using Greece’s finest ingredients from both land and sea. Cookovaya is committed to sustainability, using every part of the ingredient from “nose-to-tail” and “root-to-stalk”. The lively atmosphere, open-plan kitchen, and attentive service make it a memorable dining experience. Signature dishes include dorade royale carpaccio, grilled wild fennel pie, and the bianco-style catch of the day. Now in its tenth year, Cookovaya continues to honor wisdom and simplicity in cooking.

For Stunning Views: Orizontes Lycabettus
Situated at the top of Lycabettus Hill in Athens’ Kolonaki neighborhood, Orizontes Lycabettus offers breathtaking views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea. Accessible via a funicular, this restaurant features a Mediterranean-inspired menu with high-quality produce from across Greece. Notable dishes include grilled shrimp with mixed seasonal salad, stir-fried mushrooms with goat cheese cream sauce, and lobster linguine in homemade bisque. Chef Michael Zacharis, a native of Piraeus, brings his extensive culinary experience to the restaurant. With its outdoor terrace and relaxed atmosphere, Orizontes Lycabettus is perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

For Michelin-Starred Dining: Soil
Soil, a Michelin-starred restaurant near the Panathenaic Stadium in Pangrati, is recognized among the top twenty in the “Global Tastemakers Awards” by Food & Wine magazine. Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, Soil focuses on sustainable gastronomy, sourcing ingredients from their Alepochori garden. Chef and Co-Owner Tasos Mantis offers a 14-course tasting menu featuring delicacies such as oysters with Ossetra caviar, a trio of Greek berries with white asparagus ice cream, and sous vide cod fillet in beurre blanc sauce. With serene and refined ambiance, including outdoor dining in a beautifully-lit courtyard, Soil offers a memorable gastronomic journey.

For Modern Greek Cuisine: ATENO Cook & Deli
Situated on Aiolou Street, ATENO Cook & Deli combines the relaxed atmosphere of a bistro with the innovation of Greek cuisine. Led by Nikos Karathanos, Greece’s youngest Michelin-starred chef, the restaurant offers unique dishes like Beluga lentils with tomato paste pesto and chickpeas with Bacalhau fish in a crust of lemon leaves and rosemary. The delicatessen showcases premium Greek produce available for purchase. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee, shopping for gourmet products, or dining in, ATENO Cook & Deli is a must-visit spot in the heart of Athens’ commercial district.