ATHENS North 2025

As comfort food grows in popularity and Greek cuisine is highlighted by several esteemed restaurants within the capital’s culinary landscape, Athens continues to showcase its diverse array of dining options. While high gastronomy remains influential, its presence is somewhat more understated. In particular, the fish and meat sector features a variety of concepts with distinctive signatures and impressive offerings that make them noteworthy. The year 2025 in Athens is marked by a notable influx of gastrotaverns and comfort food establishments, as well as the recognition of six restaurants that have been elevated to a two-star rating. 

BOTRINI`S
GREEK HAUTE CUISINE

24 Vas. Georgiou V 24, Halandri
+30 210 6857323
www.botrinis.com
Over €140 per person
Open all year round, parking

At every level, Botrini`s in Athens continues to stand out as one of the city`s most impressive and well-established fine dining restaurants. The culinary heritage of Greece and Italy, the two homelands of chef Ettore Botrini, creates a vibrant dialogue through artfully crafted dishes that are presented in two tasting menus: “Peripatos” (meaning “walk”) and "Journey". The restaurant boasts an exceptional wine list, featuring over 1,000 labels that enhance the dining experience. At the beginning of 2025, Botrini welcomed Elias Douca as the executive chef and R`n`D for his restaurant group.

KINJO
FUSION & ETHNIC

29 Konitsis Street, Pl. Anaspies, Vrilissia
+30 2106825208
€75-100 per person
Open all year round

Restaurant serving outside.

Kinjo, led by top chef Nikos Politakos, offers one of the most exciting Japanese fusion cuisines in Athens. The quality of the ingredients used is outstanding, and his nigiri is exceptional. Even the most intricate dishes exude elegance, showcasing remarkable technique and a perfect balance of flavours. This year, with a more retailed, the restaurant proudly earns its first two-star rating, reflecting its elevated status in the culinary scene.

MONZÙ
EUROPEAN CUISINE

317B Kifissias Avenue, Kifissia
+30 2106200495
www.monzu.gr
€50-75 per person
Open all year round

Restaurant that also serves outside.

The highly talented chef Giannis Liokas refines the flavours of Italian cuisine at Monzù, blending classic techniques with more modern and sophisticated specialities. He intricately weaves in a variety of unique products from small Greek producers, ensuring that the dishes maintain their Italian essence while showcasing local ingredients.

PAPAIOANNOU RESTAURANT
FISH & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

32 Kolokotronis, Kefalari
+30 2104225059
www.papaioannou-restaurants.com
€100-140 per person
Open all year round

Restaurant serving outside, parking.

A steadfast dedication to high-quality ingredients, along with grilling, frying, and raw preparations, sets the tone for this iconic seafood restaurant, which deserves both recognition and a visit. It consistently raises the bar for fine seafood dining. Under the skilful hands of chef George Papaioannou, the exceptional ingredients supplied daily by local fishing boats and spear fishermen are transformed in a minimalist style that has become a hallmark of excellence.

RICK`S ATHENS
MODERN BISTRO

1 Pentelis, Kifissia
+30 2107583348
www.ricksathens.gr
€50-75 per person
Open all year round

Restaurant serving outside, parking

Adorned with framed portraits of Frank Sinatra and Jack Nicholson, Rick`s in Kifissia exudes a charming mid-war ambiance reminiscent of film noir. This elegant venue offers a selection of timeless classic specialties at reasonable prices, perfectly aligning with the essence of American steakhouses and French brasseries, all crafted by the talented chef Dimitris Stamoudis.

VERITABLE
EUROPEAN CUISINES

8 Angelou Sikelianou, Neo Psychiko
+30 2111829109
€100-140 per person
Open all year round

Alain Parodi masterfully showcases the "terroir" of his homeland, skilfully utilising exceptional ingredients from France at Veritable. This expertise is what makes the restaurant truly remarkable, living up to its name as both a restaurant and a bistro. The service is characterised by courtesy and professionalism, while the chef`s wife, Christine, oversees an impressive selection of cheeses and curates the highly regarded walk-in wine cellar. This cellar features labels from various wine-producing regions across France, with a notable focus on the exceptional and hard-to-find wines from Burgundy and Languedoc-Roussillon.

The upward-pointing arrow next to the awarded stars indicated restaurants that are progressing toward the higher end of their rating. We believe these establishments are more likely to advance to the next rating level in future reviews.