For us at FNL, this evening represents the pinnacle of our efforts over the past year—a celebration of excellence in the culinary world. It’s also an opportunity to welcome you and share a memorable night together, applauding the outstanding achievements and the most influential figures in the industry.
As the years pass and the extensive FNL Best Restaurant Awards jury now covers the entire country, the need for the ceremony to evolve and adapt to new demands becomes even more essential. The goal is to ensure it remains engaging and time-efficient, without becoming exhausting, while also celebrating the remarkable diversity and excellence of Greece’s culinary scene — this year 263 restaurants earned their well-deserved recognition.
Together, our special awards add an extra layer of significance to the evening, honouring individuals who leave their mark across various sectors of the industry. They acknowledge not only their tangible contributions but also their influence on the next generation of professionals.
The crowd began gathering early in the forecourt of the Athens Conservatoire. The evening’s main sponsor, NBG Pay — a true leader in digital payments, backed by the trusted expertise of the National Bank of Greece and the innovative capabilities of Global Payments — warmly welcomed attendees, introduced their cutting-edge solutions, and presented an exclusive offer on their POS terminals, available solely for the night of the awards.
From early on, small groups started forming around the venue, with almost everyone stopping by the Campari bar to enjoy their aperitif. Meanwhile, the impressive water bar from μ. Artisan Water was open, refreshing our guests and serving a selection of alcohol-free cocktails crafted with μ. Sparkling Water. Just after 8 pm, the audience began filling the auditorium, ready for a night of celebration and recognition.
This year, the Athens Conservatoire once again overflowed with guests, filling the space to capacity. Hosts Nancy Zabetoglou and Thanasis Anagnostopoulos flawlessly presented and coordinated the evening’s ceremony. We greeted you with the same pride and emotion as every time we see you arrive from across Greece, honouring us with your presence and celebrating excellence together.
We managed to keep the event engaging without tiring our guests, as the ceremony, with its streamlined process, lasted just under two hours. This allowed the subsequent food party to continue almost until 2 a.m., ensuring a lively and memorable evening for all.
A year before FNL celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, and with the FNL Best Restaurant Awards reaching a full decade, this year’s ceremony served as an exciting preview of the grand celebration to come — set for Monday, 4th May 2026, once again at the Athens Conservatoire. Promising to be more dazzling than ever and packed with surprises, it will undoubtedly be a landmark event. This year also marked a significant step forward in our journey, as we set the stage for our next milestone: global recognition and a stronger presence on the international gastronomic map. The award for Greek Culinary Ambassador, proudly awarded to Michelin two-star chef Philippos Chronopoulos—who personally collected his accolade straight from Paris—symbolised this new direction. Furthermore, the Sustainability Award, in collaboration with our valued main sponsor Blue Marble, announced last year, continues to deepen our commitment to responsible gastronomy.
It was just before 11 p.m. when the ceremony concluded, and guests spilled out into the colonnade. There was a lively queue for photos against the backdrop, accompanied by laughter and conversation, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Our sponsors played a vital role in elevating the evening`s experience to new heights. The Moët & Chandon champagne bar was in constant motion, filling flutes with champagne, perfectly complemented by the exquisite culinary creations of Stamatis Misomikes from NYN ESTI.
The Macallan bar served its famous The Macallan 12 Year Old, both straight and in cocktails.
Next to it, Trofelia had set up a delicious Spanish Corner, offering the perfect pairing: Jamon Iberico and The Macallan 12 Year Old!
Across the room, the stylish and premium NOAM beer, served in elegant Riedel wine glasses, made its debut in Greece and at the event, leaving a lasting impression. It paired perfectly with the outstanding offerings from Beefbar Athens and the talented Chef Panagiotis Retzis.
Once again this year, the elegant wine bar from Château d’ Esclans (courtesy of Trinity Wines), featuring the world-famous Whispering Angel — and more — overflowed with delicious wines. Chef of the Year Panagiotis Giakalis and the multi-award-winning Patio curated a stunning culinary buffet right beside it, delighting guests with its exquisite flavours.
Finally, Campari served the perfect Negroni, while Taf focused this year on their exquisite cold brew. And of course, the sweet corner set up between them by The Grand Bretagne and the ‘Pastry Chef of the Year,’ Alexandros Koufas, was a feast for the eyes and the palate!
To conclude, after once again expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who support and trust us, and have stood by our side over the years—giving us the opportunity to set ever higher goals and achieve them—we are pleased to inform you that you can watch the full ceremony on video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVRZ5mamk9I
Photographs: Valentina and Natalia Amasiadi, Panos Smyrniotis
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