Premiering GIO, the new Italian restaurant at The Margi

For the past fifteen years, The Margi Hotel has made significant strides in the culinary scene of Athens. I remember when I first walked through its doors to visit what was then Baku, where the young and highly promising Panagiotis Giakalis was crafting his first menu as the hotel`s executive chef. This marked the beginning of a culinary journey that eventually earned the Patio a Michelin star for its high-speed gastronomic offerings. Then came Malabar, not only claiming a spot around the hotel`s pool during the summer but also establishing a presence in The Margi`s interior dining room, presenting a more comforting version of Baku. Now, after a decade, Malabar gives way to GIO, which opened its doors a few days ago, and I already hear it`s already being talked about in the southern suburbs.

The space has been completely remodelled by Yago Agiostratitis, who has infused the place with a regal essence that evokes the charm of classic Milanese restaurants, featuring warm decor with an Italian flavour from bygone eras. He lined the walls with tapestries showcasing citrus patterns that, from a distance, remind me of the sweet Arancia Di Capri oranges, which, along with the Amalfi lemons, hold significant cultural and symbolic value in Italian culture. The tables are dressed with white linens, while the warmth of the space is further enhanced by green velvet sofas and matching chairs. If there were a decibel meter for atmosphere, GIO would surely rank high on its scale.

In a way, we got a first taste of GIO during the summer when Malabar made a clearer shift toward Italian cuisine and more classic forms, achieving great success. This concept will be continued at the new restaurant at The Margi, again embellished with two or three touches from the great school of French cuisine, such as sole meunière and the fantastic tarte fin aux pommes by Manolis Stithos. Otherwise, Italy will dominate the menu, featuring dishes from vitello tonnato and sardines on tomato bruschetta to truffled gnocchi with parmesan cream, saltimbocca alla Romana and beef cutlet meant to be shared at least by two people. Giakalis masters Italian northern cuisine to the fullest, so expect plenty of flavour on your plate.

Info: Litous 11, Vouliagmeni, Athens 166 71 tel. 2108929165