The Mousourolou café, established by Katerina Salamoura in collaboration with Ilias Skoulas in Vyronas, is simple, cozy, and unpretentious. While old photos and vinyl records provide a unique charm, the main draw is undoubtedly the food, not the atmosphere.
Ilias Skoulas has curated a simple and straightforward comfort menu where Greece meets Costantinopole, with dishes that are expressive, exuberant, and full of intensity. After all, the last thing one could accuse the chef of is a lack of flavourful intensity! The tirokafteri is spicy and rustic, the pickles on the tomato rose are tangy, and the vinegar-marinated pork skewers are also quite acidic. Yes, Skoulas`s cuisine is often what we refer to as acquired taste. For example, the Thessaloniki burgers made from ground beef—where the chef aims to replicate the flavors of the `70s—are dense and deeply flavourful, exuding a robust "barbarity" that meat lovers will appreciate. However, those seeking for an easy option in a burger dish will might want to look elsewhere!
On the other hand, at Mousourlou, Skoulas manages to accentuate flavours without overwhelming the palate. His signature signature Urfa kebab is a perfect example: juicy, delectable, rich, and impressive large (size matters, as he insists on social media). You might initially worry that such a generous portion could leave you feeling heavy, but to your surprise, it proves to be manageable. One of the standout dishes of the menu is the tzigerosarmas—a fantastic recipe from the chef`s mother in Drama— where liver wrapped in caul fat, stuffed with a mixture of rice and herbs, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates these rich, traditional flavours.
Mousourlou offers an array of sinful treats, accompanied by a small yet carefully curated wine list with excellent selections at budget-friendly prices, all set in a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere. Lovers of flavourful contrasts should definitely pay a visit—ideally by taxi, as parking can be quite the challenge for the determined!
Info: Mousourlou is located at 70 Cyprus Avenue, in the Vyronas area of Athens. You can reach them at 21 0766 3470.
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