Eating out

The temperatures in Athens dropped considerably last week. Eating outside at lunchtime was not possible so we tried two places we had not been to before.

Phillippou is situated in Kolonaki, one of the most prosperous areas in the centre. We went there for lunch after visiting some of the private galleries that proliferate in the area.

 

It's a taverna but it has a restaurant feel. It opened in 1923, the food is traditional Greek taverna food and the prices reflect that. We had one starter, two main courses and four glasses of wine - we paid 31 euros. The food was delicious and the complementary quince compote was equally good.

 

 

 

It even has the hatch that displays all the 'cooked' (as opposed grilled) dishes - a traditional feature that only a few tavernas still have.

 

 

 

As I said, the feel is that of a restaurant: white table cloths are rare in tavernas. The Yannis Moralis prints on the walls are originals - I checked.

 

 

Even though it was almost empty when we arrived at 1:30 (too early for Greek people) it had filled up by the time we left.

 

 

 

Three days later we went to Athiri, a completely different place. It's situated in the Kerameikos-Gazi area which are very run down, but with emerging traces of gentrification. The building is neo-classical, unfortunately spoiled by the graffiti - more about that later.

 

 

 

 

It's Michelin recommended, the chef is well-known, and the prices are very reasonable. We had a salad, four small dishes, four glasses of wine, and paid 61 euros. Given the quality of the food, the price is extremely reasonable.

 

It's very stylish and elegant

 



 

 

I like what they have done with the ceiling lights

 



 

 

We yet again, arrived very early for Greek standards, but by the time we left all the tables were taken.

 

 

 

We have eaten at Athiri before, but not inside. They have the most gorgeous garden - a real pleasant oasis in the middle of a busy city

 



 

But now that we know how lovely the interior is, we plan to visit again.

 

Now about the area: this was the view from our window

 

 



this is the building next to the restaurant

 

 



 

On our way to Gazi square we came across lots of abandoned buildings

 

 



 

one after the other.

 



 

 

It took us a few minutes to walk to the square, where this magnificent modernist apartment block has been recently completed.

 



 

It is an area of strong contrasts.