- Varoulko (Athens; tel. 210/522-8400): In its new Athens location, with a menu that adds tasty meat dishes to its signature seafood, Varoulko continues to win plaudits. Everything here is so good that many Athenians believe chef/owner Lefteris Lazarou serves not only the finest seafood in Athens, but some of the best food in all of Greece.
- Vlassis (Athens; tel. 210/646-3060): This small restaurant with a loyal following (ranging from prominent ambassadors to struggling artists) serves traditional (paradisiako) Greek cooking at its very best. A tempting choice if you have only 1 night in Athens -- but be sure to make a reservation.
- Fish Taverna Takis To Limeni (Limeni, Mani, Peloponnese; tel. 27330/51-327): Visitors to Greece dream of finding the perfect open-air fish taverna perched by the sea serving fish that were swimming in the sea earlier the same day. Here it is -- with some of the fish still swimming in the underwater storage cages they're plopped into from the fishing boats. Everything here is fresh and delicious.
- Selene (Santorini, Cyclades; tel. 22860/22-249): The best restaurant on an island with lots of good places to eat, Selene is one of the finest restaurants in all Greece. The reason: Owner George Haziyannakis constantly experiments with local produce to turn out innovative versions of traditional dishes. Inside, the dining room is elegant, while the terrace has a wonderful view over the caldera.
- Brillant Gourmet (Iraklion, Crete; tel. 2810/334-959): Only opened in 2007, this restaurant immediately positioned itself as the most stylish restaurant on Crete, with food and wine to match its decor. Admittedly, a restaurant for special treats or occasions, but it's worth inventing one for yourself at least once.
- Mavrikos (Lindos, Rhodes); tel. 22440/31-232): Don't be fooled by its location at the crossroads of tourists and its moderate prices -- this 70-year-old family restaurant serves some of the most elegant and innovative dishes in all of Greece.
- Petrino (Kos, Dodecanese; tel. 22420/27-251): When royalty come to Kos, this is where they dine. Housed in an exquisitely restored, two-story, century-old stone (petrino) private residence, this is hands-down the most elegant taverna in Kos, with cuisine to match. This is what Greek home cooking would be if your mother were part divine.
- Venetian Well (Corfu, Ionian Islands; tel. 26610/44-761): A bit severe in its setting at the edge of a small enclosed square in Corfu town, with no attempt at the picturesque, this restaurant gets by on its more esoteric, international, and delicate menu. It's for those seeking a break from the standard Greek scene.
Greece Travel Experiences
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Living History
To say that Greece has a rich history is an understatement. To us western countries, it IS history. The beginnings of it anyw... Continue reading »
