ALERIA
ATHENS
GREECE
From glamorous rooftop spots to seaside locations, there are plenty of great restaurants in Athens. But when it comes to fine dining, and although it sounds a bit too pompous, I do dare to say that Aleria is the best one - at least for those who want to explore creative Greek cuisine at its finest.
My very first culinary experience at Aleria felt like attending dinner at a well-off Athenian family’s home. It all started right away with a very charming first impression as soon as I approached the gracefully lighten up façade of its neoclassical building.
After a warm welcome by Aleria’s staff, I was accompanied to my table. And that’s exactly when I realised I had just discovered a real gem in a seemingly unglamorous and uneventful street of Kerameikos neighbourhood.
Not only had I found myself in a beautifully restored neoclassical residence, but also in the cutest outdoor seating area of Athens. Such a refreshing oasis on a hot summer night! Everything that followed was very delicious, very relaxing and very eye pleasing.
It’s been more than ten years since that evening. I keep going back with the exact same enthusiasm as the very first time. There was never a moment of disappointment. On the contrary. There were always moments of culinary satisfaction and a tapestry of flavours, textures, and colours.
Forget dishes that sound way more too fancy than what they actually are. With two tasting menus, one for meat and fish lovers and one for vegetarians, at Aleria, every single dish is a piece of art. And not just visually or superficially.
Aleria’s creations have a profound depth, which sometimes is hard to find, while re-interpreting the classics of the Greek cuisine.
From ‘revithada’ to ‘pastitsio’ and from tomato to beetroot salad, there are no exaggerations. Just an intentional simplicity, creativity and a very honest and down to earth approach to fine dining.
