Gastronomy's Hot Spot in Athens

Astir Palace Resort, the ideal destination for unparalleled gastronomic delights.

Worldwide, gastronomy is emerging strongly as a new tourism trend.

In keeping with that trend, the Astir Palace Resort's idyllic restaurants are real hot 

spots this summer at one of the Mediterranean's top destinations offering 

guests some truly outstanding dishes.

IL TRAMONTO

Il Tramonto means sunset in Italian and there certainly is no better name for this specific restaurant, which offers a

unique view over the endless blue sea that takes on the most astonishing colours as the sun sinks into its waters. 

A setting of incomparable beauty that combines outstanding Italian dishes with a well-stocked cellar with some of the best wine labels around. 

After last summer’s success, Il Tramonto is back again this year with the same verve in the same location in the famous Grill Room at the Arion Resort & Spa hotel. Designer lighting and spots, amazingly comfortable armchairs and large sliding glass doors offering an uninterrupted view of the sea make this a particularly cosy environment, where guests can enjoy creative Italian dishes. This season sees a new chef and a revamped menu offering an extensive range of outstanding dishes from various regions of Italy so guests can sample the entire palette of Italian cuisine.

GALAZIA HYTRA

 The Galazia Hytra, a restaurant synonymous with haute cuisine offering creatively inspired Greek dishes, made its first summer appearance at The Westin Athens at the Astir Palace Resort in 2007. The restaurant has won a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years now (2011 and 2012) and is one Athens’ top restaurants.

 The ingredients are of necessity all Greek and all are products with a protected designation of origin. This year guests can enjoy the Galazia Hytra’s exceptional cuisine by sampling either the Galazia gourmet menu or the Galazia tavern menu from the hands of the dream team of modern Greek cooking. Three chefs who represent the rebirth and advancement of Greek cuisine, Nikos Karathanos, Chrysanthos Karamolengos and Dimitris Dimitriadis, have joined forces, and combined their experience and talent to create an exciting new era for cooking at the Galazia Hytra serving up popular dishes such as Greek salad or stuffed vegetables with an interesting twist on them. One part of the restaurant has been transformed into an original Greek tavern. Wine lovers will certainly appreciate the carefully selected list of outstanding Greek wines while taking in the stunning view of Vouliagmeni.

MATSUHISA ATHENS

 The famous chef Nobu, and his restaurants around the world, need no introductions! The same goes for our very own Matsuhisa Athens. Ever since it opened and propelled the city firmly onto the gastronomic map, it has become a firm favourite with Greeks and foreigners, not just for its famous dishes like Black Cod Yuzu

Miso, its New Style sashimi or its legendary Ceviche, but also for its enchanting environment and its stunning view of the Saronic Gulf. Designed by the famous NY architectural practice, Rockwell Group, the restaurant stands out for its minimalist look that blends in harmoniously with the natural environment. One of the very best times to visit is at sunset. The view is romantic, the light magical, and the food just unbelievable! What few people know though is that you can visit Matsuhisa Athens, relax and enjoy outstanding cocktails, even if you’re not in the mood for lunch or dinner. 

 Relax in the Martini Lounge, situated in an ideal spot on the Matsuhisa Athens patio. Sit back and relax after a stressful day and in the company of friends enjoy the city’s very best martinis and other famous cocktails crafted by the world renowned mixologist, Dale de Groff. Those popular ladies from Sex and the City owe their beloved cocktail to Dale as he was the inventor of the Cosmopolitan. Should you get hungry while enjoying your martinis, the bar menu offers a range of Nobu style delicacies as well.

TAVERNA 37

 The Astir Palace Resort’s gastronomic map just wouldn’t be complete without a traditional tavern.

One simply can’t imagine Greek summer without favourite plates from Greece’s fabulous cuisine! When the tasty Greek dishes happen to be served in a dream-like setting next to the sea, one enjoys them all the more.

Taverna 37 is located just above the Arion Resort & Spa Hotel’s beach, making it an ideal spot for lunch. With its relaxed dress code, most diners just go straight there after having a swim. Sit on

the wonderful balcony which offers views over the sea and enjoy Greek cuisine and the best view of the Saronic Gulf. The menu offers fresh salads, a wide range of mezes that you can wash down with ouzo Greek-style and classic barbequed dishes ranging from octopus and calamari squid to souvlakia and burgers. One of the top dishes is definitely the mini-burgers which are simply delicious, served in wonderful, freshly baked pita breads. Enjoy that with an ouzo or an ice-cold beer. Taverna 37 at the Arion Resort & Spa was and still is the best place to enjoy a great summer meal

next to the sea.

Source: Astir Magazine - Summer 2013
By Amalia Mei