Athens.
Three days, three restaurants to book (or not) for this euro summer ‘26
Pharaoh, urban cool vibes, pumping every single night. Genuinely friendly people serving rustic portions of Modern Greek food which is layered with flavour, texture and expert cooking skill. Absolute knockout all-round.
Order the tasting menu, a bargain at €49, but pace yourself, there’s a lot of delicious things including benchmark classics of tarama, dolmades, unctuous braised chickpeas all dishes served in lashings of olive oil.
Wine. Ask the sommelier for expert guidance
Vibes. Young and international, all speaking English and looking like they are accustomed to dining with such a considered spin of vinyls. The kitchen counter is the perfect vantage point for people watching the room and keeping an eye across the pace of the kitchen team.
@pharaohathens
Manari Taverna, go for the nose to tail grilled meats, swim in the tomato salad, charming skilled service and the theatre of the grill, open kitchen and kitchen tables with an overflow of Greek vocals of international music. Mutton chops, expertly pink in the middle, seasoned and charred, tonal with the burgundy colour-drenched entry.
Drink: Greek red of course, with the grills and perhaps a taster of Tsipouro to settle into the evening
Vibes: assortment of locals, tourists and meat appreciators
@manaritaverna
Atlantikos Taverna, a winning formula of central Athens tourist area but local prices, spankingly fresh and abundant seafood. Fried tiny prawns and anchovies, brothy steamed mussels, grilled squid, plus the must order Greek salad.
Drink. Shake off the post-queue anticipation with carafes of wine in the tiniest glasses, beers and ouzo like the locals
Vibes. Once you snare a laneway table the service is fast and fun. Shockingly good value will see you over fill your table and tummy
@atlantikosgr 
