by AV Team
The C Beach Restaurant: The Athenian Riviera's All-Day Seaside Escape
Set right on the sandy shores of Voula, The C Beach Restaurant has established itself as one of the Athenian Riviera's most refined all-day destinations. Blending the ease of a beach club with contemporary dining, an expertly curated wine list, inventive cocktails and carefully considered music, it offers every reason to linger from breakfast through sunset and well into the evening. The day begins with coffee and brunch, while the beach menu caters to those who prefer to stay by the water. Fresh poke bowls with salmon or tuna, vibrant acai bowls and an all-day sushi selection make for light, effortless dining without ever leaving the shoreline.
Inside the restaurant, the kitchen takes a contemporary Mediterranean approach, subtly layered with Asian influences. Fresh seafood is the focus, with lobster taking centre stage in three signature preparations: served with pasta, folded into orzo risotto, or simply grilled. Other highlights include fresh fish carpaccio, spicy salmon tartare, tuna tataki, calamarata pasta and crayfish orzo risotto, all showcasing pristine ingredients and clean, well-balanced flavours.
Wine plays an equally important role in the experience. Curated by Head Sommelier Giorgos Karamanolis, the list features more than 60 labels from Greece, France and Italy, thoughtfully selected to appeal to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual diners looking for the perfect pairing.
The cocktails, created by the acclaimed Barflies team, bring together signature serves with a contemporary edge and unexpected flavour combinations. On weekends, The C takes on a livelier rhythm with sunset DJ sessions soundtracked by Afro house, while Sundays introduce a playlist of Greek music.
www.thec.gr
Abra Ovata: A New Chapter in Dining by Lake Vouliagmeni
Drawing inspiration from the striking beauty of Lake Vouliagmeni -arguably the Athenian Riviera's most spectacular natural landmark- the culinary team at Abra Ovata continues to evolve its vision, driven by creativity and a constant desire to redefine the art of hospitality. This season, the restaurant enters a new chapter, with flavours becoming more refined, balances more nuanced and the overall dining experience elevated, all while preserving the sense of tranquillity and effortless harmony that defines its remarkable lakeside setting.
At the heart of Abra Ovata has always been a deep sense of respect: for the unique landscape of Lake Vouliagmeni, for exceptional ingredients and for a contemporary culinary philosophy that bridges Greek tradition with global influences. Award-winning Executive Chef John Skotidas continues to shape this vision with confidence, creativity and a mature, distinctive approach. Under his direction, the menu celebrates Greek cuisine through an international lens, weaving together Latin American elements, subtle Asian influences and techniques inspired by the chef's multicultural journey. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients remain at its core, while every dish reflects both his Greek heritage and his global culinary perspective.
The new menu unfolds as a carefully crafted narrative, bringing together land, sea and seasonality in compositions that feel layered, expressive and quietly unexpected. Fire and charcoal play a leading role throughout, while the chef's signature paellas are reimagined using exceptional Greek ingredients.
Guests can also choose from a daily selection of freshly caught fish and seafood, prepared with the restaurant's signature creative touch. Completing the experience is a thoughtfully curated wine list and a bespoke cocktail pairing programme, designed to complement both the menu and the understated elegance of the setting.
Il Giardino Segreto: A Hidden Garden in the Heart of Athens
There are places in Athens that seem to exist at their own pace, despite being at the very centre of the city. The Atrium of Alexander's Lounge, on the first floor of the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, is one of them; a lush, secluded garden suspended above bustling Syntagma Square, where the city's soundtrack fades beneath olive trees, bay laurels and fragrant Mediterranean herbs. It is here that Il Giardino Segreto returns for another summer season, offering an Italian-inspired dining experience that remains deeply rooted in the flavours of Greece. Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis has created a menu that effortlessly balances the comforting simplicity of Italian cuisine with the richness of exceptional seasonal produce. Bruschetta with focaccia and anchovies, risotto with Naxos graviera and bottarga, and pizza topped with mortadella and stracciatella take diners on a journey across the Mediterranean, with unmistakably Greek accents along the way.
The true star of the menu, however, is the tomato. Not just any tomato, but rare heirloom varieties cultivated exclusively for the hotel on the slopes of Mount Pateras. Their exceptional flavour has inspired a dedicated tasting menu celebrating Greece's most iconic summer ingredient, showcased in everything from delicate carpaccio and handmade pasta to vibrant salads and even ice cream.
Another memorable touch is the chef's signature tomato sauce, served in elegant glass jars and opened tableside in a small ritual of hospitality that perfectly captures the spirit of Il Giardino Segreto: authenticity, craftsmanship and quiet attention to detail.
Divani Collection Hotels: The Ultimate Summer in the City
Summer in Athens no longer calls for a weekend getaway; it has found its perfect address on the Athenian Riviera. At Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, effortless luxury meets the sea, creating a contemporary resort experience just minutes from the city's historic centre. With beautifully refreshed spaces and a collection of new dining concepts, the landmark beachfront resort redefines the idea of a city escape. Mornings begin at the newly renovated Anemos Restaurant, where breakfast unfolds as a celebration of Mediterranean flavours, seasonal ingredients and sun-soaked simplicity. As the day progresses, life shifts to the water's edge. At Meltemi Poolside Bar Restaurant, refreshing cocktails, elevated comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere capture the easy rhythm of the Athenian summer. Equally inviting are the resort's two signature outdoor pools -one freshwater, the other filled with seawater-offering moments of pure relaxation overlooking the endless blue of the Saronic Gulf. Come sunset, Atlantis Lounge becomes the Riviera's gathering place. Its newly redesigned deck, panoramic sea views, creative sushi menu, all-day dining and live music strike a balance between sophisticated elegance and the vibrant energy of long summer evenings. Just steps away, Mythos Beach Bar offers a refined take on the classic Greek seaside taverna, celebrating the country's rich seafood traditions through a distinctly contemporary lens. The experience continues at Apollon Beach and the newly introduced Apollon Cantina, where healthy grab-and-go dishes, light snacks and refreshing drinks make beach days feel blissfully uncomplicated. For those planning to spend the season by the sea, the resort's new seasonal subscription programme offers exclusive beach access throughout the summer, making it one of the Riviera's most desirable urban retreats.
Skyfall Cocktail & Food Bar: A Rooftop with One of Athens' Most Captivating Views
Tucked away on one of Athens' most charming streets, just steps from the Panathenaic Stadium, Skyfall Cocktail & Food Bar is one of those rare city addresses that never loses its sense of occasion. With the illuminated Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the Attic skyline unfolding before you, every visit comes with a view that lingers long after the evening ends. Stylish yet inviting, the recently refreshed venue welcomes guests across two distinct settings: an elegant indoor space with a charming terrace and its spectacular rooftop, one of the city's most atmospheric open-air destinations.
The drinks are equally compelling, with a carefully curated selection of wines, premium spirits and signature cocktails designed to complement the kitchen's contemporary approach. The menu embraces the spirit of sharing, featuring dishes such as crispy rice with salmon tartare and chicken tacos, alongside vibrant seasonal salads, including one with colourful cherry tomatoes, beetroot, fresh basil and creamy burrata. Among the standout mains are a classic carbonara made with rigatoni piccolo and guanciale, salmon with miso and lime, delicate spaghettini with slow-cooked pulled beef, pecorino tartufo and a rich, deeply flavoured jus, as well as premium cuts of meat, including a beautifully grilled Black Angus ribeye. To finish, the tiramisu with bitter chocolate sauce provides a suitably indulgent finale.
Above all, Skyfall offers a welcome escape from the pace of the city below. The venue also provides an elegant setting for private celebrations and corporate events alike, from wedding receptions and christenings to business gatherings and product launches, pairing warm hospitality with impeccable service and one of the most memorable views in Athens.
www.skyfallbar.gr
Vertigo Rooftop Pool: Sunset Swims and Skyline Views Above Athens
There are two ways to spend summer in Athens: counting the days until your island escape, or discovering the places that make you feel as though you've already arrived. St. George Lycabettus belongs firmly to the latter. Perched on the city's most coveted hillside in Kolonaki, the hotel transforms each summer into a lifestyle destination where panoramic views, exceptional dining and relaxation come together high above the rooftops of Athens. At Vertigo Pool & Sunset Bar, the city unfolds in every direction. Framed by an infinity pool, endless skies and spectacular sunsets, it is the kind of place where afternoons stretch effortlessly into golden hour. New seasonal pool memberships make it even easier to turn this rooftop retreat into a daily summer ritual. Just one floor below, the award-winning La Suite Lounge Rooftop Restaurant celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean with a new menu by Chef Stefanos Papanikolaou. Seasonal ingredients, contemporary techniques and elegant presentation define every dish, from lobster tail with beetroot cream and citrus to asparagus risotto with Cretan graviera, each thoughtfully created to accompany the glittering panorama of Athens after dark. More than simply a hotel, St. George Lycabettus offers one of the city's most memorable summer experiences.
Pool Your Cinema: Athens' Most Atmospheric Open-Air Cinema Returns
One of the city's most anticipated summer traditions is back. Perched on the seventh floor of the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, Pool Your Cinema once again transforms the rooftop into one of Athens' most enchanting open-air cinemas, where film, fine dining and spectacular views come together beneath the stars. With Lycabettus Hill illuminated against the night sky and the city's skyline stretching into the distance, screenings offer a distinctly elevated take on one of Athens' most beloved summer rituals. Here, classic open-air cinema meets understated luxury, signature cocktails and the unmistakable magic of warm Athenian evenings. This season opens with the timeless Gilda, starring the legendary Rita Hayworth, before moving through a programme that blends celebrated classics with some of the year's most talked-about releases. From Yorgos Lanthimos' eagerly awaited Bugonia to F1: The Movie and the acclaimed thriller Sinners, the line-up spans Hollywood favourites and contemporary cinema alike.
No movie night would be complete without something delicious to accompany it, and the hotel's culinary team has created a thoughtfully curated finger-food menu designed for sharing. Freshly made popcorn, homemade nachos, crispy mac and cheese, tacos, wraps and artisanal ice cream ensure that every screening is as memorable for its flavours as it is for the film itself.
Screenings: Thursday, Friday & Saturday / doors open: 9:15 pm / film starts: 9:30 pm
Clair de Lune: A Rooftop Perspective on Athens
Perched atop Novotel Athens, just minutes from Syntagma yet pleasantly removed from the city's bustle, Clair de Lune is one of those rooftops that feels like a well-kept secret. The view takes centre stage. The Acropolis appears almost within touching distance and as daylight fades, the venue's name, Clair de Lune, or "moonlight", begins to feel especially fitting. The bar serves refreshing spritzes, signature cocktails crafted with a distinctly summery spirit, carefully selected wines and perfectly chilled beers, while the newly refreshed kitchen presents Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist. As the sun slips behind the skyline and Athens begins to sparkle, Clair de Lune truly comes into its own. An after-work drink quickly feels like a miniature getaway, while the evening unfolds at its own unhurried pace high above the streets below. From golden hour to the final cocktail of the night, the rooftop offers a different perspective on the city, lighter, calmer and elevated in every sense.
And because every evening in central Athens inevitably begins with the question of where to park, Clair de Lune offers one final luxury: complimentary underground parking. Simply leave the car behind and head upstairs, where the city stretches out before you in all its timeless beauty.
