No matter how unlikely the combination of ingredients on his plates may seem, and even if you cannot identify half of them, the final result is invariably delicious. It is a talent Kontovas has demonstrated time and again, both at his own restaurant, Ex Machina, and throughout his long career in some of Athens’ most notable kitchens. So it comes as no surprise that he came up with the idea of an Asian taverna, a tavernaki that brings Greek dining traditions and Asian flavours together around the same table.

The new restaurant is now ready to welcome guests, opening its doors for the first time on 15 October on Xanthippou Street in Kolonaki.

What’s on the Menu?

As you would expect from Adam Kontovas, there is nothing predictable about the menu. Guests can look forward to inventive dishes that combine Greek culinary references with a distinctly Asian identity. Traditional lahanodolmades (Greek cabbage rolls) are filled with shrimp and trahana and served with a tofu-based avgolemono sauce. Tzatziki gets a makeover with kimchi, beef tongue is paired with satay sauce, and handmade Greek makarounes pasta comes topped with a rich duck ragù. The menu also features galbi chicken drumsticks, inspired by the classic Korean recipe, masala lamb chops, and a 14-day dry-aged Peking duck glazed with thyme honey and soy sauce.

A Taverna with an Asian Outlook

Despite all the innovation, some things remain unchanged. The philosophy of the Greek taverna still takes centre stage here: dishes are meant to be placed in the middle of the table and shared. That is non-negotiable. Guests can raise a glass with cocktails created by Konstantinos Gkionis, head bartender at the legendary Jazz in Jazz bar, a long-standing hot-spot in Kolonaki, well known to generations of Athenians. To sum it up, one thing is certain: tavernaki is poised to become one of Athens’ most talked-about restaurant openings this winter.

Tavernaki
10 Xanthippou Street, Kolonaki, Athens
Tel: +30 210 710 8080