Assessment: Orizontes Lycabettus, Athens, Greece

Legend has it that Lycabettus Hill, the best level in Athens, exists as a result of the goddess Athena was startled by unhealthy information given to her when carrying a limestone mountain from the Pallene peninsula to assist with the development of the Acropolis.

On the high of this hill, within the Kolonaki neighbourhood of town, there’s a restaurant providing fabulous views of the area – Orizontes Lycabettus.

It’s open for lunch and dinner, with advance reserving advisable, significantly in peak season. At simply 277 metres excessive, it isn’t to this point to stroll however, with temperatures round 36°C/97°F, we opted as a substitute to take the funicular up and to stroll off our lunch down the hill afterwards. The funicular takes you to only a stone’s throw from the restaurant. There may be additionally a bar, a small sq. and viewing space, and the gorgeous whitewashed Greek Orthodox Chapel of St. George.

The meals

The Mediterranean-inspired menu at Orizontes Lycabettusis is expansive and affords top of the range produce and flavours from throughout Greece. Our starters included the perfectly-cooked grilled shrimps, which had been butterflied, and served with a blended seasonal salad and herbs, drizzled with a bit of additional virgin olive oil.

The stir-fried mushrooms with goat’s cheese cream sauce and potato chips had been exceptionally tasty, with an attention-grabbing distinction in textures and flavours.

Though I didn’t style it myself, the salad of seasonal greens with tomato, orange and spring onions, lighly sure with a white cream cheese was additionally loved.

Amongst our mains, the stand-out dish was the lobster with linguine, cooked in a selfmade bisque infused with contemporary tomato and basil, and bursting with flavour.

The rack of lamb, with a lightweight coating of pistachio from Aegina, served with with a lamb jus, poached pear and potatoes, additionally seemed very tempting.

Considered one of us opted for a salad in lieu of a fundamental – the restaurant’s conventional Greek salad is served with feta from Arcadia (recognized for its wealthy agricultural heritage and conventional strategies of top quality cheese manufacturing), capers and rusks.

The chef

Piraeus-born chef and culinary teacher Michael Zacharis has labored at many eating places in Greece together with within the kitchens of upscale resorts reminiscent of Radisson Blu Park Resort, Athens; 4 Seasons Astir Palace Resort Athens and White Rocks Resort Kefalonia. Most just lately he was Head Chef at Mezze Athens (which can be a part of the Kastelorizo Group of eating places to which Orizontes Lycabettus belongs). Impressed by Greek culinary traditions, he additionally likes to skillfully mix worldwide delicacies from international locations reminiscent of Spain and Peru.

The atmosphere

You’ll need to dine on the outside terrace if the climate permits and profit from the fabulous views from Orizontes Lycabettus, though there are many covers obtainable indoors if the climate isn’t beneficial. The gorgeous panoramic views of town, the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea past are a feast for the senses in their very own proper. This elegant setting is matched with crisp, white linen and exudes a refind and tranquil ambiance, away from the hustle and bustle of town centre beneath. It’s the right setting for a romantic dinner or an important day.

The fee

Appetisers and salads are within the area of €15-€25. Mains vary from €27 to €51. Desserts are priced at €9.50.

The ultimate verdict

The views alone are purpose sufficient to dine at Orizontes Lycabettus. The breathtaking panorama of Athens sprawling beneath, whether or not within the gentle of day or beneath town lights at evening, is to not be missed. Past the great vistas, although, there’s additionally a culinary expertise to take pleasure in right here, that includes a Mediterranean-inspired menu that showcases the richness of Greek delicacies. Should you’re planning a go to your self, I’d heartily suggest you strive the lobster with linguine – a dish that completely captures the essence of the chef’s culinary experience.

Disclosure: This publish is sponsored by Orizontes Lycabettus.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.