The best Italian restaurants in Athens
La Gratella
21 25th of March Str. & Omirou Str., Chalandri, Τ. 210 6851200
By Katerina Rigou, Photos: Giannis Papargyris
VIRAL
It was introduced to us about 3 years ago in Nafplion, in an outstanding preserved building on Filellinon square. La Gratella is an excellent Italian cuisine restaurant with main influences from the south of the neighboring country that boosted significantly the gastronomic scene of the town. After its success and the know-how it acquired, it arrived in Athens a year ago, specifically in the center of Chalandri, bringing along its delicious dishes. Here, in a fully renovated space, it introduces its cuisine to the Athenian crowd. On entering, the atmospheric hall decorated mainly with wood, the bar, the vintage details, the grocery store corner, the Italian shelf products, the retro fridge and the splendid Italian fused glass lamp, prepare us for a unique experience. The exclusive menu card guarantees moments of gastronomic delights! Try the portobello parmigiano, the fresh pasta such as stuffed pasta fresca –outstanding the raviolacci stuffed with porcini mushrooms in truffle sauce– of course the risottos (top choice the one with asparagus and prosciutto) and from the main courses the sea bass fillet on pici with saffron sauce , while of course pizzas are also present with best seller the al tartufo one (cream of black truffle, taleggio, mushrooms, fresh cream)! All this along with impeccable service and welcoming atmosphere, confirm that La Gratella is the best choice for Italian in Chalandri but also one of the best options for this cuisine in the city! Mon.-Fri. 18:30-00:00, Sat. & Sun. 13:00-00:00.
School Pizza Bar
8 Aghias Irinis Sq., Athens, Τ. 210 3251444
By Katerina Rigou, Photos: Eleanna Kourkoulopoulou
A School different from others can be found in the busy Aghias Irinis square. With an Italian “faculty”, serves exceptional tastes in its cozy and hospitable 4-story space triggering beloved memories! From early in the morning your will enjoy here fine coffee, beverages and breakfast, while its strong suit is definitely the updated menu curated by the Food Gang team! Try the sweet chilli pizza (with tomato sauce, mozzarella, shrimps, chilli pepper, sweet chilli sauce, mint and lime), which represents the new concept of the School which each year gives out two extra culinary “lessons”! This season, it specializes in thai food, offering a delicious thai pizza, which is one of the two new entries. The menu is perfectly accompanied by an updated wine list from the Greek and the Italian vineyard, including the options of drinks and signature cocktails! Daily 10:00-03:00 (the kitchen until 02:00).
Must taste
Τhe insalata fresca (mix of green salad, celery, green apple,
hazelnut and sauce mango), the gustoco penne (with eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and bocconcini).
COSCA
10 Pramanton Str., Koukaki, Athens, Τ. 210 9210229
By Titi Velopoulou, Photos: Giannis Papargyris
Although hidden in a quiet neighborhood of Koukaki, Cosca has gained its own loyal crowd over the past 10 years. Dressed in red, its cozy and tasteful space depicts through a drawing the essence of Sicily: the Etna volcano, the ancient theatre of Syracuse, the fishermen, the mafia, the daily habits. Serves authentic Italian recipes with Sicilian touches, a local cuisine which avoids butter, sour cream and fat. Amongst its most characteristic dishes, are the delicious Arancini Siciliani (riceballs with ragù), eggplant mille-feuille and Penne alla Norma, while its specialty is considered to be the rather Mediterranean Spigola Palermitana (sea bass with caper, olives, tomato and fresh spinach). Try it next to a cold insalata dolcisimma or a Cosca with artichoke. Plus, an updated cellar with Italian wines and good bulk wine!
Highlight
The tables at the flowery garden, a small oasis during the summer!
Must try
• The exceptional tiramisu.
• The dishes of the day, written on the blackboard.
• The fans of pizza will know that it only serves one! Α classic with rocket salad, parmesan and bresaola and, of course, handmade dough. From €20. Tue.-Sat. 18:00- 00:30.
Pesto Trattoria Café
Panepistimiou Str. & 1 Themistokleous Str., Αthens, T. 210 3801660
By Titi Velopoulou, Photos: Christos Triantafillou
A gastronomic surprise in the chaotic microcosm of Omonia, already counting 8 years of operation, has been reintroduced to us since early May with a fully revamped concept. Its name, menu, window shop and an Italian chef properly predispose us a for the Italian cuisine served based on excellent ingredients. Change has come through suggestions of pasta fresca in various classic and hip recipes. Exiting from its open cuisine are à la minute pasta of your choice in 10 different kinds (from spaghetti, linguini and penne as well as caramelle and gnocchi) and delicious handmade pies based on recipes from Naples, accompanied by cold salads. In the morning, we arrive here for coffee and panini, generous panzerotti and calzone. Take away & delivery. Daily 10:00-21:00 (12:00-20:00 the kitchen).
Highlights
• Pizza available by piece.
• The whole grain pasta.
• The wine list with representatives of the Italian and Greek vineyard.
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