Petralona Guidebook
Food scene
Arguably the neighbourhood’s bedrock, it is an institution which has been going strong for almost a century. Although the eponymous Mr. Oikonomou still lives above the restaurant, business has been in the hands of the colourful Mr. Kostas Diamandis for two decades—a "they don’t make ‘em like they used to” Greek, with a dry sense of humour and a big, kind heart. In the open kitchen, the female cook, Garyfallia, dishes out no-nonsense family fare such as roast baby lamb with waxy-lemony potatoes, rabbit casserole, or stuffed cabbage leaves (beef and rice) in a silky egg and lemon (avgolemono) sauce. Don’t be shy to ask for wine from the “reserve” barrel in the basement, and make sure you try some of the amber-red quince preserve Kostas makes himself, for dessert.
11 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Oikonomou
32 KidantidonArguably the neighbourhood’s bedrock, it is an institution which has been going strong for almost a century. Although the eponymous Mr. Oikonomou still lives above the restaurant, business has been in the hands of the colourful Mr. Kostas Diamandis for two decades—a "they don’t make ‘em like they used to” Greek, with a dry sense of humour and a big, kind heart. In the open kitchen, the female cook, Garyfallia, dishes out no-nonsense family fare such as roast baby lamb with waxy-lemony potatoes, rabbit casserole, or stuffed cabbage leaves (beef and rice) in a silky egg and lemon (avgolemono) sauce. Don’t be shy to ask for wine from the “reserve” barrel in the basement, and make sure you try some of the amber-red quince preserve Kostas makes himself, for dessert.
The 'grande dame' of Petralona, Mrs. Chryssa, used to run the best (and only) sophisticated restaurant of Ano Petralona, before it was cool. Following the lifestyle curve to nearby Keramikos, she moved her business to that grungier neighbourhood—only to return to Ano Petralona a couple of years ago. This time her restaurant is smaller and less ambitious, but she still offers a decent alternative to most commonplace tavernas nearby, with her gentle manners and light touch. Her best sellers include an elegant rendering of the chicken souvlaki, fava with capers and sun-dried tomato, and homemade cheesecake with honey.
15 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Χρύσα Χρύσα - Xrysa Xrysa Restaurant
40 EoleonThe 'grande dame' of Petralona, Mrs. Chryssa, used to run the best (and only) sophisticated restaurant of Ano Petralona, before it was cool. Following the lifestyle curve to nearby Keramikos, she moved her business to that grungier neighbourhood—only to return to Ano Petralona a couple of years ago. This time her restaurant is smaller and less ambitious, but she still offers a decent alternative to most commonplace tavernas nearby, with her gentle manners and light touch. Her best sellers include an elegant rendering of the chicken souvlaki, fava with capers and sun-dried tomato, and homemade cheesecake with honey.
A self-styled ‘punk bistro’, specializes in molecular cuisine at what can only be described as miniscule prices, given the gourmet nature of its menu.
Wearing many hats, Theio Thragi, also known as The Holy Goat, is a restaurant offering gourmet food at reasonable prices as well as an excellent bar where you can sample unique creations. Food-wise, the creative chef uses familiar ingredients and turns them into innovative and original dishes where flavors and textures are kings, perfect when you want to try something new and different. Theio Thragi is where you’ll feel like a regular from the get-go and will want to stay until closing time.
This self-proclaimed 'punk bistro' serves food as creative (if slightly over-complicated) as the term suggests. (The restaurant’s name literally translates as “The Holy Billy Goat”, borrowed from a poem by Yiannis Skarimbas.) If all that sounds a little too hip, bear in mind that the establishment is well priced and the innovative menu is short and changes regularly. A little stuffy in the summer, it is a nice option for a date on a winter night, with a glass of wine by an independent Greek producer at the bar, and some 'punk’d' dishes (like organic chicken with banana, chestnut and sage or custard with sharp Naxos cheese, caramel and almonds) to share.
25 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Το Θείο Τραγί
36 KidantidonA self-styled ‘punk bistro’, specializes in molecular cuisine at what can only be described as miniscule prices, given the gourmet nature of its menu.
Wearing many hats, Theio Thragi, also known as The Holy Goat, is a restaurant offering gourmet food at reasonable prices as well as an excellent bar where you can sample unique creations. Food-wise, the creative chef uses familiar ingredients and turns them into innovative and original dishes where flavors and textures are kings, perfect when you want to try something new and different. Theio Thragi is where you’ll feel like a regular from the get-go and will want to stay until closing time.
This self-proclaimed 'punk bistro' serves food as creative (if slightly over-complicated) as the term suggests. (The restaurant’s name literally translates as “The Holy Billy Goat”, borrowed from a poem by Yiannis Skarimbas.) If all that sounds a little too hip, bear in mind that the establishment is well priced and the innovative menu is short and changes regularly. A little stuffy in the summer, it is a nice option for a date on a winter night, with a glass of wine by an independent Greek producer at the bar, and some 'punk’d' dishes (like organic chicken with banana, chestnut and sage or custard with sharp Naxos cheese, caramel and almonds) to share.
Petralona’s first Thai restaurant, which has gone from strength to strength since it opened its doors.
Much more than your average round-the-corner Thai, this is a place for rubbing elbows (the larger tables/benches are for sharing) with some cool characters from the Athenian arty milieu. Well-heeled customers from the northern suburbs also tend to flock here in search of neighbourhood authenticity and always end up paying a little more than they expected mainly because of the nice cocktails. (The wine list is in fact quite uninspired.) The food is always good and consistent. Sit at the bar and watch the action unfold in the open kitchen right behind, as a tableau vivant. Specials include elegantly presented red and green curries, a mean larb gai (shredded chicken and mint salad), and a very reliable Pad Thai.
Blue Bamboo was the first Thai restaurant in Petralona, and most likely one of the first establishments to introduce Thai cuisine to locals. As such, the place does a terrific job; the curries, chicken satay, mango salad, and pad Thai are all tasty and vibrant. Add to this a simple and warm atmosphere plus an excellent cocktail menu, and you will easily understand why it is a favorite. But come early if you want to secure a table – Blue Bamboo fills up fast.
33 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Blue Bamboo
24 KidantidonPetralona’s first Thai restaurant, which has gone from strength to strength since it opened its doors.
Much more than your average round-the-corner Thai, this is a place for rubbing elbows (the larger tables/benches are for sharing) with some cool characters from the Athenian arty milieu. Well-heeled customers from the northern suburbs also tend to flock here in search of neighbourhood authenticity and always end up paying a little more than they expected mainly because of the nice cocktails. (The wine list is in fact quite uninspired.) The food is always good and consistent. Sit at the bar and watch the action unfold in the open kitchen right behind, as a tableau vivant. Specials include elegantly presented red and green curries, a mean larb gai (shredded chicken and mint salad), and a very reliable Pad Thai.
Blue Bamboo was the first Thai restaurant in Petralona, and most likely one of the first establishments to introduce Thai cuisine to locals. As such, the place does a terrific job; the curries, chicken satay, mango salad, and pad Thai are all tasty and vibrant. Add to this a simple and warm atmosphere plus an excellent cocktail menu, and you will easily understand why it is a favorite. But come early if you want to secure a table – Blue Bamboo fills up fast.
Adding Lebanese to the mix (yet in a determinedly Greek style) is Rantevou, serving meze dishes inspired by both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes alongside local craft beers.
Rantevou is a small mezedopoleio (a spot where tapas-style food is served) where you can sample delicious Greek and Asian-inspired mezes that you can enjoy with tsipouro, ouzo or even Greek beers from small local breweries. While you’re at it, make sure to try their falafel, which can be ordered to go in a sandwich – perfect for a quick lunch. As Rantevou is quite popular, expect to wait for a table, but you will quickly understand that it is worth it.
15 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Ranteboú
8 KallisthenousAdding Lebanese to the mix (yet in a determinedly Greek style) is Rantevou, serving meze dishes inspired by both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes alongside local craft beers.
Rantevou is a small mezedopoleio (a spot where tapas-style food is served) where you can sample delicious Greek and Asian-inspired mezes that you can enjoy with tsipouro, ouzo or even Greek beers from small local breweries. While you’re at it, make sure to try their falafel, which can be ordered to go in a sandwich – perfect for a quick lunch. As Rantevou is quite popular, expect to wait for a table, but you will quickly understand that it is worth it.
Bars
Worthy of joining the class of hidden gems that people so rapaciously seek out is Upupa Epops. Its style is at once confusing, yet harmonious. Renaissance-style mirrors and lanterns adorn the walls while crimson sofas sit on black-and-white checkered flooring. Yet the ingenuity comes with the added mix of hibiscus flowers, paintings of tropical birds and terracotta walls redolent of Casablanca. Whatever the contradiction, it obviously works. Whether you come for one of their exquisite pizzas at lunch or an evening whiskey-based cocktail, it’s very often a case of table sharing, a testament to its popularity.
80 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Upupa Epops The Bar
7 AlkminisWorthy of joining the class of hidden gems that people so rapaciously seek out is Upupa Epops. Its style is at once confusing, yet harmonious. Renaissance-style mirrors and lanterns adorn the walls while crimson sofas sit on black-and-white checkered flooring. Yet the ingenuity comes with the added mix of hibiscus flowers, paintings of tropical birds and terracotta walls redolent of Casablanca. Whatever the contradiction, it obviously works. Whether you come for one of their exquisite pizzas at lunch or an evening whiskey-based cocktail, it’s very often a case of table sharing, a testament to its popularity.
The coolest of the area’s bars, this 'cage' as it’s named in Greek, is a neighbourhood dive that somehow managed to get a full revamp without losing its relaxed attitude. Don’t let the unfussy crowd fool you: the bartenders here are quite crafty with cocktails. Try the potent Negroni for a generous aperitif. If you don’t mind the indoor smoking, this is also a good option to hit the bar later in the evening for a nightcap, after dining in the neighbourhood’s various eateries.
If your preferred evening consists of long, leisurely conversations whilst the idea of screaming at the top of your lungs, just in order to be heard, does not appeal to you, then this is your place! It offers a laid-back atmosphere with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails that will intrigue even the most difficult of customers.
45 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Klouvi
57 DimofontosThe coolest of the area’s bars, this 'cage' as it’s named in Greek, is a neighbourhood dive that somehow managed to get a full revamp without losing its relaxed attitude. Don’t let the unfussy crowd fool you: the bartenders here are quite crafty with cocktails. Try the potent Negroni for a generous aperitif. If you don’t mind the indoor smoking, this is also a good option to hit the bar later in the evening for a nightcap, after dining in the neighbourhood’s various eateries.
If your preferred evening consists of long, leisurely conversations whilst the idea of screaming at the top of your lungs, just in order to be heard, does not appeal to you, then this is your place! It offers a laid-back atmosphere with a wide variety of drinks and cocktails that will intrigue even the most difficult of customers.