1. By the pool!
Personally, I believe they should be closed during the day; trying to concentrate on work while thinking of a cool and relaxing swimming pool somewhere very close in one of the city’s luxury hotels can prove quite a mental handicap!
Nighttime however is a whole different story. As the lighting changes, the décor, the music and the mood transform the swimming pool of a Hotel into the place to be. Malabar in the beautiful Margi Hotel in Vouliagmeni (11, Lytous str., Laimos Vouliagmenis, tel 210 8929000) is an ideal example. Day beds, wicker couches, large pillows, Moroccan rugs, little lanterns and ethnic music blend superbly with the clever finger food prepared by Xenofondas Polymeros and the fantastic cocktails prepared at the bar.
In Glyfada, visit the great Babae (88, Poseidonos Avenue, Asteras Glyfadas tel. 210 8941 620). It welcomes young and glamorous people, around the wooden deck of the swimming pool, in two very promising restaurants … La Tienda, Argentinean and La Peche, with its seafood specialties prepared by Chef Jean Yves Carattoni.
2. A garden in the city!
There are several gardens in the city, where one can relax and enjoy dinner.
An all time classic is Balthazar (27, Tsoha str. and Bournazou str, Ampelokipi, tel 210 6441 215), with its excellent food and interesting people.
Hidden in Evaggelismos Garden (opposite the Hilton Athens) one will discover the Italian Restaurant Boschetto (Alsos Evaggelismou, tel. 2107210 893); things can “get serious” since very influential people dine here and the bar on the right of the restaurant is an excellent choice for a cool drink.
Spondi is beyond any doubt the best restaurant in Greece, with its perfect Mediterranean creations prepared by Chef Eric Frechon, who has been awarded with two Michelin stars. His delicacies are served in the restaurant’s recently renovated courtyard, a truly exquisite location (5, Pyrronos str. Varnava square, Pagrati, tel. 210 7520 658).
Among the other “tasty” gardens of Athens is Milos at the Hilton Athens Hotel (46, Vas. Sophias Av., tel. 210 72 444 00) with its world-famous fish (and not only), Tilemaxos (19, Fragopoulou, K. Kifissia tel. 2108077468), and its most recent “sibling” Barbeque Club (22, Fragopoulou & M. Botsari, K. Kifissia, tel. 210 80 76 680). Also stop by the Brazilian Restaurant Yellow Squirrel (21, Dimitressa str. Ilissia, tel. 210 7211586).
3. With a view!
The best roof gardens are situated in the City’s luxury hotels like the Grande Bretagne ,with its GB Roof Garden and spectacular views of the Acropolis (Syntagma Square, tel. 210 33 30000). Other favorites of those with deep pockets are the Tudor Hall (Syntagma, King Geroge II, tel. 210 3222 210) with its immaculate service and French haute cuisine, as well as the recently renovated Galaxy Roof of the Hilton Athens Hotel, (46, Vas. Sophias Av., tel. 210 7281403) with its renowned Galaxy Bar.
4. THE island!
A club restaurant in the seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni, Island is one of a kind. The place proposes an “island” escape, transporting the senses in style to a cosmopolitan Mediterranean atmosphere. With its good food, exciting cocktails, and beautiful people, you will probably fool yourself into believing you are already on your island holiday (Limanakia Vouliagmenis, tel. 210 8925 000).
