Haute cuisine restaurant Spondi, which won its first Michelin Star in 2002 and its second in 2008 – a rare feat in Athens’ dining scene – has just been voted Greece’s overall winner of this year’s Food & Leisure Guide (FNL) awards.
Opened by Apostolos Trastelis and today headed by Executive Chef Angelos Lantos, the Pangrati-based restaurant was awarded for its excellence in international haute cuisine.
Spondi is not a secret to eclectic foodies willing to save their pennies to splash out (an average three-course dinner with wine will come to around 150 euros a head) on a night of culinary delight, or regular Greek and global fine diners alike.
Since it opened in 1996 it has stood out as one of Greece’s very best in terms of memorably palatable sophistication, an innovative and creative approach to cooking and magnificent food presentation.
Its French menu in a Hellenic setting and made with a broad variety of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is defined by the restaurant as one of “elegance, refinement and authenticity”.
Spondi was described by globally acclaimed food critic Andy Hayler as “the grand dame restaurant of Athens” and as in the majority of reviews one will read or hear from the restaurant, not only the food but also the warm and romantic ambience, excellent wine list and high quality service are all contributing factors why this place is such a winner.
Over its multi-awarded years, it has hosted globally renown chefs such as Arnaud Bigne, Peter Knogl, Emmanuel Spondi and Eric Frenchon for special events, gastronomic festivals and one to two-evening nights.
Spondi’s signature dishes:
LANGOUSTINE – Lemon, Petrossian Daurenki Caviar, Grapefruit, Gentian, Celery
CRAB – Turnip, Acacia Honey, Tarragon, Passion Fruit
MILK FED LAMB – Eggplant, Black Olives Tart, Oregano Juice, Middle Neck with Herb & Mustard
ALPACO CHOCOLATE FROM ECUADOR – Creamy, Crunchy with Cinnamon, Soft Caramel, Salted Peanuts, Pistachio Ice-Cream
Address: Pyrronos 5, 11636, Pagrati