Michelin Starred Restaurants in Greece

Greece is known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse range of delicious dishes. From classic Mediterranean fare to modern interpretations of traditional recipes, Greek cuisine offers something for everyone. For foodies seeking the ultimate dining experience, Greece is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are the top 5 Michelin star restaurants in Greece:

Top 5 Michelin Starred Restaurants in Greece

Funky Gourmet, Athens

Located in the trendy neighborhood of Keramikos, Funky Gourmet offers a unique take on contemporary Greek cuisine. Helmed by chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussos, the restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars for its innovative dishes that blend tradition and modernity. Highlights include the “eggplant in the shell” and the “lamb with trahana and feta”.

Spondi, Athens

Situated in a historic neoclassical building in the heart of Athens, Spondi is one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Led by chef Apostolos Trastelis, the restaurant has earned two Michelin stars for its refined French-inspired cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Standout dishes include the “duck with lentils and foie gras” and the “halibut with mushrooms and truffle”.

Varoulko, Athens

As Greece’s first seafood restaurant to receive a Michelin star, Varoulko is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Located in the Mikrolimano marina, the restaurant offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and a menu that focuses on fresh, local seafood. Chef Lefteris Lazarou has been at the helm of the restaurant since it opened in 1987 and was awarded the prestigious Michelin star in 2002.

Matsuhisa, Athens

For those seeking a taste of Japanese cuisine in Athens, Matsuhisa is the place to go. Helmed by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star for its exquisite sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant’s chic, minimalist decor and stunning views of the Acropolis make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Botrini’s, Athens

Located in the Athens suburb of Kifissia, Botrini’s is the brainchild of chef Ettore Botrini, who has been awarded one Michelin star for his modern Greek cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is based on seasonal ingredients and offers a fresh take on traditional Greek dishes. Highlights include the “shrimp with orzo and ouzo sauce” and the “lamb with artichokes and peas”.

How to Receive a Michelin Star? 

Receiving a Michelin star is no small feat, and requires a restaurant to excel in several areas. The Michelin Guide, which originated in France, is the most prestigious and influential restaurant guide in the world, with a reputation for recognizing excellence in the culinary world. To receive a Michelin star, a restaurant must demonstrate exceptional cuisine, service, and atmosphere. Michelin inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and evaluate them on a variety of criteria, including the quality of the ingredients, the skill of the chefs, the consistency of the dishes, and the overall dining experience.

A restaurant can receive one, two, or three Michelin stars, with each star representing a higher level of excellence. One Michelin star signifies “a very good restaurant,” two stars signify “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars signify “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Receiving a Michelin star can have a transformative effect on a restaurant, elevating its reputation and attracting discerning diners from around the world. For many chefs and restaurateurs, receiving a Michelin star is the ultimate recognition of their hard work and dedication to their craft.

What are the conditions for a Michelin Star?

To receive a Michelin star, a restaurant must first be selected for inspection by Michelin’s team of anonymous inspectors. These inspectors are typically industry professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the culinary world. They visit restaurants multiple times over a period of several months to evaluate every aspect of the dining experience.

During these visits, inspectors pay close attention to the quality and consistency of the food, as well as the creativity and innovation of the dishes. They also evaluate the service, taking note of factors such as the attentiveness of the waitstaff, the speed of service, and the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The inspectors also consider the value for money, taking into account factors such as the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs in preparing them.

After completing their evaluations, the Michelin inspectors submit their reports to the Michelin Guide’s editors, who make the final decision on which restaurants will receive stars. Restaurants that meet the strict criteria for excellence are awarded one, two, or three stars.

Receiving a Michelin star can have a profound impact on a restaurant, both in terms of prestige and financial success. Michelin-starred restaurants often see a significant increase in reservations and bookings, as well as increased media attention and recognition from food critics and industry insiders. For chefs and restaurateurs, receiving a Michelin star can also be a source of personal pride and validation for their hard work and dedication to their craft.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Greece offers a wide range of culinary experiences for foodies from all over the world. The country’s Michelin-starred restaurants are among the best in the world, offering innovative and delicious cuisine that blends tradition and modernity. From Funky Gourmet’s contemporary Greek dishes to Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Mediterranean fusion, there is something for every palate. And for chefs and restaurateurs, receiving a Michelin star is the ultimate recognition of their hard work and dedication to the culinary arts.

Also, If you wish you can see best Michelin starred restaurants in Portugal here.