In a neighborhood that is evolving into the most vibrant gastronomic quarter of the city center, Anthes is the latest address worth keeping on your radar. The new bar-restaurant that “rearranges” Athens brings a welcome sense of comfort fine dining.
Behind the culinary direction is executive chef Hippocrates Anagnostelis (Kensho Mykonos, Crios Paros), with Konstantina Panagiotopoulou as head chef. The concept is clear: a comfort-driven approach and Greek tradition combined with the technical precision and finesse of fine dining, enriched with Japanese techniques and ingredients.
The space at Anthes unfolds like an “urban home” across three distinct levels, each with its own atmosphere. As you enter, the front area features the bar, ideal for after-office vibes, overlooking Skoufa Street. On the intermediate level, two tables offer a more relaxed, transitional setting, while on the lower level, the open kitchen and wine cellar take center stage, with tables placed right next to the action. At the back, an inner “garden” with vertical greenery creates a quiet refuge, like a hidden courtyard in the heart of the city.
Sharing Between the Aegean and Tokyo
The menu is designed for sharing and draws on Japanese techniques while preserving its Greek identity. Standout dishes include the grouper tartare with well-balanced acidity, and the taramasalata with confit leek, a refined and carefully executed version of a classic flavor. Next comes the “potato,” an intelligent comfort dish.
This consists of finely sliced potato sheets with aged Arseniko Naxos cheese cream and slow-cooked leek, a creative reference to traditional hortopita. The eggplant “like moussaka” offers a familiar profile with a lighter body, thanks to pulled veal and a goat cheese béchamel. Meanwhile, the caramelized cauliflower with chickpeas, kale, and tahini-sesame shows that the vegetarian side of the menu is treated with equal seriousness.
The wine list is particularly interesting, with selections from Greece and Spain, an emphasis on island terroirs, and several high-quality labels available by the glass via Coravin. On the cocktail side, Thanos Tsekouras (“Bank Job”) signs a list designed to pair seamlessly with the food.
It includes more gastronomic options such as the Midnight Sun (tequila, mezcal, green apple, beetroot, basil, Port), as well as fruitier, lighter choices.
To finish, desserts move along two main axes: a Greek-inspired option with yogurt and quince for a light ending, a more comfort-driven choice with the signature one-kilo tiramisu, or a more “chef-driven” option with Kumaru, a dessert combining pear, caramel, tonka, pecan praline, and passion fruit foam.
Anthes is among the most interesting new openings on the Athenian scene, suitable both for after-office drinks and for dinner with friends that can easily last a little longer.
For Christmas and New Year’s Eve, special menus have been prepared (Christmas Menu: €100, New Year’s Eve Menu: €140 per person). As on many regular operating days, the fun side of the restaurant comes to life with house DJ sets and live performances, adding a distinctive vibe to the evenings.
Info: Anthes, 3 Skoufa Street, Syntagma – Tel.: +30 6974 010187 – Open: Tuesday–Sunday evenings & weekends at lunchtime as well.
