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Legend has it that Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens, existed because the goddess Athena was shocked by the bad news she was given while carrying a mountain of limestone from the Palen Peninsula to help build the Acropolis.

At the top of this hill, in the Kolonaki neighborhood of the city, there is a restaurant that offers fabulous views of the region – Orizontes Lycabettus.

It is open for lunch and dinner, with advance booking recommended, especially in peak season. At only 277 meters high, it’s not too far to walk but, with temperatures around 36°C/97°F, we opted to take the funicular up and have our lunch later down the hill. The funicular takes you just a stone’s throw from the restaurant. There is also a bar, a small square and viewing area and the stunning whitewashed Greek Orthodox Chapel of St George.

food

The Mediterranean inspired menu at Orizontes Lycabettusis is extensive and offers high quality produce and flavors from all over Greece. Our starters consisted of perfectly cooked grilled prawns, which were butterflied and served with a mixed seasonal salad and herbs, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil.

The sautéed mushrooms with goat’s cheese cream sauce and potato chips were exceptionally tasty, with an interesting contrast in textures and flavors.

Although I didn’t taste it myself, a salad of seasonal greens with tomato, orange and spring onion, lightly laced with white cream cheese.

Among our main dishes, the stand-out dish was the lobster with linguine, cooked in a homemade bisque with fresh tomato and basil, and bursting with flavour.

The rack of lamb, with a light coating of Aegina pistachios, served with lamb jus, pear and potatoes, also looked very tempting.

One of us opted for a salad instead of a main – the restaurant’s traditional Greek salad served with feta from Arcadia (known for its rich agricultural heritage and traditional methods of high-quality cheese production), capers and rusk.

chef

Piraeus-born chef and culinary instructor Michael Zakaris has worked in many restaurants in Greece, including the kitchens of upscale hotels such as the Radisson Blu Park Hotel, Athens; Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens and White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia. Most recently he was head chef at Meze Athens (which is also part of the Castellorizo ​​group of restaurants that owns Orizontes Lycabettus). Inspired by Greek culinary traditions, he also likes to expertly combine international cuisine from countries like Spain and Peru.

atmosphere

If the weather permits you’ll want to dine on the outdoor terrace and make the most of the amazing views of Orizontes Lycabettus, although plenty of indoor cover is available if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The stunning panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea beyond are a feast for the senses in their own right. The elegant setting is matched with crisp, white linens and exudes an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center below. It is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Price

Appetizers and salads are in the €15-€25 range. Mains range from €27 to €51. Desserts cost €9.50.

final judgment

The views alone are enough to warrant dining at Orizontes Lycabettus. In daylight or under the city lights at night, the breathtaking panorama of Athens spread out below is not to be missed. Apart from the amazing scenery, there is also a culinary experience to be enjoyed here, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that showcases the richness of Greek cuisine. If you are planning to visit on your own, I would heartily recommend you try the lobster with linguine – a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the chef’s culinary skills.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Orizontes Lycabatus.