Nestled in the historic heart of Athens, amidst the winding cobblestone streets and picturesque neoclassical buildings of Plaka, lies a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. zohós, named after the resilient wild herb that has flourished across Greece for centuries, is more than just a restaurant; it’s an oasis where tradition meets innovation. This verdant retreat offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city, inviting diners to indulge in a sensory journey through the rich flavors and aromas of Greek cuisine, all while surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a casual traveler, or someone seeking an authentic taste of Greece, zohós promises an unforgettable dining experience that delights the palate and soothes the soul.
A hidden beautiful garden in the center of Athens. Find it here
A Verdant Escape in the City Center
zohós transforms its space into a lush botanical garden, adorned with fragrant herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. Unlike typical urban eateries,zohós creates a countryside ambiance right in the heart of Athens. At zohós you will find tables spread across the courtyard and inside a charming greenhouse structure. This picturesque setting is perfect for any season, with outdoor seating ideal for spring and summer, and the greenhouse and cozy interior catering to cooler months. The ambiance evokes the four seasons, ensuring a delightful dining experience all year round.
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A Culinary Journey Through Greece
The heart of zohós lies in its kitchen, where traditional Greek recipes are reimagined with a creative twist. The menu, crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Sakis Venetis and Chef de Cuisine Haris Antonopoulos, showcases a variety of Greek “meze” and dishes that pay homage to the flavors of Greece. Each dish is prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from small-scale producers, ensuring a vibrant and authentic taste.
The chefs at zohós are dedicated to sustainability, practicing zero-waste and nose-to-tail cooking methods. This means that every part of the ingredients is utilized, minimizing waste and highlighting the ingenuity of Greek culinary traditions.
Inside zohós’ cuisine, traditional Greek recipes are reimagined with a creative twist, made with fresh local ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and authentic.
Must-Try Dishes
Begin your culinary adventure with the crispy cheese croquettes served with apple chutney, a delightful start that sets the tone for the rest of your meal. The handmade bread, aged for three months, is another highlight, with its fluffy crumb and crunchy crust.
The freshly baked bread at zohós is a highlight on its own, with a perfectly crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. It’s ideal for soaking up the rich flavors of the handmade spreads like taramasalata, melitzanosalata, and tyrokafteri. Make a reservation here
Next, let the array of exquisite dishes captivate your senses. The Sifnos chickpea stew with grilled calamari, fresh herbs, and a spicy lemon dressing is a standout, bringing together land and sea in perfect harmony. Don’t miss the Karpathian onion pie, enriched with prosciutto and a smoky broth, or the marinated anchovies, a delicate dish served with wild greens and dressed in a vibrant green pepper dressing, offering a refreshing and flavorful bite that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
You simply cannot visit Greece without trying some of their incredibly fresh fish. At zohós, the seafood dishes are a true testament to the country’s rich maritime tradition, offering a taste of the sea that is both authentic and unforgettable.
The beetroot salad, featuring roasted, boiled, and pickled beets paired with smoked cheese and truffle vinaigrette, offers a burst of vibrant flavors and textures. The classic Greek combination of potatoes with eggs and sujuk is reimagined as a potato tartin with egg cream and sujuk vinaigrette, elevating this comfort dish to new heights.
Eggs and potatoes are a beloved dish in Greece, and at zohós, they’ve given this classic a twist. The dish features perfectly roasted potatoes, a rich egg yolk, and a flavorful spiced sausage dressing, elevating a traditional favorite to a new level of culinary excellence. Make a reservation here
Meat lovers will revel in the lamb «kleftiko,» a slow-cooked delight infused with the flavors of aged Naxos graviera cheese and complemented by creamy yogurt, creating a rich and satisfying dish that melts in your mouth.
We recommend ordering multiple dishes to share, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. It’s definitely worth it!
For a true taste of Greek tradition, try the handmade fish croquettes, a delightful fusion of finely minced fish and vibrant Florina peppers, rolled in a crispy coating and paired with roasted almonds for an added crunch. This dish balances savory and nutty notes beautifully, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic Greek favorite that is sure to please the palate.
Delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these croquettes are bursting with the fresh flavors of the sea. Make a reservation here
Round off your meal with desserts that are as inventive as they are delicious. The orange pie, served with fennel ice cream, offers a refreshing finish, while the crunchy cinnamon tart with caramelized milk and walnut ice cream gives a modern twist to classic Greek sweets. Each dish at zohós is a testament to the creativity and skill of the chefs, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
End your evening on a sweet note with a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for a delightful finish to your meal.
A Taste of Greek Vineyards and «Wild» Cocktails
Complement your meal with a selection from zohós’ extensive wine list, featuring exquisite labels from Greek vineyards across Crete, Samos, Santorini, Metsovo, Florina, Serres, and beyond. Each wine is carefully chosen to showcase the diversity and richness of Greek viticulture, perfectly pairing with the flavors of the menu. Whether you prefer a robust red, a crisp white, or a delicate rosé, the wine list offers something for every palate, enhancing your dining experience with the unique characteristics of Greek terroir.
You will find an exceptional selection of Greek wines, each chosen to perfectly complement the rich and diverse flavors of the menu. Make a reservation here
In addition to the impressive wine selection,zohós offers a range of signature cocktails that celebrate the bounty of the Greek landscape. Each cocktail is crafted with elements like herbs, honey, and traditional spirits, infusing every sip with the essence of Greece.
Start with the Hibiscus cocktail, a refreshing blend of greek “tsikoudia”, mountain tea, cinnamon, ginger, and lime, offering a fragrant and invigorating taste. The zohós cocktail is a house favorite, featuring kumquat-infused gin, wild herb syrup, honey, thyme, bergamot, and lime, delivering a complex and aromatic flavor profile. For those who prefer a sweeter concoction, the Anise cocktail combines greek ouzo, melon, banana, thyme, honey, and lime, creating a delightful fusion of fruity and herbal notes.
You should definitely try the cocktails crafted with Greek ouzo and tsikoudia, offering a unique and authentic taste of Greece in every sip.
zohós is a culinary haven that was missing from the restaurant-rich center of Athens. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail amidst the greenery on a weekday evening or to bask in the sun on a leisurely weekend afternoon. Despite its wild name, zohós is as welcoming as a gracious host, captivating you from the moment you step through its doors.
Visit zohós:
Navarchou Nikodimou 18-20, Athens
For reservations and directions, click here
