Akra, Athens
One of the best meals on our final day in Athens was lunch at Akra, a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant that has quietly built a strong reputation for its wood fire cooking and honest, ingredient driven cuisine.
The moment we walked in, I knew I was going to enjoy this place. An open kitchen with flames dancing in the wood fired grill, copper pots hanging overhead and the comforting aroma of smoke created an atmosphere that felt lively yet unpretentious. It is the sort of restaurant where you instantly feel at ease.
The homemade country bread, served with fragrant Greek olive oil and za'atar, was dangerously addictive. It was crusty on the outside, soft within and a perfect way to begin.
The raw shrimp with sweet tomatoes, olive oil and fresh mint was beautifully refreshing. The sweetness of the shrimp paired wonderfully with the acidity of the tomatoes, while the mint added just enough freshness without overpowering the dish.
One of my favourites was the silky mushroom soup. Rich, earthy and intensely flavoured, it was comfort in a bowl and probably one of the best mushroom soups I had throughout the trip.
Another memorable dish was the wood fired chicken liver skewer served on toasted sourdough with roasted peppers and capers. Even if you are not usually a fan of liver, this may well change your mind. The chicken liver was cooked beautifully, remaining creamy and rich without any unpleasant metallic taste. Combined with the smoky bread, sweet peppers and briny capers, every bite was packed with flavour and wonderfully balanced.
We also shared a beautifully cooked fish dumpling swimming in a light, velvety lemon sauce that was delicate yet packed with flavour. The slow cooked beef stew was equally satisfying, deeply rich and fork tender, perfect for mopping up with the excellent bread.
Desserts rounded off the meal nicely. A bright citrus tart paired with an orange sorbet offered a refreshing finish, while the burnt cheesecake with a smooth vanilla cream was creamy, rich and impossible to stop eating.
The wine list deserves a mention too. We tried an orange wine alongside an interesting Cabernet that tasted nothing like the Cabernets we are used to drinking. It was always fun discovering wines that challenged our expectations.
Akra may not have the sweeping Acropolis views that many visitors seek, but sometimes the most memorable meals are found away from the tourist crowds. Honest cooking, quality ingredients, warm service and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. It was exactly the kind of lunch we hoped to find in Athens.
