Varoulko Seaside Restaurant
Our first dinner in Athens was at Varoulko, a one Michelin star restaurant by the beautiful Mikrolimano marina. We arrived early so we could stroll along the coastline before dinner. The evening light was soft, the sea breeze cool, and the boats gently swayed along the harbour. It felt calm and unhurried, the perfect way to ease ourselves into Greece.
Dinner itself was elegant without feeling overly formal. Seafood was clearly the star here, but prepared with a modern touch that still respected the natural flavours of the ingredients. Oysters arrived dressed delicately with kiwi and mussels cream, sea bass carpaccio sliced beautifully and brightened with citrus and herbs, while the red shrimp ceviche looked almost too pretty to eat. Every dish felt refined yet light, letting the freshness speak for itself.
The fried Dorado fillet was really memorable. Crisp golden exterior, moist flaky flesh inside, paired with little touches of purées and sauces that added colour and contrast without overpowering the fish. Even the grilled squid and scallops dishes carried that balance of simplicity and precision.
One of the nicest discoveries that evening was the local wine. We tried a blend of Malagousia and Assyrtiko, two native Greek grape varietals. Fresh, aromatic and dangerously easy to drink. Floral and fruity on the nose, with a crisp and lively finish that worked beautifully with the seafood. After a few glasses, all of us were already talking about finding more Greek wines during the trip.
More than the food, it was the atmosphere that stayed with us. Good friends, wives laughing over dinner, sea breeze drifting through the marina, and plates of beautifully prepared seafood arriving one after another. It was our very first dinner in Greece, and honestly, we could not have asked for a better start to the trip.
Varoulko Seaside
54 Koumoundourou Coast
Athens 18533
Greece
