For my favorite restaurants in Athens you can click here [1]. The “Beyond Athens” article is also a very personal list, which I will be continually updating as I visit more places both around Greece and Cyprus. It also includes three (ultimate) wine destinations, for wine aficionados who are seeking a truly memorable wine experience and are looking to enjoy some very rare gems at smart prices.
The Wine Destinations
A boutique hotel in Mani run by the Sepsas family, situated at just 5 minutes from the Gerolimenas historic port. In its atmospheric garden, with its fantastic sunset, there is an almost secret restaurant which is very friendly to families. All dishes are prepared with local ingredients. What to try: orzo with beef, local orange salad and meat from a local farm. The fish carpaccio is excellent as well.
But there is so much more than food at Citta dei Nicliani, since the wine list of Panagiotis Sepsas offers a choice of approximately 2.000 different labels (there are almost 6.000 in the cellar); included you will find the first vintage of Alpha Estate, T-Oinos Clos Stegasta and Sigalas Nykteri 1999 (pictured below). The numerous choices from around the globe are exotic; Sine Qua Non, Kongsgaard, Harlan, Cayuse and direct imports of Bruno Giacosa and Soldera. An impressive Monfortino vertical starts in 1958. Prices are very reasonable; Valentini 2012 Trebbiano (€90). La Mission Haut Brion 1993 (140), Chateau Suduiraut 1967 (140) or Massetto 1992 (400).
Palia Athina [3]
A classic destination in Thessaloniki, which focuses on traditional dishes. What to try: fresh vegetables (lahanides), lamb chops or orzo (youvetsi). Of course, meat is the King at this place. Greek cuisine at its best, full of spices and flavours. Wine plays a very important role and the list including bottles of Lunch Bages and Clos de Papes or back vintages of Gerovassiliou, Porto Carras, Alpha and other iconic Greek estates. Fair prices with Argyros Oak 2008 at €40.
Salis [4]
Located at the old port of Chania, the restaurant of Afshin Molavi from Manousakis Winery, is a wine destination on its own. The extended wine list features a complete Greek selection including the very rare Domaine Dalamaras ''Vignes Franches'' (€180 ), but also highly sought after wines from France, Italy and Spain. There is a formidable list of Bourgogne producers with Dujac, Grivot, Benjamin Leroux, Meo Camuzet, Raveneau, Pousse d’or, and Hubert Lamy (St Aubin at €110) standing out, together with Champagnes from Salon, Agrapart and Selosse.
The Rhone is also well covered with Clape, Jamet, Henri Bonneau and Chave. There is even Domaine Tempier Rosé Bandol at €72 and Pergole Torte Montevertine. The food is very tasty and complements the wines; included you will find spanakorizo with clams and handmade Cretan pasta with wild boar sausage, which are two of the many irresistible choices.