Greek cuisine from the heart, with a modern look and dishes for sharing by chef Michalis Merzenis
There are neighborhoods that are slowly acquiring their own delicious hangouts – and there somewhere, between quiet apartment buildings and classic Athenian rhythm, Elea Mediterranean Cuisine appears. A restaurant that brings to Galatsi the signature of a “delicious” chef, without style, without posturing, with only one goal: good Greek cuisine, with pure flavors and ingredients that respect tradition.
Warm ingredients, natural tones, plenty of light, comfortable seats and music that has been carefully selected – often with DJ sets. Elea resembles a modern neighborhood lounge: simple, clean, tasteful, without pretentiousness, just like its food. Soon, it will also put on its Christmas clothes, preparing warm and atmospheric evenings.
Behind all this, the owners Panagiotis Lalos and Chrysoula Vasilopoulou, with a background in fashion, are very sweet, hospitable and treat Elea with love, style, but also with soul.
In the kitchen, the “prodigal” chef Michalis Merzenis, the man behind the viral Astos in Pagrati, signs a creative but deeply Greek proposal here. With experience, balance and a clear vision, he believes that “the less you put, the more you say”. And this is visible on the plate: he does not chase impressions, but flavors that remain.
Elea’s menu avoids pretentious “trendy” experiments and focuses on what ultimately counts: deliciousness, proper technique, generous portions for sharing. Among the dishes, we highlighted the handmade dolmadias on the fire with spicy yogurt, raisins and pine nuts: a classic flavor, with fire and smoke giving it depth, the lettuce hearts with arugula, apple, talangani and rakomelou dressing: a salad that balances between the cool, the sweet and the salty, the open pita with fresh greens and pizza-like dough: comfort food reminiscent of a village. The inconceivably delicious roasted chicken with lemon and herbs: juicy, with the pan and oven doing their job properly. Also, the excellent fried black pork with peppers, tsipouro and smoked paprika: a snack that asks for bread and company and the “mom’s” veal meatballs in a cast iron with tomato, Florina pepper and Amfilochia pecorino.
Finally, the Baklava mille-feuille with pistachio cream and the ekmek tsoureki with makhlepi cream and kaimaki ice cream close the table with a nice sweetness.
Elea is a restaurant that cooks with memory, serves with generosity and invites you to rediscover Greek cuisine as it deserves: with a good table in an Athenian neighborhood.
Elea Mediterranean Cuisine (13–15 Syrou, Galatsi, tel.: 210 2923401, www.eleacuisine.gr)
Dining and Cooking