Zohos: H μυστική αυλή του Electra Palace

The first time I walked through the doors of Zohos, I instinctively held my breath—it felt like stepping into a private garden made just for me. As soon as I sank into the greenery, the sound of the city faded, and for the next two hours, I felt like a guest in a more refined, quieter version of Athens.

The courtyard at Zohos is its greatest charm: a shaded, climate-controlled patio with clean neoclassical lines, refreshing plants, and generously spaced tables. The elegant façade of the Electra Palace brings a touch of old Athenian nobility, while chic chairs and a soft musical backdrop give the scene a distinct sense of welcoming hotel chic. Indoors, the open kitchen and dramatic wine fridge add an extra layer of character and charm.

The menu is inspired by modern Greek cuisine, striking a balance between tradition and creative refinement. Designed for food sharing, it features thoughtful combinations that celebrate Greek ingredients with elevated technique.
Chef Sakis Venetis, whose background includes Michelin-starred restaurants like Oud Sluis and Pure C, as well as luxury resorts like Atlantis Dubai and Amanzoe, brings his own personal vision to the table—anchored in land and sea, always refined.

Recommended Dishes

  • Smoked eel croquettes with Greek caviar – crisp on the outside, with a delicate smokiness that reveals itself slowly
  • Karpathian onion pie – perfectly balanced between rustic flavor and buttery finesse
  • Lamb tartare with tomato, pepper & rose water – light, refreshing, a playful twist on raw tradition
  • Grilled calamari with chickpea stew from Sifnos – juicy, with a bright lemon-oil dressing; the slightly Eastern-inspired chickpeas may be divisive but are certainly memorable
  • Sweet finish: handmade fig ice cream — like a tight summer hug in every spoonful

For wine pairing, try the 52 Peaks Chardonnay from Navitas Winery—each sip evokes the silhouette of Mount Olympus’ 52 peaks and complements seafood dishes beautifully.

Best for

  • A romantic dinner – table spacing encourages intimacy
  • A business lunch or dinner – refined service and serene ambiance
  • A stylish meal with guests from abroad – to offer them a taste of Athens’ grand side

Notes for Improvement

We would love to see one or two bolder vegetarian options added to the menu.

Final Tip

Ask for a table on the patio, near the tall plants—you’ll enjoy the same neoclassical charm with a touch of breeze and the feeling of a private garden balcony.
In winter, the table in front of the open kitchen is perfect for a group of up to eight.

  • Address: Nikis 18–20 (Electra Palace Athens), tel. +30 210 337000
  • Price range: €45–65 per person
  • Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 13:00 – 00:00