Delicious and chic outing at the renovated The Twenty One Restaurant in the northern suburbs that maintains its character as a magnificent dining venue

The restaurant of the homonymous hotel in Kefalari, which for years was listed as the meeting point of the chic upper class clientele of the northern suburbs, has recently been going through a more extroverted period, always maintaining its private character.

“Start with a Spicy margarita or dirty martini”, was my friend’s advice, while I was waiting for her sitting at the photogenic bar with the cheerful bartender. The idea of ​​a cocktail was that I needed to eliminate the tension of the day, and moreover, it gave me the opportunity in the little time I had at my disposal to observe the space.

The recent renovation created a truly feel good set up. It maintained the classic eclectic style that balances modern design and Art Nouveau, emphasizing the lighting, but also the distance that the tables maintain between each other, giving privacy to discussions whether they concern business meetings or friendly and family affairs. Marble and mosaics, tapestries, velvet fabrics, sophisticated color tones and modern works of art create an elegant ensemble, which creates a sense of bliss.

The point that gives a new character and highlights the “green” side of Kifissia is the semi-outdoor space, which is reminiscent of European “orangeries” and the mansions of Kifissia of the 1950s, bringing the garden closer to the interior of the restaurant. The new pool area offers another spot for relaxation with comfortable sun loungers that offer another reason to visit the hotel, since it is also open to external guests.

The cuisine maintains the line that made it known and loved by its “world-traveled” clientele. It is based on excellent raw materials, loves French culture and its classic dishes, influences from the Mediterranean and Asia, seasonality, while the sushi menu is its strong point.

A light start is made by the airy buttery burratina with asparagus, edamame and parmesan dressing, but also the salad with artichokes, arugula, San daniele prosciutto and pecorino with its welcome cool deliciousness. The veal carpaccio with arugula and Parmesan Reggiano as well as the spicy king crab with truffle yuzu are also possible choices.

For main courses, the menu features classic French dishes: sole meunière, steak tartare, served with the best French fries in town, which are hard to resist (so delicious they make you feel guilty). For two people, Chateaubriand and Rib eye black angus are served. A casual option is the burger, while the black cod fillet with miso is a hit with those who love the soft taste of fish with the spicy sweetness of miso.

In desserts, the semolina halva with kaimaki ice cream, made with a recipe from Istanbul, is a hit, while the Alaska dessert, the famous American dessert, which was very much loved by the high society in Greece in the 60s and 70s, has a base of sponge cake, cool ice cream and fluffy meringue and is served “old-fashioned” on a raised tray, reminiscent of aristocratic receptions.

The impeccable service, the impressive wine list with selected labels from all over the world, the best spirits and the famous cocktails worthily complete the experience.

Info: Kolokotroni 21, Kifissia, tel. 210 6230621