Akra — Restaurant in Athens

A new contender in the Athenian food scene, ΑΚΡΑ brings a fresh perspective to Neo-Greek cuisine.

This exciting restaurant boasts an impressive collaboration between two renowned names: Ioannis Loukakis from Mourga | Thessaloniki and Spyros Pediaditakis, a talented Pastry Chef from Ourse Glyfada.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pangrati, ΑΚΡΑ offers a prime location with plenty of post-dining options for drinks.

Step inside and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, complete with an open kitchen where you can witness asado-like fires and the preparation of cold dishes just a stone's throw away (check out the video!). The same attention to detail extends to their delectable desserts.

However, I must admit that the restaurant's peculiar floor plan, despite its unique charm, negatively impacted the service experience.

This is the primary reason for my rating. The dishes arrived at an overwhelming pace for our party of four, with over 6 different dishes being served almost simultaneously, leaving us feeling stressed.

In general, the service lacks coordination and practicality (if a table is already filled with dishes, it's impractical to bring three more and expect us to handle them). Nevertheless, considering that ΑΚΡΑ is a completely new establishment, I am confident that these issues will be addressed in the future.

Now, let's talk about the food 🍽️.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! While not mind-blowing, the menu offers a range of intriguing dishes that are certainly worth exploring.

What did stand out was the Desserts which closed the evening on a higher note. Congrats 👌

Given my passion for the Athens food scene and my extensive following, I will definitely revisit ΑΚΡΑ, but perhaps after some time to allow them to refine...

This is a review about a visit that took place in June 2023.

Latest talk of the town for which i had high expectations given that both the chef owner’s two establishments in Thessaloniki are excellent and the co-owner’s (and pastry chef) CV is jaw dropping.

Unfortunately, as in most cases when someone has high expectations, mine were not met.

Service is quite unorganised (yet polite) (forgetting 1 of the only 4 ordered courses, not taking care to refill wine glasses since the wine was not by the table so that we could help ourselves).

The restaurant’s design, with the open kitchen being part of the actual dining experience and the chefs’ counters being by the dining tables however given how narrow the place is, means that indoor tables are one next to the other which for me is a big no-no. When i go out i don’t want to dine with the couple next to my table; when i don’t mind this, i opt for communal tables or sitting at a bar but I select this. I am not being “forced” to do so.

Food is good but not excellent. Tomato salad good but really, in the peak of the summer, i would expect something to stand out even more; the pasta with the raw shrimp tartare was the dish of the night (although more attention has to be paid to the doneness of the pasta). The broth was to die for.

For me the star of the show were the desserts (and the very polite pastry chef who was in charge; she was very attentive and eager to explain). The caramelised milk tart is not to be missed and possibly one of the best desserts you can eat in an Athenian restaurant.

All in all, i had a good time but certainly not the time I had hoped for; i will probably be coming back but I will give it more time as Akra is still in its early stages and probably needs some...

AKRA

A Home Dining Experience in Athens

During my week in Athens, I had the pleasure of catching up with childhood friends, including Eleni Best, who highly recommended AKRA for lunch.

A reservation is a must,this place is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Ambiance & Setup

AKRA offers a unique open-kitchen dining experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action. Upon entering, you pass the bakery corner where fresh bread is baked, followed by the cold and hot stations, and finally, the grill and fire oven. The seating consists of small marble tables with cozy school chairs, and upstairs, you’ll find the pastry kitchen at work.

The most intriguing spot? The bar seating by the grill, where you can enjoy a bottle of wine while soaking in the sounds of crackling fire, sizzling food, and lively Greek music, nothing like the usual restaurant playlist.

Service

Maria, our server, was exceptional. She welcomed us warmly, took our order promptly, and ensured a smooth dining experience despite the restaurant being full. When I was about to over-order, she advised against it, a rare and refreshing sign of genuine hospitality.

The Food

Each dish reflected authentic, homemade Greek flavors.

Appetizers: Fresh Bread with Virgin Olive Oil 🥖 Marinated Mussels, White Fish Roe Cream Wild Greens, Olive Oil & Lemon Sauce 🥦

Mains: Chickpeas & Spinach Soup 🥦 Stuffed Cabbage Leaves with Shrimp & Egg-Lemon Sauce 🦐 Black Pork & Onion Stew

Dessert: Meringue with Lemon Sorbet 🍋

Final Thoughts

AKRA is a must visit if you’re in Athens and craving authentic, home-style Greek cuisine. The thoughtful service, vibrant ambiance, and outstanding flavors make it an experience...