Chocolat Royal — Restaurant in Athens

Sure, was quite some time back but review is still valid. My experience with Chocolat Royal was the WORST among all my dining experiences in Athens. It was in December. I made a reservation for myself for weeknight dinner. I was looking forward to it, wanted to take photos and hoping to get that view of Acropolis whilst having my dinner.

Anyway, when I reached Chocolat, I showed my reservation and once done, I was told to go to the roof-top (top floor). There was this unpleasant and unfriendly bearded guy who was my waiter. He told me since I was the only diner, it would be at the top-most floor. Not sure why and what's the rationale behind that. It was very packed with diners! He gave me a seat which was closest to the stairs and in the middle of two other tables. People were happily smoking away. I requested a window seat as I was alone and could also take photos. It was also very noisy with diners talking loudly. He said 'no' as those were for 2 or more diners. I said I didn't request a 'smoking area' and wanted a nice and quiet dinner but the noise and smokes were annoying! The top floor's lights were dimmed. It was irresponsible of the waiter to assume I'd be ok with smokers and didn't even ask me for my preference! What if I had medical conditions and was allergic to smoke?

I told him I wasn't going to waste my time and money being 'forced' to sit somewhere I disliked. I told him either give me a non-smoking place or I'm leaving! He got a junior waiter to guide me to the non-smoking area (one floor down) and that place was barely crowded! At least I could breathe properly and also got a night glimpse of the Acropolis. It wasn't much of a wow sort of view after all.

I ordered my dinner - gnocchi with lamb and some Christmas entree. I wanted to order dessert after my mains. No doubt the desserts looked inviting. I noticed all the diners had their waiters attending to them BUT mine was going from my floor to the top, up and down. That was simply because they were busy attending to the whites in the smoking area! So my orders kept getting delayed.

To be fair, the food was nice. Not the best but at least, decent in terms of presentation and taste. Then I asked for the wine list and ordered a Macedonian white wine. The junior waiter took my order and brought me a glass of white wine. I asked him how was I supposed to know if that was the actual wine I ordered and not some other white wine? I asked what kind of service was that or do you think that coloureds can't pay or shouldn't dine there? Why the unbelievably double standards of service!

As a sommelier myself, I told him how a wine had to be served to customers! This is what I'm paying for in terms of service. Not for some lousy and hostile service! The junior waiter knew I lost my cool and he rushed to tell that other waiter who now came back with the wine and apologised to me. What's the point of apologising now? Damage had already been done from the start. I've been patient since I was a tourist and wanted to be respectful to the host nation! But when the host nation lacks manners and EQ, then there's no use being nice anymore. Every action has a reaction!

I told him that his service was really bad! If I had known this was the service standard, I would've taken my business elsewhere where I'd be appreciated.

Then the junior waiter came back to give me a dessert. I told him I didn't order any. I was planning to order one but didn't do so due to my unpleasant dining experience. He told me it's complimentary as they didn't want me to be angry. I told him I was NOT a freeloader and the service was bad. I asked for the bill, paid and left. I said that first waiter needed retraining and should learn to talk to customers with manners.

I've visited many eateries in Athens. All were awesome EXCEPT Chocolat Royal. Lousiest experience! Wasted my time and money. It was only one experience but...

Where do I start? My boyfriend booked this place for my birthday and it was just amazing! We did wine tasting downstairs first, this was extremely personal and like no other I’ve had! All the wines were delicious and different, not your standard boring wines! The man was so kind and patient, really informative and passionate too. They also give you a fair amount of wine! We then went upstairs to the rooftop restaurant, the staff were so attentive, advised us which wine we should have with our food and the food was beautiful! The view was absolutely stunning - try to sit on the edge! We were here for hours and enjoyed every minute! The desserts were also lovely, they brought me one for my birthday with a candle which was cute! The only thing I didn’t particular like was my cocktail but this may have just been my choice! 100% recommended! Especially for a...

We were given a recommendation to have a drink or a meal at Chocolat Royal by our Athens Airbnb host.

First night we just had a drink or two and admired the uninterrupted view of the Acropolis before dining elsewhere.

We were inspired to return on our last night in Athens by Elias who passionately described their dinner menu to us on that first night. Our dinner consisted of mezedes plates all with a Greek foundation combined with aromatic herb influences of the east. Particularly delicious were the Thrace Pie and the fetta croquettes.

What really made it for us aside from the food and views was the friendly professionalism of Elias, a man who knows his food and wine and conveys his passion in a very articulate and friendly manner. Well done and thanks for a nice experience on our last...