CTC Urban Gastronomy — Restaurant in Athens

We visited CTC two weeks ago with my husband. We were celebrating that night and we were super excited to visit this restaurant because of the reviews so far. We got a couple of cocktails and the 9-course menu. The food was great, at the level we have experienced in Cape Town or New York. We were drinking our goodbye drinks, when the waiter asked us to leave the restaurant because there was a double booking and he did not know. We did not know for the double booking in advance and we were not informed during our visit, because if we did we wouldn’t have ordered the experience menu of 9 courses, but a shorter one and we wouldn’t have ordered two bottles of wine. Should we have known about the restaurant’s intent to double book our table, we would have kept our visit way shorter and far more modest. The waiter apologized for his mistake and I requested to speak with the manager to state my complaints to someone responsible for the place. After stating the facts to the manager, he said that there was nothing he could do and when I asked to offer to the new customers a couple of drinks, until we finish our drinks and pay at our own pace, he responded with “I cannot dictate to him how he should run his restaurant”. I would like to note here the obvious, the fact that he could have apologized and offered us to finish up our drinks at the bar/outside and not rush us to leave (or make a different gesture of common kindness and professionalism), but I cannot dictate how to keep customers happy with professionalism. When I expressed the fact that should we knew that our visit had a time limit, we would not have consumed the 9 course menu or two bottles of wine, his response was that our treatment is not relative to our consumption. My response was that he did not help me to not leave a bad review and he said that I was threatening him. I said that I was merely informing him and as we all very well know, in order to threaten him I must have been asking him to do sth for me (I mean aside from asking him to treat his customers with professionalism/respect/courtesy). I asked if he owned the place, he confirmed partial ownership and I advised him to be more mindful with his customers need, given that they are trying to sell as an amazing dinner experience (where he also responded saying that I threaten him). Restaurants that try to sell the experience to their customers should avoid double bookings, but in case it happens, they should inform their customers as soon as possible and even in case they cannot inform in due time, they should be able to be kind and respectful towards their customers. My advice to you is to specifically ask the exact time frame of your booking and adjust your visit accordingly. Just eat your food, which indeed is very well done and leave with no other expectations. This restaurant is far behind from its counterparts from around the world and they have no right to ruin your experience because they do not know how to treat...

I recently had the opportunity to dine at CTC, a renowned restaurant in Athens known for its 11-levels menu. While the experience had its ups and downs, there were a few standout dishes that truly impressed me.

Let's start with the highlights. The corn soup and the squid with pesto were undoubtedly the stars of the meal. The corn soup had a delightful creaminess and a burst of natural sweetness, perfectly balanced with subtle hints of spices. It was a true delight for the palate. The squid with pesto showcased the rich flavors of the squid itself creating a vibrant and intensely flavored sauce that complemented the accompanying dish perfectly.

Moving on to the main course, unfortunately, the pork pancetta fell short of expectations. As the centerpiece of the meal, I anticipated an explosion of flavors, but it failed to deliver. The dish lacked the wow factor that one would expect from a restaurant with a one-star Michelin rating. While it was not terrible, it certainly didn't leave a lasting impression.

Out of the 11 dishes in the menu, seven managed to capture my taste buds and create a memorable experience. These dishes were prepared with precision and showcased the chef's talent and creativity. However, it was disappointing that a restaurant with such acclaim didn't manage to maintain the same level of excellence across all dishes.

On a positive note, the desserts at CTC were a true triumph. The restaurant truly excelled in this department, presenting an array of sweet treats that were both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The attention to detail and the harmonious combination of flavors in the desserts showcased the chef's mastery of the craft.

In terms of ambiance, CTC exuded a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The decor was tastefully done, creating a pleasant and comfortable setting for a fine dining experience. The service was attentive and professional, adding to the overall enjoyable atmosphere.

While CTC had its hits and misses, the standout dishes, such as the corn soup, squid pesto, and the delightful desserts, are certainly worth experiencing. However, it is worth noting that some dishes didn't live up to the expectations set by a one-star Michelin restaurant. Nevertheless, if you appreciate culinary innovation and are willing to take a chance on a diverse menu, CTC might still be a worthwhile choice for your dining...

A Memorable Evening at CTC Urban Gastronomy

We recently visited CTC Urban Gastronomy to celebrate an engagement, and the experience was, overall, delightful and memorable. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the serene and beautiful ambiance of the restaurant—a perfect setting for a special occasion.

The staff at CTC are incredibly attentive and coordinated. From serving dishes to clearing them away seamlessly after the meal, their thoughtfulness and professionalism were evident throughout the evening. To our surprise and delight, they even prepared a lovely personalized greeting in honor of our celebration, which added a warm and thoughtful touch to the occasion.

For our meal, we chose the restaurant's Tasting Menu 11. Before our visit, we made a note of dietary preferences, specifying that we do not eat seafood or pork while listing what we do enjoy: fish, chicken, beef, and lamb. The dishes we received were beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Each plate was a testament to the chef’s creativity and skill.

However, one unexpected detail marred the otherwise exquisite experience. Among the dishes served was rabbit, a meat we do not eat. Admittedly, we forgot to mention this explicitly, but since it wasn’t included in the list of what we do eat, we hoped the selection would align with our stated preferences. It was unfortunate that out of the 11 dishes, only one featured fish, and the others did not incorporate more of the chicken, beef, or lamb we had highlighted. While we understand this was a misstep in communication, it left us wishing for a menu that better matched our preferences.

Despite this minor oversight, we thoroughly enjoyed our evening at CTC Urban Gastronomy. The thoughtfulness of the staff, the serene atmosphere, and the incredible quality of the food made for a truly special celebration. We appreciate the effort and care that went into making our evening memorable and look forward to visiting again in the future, this time with a more comprehensive note on our preferences.

CTC Urban Gastronomy is undoubtedly a gem for those seeking a fine dining experience with exceptional service and...