Pharaoh — Restaurant in Athens

In an unassuming part of Athens next to where much creative thought is fostered, the Polytechnio, is a hidden gem. Just like the hidden temples of the past this is a new ode to the journey of Greek cuisine. Pharoah is the ancient greek word for "Great House" . This is the house of Manolis Papoutsakis. I had the pleasure of dining at his Thessaloniki restaurant Charoupi 2 days earlier and it was an amazing experience left for another review. I knew as I approached the front of the building here I was in for another wild ride and an excitement of culinary finesse of greek cooking traditions spanning millennia. A culinary history steeped in the fusion of the many cultures who walked through history in these geographical lands and the experience of Greeks abroad in the diaspora. The buzz and electricity was heaving through the very plain frontage. On the opposite side was the stark contrast of urban graffiti painted Athens. Once stepped through the doors and past the draping velour curtain, the sounds, smells and vibe were revitalising. It reminded me of all the aunties and grandma visits and the smells of the age old techniques passed from generation to generation. I arrived early on a Monday night alone, thinking that I was a shoe in for a bar/kitchen spot. The place was heaving already. I was greeted wonderfully and given an opposite bar spot next to the kitchen so I could watch the action through the mirror as I looked forward. Originally I was scheduled for an hour an a half session but after seeing the amount of food and drink I consumed for 1 which was for 3. The amount I paid was extremely great value. Around 50 euros per person. They offered to give me half serves if I were to make it out alive that night. I picked 2 brackets of food choices which I thought would match well and wine was sorted by my host Athina. All the wine selections were amazing. Highly recommend . The flavours were bang on , even for the half serves the portions were incredibly generous for the price. My standouts were the charred wild greens with anthotyro, the smoked mackerel and pumpkin salad was just out of this world and is a must, the langoustine was deliciously butter rich and sucking all the juices from those little morsels was an umami bomb. Again the value of this dish was outstanding. Anywhere else in the world and you'd be paying 2-3 times the price. What might of been the simplest of dishes was the hero of the night. The chestnut stifado. Wow. Order it with the gamopilafo and the rooster and you feel like you've been transported to the hilly Vlach villages of the north. This is the emotions that are extracted from you when dining here. Its like a road trip through rural Greece or a sailing jaunt to the lesser frequented gems of the Aegean. Pharoah is truly a "great...

🔥 Pharaoh: Step into a Cinematic Experience 🔥

When you open the curtains of Pharaoh, you step into a world that feels straight out of a movie. The vinyl music fills the air, setting the tone for a unique dining experience. The smell of wood fires engulfs you, evoking a DS & DURGA Smokey perfume, while the interior transports you to a Tarantino film set.

⭐️ Pharaoh's reviews may be contradictory, but during our visit, we had a fantastic time, and our dishes were delightful. While we didn't experience mind-blowing flavors, Pharaoh contributes to the neo-Greek cuisine movement. They take traditional homemade flavors and elevate them with a modern touch. If you're visiting from outside Greece, you'll taste dishes that Greeks have grown up with, shared during family gatherings, and lovingly prepared by mothers and grandmothers.

Pharaoh stands out with its unique perspective, thanks to a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds. It's clear that Pharaoh's creativity and distinctiveness stem from this multidisciplinary approach. The menu is a living parade of tastes, changing based on the season and the offerings of their suppliers.

💚 Must-Try Dish: "Horta" with Goat Cheese

Among the plethora of dishes we enjoyed, I must emphasize the "Horta." This seemingly simple dish of boiled greens with goat cheese holds a mastery that is hard to achieve. The flavors of Greek greens are always a remarkable experience, showcasing the beauty of simplicity.

The grilled meatballs were a delicious delight that satisfied our taste buds. The rooster dish was tasty, though not the star of the show. Nevertheless, it added another layer of flavor to our dining experience.

🍰 Perfect Desserts, Don't Miss the "Galaktoboureko"

The desserts at Pharaoh were nothing short of perfection. Indulge in the "Galaktoboureko," a cream-filled delight wrapped in flaky filo pastry and drenched in syrup. It's an absolute must-try that will leave you longing for more.

👩‍🍳 Excellent Service and Booking Required 👨‍🍳

The service at Pharaoh was pleasant, and we adored our waiter. We encountered no problems at all. However, keep in mind that booking is essential. Pharaoh is the talk of the town, a hyper-hyped restaurant where walking in and finding a table is simply not an option.

Pharaoh promises a dining experience like no other, combining a cinematic atmosphere with dishes that reimagine familiar Greek flavors. While opinions may vary, our time at Pharaoh left us with a satisfied palate and a desire to return. Immerse yourself in this unique culinary journey, and let Pharaoh transport you to a world of...

I recently dined here on recommendations from various foodie blogs I read online and based on google reviews. The following is my honest review:

1. Reservations/Booking - Very easy to book online. I arrived 30 minutes early and my table was reserved for outdoors. Upon arriving I noticed the neighborhood is not the greatest for outdoor seating and asked if I could be seated inside. They were full for the night but the staff/hostess were kind and flexible, they managed to find me a nice table in a cool area. Good start...

2. Ordering - Very fast service and good wine pairing recommendations. However, things turned pretty sour from here on out......

3. Food - The salad came out within a few minutes of ordering, which made me think it was already made in droves back in the kitchen and simply plated quickly upon order. But it tasted delicious and the presentation was nice.

I was recommended the beef liver and pork steak as a pairing, with the beef liver being a first course and the pork being the 2nd course. Both dishes were brought out at the exact same time and immediately after my salad was finished. The presentation was good, but the food did not taste fresh...the beef liver was overcooked and the wine sauce was quite salty. By the time I finished the liver the pork steak was cold, as the AC in the restaurant was also on full blast. I asked the waiter if they could reheat the pork, to which he responded he needed to ask the chef. The waiter returned and noted the kitchen was too busy......so I said I will try to eat the pork. After a slight touch and smell it was unbearable. I asked the waiter again and he finally took the plate away to reheat the pork. A different waitress now returned with the food after 2-3 minutes - which made me think they microwaved the food and since the plate was also hot. There wasn't even an offer for remaining the dish entirely. I ate half the pork steak and decided not to finish the food - the pork was now overcooked from being nuked in the microwave and it was dry. It also had a very rubbery texture. I took a photo but google will not allow me to post unless I'm a pro reviewer.

I asked for the bill right away and paid €60. The orange wine was the only thing tasting good in addition to the salad. The waiter didn't event bother to ask how I liked the food, etc and it was clear to me he knew I was not happy.

For an upscale restaurant, I was quite disappointed and would not recommend dining here. It may just be that serving a single patron is also a quick service for them and given they don't make as much money as...