SKALA — Restaurant in Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra Municipality

For us, this is a Top 10 restaurant in Greece, no doubt. Sit outside for a magical meal (don’t worry, they have heat lamps & blankets). This seasonal spot is open late November until March 30th ONLY and we drive the 2 hours from Athens every month for a taste. Upscale & modern, yet approachable with creative interpretation of classics. If you’re a picky eater and wanting to elevate your palate, this is the perfect place to start!! And if you are a fine dining foodie already, Skala will hit the spot. Order 3-4 dishes for 2 people, 6-8 dishes for groups. Winter cocktails are superb and don’t skip dessert! Wine list is extensive and the waiters know their stuff—just ask for recommendations. English menu & staff. Not ♿️ accessible at all (it is located up a steep flight of steps with no handrail).

MUST TRY FOOD: Do not skip the bread (comes in a paper bag with the best taramas dip I’ve had in Greece). The €11 cherry tomato salad with rusk & cheese is delightful, but we miss the tomato sorbet from last year’s version. €18 Beef cheek pasta is picky eater friendly—basically upscale mac & cheese and worth every penny. But the €16 beef carpaccio is scrumptious (there is an aioli atop, but I hate mayonnaise and still enjoy this dish because the mustard seed, herring egg, and eel balance it beautifully). My wife adores the €17 shrimp & fried ravioli dish and while it isn’t my favorite dish, I thoroughly enjoyed dipping the fresh bread in the cosumé 😋. Try every dessert that appeals to you—they are all €9 and worth it (chocolate pie is VERY chocolatey but the hazelnut toffee makes it complex and exciting, while the Ekmek features some of the most Greek flavors you can find).

🍹 DRINKS: €6 Prosecco is the perfect way to start your meal. Then grab a bottle of wine (€24-170), glass (€7), or a cocktail. The hot spiced winter (cognac, lemon, strawberry) & cold Wallbanger (mandarin, lemon, & gingerbread) are particularly good.

Compliments to the Chef: Each dish is effortless to eat, but complex enough to muse over, if you’re in the mood. It has been a joy to dine here these past three years and we shall revisit whenever we revisit Greece in the years to come (especially if you make it to Athens!) But we do miss the second type of bread in the bag and the sorbet in the tomato salad. They are still delicious, but not as good. Also wish you offered the ekmek bread to-go because it would make a fantastic French toast...

Escalating through the picturesque town of Arachova, I stumbled upon a culinary haven nestled amidst the cobblestone paths – Skala Restaurant. Its inviting ambiance, with warm lighting and rustic décor, immediately drew me in, promising an unforgettable dining experience. As I ventured deeper into the restaurant, the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared Greek cuisine filled the air, whetting my appetite even further.

Guided by the friendly staff, I embarked on a gastronomic journey, beginning with the restaurant's signature dish – the succulent and melt-in-your-mouth "magoula". This tender beef cheek, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce and seasoned with aromatic herbs, was a true revelation. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, the meat so tender it practically dissolved on the tongue, while the sauce was a medley of umami and spices that danced on my palate.

To complement this culinary masterpiece, I indulged in a selection of Skala's delectable appetizers.

Skala Restaurant is more than just a dining establishment; it is an experience that encapsulates the essence of Greek hospitality and culinary excellence. The staff was attentive and welcoming, ensuring that every need was met, while the food was prepared with passion and precision. From the succulent magoula to the delightful desserts, each dish was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste.

If you seek a dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories, Skala Restaurant is the place to be. Embark on a gastronomic journey through the heart of Greek cuisine and discover why Skala is a culinary gem hidden amidst the picturesque streets...

If I could give it 6 stars I would. An exceptional gem, hidden in a side street, in the mountain village of Arachova. Food was exceptional with unforgettable flavor combinations. The service was warm and friendly and the staff walked us through the menu in detail. The menu is short but every dish was executed to perfection. One of the most memorable dinners of my life. The restaurant is understated and relaxed and I had no idea what was coming. The Chicken Soup is mind blowing. Congratulations to the chef and owners.. they have created something extraordinary! Can’t...