Téchnē Restaurant & Social — Restaurant in Municipality of Hydra

The food was good, I will give them that. My friend and I ordered two alcoholic drinks, calamari, fries, Mediterranean risotto and truffle pasta. The flavors were interesting and probably deserve four stars for the quality, three stars for the price. But the main reason for one star is the hostess. When we showed up it seemed like she didn’t want our business and said that they wouldn’t open the kitchen until 30 minutes later (we checked their website and for dinner they open at 6:30pm. We got there at 7) We really wanted to try this place because of the good reviews, so we waited, then she placed us in the corner of the restaurant even though we were the first ones there. No view of the sunset whatsoever which was one of the reasons that people come here. It’s ok, we can still overlook that. Then while the hostess went to talk up the other tables we got no acknowledgment from her, the next thing we heard from her was that we would have to evacuate our table because there is a reservation at our table in 45 minutes (10pm). We got it, they wanted to kick us out because we have sat in the restaurant for about an hour and 45 minutes. But there were other tables that were there for about the same amount of time and we didn’t see them getting asked to leave. Although we didn’t get a bottle of wine we did order some alcoholic drinks and quite a bit of food so it wasn’t that we weren’t giving them enough business. So anyway we thought there MUST BE a real reservation for 10pm at our corner table with no view, and because it makes TOTAL SENSE to have reservations for dinner at 10pm at a restaurant that supposedly closes at 11pm. So with a sour taste in our mouths we decided to call it a night, when we got the check they had charged us for two extra alcoholic drinks and a large bottle of still water that we did not order, so we had to get that sorted out. When we left there were at least five tables that were empty, surely everyone must just be having late dinners at 10pm at this restaurant that...

We mistakenly ignored the negative reviews & expected spectacular food. I will say the view was incredible and the ambiance had great potential. Unfortunately, we were underwhelmed with everything we ordered. I started with the "My Heart is in Havana" cocktail. I was excited for the passion fruit and caramel components. As a bartender myself, this drink was extremely unbalanced. The pineapple was overpowering. When we asked the server if we could get something else instead, he did- but not before telling us that we read the ingredients before we ordered. I chose a Caipirinha instead. Luckily, it was exactly what I hoped for and I enjoyed it. The french fries appetizer was just average. They grate some cheese on fries and call it a day. Majorly lacking, especially for a finer establishment. Needs some more herbs, garlic, or truffle- I don't know, something to make it more than just some regular fries. & definitely needs an aioli or something on the side. My partner and I shared the grilled pork loin main dish. The menu describes "potato & lentil risotto". There was no actual risotto- the lentils were just imitating the look of risotto. I thought, ok fine as long as it tastes good I'm fine. Not only was it just regular old lentils with tiny pieces of boiled potato, but the sauce it came with was just a mediocre gravy with the texture of molasses. It overpowered the whole dish, which I'm sure had some good components but I definitely couldn't tell. And the pork was flavorless. We were most excited for dessert but decided to skip it because of how disappointed we were with everything else.

Again, this place has great potential, but there needs to be some more effort in the crafting of it all- especially...

I never give 5 stars. Never. People give them too freely these days. How is one to separate the decent from the extraordinary when so many merely good places get ratings in the mid-4s? But Téchnē rates a legitimate 5 on all counts; it is extraordinary. And no wonder; it simply has to be better than the rest. For unlike most other restaurants on Hydra, which capitalize on the convenience on being right in the main harbor, Téchnē is nestled in the hills a little ways away from town. Take the walk. The views from up here are stunning. And the staff will welcome you warmly and professionally. The food, though, is the real reward for taking those few extra steps: it’s phenomenal. The chef riffs on Greek classics, preserving the soul of each dish, yet adding playful and flavorful touches. Don’t worry, he’s not some mad molecular gastronomist. Rather a classicist comfortable enough to color outside the lines, and not just because he can, but because he wants his diners to be just a little bit surprised and a lot delighted. For example, pictured here is his inventive take on dolmades. His are petite, so they make for a lighter than normal bite. But it’s his addition of white anchovies and tomato jam that makes those dolmadakis sing. Follow that with his take on tagliolini “cacio e pepe” made not with cheese, but with sea urchin and truffles. Mind blowing.

Need I say more? Go! Enjoy! You’ll be oh so very...