Nafplio's enchanting promenade has gained a sparkling gem that has redefined fine dining with its captivating blend of flavors, stunning vistas, and impeccable service. Valaora Resto, a relatively new addition to this historic town's culinary scene, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey. I can confidently say that this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
Nestled where a ruin stood just a year ago, Valaora Resto has breathed new life into the space, transforming it into a haven for both food enthusiasts and romantic souls alike. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow on the horizon and illuminating the majestic Mpourtzi fortress, diners are treated to a breathtaking view that beautifully complements the culinary delights that await.
Upon arrival, my wife and I were graciously accommodated despite not having a reservation. Our table, strategically placed to make the most of the sunset and fortress view, set the stage for an evening of culinary bliss. The sommelier's recommendation of a rose wine turned out to be a stroke of genius.
The culinary journey commenced with an antre that showcased a masterful balance of textures and tastes. The greens, cooked to perfection and delicately spiced, concealed a surprise – a hint of salty caramel that ingeniously complemented every bite. It was a testament to the chef's creativity and dedication to crafting an experience that delights all the senses.
For the main course, I indulged in the fish cut of the day. The artistry extended beyond the plate, as each bite revealed perfectly cooked fish accompanied by a side dish of tender, flavorful greens. The harmony of flavors, textures, and colors was a true feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
As the evening progressed, I embarked on a journey to dessert with the sorbet – a revelation of taste that deserves every accolade. It's not just a dessert; it's an experience that every individual must embrace at least once in their lifetime. The sorbet, a splendid blend of fruity notes infused with delicate herbs, transcended boundaries and took my taste buds on a celestial adventure.
Service at Valaora Resto reached exemplary heights. Attentive, yet unintrusive, the staff seemed to anticipate our needs, enhancing the dining experience with their professionalism and warmth. The ambiance exuded an air of refined intimacy, making it an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a celebration of any kind.
Lastly, let's address the topic of price. Valaora Resto masterfully balances quality with value. The experience, from the panoramic sunset view to the last spoonful of sorbet, is worth every cent. The investment in this culinary journey is repaid with interest in the form of memories that will linger long after the plates have been cleared.
In conclusion, Valaora Resto Nafplio has succeeded in creating an unparalleled dining experience that seamlessly weaves together exquisite cuisine, stunning vistas, and impeccable service. It's a place where flavors are transformed into art, and where every bite is a reminder of the beauty that gastronomy can offer. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in this culinary masterpiece that has graced Nafplio's promenade – your taste buds and soul...
Read moreMy partner and I stumbled upon this place after our 1000 step climb of the famous Palamidi Fortress. What a spectacular view we thought. Could the food be as good as the view ?
I can categorically say it was a splendid dinner at Valaora, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is located away from the tourist centre. The atmosphere was serene and romantic, with soft music and candlelight.
The service was impeccable, the staff was friendly and attentive, and Kostandina wa very professional and described every course in beautiful detail. The cadence of each dish was perfect. She explained the concept of the menu, which is based on local products and seasonal ingredients. She also recommended some dishes and wines that matched our preferences.
We started with the Paloma on Fire and the signature Negroni, two cocktails that were refreshing and well-balanced.
I work in the industry and can tell you that Hellenic food can be over complicated when you are trying to elevate it.. this was not the case here!
We had the house made bread with the house made tarama, which was delicious and creamy. Next, we had the kolios (mackerel) with greens with yuzu dressing and mung bean, which was a fresh and clean dish with a citrusy Yuzu touch. We also had the pork belly with pork croquettes, which was decadent and crispy.
For the second course, we shared the spaghetti with shrimp tartare, an amazing dish that showcased the chef's creativity and skill. The shrimp was cooked to perfection by folding it through the hot pasta, creating a contrast of textures and flavors.
For main course we had the braised beef cheek with kritharaki (risoni) with carrot and onion, which was epic. It was a quintessentially Greek dish but elevated to a new level of elegance and refinement.
The only dish we could slightly fault was the mousaka, which was a deconstructed version of the classic dish. It consisted of a shredded lamb shoulder brick or rectangle encrusted in breadcrumbs, with the eggplant and potato elements served as mousse. It was an interesting idea, but we felt that it lacked some of the original charm and richness of the traditional mousaka. Perhaps some elements of the potato and eggplant through the lamb would have lightened it up and given more texture .. just a thought not a criticism.
For dessert, we had the baklava with pistachio, which was outstanding and not too sweet. It was a perfect way to end our meal.
The wine list was impressive, featuring labels from Greek winemakers from Nemea and other regions. Konstandina chose a glass of Hellenic Chardonnay and A merlot red wine from Hellenic wineries, which were amazing quality.
We enjoyed every bite and sip of our meal, and we felt that the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food. We left the restaurant with a huge smile on our face and a s if we’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Valaora is honestly the very best in Nafplion, a restaurant that combines Hellenic tradition and innovation in a unique way. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves good food and...
Read more50€ for a bottle that costs 16€
We arrived at 6:30 PM, half an hour after the restaurant opened at 6:00 PM, hoping to enjoy the view of Bourtzi. Unfortunately, all the tables with a nice view were already taken, and there was no way to book online as the link on the website didn’t work. The staff offered us a table inside or to wait about an hour for a table with a view. We agreed, and luckily they called us back after only 30 minutes, which was a relief since we were hungry.
I knew the portions would be small, and I expected the prices to be about 10 € more than in other restaurants with bigger portions. But it turned out that everything was more expensive. The portions were indeed very small, and nothing about the flavors felt special or memorable. The only exception was the Lemon Braised Pork, which was very tender and tasty. But even that dish didn’t offer any new or unique flavors.
I’ve had more exciting tastes in simpler places that don’t try to position themselves as ultra-fancy or near-Michelin level. The wine was the biggest disappointment: we paid 50 € for a bottle of Noemvris, which I later found online for just 16 €. I expected a markup, but at least thought it would be worth around 30 €. Paying that much for something so ordinary was frustrating, knowing we were just paying for the view and the name of the place, not for actual quality.
Yes, the service was good — the staff were polite, explained the dishes, and the atmosphere was pleasant. But there was nothing extraordinary about the food, and you could have the same taste experience in any other restaurant in town for far less money.
In the end, the only thing worth doing here is coming for a glass of wine with the view, and then leaving. Staying to eat will cost you a lot, and you won’t experience any culinary “wow” moments. I wouldn’t come back, except maybe just for that view and a single drink, because otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of money just to feel full without any real excitement.
I’m leaving one star not out of anger, but to make the rating more honest — this place does not deserve to be...
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