My visit to Varoulko Seaside was a memorable culinary journey, though with a few nuanced notes. The restaurant offers an elegantly serene atmosphere, with the soft ambiance of the seaside complementing the dining experience perfectly. The service was impeccable—attentive without being overbearing, enhancing the overall experience.

We were initially asked if we wanted a welcome starter or bread, and even though we declined, we were still treated to a delightful welcome of olives and tomato paste. The olives had a deliciously smooth texture, perfectly balanced in flavor, while the tomato paste, infused with basil, was incredibly fresh with a hint of sweetness—an unexpected but much-appreciated touch to begin our meal.

We began with a salad composed of eggplant, broccolini, asparagus, smoked eel, fresh cream cheese, and pistachios. The combination was intriguing, with the smoky eel adding depth to the fresh, creamy cheese, and the pistachios providing a delightful textural contrast. It was a light yet sophisticated dish that showcased the chef's talent for balancing earthy and fresh flavors.

The starters followed, with the sautéed scallops easily stealing the show. The scallops, paired with a chorizo crust, mango pickle, and tomato water, were perfectly seared—tender and succulent. The contrast between the mild sweetness of the scallops and the smoky spice of the chorizo was sensational, and the tangy mango pickle added a refreshing punch that made the dish a standout.

In contrast, the steamed mussels with kiwi, greens, and lemon verbena foam were a bit underwhelming. While the mussels were fresh and well-prepared, the kiwi and lemon verbena foam felt a little too delicate, not adding enough to elevate the dish. The flavors seemed to lack cohesion compared to the other offerings.

For the main course, I opted for the linguini with grouper, minced shrimp, and cherry tomatoes. While the shrimp added a lovely texture, the grouper itself was slightly overcooked, rendering it a bit chewy. However, the freshness of the cherry tomatoes brightened the dish, and overall, it was still enjoyable, just slightly below expectations. My husband had the fish fillet, depending on the catch of the day, he chose amberjack which was accompanied by smoked pancetta cream, cuttlefish ink, and dauphinoise potatoes. He particularly enjoyed this dish, noting the potatoes as being especially delicious—rich and creamy, with the right balance of texture and flavor.

The wine pairing was spot-on. The wine expert recommended Melodos which had similar tones to the Pounamu but with a Greek twist, which beautifully complemented the meal with its balanced acidity and complex notes that worked well across the varied dishes.

Overall, Varoulko Seaside offers a serene and refined dining experience. The creativity and technique behind the dishes, coupled with excellent service and a stunning view, make this a restaurant worth revisiting for anyone seeking an elevated seafood experience.