Latest news with #Makris
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
You Can Get A Secret Dining Experience At This Athens Restaurant
If you're lucky you'll get invited to the family farm. In Athens' historic Thiseio neighborhood, above a quiet cobblestone street lined with neoclassical buildings, is a rooftop restaurant called Makris. With just nine tables and a soft view of the Acropolis rising in the near distance, it offers the kind of setting many restaurants promise, but few deliver. By most accounts, Makris is one of the city's most coveted reservations. But what many diners don't know is that there's a secret dining experience not listed on the menu. Occasionally—though not predictably—Chef Petros Dimas extends a rare invitation to a handful of guests. It isn't advertised, and it doesn't follow a script. At the end of the evening, when the final course has been served and the terrace has quieted, Dimas may simply ask, 'Would you like to come to the farm?' That offer leads to an off-the-record experience in Ancient Corinth, where Dimas's family owns and operates a small working farm. Guests who accept are invited into the family's kitchen, where they cook over an open fire, gather ingredients from the garden, and share a meal that's as personal as it is unfiltered. There is no tour, no signage, no production. It is not a brand extension—it's hospitality in its most traditional form. To understand how rare this is, it helps to understand Makris itself. The restaurant is understated, located at the top of a restored neoclassical villa overlooking ancient ruins. The terrace is elegantly minimal, lit by candlelight, and framed by uninterrupted views of the Acropolis. While the view is striking, it is the food that truly defines the experience. Dimas focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—many of which come directly from his family's farm. The menu changes frequently. Seafood is a constant: scallops with wild sea herbs, lobster with just-picked vegetables, and, in spring, edible flower canapés. Strawberries grown by Dimas's mother often appear in the dessert. Even the kombucha is brewed in-house, subtly infused with rose. Iberico pork is sourced from Greece's only certified producer. Wild herbs are gathered by hand, often on the same day they appear on the plate. Talk about a restaurant with a view. For most visitors, the rooftop meal is the entirety of the experience: a refined, well-paced dinner set against the dramatic backdrop of the Acropolis, framed by candlelight and thoughtful hospitality. But for a small number of guests—usually those who express genuine interest in the ingredients or the philosophy behind the restaurant—Dimas occasionally extends a private invitation to his family's farm in Ancient Corinth, where the restaurant's ethos becomes something tangible. The farm, which supplies much of the produce used at Makris, is not open to the public for viewing. There is no formal tour, no signage, and no attempt to present it as a curated destination. Instead, guests are welcomed into a functioning agricultural space that reflects the same values found in the restaurant: transparency, practicality, and a close relationship with the land. The food prepared there—often with the help of guests—relies entirely on what's in season and may include grilled fish, hand-picked herbs, garden vegetables, and sauces made from ingredients gathered just minutes before. Preparation is informal, taking place over an open flame or in the home kitchen, with Dimas and his mother often cooking side by side. The atmosphere is relaxed and varies from visit to visit. On some days, it's quiet and reflective, while on others, it feels more communal, depending on who is present and what the day calls for. Meals are shared outdoors at a long table, wine is served in mismatched glasses, and conversation flows in whatever direction it wants to go. There are no set expectations, no carefully designed moments, and no attempt to impress. What the guests experience is not performance—it's daily life, offered with sincerity. While few guests are invited to the farm, its role in the restaurant is fundamental rather than symbolic. The ingredients served at Makris are not selected from a list—they are grown, harvested, and handled by the same people who may later prepare them. The olive oil used in the lobster dish is pressed on-site. The strawberries served in spring desserts are picked by Dimas's mother. The link between the farm and the table isn't a narrative device; it's the infrastructure of the restaurant itself. The secret dining farm visit is not advertised and cannot be requested in advance. Dimas offers it only when it feels appropriate—when a guest's interest seems authentic, and the conversation warrants it. For those who receive the invitation and make the journey, the experience tends to leave a lasting impression, not because it's exclusive or elaborate, but because it reinforces the simplicity and integrity that define everything Makris sets out to do.
RTÉ News
25-04-2025
- RTÉ News
What to do in Athens, a must-see spot, before summer hits
Paved with slippery white marble, the uneven climb to the grand Acropolis in Athens demands my full attention. Only once I reach the summit am I able to fully appreciate the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site that stands before me. Golden rays pierce through dark grey clouds to cast a dramatic, moody glow over the iconic Parthenon temple which radiates timeless majesty. Visiting in April, I fortunately miss the peak tourist crowds – and heat. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, allowing me to soak in the layers of history. An open-air museum filled with sites of antiquity, the Greek capital has a well-earned reputation for being a rewarding cultural city break. But in the last couple of years, other aspects of the destination have started to shine; food, art and even the beach are all attracting more travellers. Back at the Acropolis, my tour guide Lydia – a passionate archaeology professor – brings Athens's past to life with vivid, heartfelt storytelling, accompanied by a picture book which shows just how this world-renowned landmark has evolved over time. With pride in her voice and a warm smile, she gestures toward the Temple of Athena Nike, perched on the southwest edge of the Acropolis. "Do you know what Nike means in Greek?" she asks. "It means victory." Making a V sign with her right hand, she explains the gesture is a celebratory symbol of the goddess Athena Nike, depicted in a V shape with her body and wings. "A huge sculpture of the female deity was created and her two wings chopped off. Why? This was very symbolic," explains Lydia. "It was so victory would never fly away from the city state of Athens." One element of the city still remains victorious is the diverse food scene, with a wide range of restaurants to satiate all palates and budgets. At the Michelin-starred Makris (mains vary from €18 – €98), every elaborate, colourful course is presented with detailed explanation and care. The LUKUMAΔΕΣ dessert shop, meanwhile, is famous for its delicious loukoumades (around €4.20 each) – small, deep-fried dough balls typically drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. A great way to sample some of the very best and most authentic produce Athens has to offer, whilst exploring the concrete jungle's vibrant street art, is by going on a Gourmet Athens Food Tour (€70). I happily munch on spanakopita and bougatsa from Creme Royale and sample Greek cheese and fresh yogurt from Strougga dairy, next to the municipal market. I also indulge in some amazing honeys from Melira and in true Greek style, visit Diiris for an olive-oil tasting, along with some olives and a sip of mastiha liqueur. With temperatures reaching the mid-20s around this time of year, Athens offers the best of both worlds: vibrant city life and a relaxing seaside escape. The coast is a budding holiday destination, with plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. But, for now, it remains a mostly local secret and a tucked-away treasure for savvy travellers – refreshingly different from most Mediterranean hotspots. I'm staying in one of just 28 luxurious cabanas (many of which come with plunge pools) at 91 Athens Riviera, a hidden gem by Domes Resorts in the southern coastal suburb of Voula. It's about a 30-minute drive or an hour's tram ride from the city centre and has exclusive access to a private beach. Wellness is at the core of this secluded retreat, equipped with a tranquil spa, eight full-size tennis courts (plus two mini tennis courts), two large swimming pools, beach-side yoga sessions and a high-tech fitness suite. A run on the treadmill followed by a few laps in the pool is a smart move if you're planning to indulge in a lavish meal here, as you'll want to build up an appetite to sample lots of the mouthwatering seafood dishes and desserts on offer at the resort's beach-side restaurant Barbarossa (mains cost between €33 – €46). To recover from all the indulgent meals, I take some much-needed downtime stretched out on a sunbed at the hotel, glass of chilled white wine in hand, as the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore set the perfect backdrop. Greeks appreciate taking their time – a mindset I happily embrace. One of the best ways to experience the coastline is by boat, and there are plenty of excursions to choose from. I opt for a morning sailing cruise with SailBliss (€1,210.43 per group), where skipper Alex and hostess Veronica treat me to a relaxed journey across sparkling waters, complete with breathtaking views and a delicious meal of Greek salad and prawn linguine. Eager to soak up the beauty of my surroundings, I waste no time slipping down the ladder from the deck into the crystal-clear turquoise sea. Alex points at a beach a few miles away that I could swim to, but given my childhood aversion to swimming lessons and general lack of swimming confidence, I chose instead to float peacefully beside the boat and lay horizontally on a paddle board tethered to the deck. Pre-summer is the ideal time to experience the Greek capital at its finest – bathed in sunshine and blissfully free of crowds. Athena's wings may have been clipped, but her namesake city is flying high. How to plan your trip Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly direct to Athens from Dublin numerous times a week, with fares as low as €35.41 one way in the coming weeks. Tours and experiences such as the Gourmet Athens Food Tour Sailing Cruise with Greek Meal can be booked via Musement.
The Independent
23-04-2025
- The Independent
Now is the perfect time to visit Europe's hottest city break destination
Ascending the slick, white marble pathway to Athens' Acropolis demands focus, the uneven terrain a challenge in itself. But the reward is instant: reaching the summit reveals a breathtaking panorama of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic Parthenon temple, bathed in a dramatic, moody light as golden sunbeams pierce through dark grey clouds, radiates a timeless majesty. Visiting in April offers the advantage of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, creating a calm atmosphere conducive to absorbing the rich layers of history. An open-air museum filled with sites of antiquity, the Greek capital has a well-earned reputation for being a rewarding cultural city break. But in the last couple of years, other aspects of the destination have started to shine; food, art and even the beach are all attracting more travellers. Back at the Acropolis, my tour guide Lydia – a passionate archaeology professor – brings Athens 's past to life with vivid, heartfelt storytelling, accompanied by a picture book which shows just how this world-renowned landmark has evolved over time. With pride in her voice and a warm smile, she gestures toward the Temple of Athena Nike, perched on the southwest edge of the Acropolis. 'Do you know what Nike means in Greek?' she asks. 'It means victory.' Making a V sign with her right hand, she explains the gesture is a celebratory symbol of the goddess Athena Nike, depicted in a V shape with her body and wings. 'A huge sculpture of the female deity was created and her two wings chopped off. Why? This was very symbolic,' explains Lydia. 'It was so victory would never fly away from the city state of Athens.' One element of the city still remains victorious is the diverse food scene, with a wide range of restaurants to satiate all palates and budgets. At the Michelin-starred Makris (mains vary from €18/£15.43 – €98/£84.03), every elaborate, colourful course is presented with detailed explanation and care. The LUKUMAΔΕΣ dessert shop, meanwhile, is famous for its delicious loukoumades (around €4.20/£3.60 each) – small, deep-fried dough balls typically drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. A great way to sample some of the very best and most authentic produce Athens has to offer, whilst exploring the concrete jungle's vibrant street art, is by going on a Gourmet Athens Food Tour (€70/£60). I happily munch on spanakopita and bougatsa from Creme Royale and sample Greek cheese and fresh yogurt from Strougga dairy, next to the municipal market. I also indulge in some amazing honeys from Melira and in true Greek style, visit Diiris for an olive-oil tasting, along with some olives and a sip of mastiha liqueur. With temperatures reaching the mid-20s around this time of year, Athens offers the best of both worlds: vibrant city life and a relaxing seaside escape. The coast is a budding holiday destination, with plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. But, for now, it remains a mostly local secret and a tucked-away treasure for savvy travellers – refreshingly different from most Mediterranean hotspots. I'm staying in one of just 28 luxurious cabanas (many of which come with plunge pools) at 91 Athens Riviera, a hidden gem by Domes Resorts in the southern coastal suburb of Voula. It's about a 30-minute drive or an hour's tram ride from the city centre and has exclusive access to a private beach. Wellness is at the core of this secluded retreat, equipped with a tranquil spa, eight full-size tennis courts (plus two mini tennis courts), two large swimming pools, beach-side yoga sessions and a high-tech fitness suite. A run on the treadmill followed by a few laps in the pool is a smart move if you're planning to indulge in a lavish meal here, as you'll want to build up an appetite to sample lots of the mouthwatering seafood dishes and desserts on offer at the resort's beach-side restaurant Barbarossa (mains cost between €33/£28.29 – €46/£39.44). To recover from all the indulgent meals, I take some much-needed downtime stretched out on a sunbed at the hotel, glass of chilled white wine in hand, as the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore set the perfect backdrop. Greeks appreciate taking their time – a mindset I happily embrace. One of the best ways to experience the coastline is by boat, and there are plenty of excursions to choose from. I opt for a morning sailing cruise with SailBliss (€1,210.43/£1,038 per group), where skipper Alex and hostess Veronica treat me to a relaxed journey across sparkling waters, complete with breathtaking views and a delicious meal of Greek salad and prawn linguine. Eager to soak up the beauty of my surroundings, I waste no time slipping down the ladder from the deck into the crystal-clear turquoise sea. Alex points at a beach a few miles away that I could swim to, but given my childhood aversion to swimming lessons and general lack of swimming confidence, I chose instead to float peacefully beside the boat and lay horizontally on a paddle board tethered to the deck. Pre-summer is the ideal time to experience the Greek capital at its finest – bathed in sunshine and blissfully free of crowds. Athena's wings may have been clipped, but her namesake city is flying high. How to plan your trip easyJet holidays offers a seven-night B&B stay at the 5* 91 Athens Riviera from £2,129 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, private transfers and flights from London Gatwick.
