Noah
Google
Hytra boasts a charming setting nestled on a green hill up a short garden path - it also boasts 1 Michelin star and may make your list of dine dining haunts in Athens. (If you can find it)
It’s confusingly playing neighbor to another restaurant, Fuga, that seems to be located directly in front of it and hogging half the signage… but fear not, just follow the path upward and to the right from the entrance on the street where the main “Hytra” label sits on the map and emblazoned on the wall next to a sign for “Fuga”.
Google reviewers have uploaded photos from inside Hytra under Fuga’s name… making this even more confusing. Fuga is apparently a temporary rebranding of Hytra’s space for events… is this common in Greece? I have absolutely no idea.
The restaurant is decorated classically and resembles many American fine dining establishments. Comfortable seating, glossy black tables, and modern lighting all fit the bill here. Some people dining nearby had even brought their children - it was really very low key. If you don’t want the usual pressure of a Michelin star restaurant but you want the food quality, you will probably love this. Absolutely zero pretense or stuffiness— just be aware that some people like that and will find this off-putting.
Maybe they’re in a new space recently having moved? It all felt weirdly staged and maybe the restaurant will move spaces? The view is very nice in the evening, can’t deny that. We’ll see how it develops in the future.
But the Michelin reviewers got it right here, I think: the food is captivating and surpasses the elegance of the venue. You’ll find a relatively condensed tasting menu, strong offerings of local wine for a pairing, and no pressure to follow the usual “you must do X or Y” here. You can adjust reservations and dining preferences up to the moment and they’re very accommodating (again maybe reflecting a heightened sensitivity to tourists who might not understand normal Michelin grade strictness?).
All the guesswork aside, the plates are well presented and the food is really top notch. I found myself wanting more and could have maybe eaten two of the smaller 90€ menus. Take that as you will. Bread is a standout, and as is common in Greece, assumes its own course. Always found that funny when it’s an “intermission” plate in American restaurants.
Local fruit and vegetables take center stage and a tender, lush cod main round out the menu - desert is light and fresh and dishes flow well into one another. Again, set expectations appropriately but definitely try this place if you aren’t perhaps a more seasoned Michelin eater and you’ll find that Hytra helps bridge the gap easily between fine dining and the next step up.
I bet it looks even more spectacular in the earlier evening before nightfall.