Review: Elias Gi
Ranked as Athens number two restaurant behind Funky Gourmet, it is often avoided due to its location which is about 30 minutes by taxi from Athens central costing about 15 Euros depending on the driver who can be honest or the occasional con artist.
Anyway after the great word of mouth information of the Authentic Greek food on offer and the location of the restaurant on the hills of Kifisia with some great views of the city, I had to do it.
Finding the place can be tough so get your hotel staff to write the address down with the additional instructions needed after speaking to the restaurant. Google map picks it up correctly but the taxi driver I got was lost despite his GPS. I had to guide him using my phone. Always ensure that the meter is running when you get into a Athens taxi.
Arriving at the place I was greeted with a Ouzo(Greek anise-flavored aperitif) and guided through a special pathway in the basement to the sitting area. My waitress Victoria informed me of the menu options and recommended the Greek dishes to really taste the flavors of Athens.
The vegetarian appetizer selection was great in flavors. The smoked egg plant featuring feta cheese reminded me of a Findian (Fijian-Indian) dish from back home. The appetizers were some of the better vegetarian food I have tasted outside of the Indian cuisine. It had variations of flavor and excitement to it. I was full and ready to call it a night.
The main arrived which was somehow consumed despite being full. The pistachios with meat is a very nice delicious twist, one that I have experienced before in Turkey.
Now at this point after struggling through the main I was ready to call it quits and head home so I politely asked for the bill to which the waitress response was: "No, Not yet. We have planned dessert for you so relax."
Usually I would skip dessert and keep that healthy diet going but on the odd occasion (once a week) the cheat meal can be consumed without guilt. So I expected a small dessert to conclude the night.
The manager of the restaurant came out to greet me before the dessert arrived and he was a very nice gentleman who ran a fine establishment.
Rating: ★★★★★
Cost: $$$
Date visited: December 2014
Anyway after the great word of mouth information of the Authentic Greek food on offer and the location of the restaurant on the hills of Kifisia with some great views of the city, I had to do it.
Finding the place can be tough so get your hotel staff to write the address down with the additional instructions needed after speaking to the restaurant. Google map picks it up correctly but the taxi driver I got was lost despite his GPS. I had to guide him using my phone. Always ensure that the meter is running when you get into a Athens taxi.
Arriving at the place I was greeted with a Ouzo(Greek anise-flavored aperitif) and guided through a special pathway in the basement to the sitting area. My waitress Victoria informed me of the menu options and recommended the Greek dishes to really taste the flavors of Athens.
The Appetizers featured:
- Mushroom pie baked in wood-oven
- Smoked eggplant salad (Made in front of you)
- Fluffy pita breads with olive oil and oregano
- Lemon sorbet with basil
- Couple of Greek sauces to compliment the flavors above
The Main Featured:
- Little beef burgers with Aegina (green) pistachios and kasseri cheese
The vegetarian appetizer selection was great in flavors. The smoked egg plant featuring feta cheese reminded me of a Findian (Fijian-Indian) dish from back home. The appetizers were some of the better vegetarian food I have tasted outside of the Indian cuisine. It had variations of flavor and excitement to it. I was full and ready to call it a night.
The main arrived which was somehow consumed despite being full. The pistachios with meat is a very nice delicious twist, one that I have experienced before in Turkey.
Now at this point after struggling through the main I was ready to call it quits and head home so I politely asked for the bill to which the waitress response was: "No, Not yet. We have planned dessert for you so relax."
Usually I would skip dessert and keep that healthy diet going but on the odd occasion (once a week) the cheat meal can be consumed without guilt. So I expected a small dessert to conclude the night.
The manager of the restaurant came out to greet me before the dessert arrived and he was a very nice gentleman who ran a fine establishment.
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| 3 of the 5 Dessert Items |
Dessert items:
- “loukoumi” ice cream
- Cheesecake with homemade marmalade
- Bitter chocolate Mousse
- Quince cooked in wood-oven with red wine and yogurt mousse
To aid the dessert a selection of Ouza was also presented:
It felt like a Christmas meal when you have so much delicious food and you want to turn around and run but it tastes so good that you continue.
At the conclusion of the dinner service I was very satisfied with the food, drinks and overall service.
Not often you go to a restaurant and they treat you like family.
I gave this place a 5 out of 5.
So the difference between the two top restaurants in Athens:
Elias Gi serves more traditional Greek food (Just like how Mama would make it). Presentation takes a back seat as the large amount of tasty food takes over the table. The view and outdoor Patio is amazing making this an ideal location for weddings and big events in the summer.
Funky Gourmet serves modern gastronomical gourmet food that focuses on artistic presentation with mind blowing taste. Innovation and precision with quality cuisine is the fundamental part of its concept thus earning it to two Michelin stars. So comparing old school cuisine with new school cuisine can't be done here.
Both restaurants fly the culinary flag for Athens and are highly recommended.