Tucked into a leafy courtyard in the heart of Exarchia, Yiantes feels like a well-kept local secret – unpretentious, welcoming and beautifully consistent. Set near independent galleries and small theatres, this long-time favourite captures the creative, free-spirited energy of the neighbourhood, where slow food is enjoyed in an authentic setting. For over a decade, Yiantes has sourced all-organic ingredients and focused on regional recipes, with a menu that gently innovately evolves while staying rooted in tradition.
There’s a relaxed rhythm here – terracotta pots, mismatched chairs and soft music provide the backdrop for dishes like Imam-style aubergines, Cretan salad with carob rusks and handmade dolmadakia. Highlights also include the organic fava purée and delicious potato salad, best shared among friends before finishing with the beloved mille-feuille. Yiantes does not try to reinvent Greek cuisine; rather, it celebrates the power of simplicity and seasonality, enhanced by care, consistency and subtle innovative twists that reflect a deep sense of place.
