Ateno Cook & Deli: The Comfort Side of Chef Nikos Karathanos

Nestled at the intersection of Aeolou and Miltiados Streets in central Athens, Ateno Cook & Deli has been a go-to spot for over a year, offering treasures from its deli on the ground floor. Beyond the shelves brimming with delicacies from all over Greece, Ateno serves some memorable Greek dishes. Here, the kitchen has evolved into the small empire of chef Nikos Karathanos, who is finally making his comeback after years away. Housed in a renovated neoclassical building from the 18th century, originally built for a member of King Otto’s court, Ateno’s main restaurant resides on the first floor. However, we recommend sitting on the ground floor next to the Meta Meat display, featuring products like smoked lamb prosciutto, black pork mortadella, and aged beef pastrami. This setup gives you the feeling of dining inside a Greek salumeria reminiscent of Italian trips. Start your meal with the Greek salad, featuring a tomato atop feta cream, Cretan barley rusks, and cucumber yogurt. For standout dishes, try the fava tart with finely chopped grilled octopus, marjoram-scented bulgur topped with vibrant red mullet fillet, or the rich chicken cacciatore served with Corfu-style pasta, graviera cheese, and trahanas from Kalambaka. Vegetarian options abound, such as roasted tomatoes with Santorini fava or vegan moussaka. Finish with an indulgent halva dessert, blending sesame halva, nuts, raisins, and ice cream. Pair your meal with wines curated by MW Yiannis Karakasis, and don’t forget to take home some gourmet treats like rare honeys and olive oils. Soon, the downstairs layout will be revamped, enhancing seating space while retaining Ateno’s unique style. As Chef Karathanos once noted during the economic crisis, true happiness lies in simple pleasures—something he’s rediscovered here at Ateno.