Athens has mastered the art of juxtaposition. Ancient ruins stand beside contemporary galleries, centuries-old churches neighbour cocktail bars, and history is woven into modern life. Nowhere captures that energy better than Athens 1890 Hotel & Spa, a boutique hideaway tucked into the Agia Irini Square, minutes away from the Acropolis and just behind Ermou Street, a prime location in the heart of Athens. Housed within a carefully restored 19^th-century neoclassical building, the hotel offers genuine character, a feature becoming increasingly rare in luxury accommodation.

The hotel itself is undeniably charming; however, the restaurant downstairs has become one of Athens’ most exciting dining destinations.

A Front Row Seat to Athens

Athens 1890 Hotel sits directly opposite the Agia Irini Church, in one of the capital’s most atmospheric squares. By day, boutiques and lively markets are available to peruse along the vibrant pedestrian shopping avenue. As evening falls, the neighbourhood transforms into one of Athens’ liveliest dining districts, as restaurants and terraces fill and the city’s energy spills into the streets.

Yet, once inside the hotel, everything slows down.

The original architectural details have been carefully preserved and restored. Hand-painted ceilings, an impressive wooden spiralled staircase and marble touches remind you that this building has witnessed over a century of Athenian history.

Your Own Athenian Hideaway

After a day of navigating Athens’ energetic streets, returning to your room feels like stepping into a private sanctuary. Carefully considered interiors create a sense of calm and encourage you to rest and relax.

The beauty of staying at Athens 1890 lies in the little details. Wake to the sounds of the square coming to life below, enjoy an espresso on your own private balcony, before wandering to nearby Monastiraki. Return in the afternoon to escape the heat in air-conditioned rooms before dinner. Indulge in the complimentary breakfast or order room service to your room. The unique nature of this hotel becomes part of daily life, allowing you to feel less like a visitor and more like a local with a stylish apartment in the heart of Athens.

Boutique Luxury with Soul

With only fourteen individually designed rooms and suites, Athens 1890 feels more like staying in an elegant private home rather than a hotel.

No two rooms are exactly alike, thanks to the carefully preserved architecture of the building. The rooms embrace modern luxuries while remaining respectful to their historic roots. Original ceilings, doors and ornate wall trimmings flourish the rooms, while contemporary furnishings, plush bedding and finished bathrooms provide all necessary modern comforts, with nothing sacrificed. Some rooms overlook the Agia Irini Church from windows or private balconies, creating beautiful views that provide a taste of the unique, ancient capital.

Downstairs, a serene spa with an indoor dipping pool and sauna offers respite after exploring the city’s archaeological treasures, providing a quiet sanctuary before the evening’s main event.

Dinner Becomes the Destination

The newly launched 1890 Restaurant alone is a culinary experience worth booking a room around. It is led by Executive Chef Chris Sidiropoulos, whose career has given him international experience across the UK and Greece. Inspired by the creativity of the Belle Epoque and paired with a focus on sustainability, Chef Sidiropoulos takes local, seasonal ingredients and creates culinary masterpieces by using classical French techniques.

The six-course Summer Tasting Menu reads simply on paper but arrives with an understated elegance.

Beginning with the canapés, small introductions which establish the precision of the kitchen and bring excitement for what is to come. Next comes bread, paired with briam-style olives, silky tarama and tomato paste. Tasteful accompaniments that make it impossible to stop reaching for more.

The Catch of the Day comes in delicate sashimi slices, covered in a creamy tahini dressing, alongside harissa and smoked mayonnaise, tying everything together and creating a strong balancing act.

A bowl of mussels arrives in a rich fricassee risotto, finished with velvety egg lemon sauce, an unexpected pairing which feels unmistakably Greek.

Following comes the agnolotti. Small parcels of pasta filled with green courgette and Metsovone cheese, which deliver a rich flavour balanced well with the fresh summer vegetables.

The fifth course, a perfectly cooked beef fillet, appears alongside Florina peppers and aubergine, allowing the exceptional ingredients to speak for themselves individually. Each component has its purpose, with nothing on the plate simply for decoration.

The sixth course is a celebration of peach, which pairs almond gavotte with quinoa and delicate elderflower notes, creating a finish that is refreshing, perfect to follow five thoughtfully composed courses.

Finally, petit fours arrive to conclude the evening.

Every course builds naturally into the next, and celebrates the produce Greece has to offer, both land and sea. The consistent philosophy elevates the dining experience to the highest level, exemplifying Chef Sidiropoulos’ technical expertise and respect for Greek heritage.

The Chef Behind the Experience

At the helm of 1890 Restaurant is Executive Chef Chris Sidiropoulos, whose impressive career has spanned some of Europe’s best kitchens. Having honed his craft in several Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Cambridge and Athens, he is currently the Executive Chef of both Agora, on the island of Symi, and 1890 Restaurant in Athens.

In 2022, he took part in the Roux Scholarship, an annual competition to determine new culinary talent in the UK. Chef Sidiropoulos reached the national finals and ranked among the UK’s top 6 chefs.

He returned to Greece following his culinary journey across fine dining restaurants in the UK, with the intention to showcase all that Greece has to offer through a contemporary and unique lens. While his cooking is rooted in classical French techniques, it is unmistakably Greek, inspired by regional ingredients, tradition and changing seasons. He refines and expands familiar flavours, respecting heritage and culture while still adding his own flair.

More Than a Hotel Restaurant

The 1890 Restaurant is much more than a hotel restaurant; it is a destination in its own right.

Locals dine alongside international visitors, creating a genuine atmosphere that never feels manufactured. The service is polished but not overly formal, allowing the food and the unique setting to remain the stars of the show.

Outside the hotel, the hum of life continues in Athens as it has for thousands of years.

It is difficult to capture the unique essence of the city, yet the 1890 Hotel and Restaurant have managed well. It doesn’t simply offer a place to sleep and eat, but a really Greek cultural experience.

To discover more, visit: ariahotels.gr