Greek gastronomy in the spotlight at Grand Café d'Athènes

After Filakia, Chloé Monchalin and Benjamin Rousselet have just opened the Grand Café d'Athènes, in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, just in time to enjoy the beautiful terrace throughout summer 2019.

This large, chic bistro is a real invitation to travel, taking us on a journey to discover the flavors and colors of Greek gastronomy, from breakfast to dinner. With friends or family, we come here to share colorful, gourmet dishes, and simply to take our time.

In the morning, we sit down at the counter with a typically Greek coffee accompanied by koulourias, homemade sesame buns baked in the oven, and warm bougatsas, delicious homemade turnovers with cream and cinnamon.

At lunchtime, the menu features large Mediterranean salads, spit-roasted free-range pork gyros and beef cheek confit. As an appetizer, we were tempted by kolokithokeftedes (6€), a rather barbaric name for these excellent zucchini, feta and fresh herb fritters.

We also couldn't resist the feta psity (7€), baked in the oven and topped with herbs and condiments; and the spanakopita (8€), a generous turnover with spinach shoots, wild fresh herbs, pepper and feta. This lunch gets off to an auspicious start.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of April 22 - 28, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Ile-de-France region in April 2024? Our good plans and ideas to discover
• Where to eat out in Paris? Good addresses, discoveries and favorites by arrondissement

We continue our discovery of Greek gastronomy with the octopus (17€), served with warm potatoes, parsley, smoked chili pepper and melted to perfection; and with the leg of lamb kebab (19€), finely chopped, grilled on a skewer, and accompanied by lemon confit potatoes (a marvel) and grilled pita.

As for desserts, the Grand Café d'Athènes offers some original and tempting ones, to say the least. For us, it's loukoumades (9€), traditional hot doughnuts with cinnamon ice cream and honey syrup; and roasted figs with Otto's Vermouth (9€), homemade vanilla ice cream and light whipped cream, a real success.

In the evening, enjoy cocktails based onGreek spirits such as Mastiha, a mastic alcohol produced only on the island of Chios, or delicious glasses of Greek wine.

In short, a fine address that perfectly reflects the love of the two founders of Filakia for Greek gastronomy and products.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.