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The Athenian House in Imerovigli, Santorini: A Culinary Gem Overlooking the Caldera
Perched on the dramatic caldera cliffs in Imerovigli, The Athenian House stands as one of Santorini's most prestigious dining destinations. This award-winning restaurant has earned international acclaim, including recognition in the prestigious 50 Best Discovery Restaurants World List, attracting discerning food enthusiasts from around the globe who book months in advance.
Prime Location in Exclusive Imerovigli
Located in Imerovigli, often called "the balcony of the Aegean," The Athenian House occupies one of Santorini's most coveted positions on the caldera rim. The restaurant sits among the island's finest luxury resorts in the most secluded and exclusive village on Santorini, offering breathtaking views of the famous Skaros Rock. For visitors using public transportation, the bus stop Imerovigli provides convenient access, with regular KTEL bus services connecting to Fira and other major destinations throughout the day.
Culinary Excellence Under Celebrity Chef
The Athenian House showcases innovative Greek cuisine under the direction of celebrity Chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos, who has been instrumental in elevating the restaurant's reputation since 2016. In 2025, the restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary, continuing its tradition of reimagining classic Greek recipes with modern Mediterranean culinary techniques that honor local ingredients and sustainable practices.
Signature dishes include the renowned lamb moussaka with Santorini white aubergine, tahini, feta, and béchamel, served alongside two succulent lamb chops. The black linguini with grilled shrimps, chorizo, peas, and asparagus perfectly exemplifies the restaurant's innovative approach to traditional Mediterranean flavors. The culinary journey concludes with the famous Athenian House baklava, a decadent interpretation featuring chocolate and peanut butter filling topped with salted caramel and pistachio nuts.
Exceptional Dining Experience
The restaurant features three interconnected terraces offering al fresco dining under the Aegean stars, complemented by an intimate interior housed in an original Santorini cave house decorated in authentic Athenian vintage style. Guests enjoy what many consider the most romantic sunset viewing spot in the world, dining while overlooking the dramatic caldera and iconic Skaros Rock formation.
Premium Wine Selection and Cocktails
The Athenian House boasts one of Santorini's most impressive wine collections, carefully curated by renowned oenologist Panos Zoumboulis, featuring rare vintage Santorini wines that perfectly complement the Mediterranean cuisine. Famous mixologist Alexandros Gkikopoulos crafts sophisticated signature cocktails that enhance the overall dining experience with creative combinations inspired by local ingredients.
Transportation and Accessibility
Reaching The Athenian House via the bus stop Imerovigli is both convenient and cost-effective for budget-conscious travelers. The KTEL bus system operates regular services from Fira to Imerovigli, with the journey taking approximately 10-15 minutes and costing around €2.00. During peak summer season, buses run every 20-30 minutes along the popular Fira-Oia route, making a stop at the bus stop Imerovigli. The restaurant is within walking distance of the main bus stop Imerovigli, though guests should prepare for some uphill walking along the scenic caldera path.
Planning Your Visit
Due to its international reputation and limited seating capacity, The Athenian House requires advance reservations, often booked months ahead by jet-set foodies. The restaurant operates seasonally and can be contacted directly for same-day availability, though this is extremely limited during peak season.
The Athenian House represents the pinnacle of Santorini's culinary scene, combining exceptional Greek cuisine with one of the world's most beautiful settings. Easily accessible via the convenient bus stop Imerovigli, it offers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly captures the magic of Santorini.