We have known “Maitr & Margarita” for years now, from Verias Street where it operated until relatively recently, having made its sophisticated presence felt, right from the beginning. Having now moved to number 3 Fragkon Street, the original small space has now been transformed into a comfortable wine restaurant, with many tables inside and outside and an atmosphere ideal for tastings that will be unforgettable.

“Maitr & Margarita” was first opened in July 2015 in the Ano Ladadika area, as a wine restaurant, by a group of young people who, despite the times, wanted to support the idea of a quality and at the same time economical dining out.

With a name inspired by the book of the same name by the Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov and decorated by the “Mock” architectural group, an initially small space was then created, with a few tables – but constantly full – with an open kitchen, which allowed the smells to diffuse into the space and us to see what they were cooking for us at every step.

Its menu stood out from the first moment and so it continues in its new space, on 3 Fragkon street, in a central but quiet street, at the corner of two streets.

True to the philosophy with which they started, its people are constantly testing and sourcing products from local producers, with the result being more than tasty.

In the philosophy of “bistronomy”

Here, they embrace the philosophy of “bistronomy”, a trend that captures the “unpretentious side of the gourmet”. What do we mean by the term? It is a still relatively unknown word, which comes from the contraction of the terms “bistro” and “gastronomy”. It was born in Paris twenty years ago and refers to a more fine casual gourmet proposal, with a menu at affordable prices and always with top quality ingredients and the goal is for everyone to have a good time and be able to enjoy themselves, without financial restrictions.

In this rhythm, but also in the rhythm of “sustainable gastronomy” and food “in the middle” of the table, “Maitr & Margarita” moves. With Roi Apikou in charge of service and the wine list and Chef Sokratis Beligiannis cooking daily in the open kitchen, where anyone who passes through the door of this beautiful venture will find exactly the style it has had since the first day it opened: fine dining at affordable prices, in a relaxed environment, in the philosophy of casual dining.

The changes

However, something has changed with the move of the business: the people of “Maitr & Margarita” now make their own bread, have included more proposals in fish and seafood, offer us a more complete list of desserts and much more wines and organize regularly their own wine events, which they have named “Flâneur” (s.s. means wanderer, in French).

In the specific events, which we can find out about through the restaurant’s social media, they present wines from the Greek vineyard, through specific “routes”, giving us the opportunity to “wander” in the places and varieties of Greek wines, along with our meal.

A rich menu, with options for your wine

The menu at “Maitr & Margarita” changes frequently and according to the seasons and their products. We will always find several proposals for fish and seafood, such as European flying squid sauteed with sweet potato aliada and rakomelo or octopus with crushed red pepper glaze, celeriac gnocchi and green apple, but also some raw proposals, such as ceviche, made from fish of the day , with salty halva and citrus oil.

Among the meats, the beef cheeks with grape leaf sauce, couscous, Tinos kopanisti (cheese) and mint or the goat with mastic, sour trachana and bitter orange, are two very characteristic examples.

As for the pasta, again – the store’s strong point – the handmade ravioli with minced beef and mutton, pastitsada sauce and pasquitan or the noodles with black pig, eggplant cream, zucchini, mushroom and blue cheese, promise excellent meals.

A variety of selected Greek cheeses, fresh salads and original appetizers complete the rich menu.

The choices of the cellar

To choose the ideal wine or other drink for your meal, ask Roi. She will recommend one of the 80 to 100 labels of red, white or rosé wines from the best Greek Estates and others, from selected vineyards abroad, to go with any meat, fish or side dish, as well as spirits, such as tsipouro with or without anise , raki and aged spirits or beers, as well as some options in sweet wines, ideal for “switching off”.

Among the beers, you will also find “Mikhail’s Galaxy”. This is their own, handmade draft beer, which you can also find in selected taprooms. It is the second beer from Maitr & Margarita brewing – the first being the ‘Maitr & Margarita’ east coast IPA – and pairs perfectly with seafood, fish, spicy and fatty meats.

In the cellar glasses, you will be surprised by the abundant choices.

A different approach to Greek cuisine

Whichever day you visit, the experience of a meal at “Maitr & Margarita” will be unique! It is no coincidence that they have had regular customers since their very first year of operation, but also many new ones, thanks also to the possibilities offered by the current space, which can more easily serve passers-by, but also business meals, at the prive, ten-person table , of the upper space.

Leave yourself in the hands of Roi and Sokratis and jazz, soul, funk and other sounds and enjoy one of the most special meals in the city, their own approach to Greek cuisine!

Tip 1: The kitchen is open Monday to Sunday, from 13.00 to 24.00.
Tip 2: Reservations are recommended, especially on Fridays and weekends.