The Athenian summer translates into an Italian menu —an ode to the tomato—unveiled at ‘Il Giardino Segreto’ within the ‘Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge’ at the ‘Hotel Grande Bretagne’
In the heart of Athens, where the city moves to the rhythm of everyday life, lies a place that feels worlds away. Hidden within the Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge on the first floor of Hotel Grande Bretagne, a lush garden oasis offers a tranquil escape amid olive trees, laurels, cypresses and fragrant blooms. Here, gastronomy, nature and understated elegance come together in perfect harmony.
As the sun sets over the city, the Atrium’s open kitchen comes to life. Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and his team present a menu inspired by the flavours and aromas of Italy, crafted with a deep respect for seasonality and exceptional ingredients. More than a summer dining concept, “Il Giardino Segreto” is a culinary journey rooted in authenticity, simplicity and a genuine connection to the land.
Over the years, the Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge has evolved into one of Athens’ most distinctive summer dining destinations. Its menu combines carefully selected cheeses and cured meats with Italian-inspired dishes that showcase outstanding Greek produce from across the islands. Highlights include bruschetta with crispy focaccia, salsa verde, anchovies and confit peppers, risotto with Niotiko graviera cheese, Tinos artichokes and bottarga, and pizza with mortadella, buffalo stracciatella and basil pesto with pistachios from Aegina.
This summer, however, the tomato takes centre stage.
Driven by a passion for ingredient quality, Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis has spent the past two years cultivating his own tomatoes in collaboration with grower Nikos Tsompanoglou on the foothills of Mount Pateras. Rare heirloom varieties, along with other vegetables, are grown exclusively for the hotel using natural farming methods and careful hand cultivation.
These exceptional tomatoes inspired a dedicated seasonal menu that celebrates the ingredient in all its forms. Guests can discover it in carpaccio, pasta dishes, refreshing salads and even ice cream, through creations that highlight its sweetness, acidity and remarkable complexity.
A signature element of the experience is the chef’s tomato sauce, slowly cooked with fleur de sel and extra virgin olive oil. Presented in glass jars and opened tableside, it transforms a simple serving ritual into a memorable expression of hospitality.
Reflecting the concept’s connection to local culture and craftsmanship, this year’s edition of “Il Giardino Segreto” also incorporates a subtle tribute to Greek tradition. In collaboration with the Women’s Cultural and Folklore Association of Spata, handmade crochet coasters accompany the fiore di latte ice cream with spoon sweet tomato dessert, bringing a touch of artisanal heritage to the contemporary dining table.
The experience is further enhanced by an exceptional wine selection available by the glass, while the hotel’s award-winning bartenders create refreshing cocktails designed specifically to complement the menu.
“Il Giardino Segreto” is a reminder that true luxury lies in the details: in the calm of a hidden garden, in the seasonality of exceptional ingredients, in the simplicity of a perfectly ripe tomato, and in the stories shared around a table beneath the trees, in the heart of Athens.
ATRIUM OF ALEXANDER’S LOUNGE | 11:00 – 02:00
IL GIARDINO SEGRETO MENU | 17:30 – 23:30
HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE
1 Vasileos Georgiou A’, Athens, 105 64
Tel: +30 210 333 0748
