Kolonaki, a district renowned for its sophisticated gastronomic scene, welcomes a new contender that promises to redefine the Athenian dining experience. Kissa Athens, a bar-restaurant concept, has opened its doors on Leventi Street, bringing a fresh perspective on culinary fusion. Far from being just another Japanese eatery, Kissa Athens leverages its ‘kissaten’ inspiration-traditional Japanese cafes known for their urban ambiance and often, their curated music selections-to create a holistic sensory experience.
The Philosophy Behind Kissa Athens: More Than Just Food
The term ‘kissa’ in Japanese refers to ‘kissaten,’ traditional cafes integral to 20th-century Japanese urban life, often associated with enjoying music, particularly jazz. Kissa Athens translates this concept into a contemporary setting, where the space, sound, and cuisine are meticulously interwoven. This is evident from the moment one steps into the intimate 38-seat venue, characterized by its warm red lighting, comfortable sofas, red Formica tables, and bamboo-inspired wooden ceilings. The presence of a dedicated DJ booth underscores that music is not merely background noise but an integral component of the restaurant’s identity, fostering an environment where guests can both dine and unwind.
A Culinary Journey from Tokyo to Latin America
At the heart of Kissa Athens’ appeal is its innovative menu, crafted by the acclaimed Chef Thanos Stasinos, with the invaluable support of Head Chef Vasiliki Vlachou, his long-standing collaborator. Their culinary philosophy is clear: uncomplicated, shareable dishes that draw heavily from Japanese techniques and ingredients, yet are unconstrained by strict adherence to tradition. Given Stasinos’ extensive background in Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, this fusion approach is a natural evolution.
The culinary adventure begins with spicy edamame infused with garlic oil, setting a vibrant tone. Standout appetizers include the nori tacos with sea bream tartare, sweet soy sauce, and furikake, as well as the seabass tartare, brightened with kumquat, lychee, green miso, and leche de tigre. The rock shrimp tempura with yellow curry mayo further exemplifies the menu’s embrace of comfort-driven flavors.
Signature Dishes and Vegetarian Delights
The grill section offers the profoundly flavorful kinoko-kushi, a skewer featuring king oyster mushroom, radish, and pistachios-a testament to Kissa Athens’ commitment to exceptional vegetarian options. Among the hot dishes, the exemplary beef gyoza stand out, served with taro root sauce, herb oil, furikake, and achiote, a Latin American spice that adds an intriguing cultural layer. Similarly, the seared eggplant with sweet miso and thinly sliced chorizo presents another must-try dish. And for those seeking a crispy delight, the tempura shrimp with yellow curry mayo is undoubtedly a menu star.
Further enticing options include the inventive Tokyo Dog, featuring a bao potato bun, caramelized onion, chili bean sauce, and a delicate beef sausage. The hearty udon noodles with duck, edamame, mushrooms, pumpkin, carrot, corn, and a hoisin-based sauce also impress. Other notable mentions are the ramen with Iberico pork, the chicken fried rice, the exquisite beef tataki with wafu sauce, and the succulent gyu-gushi (beef yakitori skewers).
A Thoughtfully Curated Beverage Program
Kissa Athens extends its flexible approach to its beverage offerings. The drink menu boasts a selection of signature cocktails, beers, sake, Japanese whiskies, and a curated list of wines, all designed to complement the food and enhance the overall dining experience. The meal concludes on a subtly sweet note with mochi infused with lavender, white chocolate, and tonka, alongside a burnt cheesecake featuring yuzu and matcha.
Kissa Athens is not merely a Japanese restaurant; it is a contemporary, liberated proposition that uses Japanese cuisine as a launchpad for broader culinary exploration. It deliberately blurs boundaries, making this fluidity its core essence. Here, one can enjoy exceptional food and entertainment simultaneously, without an exorbitant price tag-a rare find in Athens today.
Address: Leventi 5, Kolonaki
Phone: 2107294444
Cost: 30-40€ per person
Source: https://www.newsit.gr/tasteit/restaurants-reviews/kissa-athens-neo-bar-restaurant-sto-kolonaki-me-iaponiki-vasi-kai-fusion-epirroes/4638035/
