If gastronomy had its own diplomatic language, then from March 1st to 6th, 2026, Athens will deliver its most cultivated ‘speech’ of the year. The ‘Merci Chef’ festival, under the auspices of the French Embassy and the French Institute, returns for its third consecutive year, transforming the Greek capital into a vibrant workshop of the art de vivre.
Eight French and Sixteen Greek Chefs Collaborate
Eight acclaimed French chefs, including holders of the legendary MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) title, will join forces with 16 top Greek counterparts. The result will be a week where terroir meets technique and enjoyment meets knowledge.
Brunch and Bubbles Kick Off the Festival
The curtain rises on Sunday, March 1st, with a sweet epilogue that serves as an introduction. At the emblematic Athénée, Arnaud Larher (MOF Pastry Chef) collaborates with Stelios Parliaros for a brunch that redefines classics, from Parisian flan to exotic pavlova. The day concludes with the sparkle of Moët & Chandon at the Academias Hotel, where the ‘Fête des Chefs’ promises an evening of high society and world-class DJ sets.
From Street Food to High-End Cheesemaking
Monday, March 2nd, demonstrates that French cuisine is not afraid to break conventions. At Hanky Panky, Grigoris Kikis (Hervé) will serve a ‘Merci Chef’ burger with mimolette cheese and Café de Paris sauce, accompanied by champagne – a combination that screams sophisticated anarchy. Simultaneously, the award-winning Laëtitia Gaborit (MOF cheesemaker) will conduct masterclasses at Nora’s Deli and the LE MONDE school, revealing the secrets of perfect cutting and unexpected pairings with Greek spirits.
‘Four Hands’ Dinners and Wine Dialogues
The heart of the event beats in its gastronomic encounters:
- Tuesday, March 3rd: Manolis Papoutsakis welcomes Fanny Herpin to Pharaoh for a dinner expected to be the talk-of-the-town in Exarcheia.
- Thursday, March 5th: Michelin-starred Nolwenn Corre joins forces with Panagiotis Tziourtzioumis at House of NYNN.
For wine lovers, attica City Link will host ‘Wine Dialogues’ throughout the week, where Greek labels from French varieties (Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah) will converse with rare French cheeses, guided by sommelier Sofia Tsikou.
The Social Dimension of ‘Bien Manger’
Merci Chef extends beyond white tablecloths. On Thursday morning, the chefs will visit Evangelismos Hospital, where, in a highly symbolic gesture, they will prepare and distribute French croissants and juices, demonstrating that good food is a right and a form of care. In parallel, Rodolph Couston (MOF baker) will take over the Deux Amis bakery, filling Klafthmonos Square with the aroma of freshly baked sourdough, available to all throughout the week.
The Merci Chef 2026 festival is not merely a gastronomic event. It is a reminder that Athens remains a vibrant hub where the tradition of France and the temperament of Greece create something entirely new and irresistibly delicious.
Many events require reservations or invitations. Secure your tables at Pharaoh and Spiros & Vasilis, as demand is expected to be at Michelin levels.
