Athens, March 8 – The culinary scene in Athens is set to experience a unique event as Jordanian-Palestinian chef Sara Aqel, recipient of the ‘Best Female Chef in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026’ award (MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants), arrives for an exclusive evening at Pharaoh restaurant.
Sara Aqel: A Culinary Star with Roots in Tradition
Chef Aqel, with an academic background from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts in Jordan and the prestigious Les Roches in Switzerland, has quickly made a significant impact on the international gastronomic stage. Her personal project, ‘Dara Dining’ restaurant in Amman, housed in an iconic restored villa, gained rapid recognition, earning the ‘Highest New Entry’ award at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2025.
Aqel’s culinary philosophy redefines ‘arabesque fine dining’ through a lens of absolute locality and contemporary aesthetics. Her approach creates a dialogue between her Palestinian roots and the cosmopolitan influences of the Mediterranean. At Dara Dining, seasonality is a strict rule, and the menu draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Greece, Italy, and Spain, infused with the aromatic flavors of the Middle East.
A Holistic Approach to Gastronomy
The chef is renowned for her holistic approach, working closely with small-scale producers. Every ingredient and every object in her restaurant tells the story of its creator, emphasizing authenticity and connection to the source.
Exclusive Tasting Menu at Pharaoh
As part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Dine Athens, Sara Aqel will take over the open kitchen of Pharaoh. There, she will adapt her culinary artistry to the distinctive fires of the Solomou Street restaurant, presenting an exclusive tasting menu featuring the signature creations of Dara Dining.
Event Details:
- Venue: Pharaoh, Solomou 54, Athens
- Tasting Menu Price: 100€
- Available Slots: 18:30 & 21:30
- Reservations: Click here to book
This event promises to be a highlight for food enthusiasts in Athens, offering a rare opportunity to experience the innovative and deeply rooted cuisine of one of the Middle East’s most celebrated chefs.
Source: https://tornosnews.gr/featured/i-kalyteri-sef-tis-mesis-anatolis-stin-athina.html
