1890 Restaurant has introduced a dining experience on Agia Irini Square in central Athens, combining Greek ingredients with French culinary techniques under chef Christos Sidiropoulos.
The venue is housed on the ground floor of the Athens 1890 Hotel and Spa, a boutique property owned by Aria Hotels. The dining space pairs the architecture of a restored neoclassical townhouse with modern interior design, offering breakfast, casual daytime meals, and an upscale evening menu in the Greek capital.
Agia Irini Square is situated in the historic commercial centre of Athens, close to Monastiraki and Ermou Street. Named after the nineteenth-century Church of Saint Irene, the square formerly served as the city's main flower market and has evolved into one of the liveliest pedestrian destinations for cafes, bars, and restaurants in Athens.
Daytime dining and light dishes
During the day, 1890 Restaurant functions as an all-day destination serving breakfast, light lunches, and desserts. The daytime menu includes savoury options such as steak focaccia served with caramelised onions, baby gem lettuce, and Dijon mayonnaise. For breakfast and sweet courses, the kitchen serves French toast accompanied by white chocolate cream and fresh fruit.
The kitchen is led by award-winning chef Christos Sidiropoulos. Sidiropoulos focuses on seasonal Greek produce and culinary heritage, using traditional ingredients as the starting point for modern recipes made with balanced flavours and French precision.
Evening tasting menus and local ingredients
The evening service shifts to a more formal gastronomic setting. Diners can select from an a la carte menu or two distinct tasting menus offering six or nine courses, each designed to highlight Mediterranean flavours through contemporary cooking methods.
Dishes on the dinner menu include a daily sashimi, a sea bream fillet prepared with an Assyrtiko wine sauce, and mushroom agnolotti topped with arseniko cheese from the island of Naxos.
Assyrtiko is a renowned white grape native to the volcanic island of Santorini, known for producing dry wines with pronounced acidity and mineral notes. Arseniko is a traditional aged hard cheese produced on Naxos from goat and sheep milk, prized for its sharp and savoury flavour.
Atmosphere and reservations
The restaurant features soft lighting and understated decor aimed at creating an intimate, relaxed dining room in the middle of the lively city. Courses are served in a progressive sequence that emphasises subtle textures and unexpected culinary pairings.
Aria Hotels operates boutique hotels and historic hospitality properties throughout Greece, restoring heritage buildings for contemporary use.
1890 Restaurant is located at 10 Athinaidos Street on Agia Irini Square in Athens. Table reservations can be booked directly with the venue by calling +30 210 3240603.
