One of the most prominent figures on the international culinary scene – and certainly among Italy’s most iconic and beloved chefs – has just made his mark on Athens.
Born in 1975 in Sorrento, Campania, Antonino Cannavacciuolo trained from a young age in some of France’s and Italy’s most distinguished restaurants before taking the helm at Villa Crespi, the legendary hotel-restaurant on Lake Orta. Since 1999, it has been his personal kingdom: the first Michelin star came in 2003, the second in 2006, and the third, awarded in 2023, confirmed his place at the very top of global gastronomy. In Italy, he has achieved near-mythical status – not only through his culinary work but also thanks to his television presence on MasterChef Italia, which has made him a household name.
At Geco Athens, his involvement may for now focus solely on the pasta, yet that is precisely where the significance lies. Pasta is the beating heart of Italian cuisine, and in Cannavacciuolo’s hands it becomes a symbol of craftsmanship, precision, and the perfect balance between tradition and creativity. Having tasted his pastas a few months ago at the one-Michelin-starred Bistrot Cannavacciuolo in Turin, I can say that Geco’s decision to entrust him with this cornerstone of the menu was a brilliant one.
For Athens – a city that hasn’t seen a chef of this calibre attach his name to a restaurant for quite some time – this collaboration is a milestone, setting the bar impressively high.
Whether these great expectations will be fulfilled remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Geco Athens has just become one of the most exciting culinary destinations to watch.
Info: Leka 14, Athens | Tel. +30 210 321 6001