A total of nine restaurants form the gastronomic map of the new THE ILISIAN hotel, formerly the Hilton, in the heart of Athens, with the ambition of redefining the city’s dining scene. The complex will also house the Conrad Athens hotel, the Conrad Residences Athens, the Waldorf Astoria Residences Athens, and the private members’ club House of NYNN.
As a destination, The Ilisian aims to offer a broad spectrum of services, experiences, and leisure spaces, positioning itself as a hub of connection and innovation for international visitors and Athenian residents alike, according to executives of THE ILISIAN. The key questions remain: which restaurants will operate, which teams will operate them, and when they will open. While most partnerships have already been secured, sources indicate that a few agreements are still being finalised and are expected to be confirmed shortly.
“Byzantino”: An Iconic Return (April 2026)
As the Conrad Athens is scheduled to open in early April, attention naturally turns to the former landmark restaurants. The historic Byzantino will return as Byzantino Grande Brasserie, drawing inspiration from the great French brasserie tradition.
Beneath its distinctive modernist dome, the restaurant will present a menu that moves between Greek and French classics. Expect dishes such as tarte flambée and steak tartare, along with a more contemporary take on the Greek dish briam. A dedicated Cheese Room will showcase carefully selected cheeses from both countries, also available for purchase to take home.
The Grande Brasserie experience will be rounded off with traditional dessert trolleys, while its atmosphere is conceived as open and welcoming, intended to resonate with the entire city rather than hotel guests alone.
The venture is supported by a genuinely impressive team comprising:
Angelos Lantosas Executive Chef: He began his career at some of Athens’ most well-known restaurants, including Pil Poul and Boschetto. In 2005, he joined Spondi`s kitchen as sous-chef alongside Arnaud Bignon, and in 2012, he took over as head chef, maintaining the restaurant’s two Michelin stars until his departure. Over the course of his career, he has also worked at leading European establishments such as L`Enclume in England, Cheval Blanc in Switzerland and Flocons de Sel in France.
Giorgos Dospras as Executive Sous Chef: He brings extensive experience from Santorini, where he built a long-standing presence on the island’s fine-dining scene. He began at Katikies Chromata, later joined Katikies, and ultimately spent a full decade as Head Chef of Lauda at the Andronis Boutique Hotel, working alongside consultant chef Emmanuel Renault.
The team is further strengthened by:
Nikos Magganas as Head Chef de Banquet, bringing extensive experience from the hotel sector and large-scale culinary operations.
Alexandros Karakatsanis as Head Chef of the Athenian Lounge. He is well known on the Athenian dining scene, having previously served as head chef at restaurants including Proveleggios, Athinaiki Taratsa and L’Ami Gastrothèque. He has also worked as the chef-owner of Monk Bear in Agios Sostis and of San Michali in the village of the same name on Syros, his native island, where his culinary journey began.
Spyros Melanitis is the Head Chef of Byzantino, with significant experience at restaurants such as Vezené and, later, Monk Gastrobar in Glyfada.
Harris Vlachos as Executive Pastry Chef. He previously served as Head Pastry Chef at Troufa Bread & Chocolate and has worked as a pastry chef at Aleria and Spondi.
Restaurants Already Open at The Ilisian
Onuki: A Japanese Restaurant
Since December, Onuki has been welcoming guests beside the complex’s central pool, bringing its successful presence from Costa Navarino to the heart of Athens. Under the guidance of chef and co-owner Stamatis Skriapas, the restaurant showcases Japanese gastronomy through precision technique and refined simplicity. We will return shortly with a full review and impressions.
House of NYNNAs the first part of the destination to open, in July 2025, the restaurant within the private members’ club House of NYNN offers curated gastronomic experiences with access reserved exclusively for members and their guests. The culinary programme is overseen by Panos Tziourtzoumis, who serves as Executive Chef and Head of Culinary.
Restaurants Expected by the End of 2026
The gastronomic identity of THE ILISIAN will be completed by the end of the year with the addition of four further restaurants. For the time being, detailed information remains under wraps, as certain concepts are still being finalised and, in some cases, agreements have not yet been formally announced.
The forthcoming openings include:
- Roof Top Galaxy Dispensary
- A Peruvian restaurant
- A Lebanese restaurant, which, according to information previously reported, is set to be the acclaimed Em Sherif.
- OASIS – Poolside Restaurant, a Mediterranean-led concept
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