EX MACHINA

Love at first bite. That’s how I would summarise my experience at Ex Machina. I was so looking forward to sharing this spot over here on the blog because it’s simply one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in Athens lately. And those who follow me for a while know that I’ve tried quite a few, so I don’t say that lightly!

Ex Machina was one of the new openings in Athens, together with Gallina and Ortsag, that instantly became the talk of the town. Adam Kontovas, well known for his Asian influences in his dishes, recently reconnected with his Egyptian roots and the end result is nothing short of magical: a delicious blend of Greek raw ingredients with Middle-Eastern flavours with Asian accents.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of Ex Machina, all the way from the food to the decor. The open kitchen is the heart of the restaurant, buzzing with life, hanging utensils and aromas. The space is filled with items depicting the chef’s journey along the years: his trips, drawings of his tattoos, ceramics from Mud Lab, his work in Brussels. Jazz and grunge music playing in the background, selected by Kontovas himself, also sets the tone – it’s all about relaxing and enjoying unpretentious, well-cooked food. 

Now, the food is the real star here. Every single dish we tried was spot on! We started with the raw fish of the day and a couple of oysters with jamon Iberico and ponzu. Then we had the sourdough, focaccia-style bread which is crisped over charcoal and sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil, coarse salt and oregano as well as the omelette with blue crab, served with fish roe and the most incredible bisque. What blew me away though was Ex Machina’s signature dishes: cauliflower prepared in three different ways with espresso, vegetable sauce and burnt butter biscuit, and their “orphan pasta”. The latter is reminiscent of tsukemen ramen and the “it” zero-waste dish in Athens at the moment. It doesn’t look like much but I promise it’s heavenly – thick macaroni made especially for the restaurant with a broth of kumquat, bones and leftover fish bits.

If you’re looking for a laid-back restaurant with delicious creative dishes at affordable prices around the centre of Athens, look no further. Do try it and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or on Instagram.

INFO

Address: Empedokleous 34, 116 36 Athens, Greece

Telephone: +30 210 7560362

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