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Nolan
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
relaxedcreativemodern
About the Vibe
Nolan has been shaking up Athens' dining scene since 2016 with its "comfort food without borders" philosophy. Located in the heart of Plaka near Syntagma, this place serves up creative fusion dishes that blend Greek ingredients with global influences—think sea bream tartare with dried fruits and citrus, or those melt-in-your-mouth breaded beef cheeks with truffle cream. What really sets Nolan apart is its Michelin Bib Gourmand status (earned in 2017 and still holding strong) and the fact that it's become an experimentation platform for top chefs, with Michalis Nourloglou now at the helm bringing fresh energy to the kitchen. The space itself is light and airy with large windows, creating a relaxed, convivial atmosphere perfect for sharing plates with friends. Skip the tourist traps around the Acropolis and make your way to Voulis 31-33 for something genuinely interesting. The menu stays concise but inventive, and the service is sharp without being stuffy. It's the kind of place where you'll leave feeling satisfied and impressed, not just full.
Known For
- •Michelin Bib Gourmand
- •sea bream tartare
- •breaded beef cheeks with truffle
- •chef experimentation platform
Best For
lunchgroup dinnersdate night
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 30, 2026
Creative comfort food with a local soul
Nolan has been a standout in Athens' restaurant scene since opening in 2016, and it's easy to see why. Located right in the action near Syntagma Square, this spot serves up what they call "comfort food without geographical restrictions"—think Greek ingredients prepared with techniques and flavors from around the world. The sea bream tartare is a must-try, beautifully presented with dried fruits and a citrus note that cuts through perfectly. But the real star might be the breaded beef cheeks, slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness and finished with a truffle cream that's rich without being heavy.
What I love about Nolan is that it's evolved without losing its soul. After years under chef Sotiris Kontizas, the restaurant entered a new chapter in late 2024 with Michalis Nourloglou taking over the kitchen. The concept remains the same—simple but thoughtful dishes meant for sharing—but the execution feels fresh and exciting. The space itself is bright and airy thanks to large windows, with a relaxed, convivial vibe that works equally well for a quick lunch or a longer dinner with friends. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the prices are reasonable for the quality you're getting (hence the Michelin Bib Gourmand, which they've held since 2017).
If you're tired of the same old Greek taverna fare or touristy traps near the Acropolis, Nolan is worth seeking out. It's the kind of place locals actually go to, and it shows in every detail from the thoughtfully curated menu to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.